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Build a career in theatre and performance art
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes into the theatre and performance art sectors.
In this guide
A number of very different career roles are available within the theatre and performing arts sector. You could be a performer, a writer or director, part of the production crew or work on the sales and marketing side. This is a demanding, exciting and competitive field to break into and will most probably be based around a long-standing passion and desire to work within this industry.
Although your degree will be important, this is an area where experience, skills and attitude will be crucial in ultimately deciding how successful you will be. Like most creative job areas a proactive and positive approach is critical to forging a career within the industry.
Potential job roles
Within the theatre and performing arts sector you could be looking at a wide range of occupations. Prospects has a useful list of job profiles each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies.
Professional Qualifications
Some jobs in the theatre and performing arts sector require professional qualifications, while most others do not. Many theatre and performing arts careers place significant emphasis on practical skills, experience, networking and evidence of ability rather than professional qualifications alone.
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Gaining Experience
There are more people who wish to work within the theatre and performing arts industries than there are jobs available and so, like most creative industries, this is a tough area to break into. More than most sectors your practical experience, skills, attitude and determination will be crucial in breaking into the industry.
However, finding experience will take time and effort; employers receive many CVs and applications every week so you will have to work hard to stand out from the crowd. You can find out more about how to create a targeted CV through our website with examples of CVs for the creative industries.
Types of Opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
Placements will give you a long-term look at an organisation, and help you to build contacts and experience.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules. Should you choose to undertake either your first point of contact is your placement team.
Learn more about taking a placement
Many students choose to take a Self-Employed Placement. This allows you to work for yourself during your placement year and receive support from the University's Student Startup Team. You will have access to funding opportunities, networking events and workshops.
Volunteering
Working voluntarily is an effective way to gain fantastic experience. Careers and Employability offers current students and graduates access to a Virtual Volunteering Bank which provides local opportunities to undertake alongside your studies. Similarly you can access these opportunities through the paper-based bank located in the Careers and Employability centre. A number of varied opportunities with local theatres are available on an ongoing basis.
Where to find work experience opportunities
Work experience can be a great opportunity to develop skills and create connections in the theatre and performing arts sector. Some key online platforms to search for experience include:
Tips to build experience
- Portsmouth has a number of local theatres including The New Theatre Royal, The Kings Theatre and Groundlings Theatre that can be contacted in order to gain experience within performance or production. A little further afield there is the acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre that provides similar options. Whether it is paid work or volunteering front of house, this is a great way to meet people and hear about potential opportunities.
- Gain performance experience through getting involved with local groups and productions, attending workshops and starting your own projects with friends.
- Look into attending open auditions and sign-up with casting agencies for extra work during the holidays.
- Network as much as possible. Try to meet people working in theatre at events and ask anyone and everyone for advice, people will be happy to help.
- See as much theatre as you can, this shows enthusiasm and people are bound to ask you what you've seen recently. It will also help you decide on the kind of company you might want to work for.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Finding a Job
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Job Boards for theatre and performance arts
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Working for yourself
Got an idea you'd like to turn into something bigger?
Whether you're planning a business, side hustle or freelance career, our Student StartUp team can help you build your confidence and develop your plans. Access expert guidance, funding opportunities, workshops and workspace designed to help you move your idea forward.
Keep up-to-date with the industry
As part of your job-hunting strategy you will need to keep up to date on developments in this sector and keep track of any vacancies that are coming up. Below are some key resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- ArtsHub - Publishes essential jobs and news information to professionals working in the UK arts and cultural industries.
- One Dance UK - The website of the industry body for dance in the UK offers career advice, jobs, contacts and event listings.
- The Stage - Website for the theatre and performing arts industries that features news, training and job opportunities, advice and audition listings.
- ScreenSkills - Industry body which supports skills and training for people working in the creative industries and advertises vacancies in film, TV and related industries.
- CreateBritain Create a Profile for peers, fans and business opportunities to find you. The site brings many aspects of the creative industries together into an easy to navigate, highly relevant space.
- Ladies, Wine & Design offer free mentorship circles, portfolio reviews, talks & creative meetups for underrepresented creatives.
Explore more from the Careers Service
CVs, portfolios and cover letters
Find out how to increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a strong CV and completing a successful application.
Building work experience
Get hands-on industry experience and showcase your knowledge before you graduate!
Graduate job search guide
Learn about the types of roles you will encounter, and how to search for roles.
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