If you're thinking about a career in theatre, there's one thing that can help you stand out before you've even finished school: work experience.

Whether you dream of producing shows, building sets, marketing productions, working backstage or creating digital content, work experience can give you the chance to discover what the industry is really like.

The best part? You don't need to have it all figured out and you don’t even need to be studying drama. Work experience is about exploring, asking questions and building confidence, while the theatre industry is a great place to discover who you are and where you fit in the working world.

"Everyone I've met and worked with this week have been so kind and made me feel so comfortable and welcome." Cadeyrn, Year 10, Get Into Theatre Work Experience 2025.

Theatre careers are about much more than acting

When people hear "theatre careers", they often think of actors. We also might think that you have to be studying drama.

But every production depends on hundreds of people working behind the scenes, with a vast amount of skill-sets.

That includes:

• Marketing and communications
• Producing
• Stage management
• Lighting and sound
• Wardrobe
• Electricians
• Wigs, Hair and Make-up
• Education and participation
• Carpentry
• Digital content
• Finance and administration

Work experience helps you explore these roles before making decisions about college, university or apprenticeships—and you might even discover a career you've never heard of before. You can explore our Complete List of Jobs in the Theatre Industry to discover more from home.

"The research allowed me to explore different career paths I would want to take." Daorsa, Year 12, Get Into Theatre Work Experience 2025.

Work experience builds your future—not just your CV

One of the biggest myths about work experience is that you need lots of knowledge before you start.

In reality, employers expect you to be learning and even bringing your own unique experience into the room. Just because you're younger or have less experience in the workplace doesn't mean that your thoughts aren't valuable!

A great placement in theatre helps you:

• Build confidence
• Develop transferable skills
• Improve communication
• Learn how to behave in the workplace
• Discover careers you hadn't considered
• Make informed choices about your future

These experiences don't just strengthen your CV, they help you understand what kind of career is right for you.

Why is it important? According to Education and Employers' young people with the highest levels of employer engagement before the age of 16 have 80% lower odds of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) than those with the lowest levels. Plus, Futures for All (those behind the new Discover Creative Careers programme) have found that each additional type of work experience is linked to an average increase of £1,088 in future annual earnings - nice!

That's a powerful reminder that spending time with employers, trying new experiences and learning from professionals can have a lasting impact on your future.

"I've honestly had the best week, learning a whole range of transferable skills and just having so much fun." Cadeyrn, Year 10, Get Into Theatre Work Experience 2025.

Finding theatre work experience

Whether you're still exploring your options or already know exactly where you want to work, work experience is one of the best ways to discover what a career in theatre is really like.

At Get Into Theatre, we're here to help you take that first step. Browse our latest opportunities, hear from those doing the jobs, explore what other organisations can help you get into theatre and sign up for free to receive opportunities directly to your inbox. You can also check out our blog on where you can find work experience across the UK.

References

https://www.educationandemployers.org/landmark-work-experience-research-report/

https://www.futuresforall.org/about-work-experience