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.
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:
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.
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.
https://www.educationandemployers.org/landmark-work-experience-research-report/
https://www.futuresforall.org/about-work-experience
For years, the idea of “making it” in theatre has followed a familiar script: go to university or attend drama school, earn a degree and then maybe you’ll land a job.
But that’s only one version of the story.
The truth is, theatre has never had a single entry route. Many people build careers through practical experience, training on the job, and creating their own opportunities, and crucially, this doesn’t just happen in London.
Apprenticeships are one of the most accessible and structured ways to begin a career in theatre. They combine paid work with hands-on training, allowing you to learn directly from industry professionals.
Major organisations like the National Theatre, the Royal Ballet and Opera, and the Royal Shakespeare Company offer established apprenticeship schemes in areas such as technical theatre, stage management, and costume.
Outside of London, opportunities are just as valuable. Theatr Clwyd and Leeds Playhouse, for example, run programmes that focus on developing local talent and opening doors into the industry.
Apprenticeships offer:
Paid internships in theatre do exist, but they can be harder to find and are often highly competitive. They’re usually offered through specific programmes rather than widely advertised roles.
Masterclass, the Birmingham Hippodrome and Creative Access, for instance, partner with producers and theatres to provide internships that give insight into how the industry operates behind the scenes.
While not as accessible as apprenticeships, internships can still:
Not everyone wants, or needs, to commit to full-time training. Short courses offer a flexible way to develop your skills, whether that’s acting, directing, writing, or technical theatre.
Institutions like the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama offer part-time courses, but similar opportunities can often be found at regional theatres and arts centres across the UK.
These courses allow you to:
It’s easy to think of theatre as London-centric, but the UK has a rich network of regional venues creating high-quality work and supporting emerging talent.
Organisations like the Bristol Old Vic, Royal Exchange Theatre, Northern Stage, Birmingham Hippodrome, and the National Theatre of Scotland all offer development programmes, workshops, and early-career opportunities.
Starting outside London can often mean:
One of the most powerful ways into theatre is to stop waiting for permission.
Write a play. Organise a scratch night. Collaborate with other creatives. Platforms like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe have launched countless careers built on self-created work.
Creating your own opportunities shows initiative and gives you something tangible to build on.
There’s no single way into theatre, and that’s what makes it such an exciting industry to be part of. Whether you choose an apprenticeship, apply for internships, take short courses, or start creating your own work, each path offers something different.
What matters is finding the route that works for you, your circumstances, your interests, and the way you learn best. Theatre needs a range of voices and experiences, and there’s space for more than one way in.
There isn't one fixed pathway. Find the route that suits you, and start there.
Navigating a route into the theatre industry can be difficult, let alone for parents, guardians and carers who want to support their young person and don’t know where to start. Or, who have concerns about the industry itself.
We’ve compiled a list of the FAQs often asked by caregivers when trying to offer advice to their child, in the hope that you have a few more facts and understanding about the industry to guide you and ease your concerns:
There are many roles in theatre that are freelance, have short-term contracts or are casual, which is often what causes worry about job stability. However, many of these roles are protected by various unions (Equity, BECTU/UK Theatre SOLT, etc. You can find more about Unions here). From rates of pay, holidays and hours, these bodies ensure the rights of workers are safeguarded. There are also many venue or company based roles that are full-time/part-time and permanent, with all the benefits of the usual PAYE roles you may see in other industries (sometimes with the added bonus of free tickets to events!)
Visit our Complete List of Jobs in the Theatre Industry to get a flavour on the types of roles that could be venue or company based and those that could be freelance and supported by unions. Or, How to Become a Freelancer to see how you can support your young person in the early stages of working this way.
Like all industries, rates of pay and wage brackets vary massively dependant on the role, the organisation, the location, your experience and the responsibility. Unions such as Equity, BECTU, Writer’s Guild etc, offer weekly pay recommendations for freelance roles. Equity’s recommended minimum rate for Actors, Stage Managers and Choreographers will be £630.90 in the 26/27 financial year. Artistic or Executive Directors of large-scale and national venues can make upwards of £100k+ per year. Visit our Complete List of Jobs in the Theatre Industry which includes an up-to-date pay rate for each role, where possible.
Being freelance, touring and working with different companies can allow for more variation and career development in shorter spaces of time, compared to industries with more linear career pathways. Transferable skills in theatre roles can often lend themselves to varying roles across the sector and, should someone wish to, they can follow their developing interests. People working in the industry can start in casual roles (Front of House, Stage Crew, etc) to allow them the space and time to develop and explore which path they would like to take. Nevertheless, there are also more traditional progression pathways within departments that could start as an apprenticeship and lead to being the head of that department, such as Head of Wigs or Head of Lighting.
Although a lot of roles in theatre do not require certain GCSEs, A Levels or further education qualifications specific to the arts, that's not to say that studying drama, music or art would not be beneficial to your young person or their career journey. The transferable skills and wellness benefits linked to arts-based subjects are massive. Having a firm understanding in a subject area is not a necessity but could ensure a young person has the foundations, shared language and confidence to springboard into the theatre industry. Young people still in education can also gain experience through youth theatres, workshops or various other opportunities, in addition to their studies. You can find opportunities in your area here.
Get Into Theatre lists thousands of up-to-date theatre opportunities, many of which are free, have bursary assistance, grants, travel subsistence or pay the placement holder themselves (such as apprenticeships or funding). You can explore these opportunities here. Gaining experience or supporting your young person on their career journey into theatre does not have to rely on finances.
Are you a parent or guardian and have a question you’d like to see answered in our FAQs for parents? Send them to help@getintotheatre.org
You can also read our blog on What advice can I give my child who wants to work in theatre?
Added 4th Sept 2024
Photo ID 199571345 @ Prostockstudio | Dreamstime.com
A Dance Captain is a member of the cast or company who is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the artistic standards of all choreography and musical staging within a production.
The Dance Captain works closely with the Associate Director or Director, the Stage Manager and the Choreographer. A Dance Captain differs from a Choreographer as they work with and as part of the ensemble to ensure what the Choreographer has created is up to the standard needed for the show.
A Dance Captain often undertakes the following duties:
Most Dance Captains are also dancers within the show. This means that they might get an Understudy or Swing to play their part on the night so they can watch and make notes on the show. They then use these notes to rehearse with the Dancers and ensure the choreography is maintained. They may also have to help work out who plays what role if someone within the ensemble is absent.
A lot of Dancers do not need a formal qualification but formal training could be beneficial to help learn and develop your technique. Your training as a Dancer will help you find opportunities to be a Dance Captain. One of the following training courses could be useful to help you develop the skills needed to become a Dancer and Dance Captain:
See dance training opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Most Dance Captains begin as a member of the ensemble. The Director and Choreographer will appoint a Dance Captain for the particular piece of choreography. Throughout your career you could then become an Assistant Choreographer and then a Choreographer.
This amount can vary depending on the size of the production, the theatre and the number of tickets sold. Equity rates for 2024/25 state Dance Captains earn an extra £50 per week on top of their performers’s rate. See our blog 'What does an Actor do?' for more details on their pay.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
See dance training opportunities offered across the theatre industry here
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/dance-captain-job-explained-77026
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/dance-captain
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 23rd May 2024
A Stage Door is the main entry point for performers, staff, and sometimes visitors who are not part of the general audience. The Stage Door team, Keeper or Operator will be the person who ensures the smooth running of this space.
Find training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Whilst there are no specific requirements when working on Stage Door, many individuals start or do this alongside other entry-level roles such as Receptionist, Security Officer, or Administrative Assistant. These roles provide experience in customer service, security, and administrative tasks.
Once employed, on-the-job training will help you understand the specific procedures of the theatre. This includes security measures, communication systems, and emergency procedures. As you gain experience, you may take on more responsibilities or move to larger or more prestigious theatres. Look for job openings in theatres for Stage Door Keeper or similar positions. Theatre websites, social media and industry publications are good places to search, or by talking to Stage Door staff in venues.
Read our blog 'What does work experience in theatre look like' to find out where to start.
Stage Door Keepers can either be paid hourly or they can earn a salary. The team are usually on a rota and can work in shifts to cover the long hours the building is open. This is often minimum wage, being £10-£15 per hour. SOLT/Bectu 2024 suggest a weekly 40 hour wage of £557.78.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/search/43442
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/stage-door-keeper-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/search/43442
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/15436
https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/work-with-us/stage-door-keeper/
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
Published: 7th June 2024
A Press and Publicity role involves managing the publicity and promotion of theatrical productions to generate media coverage, attract audiences, and enhance the public image of the theatre company or venue. They will often issue press releases to local journalists and national newspapers.
See also Social Media Manager and Marketing for similar roles.
Find training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Many individuals start their journey by pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing. During their studies, they may participate in internships, extracurricular activities, or student organisations related to Media, Journalism, or the Arts. Building a network of journalists and press contacts is also very useful.
Individuals may begin their careers in entry-level positions such as PR Assistant, Communications Coordinator, or Marketing Assistant within PR agencies, media outlets, or arts organisations. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience in media relations, writing, and campaign coordination.
Read our blog 'What does work experience in theatre look like' to find out where to start.
Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. Press and Publicity roles can often be combined with other roles, such as Marketing. Working in this area holds a salary of around £25k-£35k.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://jobs.theguardian.com/job/9020561/publicist-and-administrator/?LinkSource=PremiumListing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zfrq92p#zfrwjsg
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/public-relations-officer#
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/public-relations-officer
Published: 7th June 2024
An Archivist is responsible for managing and preserving the historical records and materials related to the theatre's productions, activities and heritage. This role involves collecting, organising, cataloguing, and preserving documents, artefacts, photographs, recordings, and other materials of historical significance to the theatre.
Find training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
A degree in a relevant field such as Archival Studies, Library Science, History, or Theatre Studies is often required. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or postgraduate qualification in Archival Studies or a related discipline.
What skills do I need to be an Archivist?
Many aspiring theatre archivists start their careers in entry-level roles such as Archival Assistants, Library Assistants, or Museum Technicians. These positions provide opportunities to gain practical experience in archival tasks and procedures, along with work experience placements.
Read our blog 'What does work experience in theatre look like' to find out where to start.
The Archives and Records Association (ARA) recommends a minimum salary of £30,233 to £35,832 for archivists with experience.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/archivist
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/archivist
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/archivist/job-role
Published: 6th June 2024
A Social Media Manager is responsible for managing and enhancing the theatre's presence on social media platforms. This role involves creating engaging content, interacting with audiences, and implementing social media strategies to promote productions, events, and the theatre's brand.
While you do not need a degree for this role, a degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field is helpful. Also a portfolio of your own work and reference to campaigns you admire is beneficial to talk to employers about.
Starting in roles such as Social Media Assistant, Digital Marketing Coordinator, or Content Creator provides foundational experience. With experience, individuals can advance to Social Media Manager or Digital Marketing Manager roles. An apprenticeship or work experience in a Marketing Department can help you develop in your early career.
Read our blog 'What does work experience in theatre look like' to find out where to start.
A Social Media Manager can earn an average of £25k - £35k per year.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://cdn.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2022/12/Social-Media-Manager-JD-Dec-2022.pdf
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/social-media-manager
Published: 6th June 2024
The Accounts Manager is responsible for managing the financial activities and accounts of a theatre. This role involves overseeing financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, preparing budgets and financial reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
A degree, training or qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required.
Search through training opportunities from across the theatre industry
Starting in roles such as Finance Assistant, Junior Accountant, or Book-keeper provides foundational experience. With experience, individuals can advance to roles such as Senior Accountant, Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer.
An Accounts Manager can earn anywhere between £27k - £35k per year.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/job/client-account-manager-27779
https://www.theticketingbusiness.com/jobs/agency-sales-account-manager-ambassador-theatre-group-uk/
https://www.randstad.co.uk/career-advice/job-profiles/account-manager
A Licensing Manager is responsible for managing the legal and administrative aspects of securing and overseeing licences for productions. This role ensures that the theatre complies with all licensing requirements and that all necessary permissions are obtained for the use of scripts, music, and other intellectual property. Producers can sometimes take on this role for specific productions.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
A degree in Law, Business Administration, Arts Management, or a related field can be beneficial to this role.
Starting in roles such as Licensing Coordinator, Contracts Administrator, or Legal Assistant provides foundational experience.
Licensing Managers can earn anywhere from £30k - £40k per year.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/search/36754
Published: 6th June 2024
