Careers in theatre
If you enjoy drama, there are a variety of careers to consider that are related to the theatre. Good people skills are required in most roles, but especially when assisting audience members. Just a word of caution: theatre careers are extremely competitive to enter and pay poorly.
Careers as an actor
Learn how to become an actor and what it takes to be a professional actor by reading this article.
Careers as a producer
Some producers are also the ones who come up with the initial concept for a show and set everything in motion; learn more about careers as a theatre producer in our article on behind-the-scenes jobs.
Careers as a playwright
Could you write an original play or musical script? Take a look at our playwright career advice to see if you think you have what it takes to break into the business.
Careers as a stage manager
Our job search guide will show you how to get a job in stage management by ensuring that the rehearsal process is well-organized, communicating between teams, and taking charge backstage during shows.
Careers as a set designer
Set designers ensure that every aspect of a film or television production is in line with the director’s vision. Visit www.setdesignerworld.com to learn more about set design and how to get involved with the art of working with a professional designer.
Careers as a theatre lighting designer, sound designer, lighting technician or sound technician
Read more about careers as a theatre lighting designer, sound designer, or technician. Theatre lighting and sound designers create the world of a play, and lighting and sound technicians do much of the practical work needed to set up for a show.
Careers as a stage crew member
Stage crew prepares the stage for actors to perform on, as well as making any necessary adjustments such as set changes during performances. You don’t need any specific qualifications to work as a stage crew, but experience working in school or youth shows may be beneficial.
Careers as a fight director, aka fight choreographer
Fight directors create and teach the stage combat sequences you see on stage, which can involve unarmed (kicks and punches) or armed (sword fighting) combat. The goal is to create dramatic, realistic-looking violence while keeping the actors safe. Fight directors must have a strong understanding of theatre and storytelling so that their fights work in context.
Front-of-house theatre careers
Working front of house can be a good first job in theatre, and some theatres now hire volunteers for many of their front-of-house positions. It also helps if you’ve worked in a similar job before, such as serving customers in a pub, restaurant, or shop.
Careers as a theatre marketing assistant, marketing officer or marketing manager
Theatres need to attract audiences, and it’s the marketing department’s job to do so, which can include liaising with the media and organizing press nights. You’ll need some relevant experience to get this job, so you might as well look for a marketing job outside of the theater industry.
Careers as a dramatherapist
Dramatherapists work in the NHS, schools, prisons, young offenders’ institutions, and charities, using drama to help people explore and understand their feelings. To become a dramatherapist, you’ll need a degree in a subject related to theatre or psychology.
How do you pursue a career in musical Theatre?
Here are some pointers for aspiring musical theater performers.
- Take lessons. While natural musical and dancing talent is important, formal training is essential.
- Make a video of your performance.
- Have a strong portfolio.
- Attend a college or conservatory.
- Be ready for your auditions.
What jobs are there in musical Theatre?
For a musical theatre production, there are ten jobs that are required.
- Stage Manager.
- Theatrical Makeup Artist.
- Choreographer.
- Dancers, Actors, and Singers.
- Scenic Carpenter.
- Stage Manager.
What qualifications do you need to be a musical Theatre performer?
A relevant degree or diploma may require 5 GCSEs A-C, including maths and English, as well as at least two A levels, with a level drama or theatre studies preferred but not required. A BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts is the most relevant vocational course.
How much do musical Theatre actors get paid?
The minimum weekly wage for actors in venues with more than 1,100 seats is u00a3695, u00a3632 for 800 to 1,099 seats, and u00a3569 for any theatre with less than 799 seats; by comparison, the minimum wage for Broadway performers is $2,034 per week, or u00a31,430 at today’s exchange rates.
Is it too late for musical Theatre?
You’re not too old; theatre, particularly Broadway, is extremely competitive, as are all good theatre programs for education; however, if you want to pursue it, go for it!
Is a musical Theatre degree worth it?
Yes, theater degrees are “worth it.” (I mean a BA or BS, not a BFA) It’s also a two-year program, so even if it’s a little pricey, it’s only half the time of a traditional four-year degree! You only get a “Foundation” degree, but I believe the training itself is worth so much more than the title.
Is Theatre a good career?
While many theatre majors pursue careers in the theater and related fields, their education can also lead to success in fields such as teaching, arts management, public relations, and drama therapy, to name a few.
How do I get into Theatre with no experience?
This is everything you need to know about becoming an actor without any prior experience:
- Read a lot and study.
- Hone your skills and learn to love the business.
- Look for opportunities locally.
- Do not rush into anything and take it slowly.
- Market yourself and network.
What are the 3 main components of a musical?
The music, lyrics, and book are the three main components of a book musical.
Can anyone audition for Broadway?
If you don’t have an agent yet, another option is to attend an open casting call, which are advertised on websites such as playbill.com and backstage.com. You’ll often see the phrase “Equity call,” which means that you must be a member of the Actors’ Equity Association to audition.
What skills do you need for musical Theatre?
What qualifications do I require to work as an actor or performer?
- Ability to take direction.
- Ability to work both as a team and independently.
- Good timekeeping skills.
- Reliability.
- Ability to learn lines/directions.
- Confidence in front of an audience.
- Experience in improvisation/ad-libbing.
Can you do musical Theatre if you can’t sing?
If you’ve ever wondered if you should audition for a musical if you can’t sing, the answer is a resounding yes! Musicals require a diverse range of performers, including dancers, actors, singers, and people who can fill the stage with large crowds.
Who is the richest Broadway star?
Lin-Manuel Miranda Salary and Net Worth: Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American composer, librettist, lyricist, actor, and rapper with a net worth of $80 million. Miranda is best known for his successful career in the world of Broadway musicals, for which he has won numerous awards.
Who is the highest paid actor on Broadway?
Bette Midler will be the highest paid Broadway star u2013 EVER! in a 2017 Broadway revival of the musical “Hello, Dolly!” directed by Jerry Zaks and produced by Scott Rudin.
Is musical Theatre hard?
Musical theatre is a difficult major that necessitates advanced training in voice, acting, movement, and dance, as well as business savvy, resilience, patience, and self-confidence.