The main thing to know is that the term 'volunteering' stands for 'a person who works for an organisation without being paid.' If you complete volunteer work, you'll be working completely for free and you will not have a contract of employment like interns. However, there are certain policies in place to protect you and the organisation. These policies state that both you and the organisation are aware of the expectations of both of you. Volunteers are not eligible for National Minimum Wage as you’re participating by choice, but you'll have more flexibility with your working hours and this can be great.
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You don't need any qualifications or experience to apply. You just need to be willing to participate and get involved. This will show your determination and passion for theatre because you want to learn new things and get involved in different aspects of theatre despite not being paid.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Volunteering is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find volunteering opportunities here.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
There are many different types of internships within the theatre industry, so we’re going to tell you about them in general and also make sure you know your rights.
Internships are similar to work experience but they are fixed-term placements and are often referred to as a 'traineeship'. They aim to give you a better understanding of employment and the day-to-day tasks of the job you’ve chosen. Interns are normally set a number of different tasks to complete during their placement. Read our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?' for more information.
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Employers must pay interns at least the National Minimum Wage - unless the company is a registered charity. You’ll be completing tasks a member of staff would do and it's only fair that you should be paid for your work.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Be sure to know your rights within the theatre industry, especially when gaining experience. Internships are great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find internship opportunities here with The Stage Jobs.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
Gaining work experience or on the job training is a great way to give yourself a better chance of getting into theatre. When applying for a job in theatre, employers will want to see your determination and your passion for wanting a career in the theatre industry.
There are different kinds of theatre experience you can gain and any type of experience will benefit you in a number of different ways and look great on your CV. These are listed below.
Click on each type of experience for more information.
It is important that we highlight and make you aware of instances where young people are exploited. You must be cautious of low and unpaid work and you must know your rights when applying for these experience opportunities.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 16 May 2019
Theatre Sound Technician Michael Poon, has worked on shows including the West End production of Company, as well as War Horse, Lazarus (the David Bowie musical) and Chicago. Michael offers an insight into how to work in a theatre's sound department, the misconceptions of the theatre profession and his biggest obstacles.
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Transcript:
Hi, I'm Mike Poon, I am 32 and I'm a sound operator. I was born in London and I moved to Singapore when I was three and I only came back to London when I was 18 to study and that was when I was exposed to theatre really for the first time properly. I started working front of house at a theatre actually and I met the Head of Sound who was working on the show at the time and eventually I asked him for a job, and of course it wasn't anything full-time but he luckily gave me a job as a casual member of backstage staff, and that kind of led to this career.
I worked on War Horse and on Lazarus the David Bowie musical. I've even toured both within the UK and internationally such as I've been to China with Chicago (musical) and now I'm one of the company at the Gielgud Theatre. The staff, the people you work with very quickly become your family and the feeling of creativity, it is seen as a very technical role but realistically it isn't just being technical. There's a huge amount creativity in it as well. I think coming from my background the biggest obstacle for me going into theatre was I was always very very pressured academically and I did perform well but it was to go into your standard real jobs working in finance that sort of thing.
So when I eventually did move into theatre it was viewed very much as that 'this isn't a real job' and the easiest way of overcoming that is by being really good at it. Work hard and buy nice things and pay your rent and actually have a career and that's how you prove them wrong. If I could give advice to someone just starting out I think it would be enthusiastic, really listen, really pay attention and don't take criticism too hard. I think two things you could do is if your school or anywhere nearby offers work experience opportunities really go for it and take those and another thing is if you've seen a show and you enjoy it, write to the Sound Designer, write to the sound team. If I could turn back time I would have started sooner. I didn't start late by any means but I'm glad I did lots of other things but I would jump straight in.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Published: 08 March 2019
Theatre Lighting Designer and Technician Rajiv Pattani has worked on shows at venues including the Pleasance Theatre, Kings Head Theatre and the Bush Theatre where he is currently the Senior Technician. He offers advice on how to kick-start a career in this profession, and how to overcome obstacles that could stop you pursuing a career in theatre.
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Find more lighting opportunities here and opportunities in technical theatre here
Transcript:
Hi, my name is Rajiv Pattani. I'm 29 years old and I was born in Britain but with a Gujarati background. My story is, I've always been involved in theatre from a young age but my parents background was always academic so they pushed me in that route. But it wasn't until recently they realised I am good at what I do, which is a theatre Lighting Designer. Well starting from primary school I started being involved in school productions and that led to the Young Vic theatre putting on mask making workshops and various other helpful tools. I then went off to my secondary school and was very more academic because of my parents' route, but I managed to sneak in GCSE drama.
Once I left secondary school I went to Hamleys, the toy store, and I was working there for three and a half years. But it just wasn't the same as wanting to be in a theatre, which I got a great break at the Young Vic theatre with their backstage workshop placement working as a Lighting Technician. After leaving LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) I went off to work at the Pleasance Theatre in London. I then went freelance and working with various designers and directors. One show in particular was Might Never Happen at the King's Head Theatre. Then I started as a casual Technician at the Bush Theatre to now where I'm their Senior Technician at the Bush Theatre. What I like the most about what I do involves working with all of the creatives and the Designers, Directors, production staff, production teams and how we achieve the end goal vision.
What obstacles I faced when I was younger was parental pressure wanting me to become a academic student rather than my own creative visual, so I had to fight them on many occasions, get them involved, bring them down, see the shows that I'm working on, that's where I started to actually change their opinion. Three things you can do to help you become a Lighting Designer is to seek out with this website your local theatre on backstage apprenticeships and courses. Apply for drama schools in the technical theatre field and if you've seen any productions that you liked the lighting design of it email the Lighting Designer.
Search technical theatre vacancies on The Stage Jobs here
Published: 07 March 2019
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 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
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
It’s not a bad thing to have nerves before an interview or theatre audition – it is your body’s way of showing that you really care about what you are pursuing. However, sometimes nerves and anxiety can affect our behaviour and it’s good to learn how to control this, so that it doesn’t affect your performance in the interview/audition. Even the most experienced professionals can still feel nervous sometimes!
noun
"he felt a surge of anxiety"
The NHS says: “anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.” It is a normal feeling to have before an interview or doing something for the first time. Your heart rate may rise and you can start feeling a bit hot and sweaty.
Search all theatre opportunities here
Preparation is the key to help you feel more at ease on the day. Follow the tips below to ensure you keep your nerves under control.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Remember that it’s not the end of the world if the interview didn’t go to plan. Take each interview as experience that you can use for the next one. Try not to dwell on it afterwards – you’ve done everything you can and given it your best shot, it’s now out of your control. Give yourself something to look forward to after your interview, book yourself in for a treat where you can relax afterwards and take your mind off it – you deserve it!
If you need to speak to someone about anything that is concerning you then contact http://www.artsminds.co.uk/
Published: 04 March 2019
A portfolio should show a selection of your best work that you have created either in your spare time, at school or at work. Invest in a large folder that can hold all of your work, so that it’s easy to carry around.
Search all theatre opportunities here
This can be in form of a sketchbook, something that contains all your research, rough sketches and lighting plots that got you to the finished design.
You can include lighting plots and cue sheets from previous performances, or if you have worked as a Lighting Technician to show your experience. However, try and mainly include your own design work.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Choose good quality images in colour. Include photographs of the set under the stage lights, as well as without lighting. Also include shots with the Actors onstage under lighting designed by you as this can be a powerful way to show how your work impacted the performance.
Have these printed out and, if there is a particular section that mentions your work or your name, then highlight this so it stands out.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 04 March 2019
