Gaining work experience or on the job training is a great way to give yourself a better chance of getting into theatre. When applying for a job in theatre, employers will want to see your determination and your passion for wanting a career in the theatre industry.
There are different kinds of theatre experience you can gain and any type of experience will benefit you in a number of different ways and look great on your CV. These are listed below.
Click on each type of experience for more information.
It is important that we highlight and make you aware of instances where young people are exploited. You must be cautious of low and unpaid work and you must know your rights when applying for these experience opportunities.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 16 May 2019
A Costume Maker creates the costumes based on the designs and drawings created by the Costume Designer and works under their direction. The Costume Maker will create patterns for the costumes, cutting and sewing them to actually construct the costume.
Find costume making opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Costume Maker. However, having a qualification could help to develop your understanding of theatre and costume design, as well as developing your making skills:
Find training opportunities in costume making to help you get into theatre here
Some people begin by working in wardrobe departments in theatres, progressing through to a Costume Assistant. Skills are developed on-the-job while gaining useful industry contacts which are vital for securing future work. Training could increase your skills-base and employability.
There aren’t any set guidelines as the role of a Costume Maker can vary depending on the scale of the production as well as your personal experience. You may wish to set your own rates based on how long a costume may take and the level of work involved.
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.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/costume
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/costume-maker/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/aug/05/working-life-theatre-costume-maker
Updated: 9th June 2024
Get Into Theatre has over 2,000 opportunities from more than 1,700 organisations, schools and theatres all over the UK and will change the way young people look at theatre. Our aim is to inform, advise and, most importantly, support young people with their career in theatre. But, we can’t do it alone.
Get Into Theatre can only continue to be a success through the support from organisations like yourselves and there are numerous ways you can show your support to make a change in our industry.
Please click here to donate via our Just Giving Page. Every little Helps!
We are keen to hear from individuals who believe in our charity and want to support our mission. You can contribute financially to our charitable work and be credited as a supporter. Contact Alex on alex@getintotheatre.org to find out more.
Opportunities on the website will fall into one of the following categories:
If you are part of an organisation, school or theatre and you have an opportunity, upload it on our website here.
Alternatively, contact admin@getintotheatre.org
If you would like to reach and engage even more young people while also supporting Get Into Theatre, we offer competitive packages in exchange for a donation to the charity. We have had over 1.3 million users to our website, with monthly traffic of around 25,000-40,000 users. Please contact marketing@getintotheatre.org to find out more.
We welcome as many supporters as possible and you can be one of them by sharing the website where possible among the appropriate organisations and young people within your networks and ask them to upload their opportunities. Plus, give us a shout out on your social media channels @GetIntoTheatre and #GetIntoTheatre
Get Into Theatre will continue to grow, continue to inform and continue to support. It will change our industry for the better and it will open the industry that some of us have been lucky enough to be a part of, to all. Get Into Theatre will achieve this, but only with your support. Thank you for helping us with our mission to achieve this.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Last updated: 10 July 2024
Wardrobe Assistants work under the direction of the Head of Wardrobe to ensure the costumes for a production are looked after, maintained and fitted well to the performer.
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that could help you get a head start in the industry:
Search opportunities in costume to help you get into theatre here
Always keep examples of your previous work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio.'
You may start as a Wardrobe Assistant or Dresser and move into more senior roles such as Wardrobe Master/Mistress, Costume Supervisor and maybe even Head of Wardrobe. You could also decide to become a Costume Designer. Read our blogs 'What does a theatre Costume Designer do?' and 'What does a Costume Maker do?'
Pay for theatre wardrobe staff varies depending on experience, and the tasks required of you. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87. Some venues may have their own pool of casual wardrobe staff to support touring shows, who may be paid a minimum show fee. A Wardrobe Daytime Assistant could be paid £15.23 per hour, with a Dresser being paid £57.10 for a 3 3/4 show fee (based on SOLT/Bectu 2024 rates).
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://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/wardrobe-assistant
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/?TabID=1358&id=1325&occupation=wardrobe-assistant
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znmxrj6
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/costume-assistant-70536/
Photo: Royal Opera House/Sim Canetty-Clarke
Updated: June 2024
An Usher is responsible for the customer service of the audience before, during and after a performance. They are often situated within the auditorium to both supervise and assist the audience during a show.
Although there are not any specific qualifications you need for this role, here are some subjects that could be useful to have:
Search opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You can gain a role as an Usher at entry level and either cross over to Front of House or Box Office roles. With more experience you can look at moving up to Front of House Manager or Box Office Manager. Working as an Usher can also be a great job to have in between other theatre jobs. Read our blogs 'What do Front of House staff do?' and 'What does a Front of House Manager do?'
Pay is typically minimum wage and between £10 - £15 per hour for a casual role. Often, you will have a minimum show call, which can mean you are paid for at least two hours of your time. SOLT/BECTU rates for 2024 suggest a minimum show call of 3 3/4 hours at £43.54 or £38.98 if topped up with commission.
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.myplan.com/careers/ushers-lobby-attendants-and-ticket-takers/description-39-3031.00.html
https://www.artscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2013-14-USHER-JOB-DESCRIPTION.pdf
https://uk.indeed.com/career/usher/salaries
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/london-usher-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IM1035_KO7,12.htm
https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/young-vic-ushers-pay-rise-welcomed-by-union
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
Updated:6th June 2024
A theatre Education & Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning of engagement within the wider community. They will work with theatre practitioners, venues, schools and local authorities to build relationships and development between the community and the theatre.
Search opportunities to help you get into theatre here
While there are no specific qualifications needed for a theatre Education and Outreach Manager, these are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be useful in gaining experience for the role:
Here are some subjects that you can take at school that will teach you some useful skills for a role within theatre outreach:
Find more theatre careers advice on our blog page here
You can start in an Administrator role or another role that delivers and designs projects. Experience working with the community and/or youth groups is beneficial, as well as leading drama workshops.
Pay for this role can be really varied depending on the scale of outreach or education a theatre company or venue can deliver and the funding available. This is often a full or part-time role, although can occasionally be a short-term contract based on funding. Pay can be anywhere between £24k - £50k.
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.thestage.co.uk/advice/2016/what-do-you-get-from-an-applied-theatre-course/
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/applied-theatre-ba-hons-2019-20
https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/253-who-works-in-a-theatre#
https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Education-Outreach-Facilitator.pdf
Photo: LAMDA
Updated: 7th June 2024
A Stage Manager (SM) supports and organises all the different teams involved in the day-to-day running of a theatre production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. They liaise and communicate with the full company and organise each team to ensure the smooth running of a production. During a show, they are in charge of everything and everyone on the stage. See the difference between stage management and production management by reading our blog 'What does a theatre Production Manager do?'
Search stage management opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a SM. People with the right skills can get into the field, however it can be useful to have training in any of the following subjects:
You can start in an entry level position which would be Backstage Crew, casual Technician or an Assistant Stage Manager. You can also work as a Deputy Stage Manager. After gaining experience you can move on to Stage Manager, and in larger theatres Company Stage Manager.
For a freelance Stage Manager, ITC/Equity rates of pay for 2024-2026 suggest a minimum weekly rate of £573 or a daily rate of £126. Travel, accommodation and meals all have additional rates, if you are on tour. UK Theatre / Equity Commercial Theatre Agreement rates for 2023-2024 for shows that are 8 weeks plus and performing to 1,500 seats plus, suggest a weekly minimum of £695.11 for rehearsals and £815.08 for shows.
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.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/stage-management
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/theatre-stage-manager
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
A Playwright writes plays either in their own time or by request from a theatre, theatre company or Producer. They create stories, characters and dialogue for the stage. They collaborate with Directors, Producers and others to bring their scripts to life on stage.
You can search for playwriting opportunities from across the theatre industry here
While there are no specific qualifications needed to be a Playwright, these courses could be beneficial:
Having a portfolio of work can really help to showcase your writing abilities.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming a Playwright:
Search for training opportunities to help you get into playwriting here
If you are thinking of becoming a Playwright, these can be the desirable skills to be an ideal candidate:
As a Playwright starting out you will be spending most of your time alone, creating and writing plays in your spare time. You can then send your plays to theatres or companies who may decide to take your work on and perform it. Once you have experience of your plays being performed you may get the opportunity to be commissioned by a theatre or company to write a play for them. You can also get a Literary Agent and Publisher to get your work published. Some Playwrights are also Actors, Directors and/or Producers too and some Playwrights write alongside the rehearsal process.
Most Playwrights are freelancers. As a freelancer you can negotiate your fee with the company, this would usually be based on how long the run of the show will be, the size of the audience and the ticket prices. If you get your play published then you will earn profits from the sales of your play or the rights to perform it. Learn more about freelancing with our blog How to be a freelancer in theatre.'
The Writers’ Guild UK Theatre rate for a commission for a full-length play – more than 70 minutes – is around £7,769 - £10,880, with ITC rates suggesting a minimum of £9, 176. There will also be additional royalties and a daily rehearsal rate (correct as of May 2024). You could also become a 'writer in residence' for some theatres, which have a larger fee attached and a longer contract.
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 Playwriting jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/writer
https://myjobsearch.com/careers/playwright.html
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://writersguild.org.uk/rates-agreements/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 16 May 2024
Actors or Performers are people who entertain an audience by acting, singing or dancing. They play characters on stage and act on the direction of the creative team to bring a text to life. Their primary focus is to engage audiences through their acting skills, expressions, and performances in a live theatrical setting.
Whilst there are no specific qualifications needed to be an Actor or Performer, here are some courses you may want to consider to gain knowledge and experience:
Gemma Dobson didn't go to drama school, watch her vlog to see how she got into acting.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming an Actor or Performer:
Find acting opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Find out how Amy Trigg became an Actor by watching her vlog here.
There is not a straight path within performing. You are nearly always employed on a freelance/contracted basis and the responsibilities can vary depending on the company and how long the production runs for. Sometimes Performers start out in fringe or small-scale theatre or create their own work, there can be ensemble roles in larger companies or understudy parts. However some Actors and Performers may start in a lead role if they are the right fit for the character. Often Performers will need to do a number of jobs to financially support their acting careers. Find out what you can do between acting jobs with our blog 'What jobs can you do in between theatre jobs to earn' and our Misconception Series blog on having a second job to support your career.
Many Actors are represented by an Agent. An Agent puts their clients up for roles they think they are suited for and are often given breakdowns for castings that are not readily available to the public, they will take a percentage of the pay, often between 10% and 20%. You can gain an Agent by writing to them, inviting them to shows that you are in, or asking for a meeting. It’s a good idea to research Agents and apply for those who have ‘open books’, meaning they are actively looking to represent new clients. However, some Actors don’t have an Agent and apply for castings themselves. Read this blog on whether you need an Agent.
Starting pay can be very low, with some fringe productions employing ‘profit-share’ models, but a small number of star Actors and Performers can receive extremely high wages – for example a pantomime star or West End lead can be paid tens of thousands of pounds per week.
Equity minimum for 2024/2025 is £573 per week, plus food, travel, accommodation and relocation costs.
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/actor
https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/how-much-do-actors-get-paid-in-the-uk-74998/
https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/how-much-do-west-end-performers-earn-compared-to-broadway_58192/
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
Updated: 9th June 2024
A Lighting Designer will work with all members of the production team, particularly the Director, Designer and Lighting Technicians. They will design the look and feel of the lighting, lasers, strobes, spots and sometimes video for a performance. Lighting Designers play a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling visually.
Find opportunities in lighting design from across the theatre industry here
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience.
School subjects that are relevant for lighting design are:
Further education at colleges or universities:
Find training opportunities in lighting design to help you get into theatre here
You could start as Crew or a Lighting Technician/Theatre Technician and then, once you have more experience, move into a Lighting Designer role. With all of your work, it is best to keep production images and a portfolio. Find out how to make a portfolio here.
Most Lighting Designers are employed on a freelance basis, meaning that you are self-employed. In bigger theatres, some employ a resident Lighting Designer which pays an annual salary, however this is rare. Your fee as a freelance Lighting Designer can vary from a daily rate to a larger fee for the completion of the whole show.
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
http://www.thealpd.org.uk/careers-in-stage-lighting/and-after-graduation-the-route-to-becoming-an-ld
https://www.mgcfutures.com/lighting-designer
https://creativepool.com/articles/jobdescriptions/job-description-lighting-technician
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 3rd June 2024
