The Make-Up Artist will ensure that the Actors and Performers have suitable make-up for a performance. In theatre, they may also be referred to as Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Assistants, Technicians and Supervisors. Depending on the size of the production and the requirements of the show, there may be separate positions for wigs, hair and make-up staff, or they may be combined roles.
Often, academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It’s possible to become a Make-Up Artist without a degree. You can complete traineeships and freelance work within the industry to gain experience. Qualifications such as an apprenticeship in make-up may be useful. Find training and experience opportunities in make-up to help you get into theatre here.
A lot of Make-Up Artists start as Trainees, Apprentices or Assistants, helping with shows and photoshoots for productions and working their way up whilst completing additional technique training. It is common for Make-Up Artists to be freelance so it is essential to be able to promote yourself and your work. Remember to take pictures of your work to build a portfolio. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for more information.
A trainee can earn no less than the national minimum wage or union minimum. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87.
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/make-up-artist
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://brushstroke.co.uk/make-up-artist-roles/
https://www.etbu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-10/appendix_m_theatre_handbook.pdf
https://www.hollywoodmirrors.co.uk/blogs/news/makeup-artist-salary-guide
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Front of House Manager (sometimes shortened to FOH Manager) is responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the reception and seating area of a theatre. They are responsible for supervising the Front of House staff.
Search opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You don’t need any qualifications to work in a Front of House department however it is customer facing so you will need to have a good level of English and numeracy skills and be comfortable speaking with members of the public. Take a look at our blog 'How can Maths and Science lead to a career in theatre?'
Front of House operations is all about delivering the best customer service possible. As a Front of House Manager it is your responsibility to ensure your team can do this. Any of the following skills will be extremely helpful in this line of work:
Find more theatre careers advice on our blog page here
To gain a position as a Front of House Manager you will need experience working in customer service. You can begin as part of the Front of House team or an Usher and work your way up or be able to demonstrate that you can manage a team, solve problems quickly and deal with potentially unhappy visitors. Read our blogs 'What does an Usher do?'and 'What do Front of House staff do?'
A Front of House Manager can be both salaried at around £25k+ per year, or on a zero hour contract, with an average pay of £10-£15 per hour.
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://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/front-of-house-staff-play-a-vital-role-in-theatre/
https://careers.atg.co.uk/job-search/job-detail.html?jobid=246421
https://www3.basildon.gov.uk/jobs/jd/Towngate%20Front%20of%20House%20Manager%20JD%20July16%20B5.pdf
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Voice-Over Artist is someone who uses their voice in radio, television, film, theatre and other presentations. Sometimes they are in a dialogue between characters in a scripted radio play, but often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration. The work of a Voice-over Artist is all unseen and only heard. The different ways you can work as a Voice-Over Artist include:
Voice-Over Artists in theatre are there to entertain their audience or deliver dialogue with nothing but their voice. They must:
You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a Voice-Over Artist. Some form of drama training would be beneficial as you will learn techniques which you can use through your voice instead of your body. Many organisations offer workshops for voice-over training and you can find opportunities from across the theatre industry here.
Most Voice-Over Artists are also Actors and singers as well. When working as a Voice-Over Artist you will mostly be working as a freelancer. Read our blog 'How to be a freelancer in theatre.' It is a good idea to keep a voicereel (exactly the same as a showreel but with your voice-over work). Depending on the different skills you have for this role you can be hired for numerous roles because of your range and skills. You could also try hospital radio and reading to children in schools and hospitals to practise.
Income in voice acting can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific project. View our What does an Actor/Performer do? blog, for more information on performer 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://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/start/career-guides/how-to-become-a-voiceover-artist/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-voice-actor
https://www.filmd.co.uk/articles/becoming-a-voice-over-actor-in-the-uk-tips-to-get-you-started/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voiceover-training-5077/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A theatre Producer oversees all aspects of a theatre production from start to finish. They could decide to produce a particular play they are interested in, or be approached by a Playwright and/or Director. They are involved in the hands-on, daily management of a specific production and have a multifaceted role in bringing them to life. They could also be based in a theatre or with a company to produce their work.
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Producer, however a degree in a media or drama related subject could increase your understanding of creating shows. It’s essential to have a creative portfolio of any previous experience you have and build your network of contacts.
Search all opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You will need a detailed understanding of the management and technical process involved in theatre production. Other related skills you should have are:
Find opportunities to help you get into producing here
Some Producers begin with an apprenticeship as a starting point to learn new skills and gain experience. You can gain a position within a company and gain skills in different departments such as part of the production team before working your way to a Producer position. People often start initially as an Assistant Producer within a company before then perhaps building their skillset and starting up their own production company. There are funding and training opportunities in Producing, especially as your portfolio grows. You can search for these here.
A Producer based in a venue or company can earn a full time salary. They are usually part of the mid to senior team, so salary is reflective of this. As a freelancer, you can set your own rate based on your experience and the scale of the show and/or tour. ITC/Bectu rates for a freelance producer for 2024 suggest a day rate of £173.
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/features/2015/want-next-cameron-mackintosh/
https://www.barbican.org.uk/read-watch-listen/ask-a-theatre-producer
https://www.rsc.org.uk/blogs/whispers-from-the-wings/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-producer-actually-do-hannah-elsy/
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/discover/the-hub/insights/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do/
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PRODUCER-Job-Description-
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A Production Manager works with the management team, technical crew and designers (such as the Set Designer) to make sure the technical elements of a show are completed safely, on time and on budget. Production Managers work on a variety of different shows for a theatre season.
Although similar, there is a difference between a Production Manager and a Stage Manager. A Stage Manager liaises with different departments throughout the day and makes sure everything is running smoothly, whereas a Production Manager liaises with different departments to ensure decisions being made are within budgets and everything is working safely.
The responsibilities of a Production Manager can vary and they can begin from the audition process and rehearsals of a production, through to the first night of performances and to when the show has finished its run. These responsibilities can include:
Normally, a Production Manager will have a good knowledge of technical theatre. It is not usually a requirement that you have a formal qualification in technical theatre, but you may wish to develop your knowledge through:
Any experience in production is a great way to learn new skills and improve on the ones you already have. Look at the production management training opportunities available from across the theatre industry here.
You need to have the right personality for this type of work as you’re dealing with a number of different departments and people. Such as:
Search all theatre opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Most Production Managers will have worked in one or more relevant roles. Any experience of organising events or assisting an organisation with an event is helpful. This includes any sort of experience helping backstage at a local theatre. Production Managers could have started in a lower position such as a member of the Backstage Crew and worked their way up. Many Production Managers work on a handful of shows at the same time, slotting in production weeks throughout the year.
A Production Manager fee can vary depending on the scale of the show. They will be expected to be paid higher rate to a Stage Manager, although they will not work on a show for as long as a Stage Manager. See 'What does a Stage Manager do?' for their Equity pay rates. Some venues and theatre companies who regularly produce their own work will have their own in-house Production Manager, who will have a mid-level and regular salary.
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://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-theatre-production-manager-do
https://www.mgcfutures.com/production-manager/
https://www.travellinglighttheatre.org.uk/images/uploads/_global/documents/PM_Application_Pack.pdf
https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/job/production-manager/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A theatre Lighting Technician (LT) prepares and operates the lighting system for a production. They make the lighting effects for live theatre productions based on the designs created by the Lighting Designer (LD). The type of work can vary depending on the production.
Search Technician opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You do not need a degree for this role and most training takes place on the job. Additional training throughout your career is essential to keep your knowledge up-to-date. You can gain qualifications in any subject related to lighting design and technology such as:
Find training opportunities to be a lighting technician from across the theatre industry here
You can start as a Stagehand, Lighting Crew or casual Technician. You can get these roles through apprenticeships, work experience or even technical based youth theatres. You can also start as an Assistant at a lighting hire company as they are often involved in productions and there is potential to get your foot in the door this way. Some venues will have in-house technicians that may cover both sound and lighting.
Some people go on to work as Lighting Designers. Have a look at our vlog with Lighting Designer and Technician Rajiv Pattani.
A starting salary for a Lighting Technician can be an apprenticeship wage or on a minimum wage zero hour contract. Lighting Technicians on specific tours or productions can earn a weekly fee, with in-house technicians either working as a casual, or receiving a regular salary. For more information about Technician rates and jobs, you can join the Association of British Theatre Technicians.
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/lighting-technician-broadcasting-film-video
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/lighting-technician</b></b>
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/theatre-lighting-technician/skills-and-qualities
https://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/theatre-lighting-technician</b></b>
Published: 9th June 2024
Prop Makers are responsible for making all the props used in a show and ensuring they suit the design of the production. These can range from crockery to weapons and even bigger set pieces. Prop Makers work with a range of different materials including metal, latex, fibreglass, wood and textiles. They work with the production team to ensure the props they are making look authentic and match the era of the production, i.e. Shakespearean, Victorian, Ancient Greece etc. A Prop Maker may also work in the stage management department.
Although you do not need a formal qualification to be a Prop Maker you can learn new skills while studying towards a career in prop making. You can gain qualifications in one of these areas such as:
Find training opportunities in prop making to help you get into theatre here
Prop Makers use a range of different skills to create props, these include the following:
Related skills can include:
Always keep a portfolio of your work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio' for some tips.
You would typically start as a Props Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager or Technician. During this time you will gain new skills and experience and work your way up within the department. It's always a good idea to get as much experience as you can.
Many Prop Makers work freelance and they can charge an hourly rate or a day rate, depending their reputation and the estimate work it may take to complete a prop. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for tips.
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/props
https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/831/97
https://www.inputyouth.co.uk/jobguides/job-propmaker.html
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/prop-maker/united-kingdom/london
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Work experience is a short term placement in an organisation which gives you a feel for the role. It also helps you see what a day in the life looks like for someone who has that particular job. As part of your work experience you’ll likely carry out only a few important tasks, and will mainly complete other tasks such as assisting, making tea and coffee and photocopying etc. It will give you a chance to observe and see what you could be doing in the future.
Some work experience placements are paid and some are not. It is up to the organisation and depends on what tasks they will get you to do. Generally, work experience is usually unpaid because it’s over a short period of time, however your travel and/or lunch costs will often be covered or reimbursed.
Find work experience opportunities here.
Nothing impresses an employer more than seeing that you’ve gone out of your way (especially during your free time) to gain work experience and improve on your skills. This shows enthusiasm and dedication to your future career. There are many benefits of work experience such as:
For more info about work experience in the creative industries, you can also take a look at our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?'
Work experience is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
The main thing to know is that the term 'volunteering' stands for 'a person who works for an organisation without being paid.' If you complete volunteer work, you'll be working completely for free and you will not have a contract of employment like interns. However, there are certain policies in place to protect you and the organisation. These policies state that both you and the organisation are aware of the expectations of both of you. Volunteers are not eligible for National Minimum Wage as you’re participating by choice, but you'll have more flexibility with your working hours and this can be great.
Search all theatre opportunities here
You don't need any qualifications or experience to apply. You just need to be willing to participate and get involved. This will show your determination and passion for theatre because you want to learn new things and get involved in different aspects of theatre despite not being paid.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Volunteering is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find volunteering opportunities here.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
There are many different types of internships within the theatre industry, so we’re going to tell you about them in general and also make sure you know your rights.
Internships are similar to work experience but they are fixed-term placements and are often referred to as a 'traineeship'. They aim to give you a better understanding of employment and the day-to-day tasks of the job you’ve chosen. Interns are normally set a number of different tasks to complete during their placement. Read our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?' for more information.
Search all theatre opportunities here
Employers must pay interns at least the National Minimum Wage - unless the company is a registered charity. You’ll be completing tasks a member of staff would do and it's only fair that you should be paid for your work.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Be sure to know your rights within the theatre industry, especially when gaining experience. Internships are great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find internship opportunities here with The Stage Jobs.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
