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
Where do you start when you are looking for a career in the theatre industry? It’s challenging getting a job in any industry and the competitive nature of the theatre industry is often seen as a barrier. If you follow our top 10 tips, you will definitely be in a better position to not only get a job in the theatre industry but also be a success in your chosen field.
Having goals is something that will help you in the long run as it will give you something to work towards. But don’t forget, the journey to any career is never a straight, easy path - especially in theatre. There will be things that take you in all different directions and this is normal. As long as you don’t lose sight of what you want to gain and what you want your end goal to be, you will find the right career in theatre for you.
Not everyone wants to study and that’s fine because that’s not the only way to begin your theatre career or be successful within the theatre industry. There are so many ways to do this so you must do your research to find out what these ways are. We’ve made it easy for you because we’ve put all this information in one place. It’s good to have a rough idea of what job role you would like to pursue within the theatre industry. If you’re not sure what job in theatre you are best suited to, don’t worry. Our handy blogs describing different jobs within theatre will help give you an insight to the many different roles available and what you need to do to get there.
Take a look at our job descriptions here.
It will benefit you so much to have as much experience within your chosen area of theatre as possible, especially if you don’t want to study. If you don’t have a formal qualification (for example, a degree), having experience is what is going to make you stand out to potential employers when applying for jobs. Experience comes in many different forms but the three main forms are work experience, apprenticeships and internships. You can find information about all three of these experience opportunities here.
This is always a good suggestion because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to go to the theatre? Not only that but seeing a variety of different theatre shows will help you if you’re interested in a particular area of theatre e.g. if you’re interested in lighting you can take notes of lighting designs which peak your interest or are particularly inventive. Some theatre tickets can be a little expensive but don’t worry we’ve got that covered too. You can find a number of different ticket schemes where you can get discounted theatre tickets right here.
This is the 21st century and almost everything is on social media. Try and be as active as you can without becoming anti-social. It’s a great tool to keep up-to-date with industry news, shows and upcoming theatremakers. It may sound obvious but never post any offensive or discriminating posts on any of your social media channels. Some employers like to view their employees social media pages and you don’t want something inappropriate to pop up that you wrote 10 years ago!
This can be daunting but once you get into the flow of it, it can be really fun and so invaluable to you in the future. You should network every chance you get and this doesn’t always have to be at a networking event; it may be a fellow Performer you met at an audition or your best friends cousin who is the Head of Lighting behind Wicked the musical. There are also loads of networking events available for young theatremakers which you can find here.
It may be difficult at times to remain positive when starting out in a new career in theatre but it is really important to approach everything with positivity, especially when you’re going for interviews/auditions. If you’re an Actor auditioning can be constant throughout your career and you must always go into your auditions thinking that anything is possible. This is the same with any interviews for offstage roles too. If you go in with a negative attitude it will only go downhill from there.
When you’re new in the industry (even when you are more established) you’re likely to make mistakes. Of course you are, you’re only human and this is totally natural. Accept you have made a mistake but always make sure you have learnt from the experience and then move on to the next thing. There is no need to lose sleep over a little mistake because this may affect your ability to complete other tasks and could lead you to make more mistakes. Accept it, learn from it and move on to the next thing.
When you’re at the very beginning of your career in theatre, it’s wise to be realistic about what you want to achieve as well as what you are able to achieve. If you begin with an unrealistic goal it is unlikely you will get there at the beginning of your career and this can knock your confidence. Remember, every little step counts and these things take time.
Fringe Theatres and Festivals are a popular way to get a new piece of theatre noticed and produced. It can also be a great way to kick start your theatre career. Fringe venues are all over the country and features every type of theatre you can imagine. Most shows are brand new that no one has ever seen before. One of the more well-known fringe festivals is Edinburgh Fringe. The TV show Fleabag started as a one woman show at the Festival. It was later adapted into an internationally famous award-winning TV show that we all know. Fringe theatre is a great opportunity to learn, get tips and ideas on theatre, performance, comedy and more, the sky's the limit. Remember to always make sure you are paid fairly when working on the fringe.
https://www.ypia.co.uk/posts/10-tips-for-getting-into-theatre
https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/arts-and-creative/1015387-careers-in-theatre
Theatre management covers a wide range of roles responsible for the successful running of theatres, performing arts venues, festivals, touring productions and theatre companies. Professionals working in theatre management oversee the business, operational and organisational aspects of the industry, ensuring productions can be delivered safely, efficiently and within budget.
Depending on the organisation, roles may include Theatre Manager, General Manager, Company Manager, Venue Manager or Operations Manager. Some positions focus on the day-to-day running of a venue, while others have responsibility for wider business strategy, financial planning and organisational leadership.
Whether working in a receiving house, producing theatre, touring company or community arts venue, theatre managers play a vital role in supporting both audiences and artists.
Responsibilities can vary depending on the organisation and level of seniority, but may include:
There is no single route into theatre management, and formal qualifications are not always required. Many professionals enter the industry through administration, front of house, producing, finance or technical theatre roles before progressing into management positions. Relevant subjects include:
Training opportunities, work experience and volunteering can also provide valuable insight into how theatres and arts organisations operate. Search for training opportunities in theatre management to help you get into theatre here.
Theatre management requires a combination of business, organisational and people-management skills. Key skills include:
Careers in theatre management can follow many different paths. Entry-level roles may include Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Box Office Assistant, Front of House Assistant or Marketing Assistant. As you gain experience, opportunities may arise to move into supervisory and management positions.
More senior roles can include Theatre Manager, General Manager, Company Manager, Operations Manager or Executive Director. These positions involve greater responsibility for financial management, staffing, strategic planning and organisational leadership.
Theatre management professionals may work in producing theatres, receiving venues, touring companies, festivals, arts centres, commercial productions, community theatres and cultural organisations.
Salaries vary depending on the role, level of responsibility, location, size of organisation and type of venue or company.
Entry-level administrative roles may offer modest starting salaries, while experienced Theatre Managers and General Managers can earn significantly more, particularly within larger commercial venues, national organisations or major producing companies.
The above is intended as a guide only. Pay, salary or fees can vary considerably depending on the employer, funding structure, region and your level of experience.
You can find theatre management opportunities through industry job boards, theatre websites and arts organisations.
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/theatre-manager
https://uk.talent.com/salary?job=theatre+manager
https://www.firstcareers.co.uk/careers/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-theatre-manager/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
An Access Officer leads the planning of a theatre’s production programme for accessible performances. They ensure the building is accessible for Actors and audience members. An Access Officer will make sure that a person can enter and exit the venue with ease, e.g. a wheelchair user. A “relaxed performance” may occasionally be offered, during which typical theatre protocols are relaxed and sound levels are lowered. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may need to move around, speak, or enter and exit the auditorium more frequently. There are also occasional performances with BSL Performers ,captions or audio description.
There are no specific qualifications required to become an Access Officer however any formal qualifications in the following subjects might be beneficial:
Search through training opportunities from across the theatre industry to find a relevant qualification to become an Access Officer.
Relevant experience in access and working with groups of people who require additional support is essential for employers as it shows your commitment to this field of work. Work experience, apprenticeships and internships will help you gain experience and new skills which you can transfer into this role.
Wage for an Access Officer can vary and not every venue or company is fortunate to have someone dedicated to Access. Wages can be anywhere between £20k - £31k depending on the employer, your qualifications and experience. It is a rewarding role for both the people you’re supporting and the venue.
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/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-officer
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Set Designer creates the look of the stage through designing a set for a theatre production. This role is a combination of creativity and practicality as Set Designers must create not only the design but also make sure it can practically come to life within budget.
Search through opportunities in set design to help you get into theatre here
A majority of Set Designers training will take place on the job. You can also gain a position as a Set Designer through a university course, college course, apprenticeship or working towards the role. If you would like to study to become a Set Designer you can study for a qualification in one of the following areas. You can gain a qualification in any of the following subjects:
Search for apprenticeships here and how they can help you here.
Ensure you keep a portfolio of all of your previous work to show to potential employers. Read our blog, ‘How to make a set design portfolio’ for some tips on how to best display your work.
If you choose not to study and gain a job through experience, volunteer at your local theatre or try and get a work experience placement at a slightly larger theatre. Seeking mentors and requesting shadow experience can help you learn from those already working in the industry. Research which Designers make the sets you like, so you can learn what your design aesthetic could be and what journey they took. With more experience and developing your skills you can work on larger scale productions.
Watch this great video from award-winning Set Designer Khadija Raza.
The role of a Set Designer can vary depending on the scale of the production as well as the actual size of the theatre. Most Set Designers work on a freelance basis unless they belong to a big theatre. For one production, 2024/2025 Equity rates suggest a design fee of £3133.13 and a weekly making fee of £613.84.
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.
Find designing opportunities and training offered from across the theatre industry here
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/job-profile/set-designer
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/set-designer
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 23rd May 2024
The Company Manager works on a variety of different jobs within the theatre. They work closely with all levels of cast and production staff. They act as a link between the Theatre Manager, the production company and the rest of the company.
You don’t need any formal qualifications, however there are a number of qualifications you can get in different areas which may help you gain skills for the position:
Find training opportunities to help you get into theatre here
There are a number of different ways you can become a Company Manager. You can begin as part of the admin team, assist the Company Manager and then work your way up. You can even start as Front of House or an Usher and learn on the job about communicating between departments.
A general rate of pay is roughly between £25K and £40K.
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/news/a-life-in-the-theatre-company-manager-344221/
https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/company-manager-theater
Updated: 6th June 2024
The visual and performing arts are one of nine sectors within the creative industries. The below links are great places to look for more general careers info for all the creative industries and not just theatre.
Search all theatre opportunities here
DISCOVER! Creative Careers brings together careers information and opportunities from creative organisations in one explorable directory.
Masterclass offers workshops online and in person for young people, with those well known and working in the industry.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Upstart Projects creates opportunities for young people to develop as the arts professionals of the future. They support young people to lead and manage projects, act as ambassadors, find their voice in the arts and train other people. In short, they offer real experiences which build skills and can lead into arts and media careers.
Find more theatre careers advice here.
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
There are a number musical theatre training opportunities to choose from at a number of different drama schools all over the country. Follow these easy steps to ensure you are as prepared as you can be and increase your changes of getting into the drama school of your choice.
Search all theatre opportunities here
If you're applying for a musical theatre course you must be able to act, dance and sing on the day of your audition. There's a lot to think about but if you follow the tips below, you'll smash the audition.
Find more theatre careers advice here
The best way to have confidence on the day is to make sure that you are well prepared. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Know what is in your control on the day and what is not. You want to be able to walk away from your audition or interview and know that you have done everything you can in your power to be the best you can be. The best way to do this is think about the things you can control:
If you have all of these things in your control, then you can relax a bit more on the day and concentrate on being yourself, having a big smile and being friendly. If you are busy worrying about if you have forgotten a line, then this can block your personality from shining through and really this is the most important part of any audition/interview.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.coursflorent.education/news/how-to-get-into-drama-school
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/a-beginners-guide-to-applying-for-drama-school/
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
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
