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
A Costume Maker creates the costumes based on the designs and drawings created by the Costume Designer and works under their direction. The Costume Maker will create patterns for the costumes, cutting and sewing them to actually construct the costume.
Find costume making opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Costume Maker. However, having a qualification could help to develop your understanding of theatre and costume design, as well as developing your making skills:
Find training opportunities in costume making to help you get into theatre here
Some people begin by working in wardrobe departments in theatres, progressing through to a Costume Assistant. Skills are developed on-the-job while gaining useful industry contacts which are vital for securing future work. Training could increase your skills-base and employability.
There aren’t any set guidelines as the role of a Costume Maker can vary depending on the scale of the production as well as your personal experience. You may wish to set your own rates based on how long a costume may take and the level of work involved.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/costume
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/costume-maker/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/aug/05/working-life-theatre-costume-maker
Updated: 9th June 2024
Coming from a working class or low-income background can be challenging, especially in an industry that is highly competitive and in which many workers are employed on a freelance basis.
Working as a freelancer means that you will be working on contracts and there may be periods of time where you have gaps in between those contracts. For someone from a working class background, this can be a more challenging time compared to others as you may not have the financial support from family to help you through to your next contract. However, there are plenty of other jobs that many theatre industry professionals do in between their contracted theatre work to help pay their rent and bills.
Take a look at both blogs How to be a freelancer and What jobs do successful theatre industry professionals do in between theatre jobs to earn? to help understand how to financially support yourself through a career in theatre.
For many jobs in theatre, you do not need a degree and can work your way up the career ladder instead. However, if you want to study and learn new skills then there are plenty of funding and scholarships available for those from a low income household. Take a look at our list of funding opportunities here.
More recently there has been a rise in opportunities for cheaper theatre tickets. For example, Mousetrap Theatre Projects offers highly discounted tickets and the National Theatre has plenty of £15 tickets available for each show.
One organisation whose work you might want to follow is COMMON, the leading national arts organisation supporting the UK theatre industry to achieve greater intersectional class diversity. They aim to make theatre widely accessible to those from working and under-class backgrounds, whether they’re artists, audiences or communities, and strive for greater equality, inclusion and representation across the industry.
There is also Open Door, which offer the opportunity for mentoring advice and pay for audition fees for the top drama schools for those from low income backgrounds. Audition fees for drama schools are around £40 - £50 each, so it can become expensive if you apply for a few different schools. Open Door can take away that expense for successful applicants.
There are opportunities out there to help you get your foot in the door if you are from a working class background. It shouldn’t be something that hinders you from pursuing your dream career, it’s just knowing where to look to gain that support and Get into Theatre is the first stepping stone for letting you know about those opportunities.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jun/05/arts-working-class-people-britain-theatre
https://www.ft.com/content/bd4736aa-6d6d-11e8-852d-d8b934ff5ffa
Photo: Tristram Kenton
Published: 04 March 2019
Wardrobe Assistants work under the direction of the Head of Wardrobe to ensure the costumes for a production are looked after, maintained and fitted well to the performer.
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that could help you get a head start in the industry:
Search opportunities in costume to help you get into theatre here
Always keep examples of your previous work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio.'
You may start as a Wardrobe Assistant or Dresser and move into more senior roles such as Wardrobe Master/Mistress, Costume Supervisor and maybe even Head of Wardrobe. You could also decide to become a Costume Designer. Read our blogs 'What does a theatre Costume Designer do?' and 'What does a Costume Maker do?'
Pay for theatre wardrobe staff varies depending on experience, and the tasks required of you. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87. Some venues may have their own pool of casual wardrobe staff to support touring shows, who may be paid a minimum show fee. A Wardrobe Daytime Assistant could be paid £15.23 per hour, with a Dresser being paid £57.10 for a 3 3/4 show fee (based on SOLT/Bectu 2024 rates).
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/wardrobe-assistant
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/?TabID=1358&id=1325&occupation=wardrobe-assistant
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znmxrj6
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/costume-assistant-70536/
Photo: Royal Opera House/Sim Canetty-Clarke
Updated: June 2024
