Scotland has a thriving theatre scene that is recognised internationally. It is completely possible to live in Scotland and work within its amazing theatre industry. This blog highlights where you can find out more about Scottish Theatre.
What are producing theatres? Producing theatres are theatres that choose their own programme of productions (often referred to as a ‘season’) and create their productions as opposed to smaller theatres who host touring productions or upcoming productions for a short period of time. Their main focus is to present their own productions, however, they can co-produce with other theatres and companies to present work to add to or complete their season.
Below are a number of well-known producing theatres in Scotland.
Scotland’s New Writing Theatre.
Artistic Director David Greig, one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary Playwrights.
Currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment and putting work on at the Tramway in Glasgow in the meantime.
Mid-scale theatre in the centre of Glasgow. The current Artistic Director Andy Arnold also founded The Arches, Glasgow’s legendary contemporary performance space which unfortunately closed in 2015.
The last remaining repertory company in Scotland meaning they focus on one repertoire of performances e.g. opera. They have a mixture of permanently employed and shorter-term Actors.
A major venue in the Highlands of Scotland, producing a summer season of 6 plays offered in daily rotation.
Established in 2007 and has a unique structure, being ‘without theatre walls’, dedicated to making work in partnership across Scotland.
Receiving theatres or 'houses' host visiting companies who's productions have been developed elsewhere and are touring around a number of venues
Below are some well-known receiving houses in Scotland
One of Scotland's most historic and significant theatre's, it presents first class shows from a wide range of genres and provides Glasgow's flourishing amateur groups with a high-profile stage.
Presents quality drama, dance, comedy and musicals and is home to residents Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.
Find out what opportunities are available at King's Theatre and Theatre Royal here.
Open since 1976, this is a large theatre, cinema and arts venue.
This is a performing arts venue used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events and touring groups. It also has a capacity of 1,915.
This is one of Scotland's most historical and important theatres having been active since 1906.
This theatre is a 'learning theatre'. Those who study at the nearby University of the West of Scotland have direct access to the resource of the Gaiety Theatre to assist with their studies.
This is a multi-arts venue locations on the main campus of the University of Stirling, Scotland. They offer a varied programme of events and experiences including cinema, comedy, dance, exhibitions, music, opera and theatre
The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
This is a mid-scale performing arts venue and it part of a wider complex, incorporating council offices. As a whole this is called Brunton Memorial Hall.
Established producing theatre buildings will have permanent production staff of Carpenters, Costume Makers, Technicians and Stage Managers and hire freelance stage and Lighting Designers for each production if needed. See what Carpenters, Costume Makers, Sound Technicians, Lighting Technicians and Stage Managers do here.
Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in the theatre industry’ here.
Producing theatres will have a team who manage the building, and a team to market and promote the theatres upcoming season (upcoming shows) to the public. See what a Theatre Marketer does here.
They will also have a team of community and education staff who work with communities and in schools and colleges to encourage people to attend the theatre through different stages of education and participatory projects. See what a Theatre Education Manager does.
Small producing theatres have very small production teams, some not at all and hire freelance staff when needed. These theatres sometimes hire large producing theatres to design and create their sets and costumes. Alternatively they can hire an external company to create their sets and costumes.
Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in the theatre industry’ here.
These smaller theatres usually consist of less than 5 employees including an Artistic Director, Producer or General Manager and possibly some administrative support. They don’t have permanent production/technical staff or Actors.
Village halls also accommodate a small audience run by volunteers who want to bring theatre to their village. Despite being small, shows at these venues are produced to a high quality and can go on to do a touring circuit. In the Highlands and Islands there are at least 90 village halls of this size.
Scotland has a world-renowned children’s theatre sector which includes a national organisation called Imaginate. Imaginate is dedicated to promoting and supporting theatre and dance for children and young people, including the annual Edinburgh International Children's Festival.
There is an organisation in Scotland dedicated to supporting playwrights called Playwrights’ Studio Scotland.
This is the nation’s only arts organisation exclusively dedicated to the long-term support, development and promotion of Scotland’s Playwrights. They work actively with Playwrights, connecting them with audiences and organisations, for the enrichment and enjoyment of the people of Scotland and beyond.
The Traverse Theatre is Scotland’s new writing theatre. They work with the newest and rawest talent - with an emphasis on those based in Scotland - working on it to become the art, artists and performances that can be seen on stages through a variety of creative learning and literary programmes.
There are a variety of theatre companies who produce work made by Artists with disabilities. These include:
Take our quiz and find opportunities in the Scotland area here.
All the above information was given to us by the Federation of Scottish Theatre. They are the membership and development body for Scotland and look to promote all things Scottish Theatre so it's a good idea to check them out too.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 23 December 2019
A Theatre Fundraiser is responsible for planning, organising, and executing fundraising initiatives and campaigns to secure financial support for a theatre company or organisation. Their primary goal is to generate revenue to sustain the theatre's operations, support productions, and fund special projects or initiatives. They are often referred to as the Development team.
Qualifications for a job as a Theatre Fundraiser can vary, but typically involve a combination of education, experience, and skills in fundraising, communications, and relationship management. Some people start or side-step from being a Producer as this can also be a key part of their role and sometimes this is part of the Executive Director’s role.
Find an opportunity to help you get into theatre here
An education in Arts and Fundraising will help to secure a career as a Theatre Fundraiser or, eventually, a Development Manager. Internships and apprenticeships are a useful way to learn about the job and to meet people working in these roles. Additionally, you could begin as an Administrator to gain relevant experience.
While salaries may vary, starting salaries for a charity fundraiser can be anywhere between £18,000 and £25,000. Development Managers can up to and beyond £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.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/charity-fundraiser
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/search/44117
https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/newprofessionals/career-guide-arts-fundraising
https://cptheatre.co.uk/news/Top-Tips-for-Fundraising
Updated: 7th June 2024
An Audio Describer verbally describes what happens on stage for the blind or visually impaired, so that they can enjoy live performances or events. They produce a separate audio description script for the show and they recite them in real time at a live event, using specialised equipment.
You will need to complete formal training to be an Audio Describer which may or may not result in a formal qualification. However a number of other qualifications will definitely assist in your ability to complete the duties asked of this role. For example, English and Voice work for pronunciation. An understanding of theatre, set and costumes can also be beneficial when describing.
You must be able to be a good communicator. For example, if you’re describing a production such as Macbeth, you must be able to explain in detail what the Actors who play the witches are wearing, the facial expressions they are using and the way they move around the space. With the appropriate training you will be able to ensure you are able to provide an audience with enough description to bring the show visually to life.
Salaries can vary and are often paid per performance as a freelance rate, or through an agency. It depends on how many shows there are, whether the show requires travel (on tour) and the size of the cast.
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://officiallondontheatre.com/access/
https://help.atgtickets.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360017133080-What-is-an-Audio-Described-performance
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/scripter-audio-description-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm
An Armourer is in charge of the firearms and blades used in a theatre production. They can also be responsible for pyrotechnics (any special effects using heat, light, gas, smoke or sound) and theatrical trickery. There is a strict policy on firearms being used in the UK, however there is an Act which allows productions to only use decommissioned firearms and blunted or altered blades during a performance as part of the show.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are many different elements of being an Armourer and many different skills needed. To pursue a career as an Armourer you must learn the necessary skills and gain specific training. Paul Wanklin is the Senior Armourer at the National Theatre and began his career in the army before seeing a job advertised for an Armourer that showed he had many transferable skills for the position. You can also work in TV and Film as well as Theatre.
Armourers in theatre can have very specific rates or may have a similar show rate as a Stage Manager.
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.backstage.com/magazine/article/weapons-master-70399/
https://www.rsc.org.uk/blogs/out-of-the-spotlight/armoury
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 6th June 2024
The Automation Department is responsible for a production’s moving scenery, creating and controlling a complex sequence of scene changes that happen on stage. For example, in The Lion King, the stage is raised to represent Pride Rock at the beginning of the production and then this part of the stage is lowered to make the stage a flat surface.
The automation system can control elements such as electric motors, hydraulics and pneumatics to move lifts, flying scenery and stage trucks.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
For large-scale theatrical productions, these are some common roles that are employed for the duration of the production run. As every production is different, the staff in these roles will have knowledge and experience relevant to the production’s specific requirements.
Other roles that can be involved within the field of Automation include Engineers, Mechanics, Production Staff and Programmers.
Automation can be a highly specific field. It is possible to train within a theatre, however the below qualification areas may also help:
See training opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Automation is a very specific job within theatre. You can often transition from a Stage Crew or Stagehand position into Automation. Once you are trained up into this position, you have a very distinct skill set and can then transfer from show to show. Smaller productions tend to have smaller or simpler sets so you may mostly be working on larger productions.
Find out what Backstage Crew members do here.
The Head of Automation will have a weekly basic show fee of £840-£900 per week.
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.theatrecrafts.com/pages/home/topics/automation-scenic/
https://tinathemusical.com/uk/content/uploads/2021/06/Head-of-Automation-Job-Description-TTM.pdf
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/theatre-automation-operator/
https://www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/real-jobs/theatre-automation-engineer-ben-phillips/
https://www.abtt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/0000063274.pdf
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Thank you to Automation Operator/ Programmer Nick Page for providing information for this blog post. Nick runs the website automation.london, which helps connect current Automation vacancies with relevant and experienced Automation professionals.
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 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 here
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/dance-captain-job-explained-77026/
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/dance-captain/
https://www.dancespirit.com/ins-and-outs-of-dance-captain-2532517084.html
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 23rd May 2024
An Actor Musician is a Performer who combines performance with playing a musical instrument.
The responsibilities are very similar to that of a Performer:
The only difference between an Actor and an Actor Musician is that they will be more involved in the music of the production, making the piece of theatre come together both in performance and musically. They will, therefore, have to read through and learn sheet music for a production
This role would be ideal for someone who wants to take up acting and singing, while playing an instrument/s. Alternatively if you are skilled in one or the other it is a great opportunity to learn an additional skill that can open up further opportunities.
Search training opportunities to help you get into theatre by using the key words above
The work in this career path is not always constant, however performing in one production may lead to another. You will go for many auditions which will be made easier if you secure an Agent who will use their contacts and experience to help you get auditions.
See our blog 'Do I need an Agent? How do I get an Agent?'
An Actor Musician will be paid differently for each role as each role often involves additional skills such as playing musical instruments and singing, which may warrant additional compensation. In some cases, actors may receive separate fees or premiums for these musical skills on top of their base salary or performance fee. UK Theatre / Equity Actor-Musician Rates for 2023 - 2024 weekly fee for a top tier Actor Musician playing to a 500-1499 seat audience is £587.86.
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/2019/how-do-you-train-to-be-an-actor-musician/
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/news/what-is-an-actor-muso-show
https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/succeed-as-an-actor-musician-in-the-uk-72190/
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 4th June 2024
A Festival Director works behind the scenes of an event, from the earliest planning stages to when the performances are taking place. They programme the shows and liaise with Producers, vendors (people/organisations selling something), city officials and on-site staff as well as Production / Logistics Managers of the festival.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
A Festival Director can have a variety of different duties to fulfil and because of this they can be employed based on a variety of experiences they may have. Formal qualifications are not essential although they would help in any of the following areas:
Search training opportunities from across the UK in the subjects above
Due to the fact there are so many duties within this role you must have a varied skill set. These can include:
There are a number of different work experiences, internships and apprenticeships available within this area of work. Additionally build on your skill set by volunteering at these types of events and attend as many events as you can to meet people that are working within the industry already, such as the Edinburgh Fringe and smaller scale arts festivals. Make sure you do have travel and expenses covered when volunteering as these can become expensive placements.
Learn more about the different experience opportunities available to you here
Festival Directors are often salaried roles, however this can vary depending on the size of the festival. This position is a highly ranked position within the organisation's structure of a festival and some have ownership within the event which means their income is dependent on its success.
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.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/festival-director-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.careersinmusic.com/festival-director
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/blog/become-successful-festival-director-ds00/
https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/festival-director
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 7th June 2024
There are many different types of disabilities people can have or identify as having. One of these disabilities are learning disabilities which again can mean a number of different things.
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime. This can affect the way a person understands information and how they communicate. Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability and it’s thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability and this figure is increasing.
If you’d like to learn more about learning disabilities please see the NHS website for more information.
We interviewed Dominick Rutter from Bradford who is a training Actor and happens to have a learning disability. He is currently training in the Performance Academy at leading learning disability theatre company Mind the Gap. Dominick answered a few questions for us about his journey pursuing a career within the theatre industry with a learning disability.
My biggest inspiration is Lee Evans, so I’ve always wanted to get into comedy. I don’t think I’d be very confident as a solo Comedian but I would love to be a part of an ensemble in a TV show like Phoenix Nights or Men Behaving Badly. Training on Mind the Gap’s Performance Academy course is helping me develop my skills in acting as part of a group.
I don’t know why they would as they wouldn’t know what I was capable of without meeting me. For me, everyone is equal, whether they have a disability or not and should be treated the same way. It’s not something I worry about to be honest.
FACT: All employers must follow the Equal Opportunities Policy in any industry. The Equal Opportunities Policy (EOP) are guidelines put in place to ensure an organisation commits to fairness amongst applicants for new jobs and existing staff members. Basically, if you apply for a job, the employer cannot discriminate against you for any reason and you will be treated equally like everyone else.
I think it’s a difficult industry for anybody to get into really, but you need to be confident and keep trying, whatever your situation is.
I want to make something of my life. I want to do something that I’ve never done before and I like to challenge myself. The world of theatre and TV seems to be opening up for people with learning disabilities at the moment so it’s an exciting time; I want to be part of that. I’m inspired by people such as Liam Bairstow on Coronation Street and Lost Voice Guy, their success motivates me.
[Laughs] I don’t think so. If Gok Wan applied for a job in a costume department, I don’t think anyone would question his skills. If you want to work in a certain area in theatre, it shouldn’t matter who you are.
FACT: Job roles within the theatre industry are becoming more ‘gender neutral’ as one role is not deemed more for a woman and another more for a man. Women and men can pursue any role within the theatre industry as long as they are the right person for the role.
Not at all! Nothing stops me from doing what I want to do. I don’t feel like I’ve faced barriers in my life because of my disability and I’m determined to achieve what I want out of life.
Go for it, you just need to apply, what have you got to lose? You’ve only got one life and you’ve got to do what you want to do. If people think you can’t work in theatre, prove them wrong!
I hope so. When I was looking for a course in acting for people with learning disabilities, I was lucky enough to live in Bradford and have heard of Mind the Gap. Hopefully Get Into Theatre will be useful for people all over the country to find courses that are right for them.
Take a look at our opportunities that are suitable for those with learning disabilities.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/
http://www.mind-the-gap.org.uk/
Photo: Mind The Gap
Published: 14 November 2019
A BSL (British Sign Language) Interpreter is someone who translates a production for someone who is D/deaf and uses British Sign Language. They are often placed side of stage or, sometimes, as part of the show itself.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities to help you get into theatre here
To be a BSL Interpreter you will need one of the following qualifications:
You can start by working for an organisation that supports D/deaf people, or in a school or college as an educational support assistant for example. You can do a British Sign Language qualification on the job to qualify as an Interpreter whilst also gaining experience in the role. You can work for an agency that signs performances or as a freelancer. It is also worth connecting with theatre companies who specialise in making work with and for D/deaf people such as Graeae Theatre.
Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' to learn some tips about how to promote yourself.
Salaries can vary and are often paid per performance as a freelance rate, or through an agency. It depends on how many shows there are, whether the show requires travel (on tour) and the size of the cast.
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://royaldeaf.org.uk/what-is-bsl/
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/british-sign-language-interpreter
https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/ba-performance-bsl-english/
https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access/british-sign-language
https://accessbsl.com/how-to-become-a-sign-language-interpreter/
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/sign-language-interpreter-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 7th June 2024
