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
A theatre Education & Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning of engagement within the wider community. They will work with theatre practitioners, venues, schools and local authorities to build relationships and development between the community and the theatre.
Search opportunities to help you get into theatre here
While there are no specific qualifications needed for a theatre Education and Outreach Manager, these are some undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be useful in gaining experience for the role:
Here are some subjects that you can take at school that will teach you some useful skills for a role within theatre outreach:
Find more theatre careers advice on our blog page here
You can start in an Administrator role or another role that delivers and designs projects. Experience working with the community and/or youth groups is beneficial, as well as leading drama workshops.
Pay for this role can be really varied depending on the scale of outreach or education a theatre company or venue can deliver and the funding available. This is often a full or part-time role, although can occasionally be a short-term contract based on funding. Pay can be anywhere between £24k - £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.thestage.co.uk/advice/2016/what-do-you-get-from-an-applied-theatre-course/
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/applied-theatre-ba-hons-2019-20
https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/253-who-works-in-a-theatre#
https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Education-Outreach-Facilitator.pdf
Photo: LAMDA
Updated: 7th June 2024
A Stage Manager (SM) supports and organises all the different teams involved in the day-to-day running of a theatre production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. They liaise and communicate with the full company and organise each team to ensure the smooth running of a production. During a show, they are in charge of everything and everyone on the stage. See the difference between stage management and production management by reading our blog 'What does a theatre Production Manager do?'
Search stage management opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a SM. People with the right skills can get into the field, however it can be useful to have training in any of the following subjects:
You can start in an entry level position which would be Backstage Crew, casual Technician or an Assistant Stage Manager. You can also work as a Deputy Stage Manager. After gaining experience you can move on to Stage Manager, and in larger theatres Company Stage Manager.
For a freelance Stage Manager, ITC/Equity rates of pay for 2024-2026 suggest a minimum weekly rate of £573 or a daily rate of £126. Travel, accommodation and meals all have additional rates, if you are on tour. UK Theatre / Equity Commercial Theatre Agreement rates for 2023-2024 for shows that are 8 weeks plus and performing to 1,500 seats plus, suggest a weekly minimum of £695.11 for rehearsals and £815.08 for shows.
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.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/stage-management
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/theatre-stage-manager
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stage-manager
A Playwright writes plays either in their own time or by request from a theatre, theatre company or Producer. They create stories, characters and dialogue for the stage. They collaborate with Directors, Producers and others to bring their scripts to life on stage.
You can search for playwriting opportunities from across the theatre industry here
While there are no specific qualifications needed to be a Playwright, these courses could be beneficial:
Having a portfolio of work can really help to showcase your writing abilities.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming a Playwright:
Search for training opportunities to help you get into playwriting here
If you are thinking of becoming a Playwright, these can be the desirable skills to be an ideal candidate:
As a Playwright starting out you will be spending most of your time alone, creating and writing plays in your spare time. You can then send your plays to theatres or companies who may decide to take your work on and perform it. Once you have experience of your plays being performed you may get the opportunity to be commissioned by a theatre or company to write a play for them. You can also get a Literary Agent and Publisher to get your work published. Some Playwrights are also Actors, Directors and/or Producers too and some Playwrights write alongside the rehearsal process.
Most Playwrights are freelancers. As a freelancer you can negotiate your fee with the company, this would usually be based on how long the run of the show will be, the size of the audience and the ticket prices. If you get your play published then you will earn profits from the sales of your play or the rights to perform it. Learn more about freelancing with our blog How to be a freelancer in theatre.'
The Writers’ Guild UK Theatre rate for a commission for a full-length play – more than 70 minutes – is around £7,769 - £10,880, with ITC rates suggesting a minimum of £9, 176. There will also be additional royalties and a daily rehearsal rate (correct as of May 2024). You could also become a 'writer in residence' for some theatres, which have a larger fee attached and a longer contract.
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 Playwriting jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/writer
https://myjobsearch.com/careers/playwright.html
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
https://writersguild.org.uk/rates-agreements/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 16 May 2024
Actors or Performers are people who entertain an audience by acting, singing or dancing. They play characters on stage and act on the direction of the creative team to bring a text to life. Their primary focus is to engage audiences through their acting skills, expressions, and performances in a live theatrical setting.
Whilst there are no specific qualifications needed to be an Actor or Performer, here are some courses you may want to consider to gain knowledge and experience:
Gemma Dobson didn't go to drama school, watch her vlog to see how she got into acting.
Here are some subjects that you can study at school which will teach you some useful skills for becoming an Actor or Performer:
Find acting opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Find out how Amy Trigg became an Actor by watching her vlog here.
There is not a straight path within performing. You are nearly always employed on a freelance/contracted basis and the responsibilities can vary depending on the company and how long the production runs for. Sometimes Performers start out in fringe or small-scale theatre or create their own work, there can be ensemble roles in larger companies or understudy parts. However some Actors and Performers may start in a lead role if they are the right fit for the character. Often Performers will need to do a number of jobs to financially support their acting careers. Find out what you can do between acting jobs with our blog 'What jobs can you do in between theatre jobs to earn' and our Misconception Series blog on having a second job to support your career.
Many Actors are represented by an Agent. An Agent puts their clients up for roles they think they are suited for and are often given breakdowns for castings that are not readily available to the public, they will take a percentage of the pay, often between 10% and 20%. You can gain an Agent by writing to them, inviting them to shows that you are in, or asking for a meeting. It’s a good idea to research Agents and apply for those who have ‘open books’, meaning they are actively looking to represent new clients. However, some Actors don’t have an Agent and apply for castings themselves. Read this blog on whether you need an Agent.
Starting pay can be very low, with some fringe productions employing ‘profit-share’ models, but a small number of star Actors and Performers can receive extremely high wages – for example a pantomime star or West End lead can be paid tens of thousands of pounds per week.
Equity minimum for 2024/2025 is £573 per week, plus food, travel, accommodation and relocation costs.
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/actor
https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/how-much-do-actors-get-paid-in-the-uk-74998/
https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/how-much-do-west-end-performers-earn-compared-to-broadway_58192/
https://www.itc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rates-of-Pay-2024-27-Sheet.pdf
Updated: 9th June 2024
A Lighting Designer will work with all members of the production team, particularly the Director, Designer and Lighting Technicians. They will design the look and feel of the lighting, lasers, strobes, spots and sometimes video for a performance. Lighting Designers play a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling visually.
Find opportunities in lighting design from across the theatre industry here
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that you can study to gain knowledge and experience.
School subjects that are relevant for lighting design are:
Further education at colleges or universities:
Find training opportunities in lighting design to help you get into theatre here
You could start as Crew or a Lighting Technician/Theatre Technician and then, once you have more experience, move into a Lighting Designer role. With all of your work, it is best to keep production images and a portfolio. Find out how to make a portfolio here.
Most Lighting Designers are employed on a freelance basis, meaning that you are self-employed. In bigger theatres, some employ a resident Lighting Designer which pays an annual salary, however this is rare. Your fee as a freelance Lighting Designer can vary from a daily rate to a larger fee for the completion of the whole show.
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.thealpd.org.uk/careers-in-stage-lighting/and-after-graduation-the-route-to-becoming-an-ld
https://www.mgcfutures.com/lighting-designer
https://creativepool.com/articles/jobdescriptions/job-description-lighting-technician
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 3rd June 2024
A Front of House staff member ensures quality customer service for the audience before, during and after a performance. They will often work on a rota basis and are sometimes placed on the bar, box office or on the door.
While there are no specific qualifications you need to work Front of House, these subjects could be deemed useful:
Find opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Front of House is an entry-level role where you can look into moving up to a Supervisor or to Front of House Manager. Read our blog on What does a Front of House Manager do?. Front of House staff can also be used or sometimes combined with the role of an Usher. Find out more about what Ushers do here. Front of House is often used as an entry point into the theatre industry, or as a role in addition to other freelance theatre work.
Pay is typically minimum wage and between £10 - £15 per hour. Often, you will have a minimum show call, which can mean you are paid for at least two hours of your time. For Ushers or a Bar Person, 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.
https://careers.atg.co.uk/about-us/life-at-atg/front-of-house.html
https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/front-of-house-staff-play-a-vital-role-in-theatre/
https://jobs.thestage.co.uk/front-of-house-and-customer-services
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Costume Designer is the person responsible for designing the costumes for a production. They make sure they match the time period, the characters and the Director’s vision for the piece, as well as being practical for 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:
Find training opportunities in design from across the theatre industry here
These are the desirable skills for the right candidate to have to be a Costume Designer:
Always ensure you keep examples of your work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio.'
You may start as a Wardrobe Assistant and move into more senior roles such as Wardrobe Master/Mistress or Costume Supervisor and then move into Costume Design. Some people have gone from set design areas into costume design roles. Keeping a portfolio will help you showcase your talent. Find out how to make a portfolio here.
Pay for a Costume Designer can vary depending on their level of experience. They can be in-house for theatres who produce their own work regularly and paid a salary. However, it is likely that you will be freelance and design for a fee, which can vary based on the show scale and the company. Salaries can range from apprenticeship salary, to upwards of £35k. For one production, 2024/2025 Equity rates suggest a Designer fee of £3133.13 and a weekly making fee of £613.84. Sometimes, and often for smaller scale productions, the Set and Costume Designer will be the same person.
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://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/costume-designer
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-get-started-in-costume-design-70464/
https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/42/19
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
Photo: Pexels
Updated: 3rd June 2024
From the outside the theatre industry can feel daunting, especially if you don’t understand some of the language or jargon that people use. Our beginner’s guide to the theatre industry is a great starting point to help you understand the basic theatre terms and definitions to words such as ‘the half', ‘tabs’ and ‘wings' and so much more. So next time you’re going to an audition, job interview or starting some work experience you’ll be able to show off your expert theatre industry knowledge by using these theatre terms.
Can refer to Artistic Director or Assistant Director
From Latin phrase 'Ad libitum' which translates to 'at one's pleasure'. For an Actor to speak and move in character without direction or following the script. Often used if a mistake is made and the actor improvises to get back to the script
Someone who acts on behalf of Performers to help find them work
Amateur dramatics, non-professional theatre
The front of the stage that juts out in front of the proscenium arch
Someone who oversees the artistic programme of the theatre as well as managing funding, budgets and staff
Assistant Stage Manager
A type of interview for a Performer to showcase their talents and check their suitability for a role
The call given to Actors five minutes before the start of the performance to ensure they are in position
The instructions of where the Actors need to stand or move
The American equivalent of the West End, located in Manhattan, New York. A central area for performances such as plays and musicals
The time in which you must arrive for your rehearsals or for the show
The communication system between departments, usually through a headset
The middle of the stage
A sequence of steps and movements for staged dances and performances
Casting an Actor for their ability over what their appearance is. Often used for characters where race, gender or ethnicity is not mentioned in the play
A drama school or performing arts training institution with conservatoire status, meaning training is particularly intensive
Company Stage Manager
A trigger for an action to happen
The end of the show, usually when the actors take their bows
When a theatre is not currently being used for performances
The front of the stage, nearest the auditorium
A school which specialises in teaching about performance and theatre
A rehearsal in costume where the full production is performed
Deputy Stage Manager
A part of a play with speaking roles for only two Actors
Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It takes place every August, with a large number of performances at different venues across the city.
When the audience is on one side of the stage
A group of Actors who play background roles and appear in multiple scenes, can also be used to refer to an entire theatre company
A union for people working in the performing arts, including Actors
The rigging system made up of ropes and pulleys that enables Stage Crew to quickly move large pieces of scenery
A metaphor for the invisible and imaginary 'wall' between the Actors on stage and the audience
Theatre that is experimental in style or subject matter. The term comes from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe are small-scale theatres often located above pubs, and are the equivalent of New York's Off-Off-Broadway Theatres and Europe's 'free theatre' groups
Fitting of the set in the theatre
Taking down and removing the set from the theatre
Warning called when the lights are about to be turned off
The call given to Actors half an hour before they are to be called to start the performance. This is given at 35 minutes before the start of the show
Professional photograph of yourself which you hand out at auditions and to Agents
The auditorium
The lights in the auditorium
Short hand for improvisation where an Actor comes up with lines on the spot, unrehearsed
When the audience sit on every side of the stage
Safety curtain used to separate the stage from the audience in case of a fire
The lighting department
Afternoon performance of a show
A speech by only one Actor
An Actor who plays more than one character in a play
An initiative created by the National Theatre where they broadcast their productions live via satellite to cinemas and arts centres around the world
Launch night of a production which invites members of the press to review the production for their publication e.g The Stage
A set of performances for the public before its official opening. They are used by Directors to highlight any problems and correct them before opening/press night when critics review the production
Someone who tells Actors their lines if they forget them, or the act of telling actors their lines if they have forgotten them
Research and development - often used to explore a new idea/concept
A system of theatre where one group of Actors appear in multiple productions at the same time. Often shortened to just Rep
A re-staging of a production after its original run has closed
A system of ropes and chains to support some sort of frames i.e. the set of a production or lighting
The Royal Shakespeare Company. A theatre company who perform the works of Shakespeare and Playwrights of today. Their main home is in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace.
Text of a play
William Shakespeare. English Poet, Playwright and Actor. Regarded as the greatest Playwright in the English language and the world's greatest Dramatist
A performance for Performers to showcase their talent to industry professionals in a hope of gaining work and or an Agent
Used in musical theatre and opera - first rehearsal between the Singers and the Orchestra
Stage Manager
Society of London Theatre is the trade organisation representing West End theatres and other major London theatres
A casting notices website
Left hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your left)
Right hand side of the stage in accordance to those on the stage facing the audience (if you are standing on the stage looking out to the auditorium, this will be on your right)
First run of the show in order of events
To remove the set from the stage
Short hand for sound
A rehearsal to practice the technical elements of the performance
The world's oldest and best theatre publication, offering theatre news from London's West End and across the UK, including news, jobs and interviews. Visit thestage.co.uk
A type of staging which includes the stage extending past the proscenium arch into the auditorium. The thrust will have audience sit on three sides of the stage
Running through the play in sections where the cues need to be practised, such as a lighting or sound change. The Actors will only say the lines at the beginning and end of each section for the cues
Type of staging where the audience sit on either side of the stage, facing each other
UK's leading theatre and performing arts membership organisation. They promote excellence, professional development and campaign to improve resilience and increase audiences across the sector
The back of the stage, nearest the backdrop
A department within a production or theatre where all costumes and props are made, kept and maintained
The main commercial and subsidised theatres in London, including its oldest and most prestigious venues. The British version of Broadway
The sides of the stage (offstage)
A form of documented theatre in which plays are constructed from the precise words spoken by people interviewed about a particular event or topic
Often referred to as a showreel, it is a short edited video which showcases an individual's previous work in video
A short edited video which showcases an individual's previous voice work on video
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Arts Educational Schools, London
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Here are some companies, charities and websites that offer support around mental health aimed at those working in the theatre and performing arts industry.
ArtsMinds is a collaborative initiative from British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), Equity, Spotlight and The Stage to bring together into one place a raft of resources for Performers and creative practitioners facing mental health issues.
https://wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
Wellbeing in the Arts is an organisation that provides resources such as counselling and coaching for individuals as well as services for employers and businesses including workshops, talks, seminars, events, and mental health first aid training.
Be Extra is a resource hub of intersting, fun and easy-to-digest digital resources to help support the mental health and wellbeing of creative minds.
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
Industry Minds was founded in 2018 by Actors Scarlett Maltman and Cathy Read with a goal to better mental health support to those in the creative arts industry. This organistaion offers free one-to-one counselling sessions who need it in the industry.
https://applauseforthought.co.uk
Applause for thought offers one-to-one support, talks, workshops and accredited mental health training courses with the aim to empower individuals and organisations within the industry and equip them with the knowledge and tools surrounding mental health.
