Most jobs in theatre are on a freelance basis and you will be contracted for a specific job. There may be times in between contracts, when you want to get another job to earn while you are applying/waiting for the next theatre job to come through. This is perfectly normal and a part of the vast majority of theatre professionals’ careers.
Whatever job you go for, be honest from the beginning about your situation, employers will appreciate that and can also support you. It’s difficult to be in a situation where you are having to lie or keep things quiet to your place of work in order to pursue your theatre career.
Leading workshops and sharing your experience/skills is a good way to earn some extra money and can pay well for your time too (eg. £80 - £150 for a two-hour workshop). Contact local schools, universities, drama schools, drama clubs etc and offer your services. If you are planning on approaching a school, take a look at their curriculum and, if you see that you can create a workshop based off something they are currently learning, then this is a good starting place. Universities sometimes hold workshops/panel discussions for third year students who want to know what it’s like working in the industry and you can offer your first-hand experience. Once you secure and deliver a workshop or masterclass, be sure to ask for some written feedback –this is a great way to book the next workshop as you build up your reputation. This line of work would also be on a freelance basis and may not be very regular.
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Picking up a regular teaching job is another great way to earn and also continue within your field of work. Teaching a weekly class gives you security of regular pay, however this often means that you will need to commit to at least a term at a time, if not longer. You might also be required to have a DBS certificate which allows you to work with children.
Working for companies such as restaurants, bars or gyms that offer shift work can be useful for in-between theatre jobs, as you have guaranteed regular work as well as the opportunity for over-time. You could potentially swap shifts with co-workers if you need a day off for an interview/audition. Many companies enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role, especially if it is customer facing.
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There are a few temping agencies where you can join who will help find you work. This is on a temporary basis, being placed in a company to deliver certain tasks for a short period of time (eg. one week) to help them out. These can be well paid between £10 - £15 per hour and you don’t have to commit for a long period of time.
Call-centres often have a very large team of employees. This means that if you do need to have a day off for an interview or audition this won’t have a huge impact on the company and they can often be flexible with you. Many of these companies also enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role.
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There are other companies who like to hire those in the theatre industry and offer flexible work and support your career in the theatre industry. These companies advertise their vacancies on Facebook in groups such as The Hustle, British Actors Network, Actors UK and Bossy. These Facebook groups also provide a network with other industry professionals and emerging companies often put calls out for theatre jobs.
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Published: 04 March 2019
An Artistic Director is a key leadership role, responsible for shaping the artistic vision of a company and/or venue. They will oversee the programme for the theatre as well as manage funding, budgets and staff, sometimes alongside an Executive Director.
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:
Search theatre training courses to help you get into theatre here
There’s not a one-way path to become an Artistic Director, however having previous experience of producing, directing and creating new work is ideal. Working in any role for a theatre venue or company can also be a good way to learn about this role and work towards it. While most Artistic Directors have a background in directing, it is not the only path. Many Actors, Producers and Writers have also gone on to become successful Artistic Directors.
Read this job description for Sheffield Theatre’s Young Director Programme to learn more.
As a top leadership role, pay for an Artistic Director can range anywhere from £45k - £100k+ depending on the theatre and your personal experience.
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 charities or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://cptheatre.co.uk/Jobs/Vacancy-Artistic-Director-Joint-CEO
https://www.mgcfutures.com/artistic-director/
Updated: 4th June 2024
There are many roles in theatre that don’t require any qualifications, where you can work your way up. However, if you are pursuing a career in theatre that requires a certain level of skill or safety qualifications – such as working with electrics or at height – this might mean you need qualifications, although not necessarily at degree level.
Take a look at the Careers in theatre blog for a full list of all jobs that are available in theatre. They are split into four sections; Creative Team, Production Team, Customer Service and Administration.
Here are some examples of roles in theatre that you can go straight into without a degree. You can use these as a starting point to gain that vital experience for you to pursue your chosen career.
You can start yourself up straight away as a freelance Writer, Director or Performer and can approach small scale/fringe theatres to gain and build up your experience. This can then lead to further work or open up your opportunities to approach larger scale theatres or productions.
Alternatively, there can be opportunities to be an assistant for these roles. This will also give you great experience and also the chance to work alongside other professionals and learn from them.
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Starting as Stage Crew is great experience to gain knowledge and understanding of backstage roles to pursue a career in stage management, lighting or sound.
To pursue a career in the wardrobe department you can look at becoming a Wardrobe Assistant or Wigs Assistant.
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Front of house, Ushers and Box Office Assistants are perfect roles at entry level. You’ll gain strong experience in customer service for you to pursue a career in this side of the theatre.
Sometimes Writers, Directors and Performers take on these roles as work in between their contracts.
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Starting off in an Assistant or administration role for these departments will allow you to work alongside managers and give you the experience in an office environment to pursue those careers further.
Photo: LAMDA
Published: 04 March 2019
