So what jobs could these qualifications lead to?
Welcome! If you have just come from the higher education page, you might be thinking about what career you are interested in.
Or if you are already qualified you might also be exploring career pathways.
So, let’s start with Theatre.
As a performing arts graduate, currently working as a freelance Young Associate for Forge, creating website materials is just one of the many things I am doing as well as performing and working in Youth Theatre.
But there are so many more jobs that are within the theatre industry - let’s explore a few!
Complete list of jobs in the theatre industry - Get into Theatre
Get Into Theatre is a great site to look at for more on this!
What does Freelance Mean?
Freelance is basically someone who is ‘self employed’ and is hired by companies on a project basis.
For example, a theatre Director might be working in multiple theatres at one given time. Meaning they can take on a range of work that can be flexible
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A creative career built in the wings of the theatre.
Calling a show, organising your crew of backstage hands, making decisions and being responsible for a smooth sailing performance.
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From set design, to costumes, dressers, hair and makeup, lighting design, sound operators, maker of props. There are so many technical elements that go into the creative process of making a show! Whether you are the head of lighting, assistant stage manager or a member of the backstage crew, each person is a vital part of the team
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The writers, producers, directors, choreographers, composers, musical directors are the ones who put everything together. You could be a stage combat instructor or an intimacy coordinator.
And we can’t forget the Box office, volunteers, front of house staff, marketing teams, musicians, conductors and many more!
Check out this vlog from Mov Dance Theatre company to see a day in the life of a movement director
Chaperones are an important job in youth theatre, making sure children performing are safe backstage! Teachers and teaching assistants in children’s theatre classes are so important for inspiring the next generation!
Careers in Film.
There are so many jobs that contribute towards the making of a film, it’s not just the actors you see on screen or those behind the camera.
Similar to theatre you’ve got the creatives, producers, designers, financial and marketing teams. Check out some examples below!
You could also work in finance within theatre as a producer/ accountant or finance manager, head of the budget.
Creating content, marketing and advertising is vital for getting bums on seats as well as flyering out in the community and working on promo stands
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Runners
Very important people that make sure everyone gets where they need to be on time. On live TV they will prepare the presenters/ guests and physically take them to the right place. On film sets they will keep everyone on schedule and be aware of what time people need to be where. A job for someone very organised and punctual!
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Videographers
What it says on the tin - responsible for recording footage.
There’s also - camera operators, lighting team
The sound crew - the ones that record the sound, hold up the boom mic, fit microphones onto those speaking on camera, wear headphones to make sure the sound is recording.
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Head of cinematography
The one that is in charge of the bigger picture, calls the shots and decides what the whole thing should look like
Not to be confused with the Director who is the one that makes all final decisions creatively and logistically
First AD (assistant director) deals with smaller things working for the director which could be directing actors on smaller scenes
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Editors
For film and TV, editors will be responsible for editing the footage into cohesive film. Putting all the best bits together to make the final product look the best it can be. They will make sure the sound aligns with the recording and add finesse.
A Visual Effects Artist adds things like CGI and digital effects
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Script supervisor
This is who the script goes to after the writer has done their part. The supervisor makes sure there are no continuity errors by working with the directors/ actors to make sure things line up. They take notes of any changes and make sure everyone is up to date
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Casting Director
Casting for film is slightly different to theatre where actors can wear wigs, makeup and costume to transform into a character that is big for stage.
Typically in film, more realistic portrayals of characters are preferred, e.g., accurate playing age. On stage an adult playing a child doesn’t look out of place as it might do on screen.