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
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
A Theatre Manager oversees the day-to-day operations and management of a venue or performing arts centre. They deal with administrative and production-related aspects of a theatre. They can address the financial, marketing and organisational concerns when necessary to ensure the theatre operates successfully.
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a Theatre Manager, however the subjects below could help:
Search for training opportunities in theatre management to help you get into theatre here
This role is office based and varies in responsibilities. You can begin in a more general entry level role such as an Office Assistant working your way up the company and gaining skills and experience along the way. This job role requires a lot of responsibility, so you must be someone who is reliable and trustworthy as well as strong headed and organised.
The salary of a Theatre Manager can vary depending on experience, the size of the theatre and the level of programming or producing in a venue. This role is a senior role and pay will reflect this.
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/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
Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment which features music, dance, song and/or drama. A Cabaret Artist is someone who creates a performance for an audience using one or several of these methods. The sky's the limit with a cabaret act. You can create a cabaret performance about absolutely anything.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no formal qualifications required to become a successful Cabaret Artist, however any qualification or training in performing arts would benefit you and develop your skill set.
Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' here.
A career in cabaret can begin at almost any level with or without a qualification or experience, however this would better your chances of being hired or making contacts. You can first gain work in group acts and performances and develop or create your own solo performance from that. The more performances you do and varied acts you have, the more you will gain a name for yourself and be well known within the cabaret section of the creative industry. You could also be a tribute act or create your own character for a performance/act.
Payment varies depending on location and venue. Some performances are a set fee and some are relevant depending on how many people attend the event.
See Actor Musician, Actor/Performer or Circus Performer to gain an idea on rates of pay in these areas.
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/creating-successful-cabaret-show-23021/
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 4th June 2024
A Theatre Carpenter is a stagehand (maker/craftsperson) who builds sets and stage elements. They work with materials such as woods and metals and use techniques such as woodworking and welding. The Theatre Carpenter team will include a Master Carpenter who acts as management.
Responsibilities and duties of a Theatre Carpenter in this area depend on the needs of the Set Designer and Director and also the size of the theatre.
Master Carpenter
Stage Carpenter
There are no formal qualifications required for this role, however a formal qualification in one of the following subjects would be beneficial:
There are many apprenticeships available where you can learn carpentry and this is normally the route Carpenters take to train this craft. It is also helpful to have certifications in health and safety practices, such as a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card in the UK.
Find opportunities in carpentry to help you get into theatre here
Many Theatre Carpenters are self-employed. You must be able to promote yourself within the industry. You will often have a network of Production Managers, Set Designers and Producers. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' here. Once you build a portfolio and a reputation, you should get more regular work. Theatre Carpenters often start out as a apprentices or assistants.
Grade 1 or 2 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £717.57- £840.91. This would be for a Deputy Master Carpenter and Master Carpenter working 40 hours per week. As a freelancer you will set your own rates based on the level work required per production, which can vary depending on the materials and level of skill needed.
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://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://work.chron.com/carpenter-theater-16327.html
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/carpenter
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Master_Carpenter/Hourly_Rate
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 6th June 2024
An Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of all front of house, the theatre building and administrative areas, working to ensure the best possible audience experience and staff working environment. They are responsible for carrying out and maintaining the theatre’s policies including health and safety policies.
You do not require a formal qualification to be a Theatre Operations Manager. However, a qualification in one or more of the following subjects could be beneficial:
You will also need to take the relevant Health and Safety, Fire Evacuation and First Aid Training.
See training and experience opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You can work your way up to an Operations Manager by starting in a Front of House, maintenance or even a technical role. If you have previous experience of managing a team you can begin in a Front of House Manager role.
There is no set salary for a Theatre Operations Manager, however the salary can be very competitive. Salaries can range from £30k+ based on level of experience, venue type and location.
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.watermill.org.uk/uploads/JD%20Facilities%20and%20Operations%20Manager.pdf
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Musical Director leads a cast, orchestra, choir and other musical groups during a performance. They select musical arrangements and compositions to be performed and study musical scores to prepare for rehearsals. They are responsible for bringing the music of a musical theatre production to life, guiding performers and musicians to create a cohesive, expressive, and engaging musical experience for audiences.
Although no formal qualifications are needed, a deep understanding in music is. Courses in composition, orchestration and conducting would be beneficial as well as training in musicianship, voice and acting. A Musical Director must be able to sight read music, write music and they are expected to play a selection of instruments that usually include the piano.
Search opportunities to become a Musical Director from across the theatre industry here
To be a Musical Director you should have a creative flare and be able to work with a variety of different people in different departments. You should have musical proficiency and must be able to sing (well enough to teach singers), play the piano, and understand other musical instruments as well as being able to read music. Leadership skills and confidence to conduct performers is also beneficial.
Musical Directors can work both permanently and in freelance positions. To work with recording artists on touring concerts or with an opera or orchestra company, you must have years of experience as this is a senior-level management role. You can develop your craft through the use of apprenticeships, however many start with community theatre, eventually moving onto regional theatre and professional work.
Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' here.
The average range of fee per show is £1,370 - £4,500 depending on experience. Plus, £150 - £500 per show day and rehearsal.
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.makingmusic.org.uk/faq-type/rates-professional-musicians
https://www.mgcfutures.com/musical-director/
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/discover/the-hub/insights/what-does-a-musical-director-do/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-music-director
https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/a-life-in-the-theatre-musical-director-337579/
Published: 6th June 2024
