Adam Penford is the Director of the Royal Derngate production of Holes. Find out what it takes to be a Director and how to get there in the theatre industry.
Transcript:
Interviewer: Hello, I'm Oscar I'm a Royal & Derngate Arts Leader and I'm with Adam, who is the Director of Holes here at Royal & Derngate theatre. So first question that I've got for you is can you explain your job in one sentence?
Adam: That's really hard in one sentence. A Director's job is to pull together all the different elements as a production and make them cohesive.
Interviewer: What is your favourite part about being a Director?
Adam: Bossing people around. Not really, Oscar. I like producing exciting theatre that I think an audience are going to find funny and entertaining and thought-provoking.
Interviewer: What's the hardest part about being a Director?
Adam: The hardest point part is sometimes you have to say no to people. So if you're auditioning Actors you have to say no more than you get say yes and that's the same with Designers and Lighting Designers and Composers and all other creative team members.
Interviewer: What advice would you give a young person that wants to get into this industry that direct theatre?
Adam: I think expose yourself to theatre as much as you possibly can. So, read plays and watch plays, join a youth theatre. Just get stuck in, because the more experience you have, the more you're going to learn.
Interviewer: How did you become a Director?
Adam: So, I actually started as an Actor, which is what quite a lot of theatre Directors do. Decided I was rubbish at it and I didn't like people looking at me. That was a bit awkward. So then I thought what else I could do and I started directing and I worked my way up from being an Assistant Director and I became an Associate Director, a Resident Director, a Revival Director and then I became the Director Director.
Interviewer: So did you have any kind of specific training or did you just kind of get in with different companies and then work there?
Adam: So, when I was starting out there weren't really Directors training courses, although there are some now. So you sort of got into it a bit more by training as an Actor and then you start to understand the kind of techniques of acting and then you'd put that into play as a Director. The best way to learn at that time was by being an Assistant Director, watching how other people do it and then you pick the best bits of what they did, left out the
rubbish bits and then formed your own way of working.
Interviewer: Why theatre? Why not TV or film or radio? Why theatre?
Adam: Well it's not for the money because you get paid more directing TV or film. I think there's just something a bit more exciting about it being live. The idea you sit there in the audience and you get a live response from the audience and if something's working then you get laughter or tears or massive applause. If something's not working you get yawns and the seats flipping up as people exit. So you know immediately whether you're doing your job well and then it sets a challenge as to how you can improve the show the following night.
Find opportunities to get into directing here.
Published: 27 March 2020
Image: Alex Brenner
Take a tour backstage at the Royal & Derngate theatre and see how they create the set and what goes on behind the scenes of a theatre production.
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Transcript:
Hello, I'm Oscar. I'm a Royal & Derngate Arts Leader. Today I'll be taking you around Royal & Derngate Theatre and the Northampton Filmhouse on a quick behind-the-scenes tour. I have to be a bit quiet because they're currently doing a tech rehearsal for Holes, which is in here now.
So, this is the Circle level and then you also have the Gods upstairs and then the Stalls which is downstairs. Originally, there was two boxes on either side of the Circle. They're actually probably seen to be the worst seats in the house but the rich people would want to sit there because they could be seen by everyone.
This is currently the Wings for Holes. I'll just take you through. It's quite noisy in here so I'll have to be a bit louder. So, this is workshop for the Royal Auditorium. This is where we make all of our Made In Northampton shows. They're currently building the set for Alone In Berlin, that's going to go into the Royal in a couple of weeks. I'll walk us through and then I'll take us to the paint shop. If you want to follow me.
So, this is the paint room for the Royal. So this is where they paint all of the sets that have just been built from downstairs. It's quite a large room because they need enough room to build all of the tall sets, then get it back down into the Royal ready for the shows.
Search training, experience and funding opportunities to help you pursue a career in theatre here.
Published: 27 March 2020
Image: Alex Brenner
Steven Kavuma, the Associate Director of Royal & Derngate's production of Holes, tells us what his role is, how he got into theatre and his advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the theatre industry.
Transcript:
Interviewers: Hiya, I'm Martin, and I'm Kayla, and today we're here with Steven Kavum and Steven is the Associate Director in the Royal & Derngate's production of Holes. So, Steven could you tell us about your role in the production as a whole?
Steven: Yes, so my role is a lot of things. There are a lot of responsibilities. So the Associate Director is the person who supports the Director and all the other teams around and making sure the production goes as smoothly as possible. Because it's a touring production and it has a certain time limit, that means that I, as the Associate Director, take care of the show when the Director is off. So I'm responsible for how the show goes on, to make sure that it's still a continuous production as it was on the opening night. It's quite different to being an Assistant Director. An Assistant Director is you're still supporting the logistics and the running of the show, but you don't have the responsibility of taking care of a show.
Interviewer: So how did you get into the role of being an Associate Director?
Steven: So I started off as being an Actor, and soon I realised that wasn't my passion and I wanted to do more sort of directing stuff, and when I was younger I would get my mates to be in my own little plays and I'd direct them and it would be after school directing our own little shows, and that gave me a little insight of how I can work as a Director and I was constantly pulling those muscles and seeing how they could be improved. Then I went to drama school which is like university but not university. So there's more specialised, more rounded training.
Interviewer: Is there any sort of advice that you'd want to give other people who may want to get into the acting industry or be an Associate Director as well? Anything of that sort as well?
Steven: I think the only advice is that anyone can do it. Anyone can be a Director and we're sort of Directors already organically.
Find opportunities to help you get into directing here.
Published: 27 March 2020
Photo: Alex Brenner
According to the Federation of Drama Schools, drama schools operate as non-profit organisations, which is why audition fees exist despite students paying to attend drama school each year, as this money goes towards the running of the school i.e. keeping the building safe and equipped with all the necessities, and paying teachers etc.
But we’re not here to talk about audition costs, we’re here to tell you about which drama schools offer free auditions.
As a way of making drama school more accessible for everyone, a large number of drama schools across the country have put a stop to audition fees and now offer auditions at no cost.
The following colleges are included in the Conservatoires for Dance and Drama (colleges for the study of classical music or other arts) and their key aim is “to increase and secure access to training for the most talented students regardless of their background.” They provide an audition and interview waiver scheme that was designed to ensure that financial barriers do not limit the ability of talented students applying to their schools.
Other drama schools who have abolished or reduced audition fees include…
Fourth Monkey made the decision to abolish audition fees in September 2019. This applies to all audition dates for 2020 intake across both courses offered by the school, consisting of their BA (Hons) Acting Two Year Accelerated Degree and the Year of the Monkey one year intensive training programme.
See all Fourth Monkey courses here.
Sarah Frankcom recently became the new Director of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and her first act as Director was to create a new audition process and audition fee structure, which saw the cost of first round auditions slashed for all applicants by 75%.
RCSSD offers free auditions for a large number of applicants. Applicants must meet the criteria to be eligible for a free audition. See if you meet the criteria here.
See all Central School courses here.
Rose Bruford doesn’t charge audition fees if your household income is under £25,000 per year, you are a recipient of benefits including disability benefits, you have care responsibilities or you can offer evidence of financial hardship. There are a number of other requirements that would make you eligible for a free audition which you can find here.
See all courses at Rose Bruford here.
RWCMD offers audition fee waivers for applicants from low-income backgrounds. However, they are not able to refund accommodation or travel costs. Applicants for an audition fee waiver must be a current UK resident and meet one or more of the criteria which you can find here.
See all courses at RWCMD here.
If you apply via the UCAS Conservatoires application there is a fee of £25, whereas the usual audition administration fee is £55 per course. Audition fee waivers are also available and offered to applicants who may face financial hardship. See if you meet the criteria here.
See all courses at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland here.
RADA has an application process for those from low-income households to apply for a free audition. Applicants must complete an application form specifying they are applying for a free audition.
Audition fees stand at £45, however Mountview offers a number of free auditions for students unable to afford the cost. Also, if you live in Southwark you are eligible to apply for one free audition for one of the Foundation, BA or MA Performance courses. See all information here.
See all Mountview courses here.
The audition fee for ArtsEd is £45, however there is an Audition Fee Waiver Scheme in place as a means of encouraging applications from talented applicants who face financial barriers. Find out more about this here.
Guildhall is the latest performing arts school to slash their audition fees. They have reduced the audition fees for their acting courses by almost 50% in a move aimed at levelling the playing field for aspiring Performers and boosting diversity. They also offers fee waivers through a Supported Application Scheme.
See all courses at Guildhall here.
Not only do The MTA offer free auditions but they only audition 15 people each day providing every individual with written feedback and a same day decision which will save them on the costs to return for a recall.
https://www.federationofdramaschools.co.uk/articles/why-do-we-charge-audition-fees
http://www.cdd.ac.uk/students/how-to-apply/audition-and-interview-fee-waiver-scheme/
https://www.oxforddrama.ac.uk/funding-and-fees
https://www.rcs.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/dramaanddance/
http://resources.rwcmd.ac.uk/pdf/RWCMD-Audition-Fee-Waivers.pdf
https://ww2.lamda.ac.uk/all-courses/fund-your-training/fee-waivers-and-travel-bursaries
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/freeauditions
https://www.bruford.ac.uk/study/starting-here/interview-auditions/
https://www.mountview.org.uk/courses/auditions-and-interviews/
https://artsed.co.uk/courses/auditions/
Published: 17 February 2020
Photo: Shutterstock
Scotland has a thriving theatre scene that is recognised internationally. It is completely possible to live in Scotland and work within its amazing theatre industry. This blog highlights where you can find out more about Scottish Theatre.
What are producing theatres? Producing theatres are theatres that choose their own programme of productions (often referred to as a ‘season’) and create their productions as opposed to smaller theatres who host touring productions or upcoming productions for a short period of time. Their main focus is to present their own productions, however, they can co-produce with other theatres and companies to present work to add to or complete their season.
Below are a number of well-known producing theatres in Scotland.
Scotland’s New Writing Theatre.
Artistic Director David Greig, one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary Playwrights.
Currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment and putting work on at the Tramway in Glasgow in the meantime.
Mid-scale theatre in the centre of Glasgow. The current Artistic Director Andy Arnold also founded The Arches, Glasgow’s legendary contemporary performance space which unfortunately closed in 2015.
The last remaining repertory company in Scotland meaning they focus on one repertoire of performances e.g. opera. They have a mixture of permanently employed and shorter-term Actors.
A major venue in the Highlands of Scotland, producing a summer season of 6 plays offered in daily rotation.
Established in 2007 and has a unique structure, being ‘without theatre walls’, dedicated to making work in partnership across Scotland.
Receiving theatres or 'houses' host visiting companies who's productions have been developed elsewhere and are touring around a number of venues
Below are some well-known receiving houses in Scotland
One of Scotland's most historic and significant theatre's, it presents first class shows from a wide range of genres and provides Glasgow's flourishing amateur groups with a high-profile stage.
Presents quality drama, dance, comedy and musicals and is home to residents Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.
Find out what opportunities are available at King's Theatre and Theatre Royal here.
Open since 1976, this is a large theatre, cinema and arts venue.
This is a performing arts venue used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events and touring groups. It also has a capacity of 1,915.
This is one of Scotland's most historical and important theatres having been active since 1906.
This theatre is a 'learning theatre'. Those who study at the nearby University of the West of Scotland have direct access to the resource of the Gaiety Theatre to assist with their studies.
This is a multi-arts venue locations on the main campus of the University of Stirling, Scotland. They offer a varied programme of events and experiences including cinema, comedy, dance, exhibitions, music, opera and theatre
The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
This is a mid-scale performing arts venue and it part of a wider complex, incorporating council offices. As a whole this is called Brunton Memorial Hall.
Established producing theatre buildings will have permanent production staff of Carpenters, Costume Makers, Technicians and Stage Managers and hire freelance stage and Lighting Designers for each production if needed. See what Carpenters, Costume Makers, Sound Technicians, Lighting Technicians and Stage Managers do here.
Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in the theatre industry’ here.
Producing theatres will have a team who manage the building, and a team to market and promote the theatres upcoming season (upcoming shows) to the public. See what a Theatre Marketer does here.
They will also have a team of community and education staff who work with communities and in schools and colleges to encourage people to attend the theatre through different stages of education and participatory projects. See what a Theatre Education Manager does.
Small producing theatres have very small production teams, some not at all and hire freelance staff when needed. These theatres sometimes hire large producing theatres to design and create their sets and costumes. Alternatively they can hire an external company to create their sets and costumes.
Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in the theatre industry’ here.
These smaller theatres usually consist of less than 5 employees including an Artistic Director, Producer or General Manager and possibly some administrative support. They don’t have permanent production/technical staff or Actors.
Village halls also accommodate a small audience run by volunteers who want to bring theatre to their village. Despite being small, shows at these venues are produced to a high quality and can go on to do a touring circuit. In the Highlands and Islands there are at least 90 village halls of this size.
Scotland has a world-renowned children’s theatre sector which includes a national organisation called Imaginate. Imaginate is dedicated to promoting and supporting theatre and dance for children and young people, including the annual Edinburgh International Children's Festival.
There is an organisation in Scotland dedicated to supporting playwrights called Playwrights’ Studio Scotland.
This is the nation’s only arts organisation exclusively dedicated to the long-term support, development and promotion of Scotland’s Playwrights. They work actively with Playwrights, connecting them with audiences and organisations, for the enrichment and enjoyment of the people of Scotland and beyond.
The Traverse Theatre is Scotland’s new writing theatre. They work with the newest and rawest talent - with an emphasis on those based in Scotland - working on it to become the art, artists and performances that can be seen on stages through a variety of creative learning and literary programmes.
There are a variety of theatre companies who produce work made by Artists with disabilities. These include:
Take our quiz and find opportunities in the Scotland area here.
All the above information was given to us by the Federation of Scottish Theatre. They are the membership and development body for Scotland and look to promote all things Scottish Theatre so it's a good idea to check them out too.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 23 December 2019
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
Where do you start when you are looking for a career in the theatre industry? It’s challenging getting a job in any industry and the competitive nature of the theatre industry is often seen as a barrier. If you follow our top 10 tips, you will definitely be in a better position to not only get a job in the theatre industry but also be a success in your chosen field.
Having goals is something that will help you in the long run as it will give you something to work towards. But don’t forget, the journey to any career is never a straight, easy path - especially in theatre. There will be things that take you in all different directions and this is normal. As long as you don’t lose sight of what you want to gain and what you want your end goal to be, you will find the right career in theatre for you.
Not everyone wants to study and that’s fine because that’s not the only way to begin your theatre career or be successful within the theatre industry. There are so many ways to do this so you must do your research to find out what these ways are. We’ve made it easy for you because we’ve put all this information in one place. It’s good to have a rough idea of what job role you would like to pursue within the theatre industry. If you’re not sure what job in theatre you are best suited to, don’t worry. Our handy blogs describing different jobs within theatre will help give you an insight to the many different roles available and what you need to do to get there.
Take a look at our job descriptions here.
It will benefit you so much to have as much experience within your chosen area of theatre as possible, especially if you don’t want to study. If you don’t have a formal qualification (for example, a degree), having experience is what is going to make you stand out to potential employers when applying for jobs. Experience comes in many different forms but the three main forms are work experience, apprenticeships and internships. You can find information about all three of these experience opportunities here.
This is always a good suggestion because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to go to the theatre? Not only that but seeing a variety of different theatre shows will help you if you’re interested in a particular area of theatre e.g. if you’re interested in lighting you can take notes of lighting designs which peak your interest or are particularly inventive. Some theatre tickets can be a little expensive but don’t worry we’ve got that covered too. You can find a number of different ticket schemes where you can get discounted theatre tickets right here.
This is the 21st century and almost everything is on social media. Try and be as active as you can without becoming anti-social. It’s a great tool to keep up-to-date with industry news, shows and upcoming theatremakers. It may sound obvious but never post any offensive or discriminating posts on any of your social media channels. Some employers like to view their employees social media pages and you don’t want something inappropriate to pop up that you wrote 10 years ago!
This can be daunting but once you get into the flow of it, it can be really fun and so invaluable to you in the future. You should network every chance you get and this doesn’t always have to be at a networking event; it may be a fellow Performer you met at an audition or your best friends cousin who is the Head of Lighting behind Wicked the musical. There are also loads of networking events available for young theatremakers which you can find here.
It may be difficult at times to remain positive when starting out in a new career in theatre but it is really important to approach everything with positivity, especially when you’re going for interviews/auditions. If you’re an Actor auditioning can be constant throughout your career and you must always go into your auditions thinking that anything is possible. This is the same with any interviews for offstage roles too. If you go in with a negative attitude it will only go downhill from there.
When you’re new in the industry (even when you are more established) you’re likely to make mistakes. Of course you are, you’re only human and this is totally natural. Accept you have made a mistake but always make sure you have learnt from the experience and then move on to the next thing. There is no need to lose sleep over a little mistake because this may affect your ability to complete other tasks and could lead you to make more mistakes. Accept it, learn from it and move on to the next thing.
When you’re at the very beginning of your career in theatre, it’s wise to be realistic about what you want to achieve as well as what you are able to achieve. If you begin with an unrealistic goal it is unlikely you will get there at the beginning of your career and this can knock your confidence. Remember, every little step counts and these things take time.
Fringe Theatres and Festivals are a popular way to get a new piece of theatre noticed and produced. It can also be a great way to kick start your theatre career. Fringe venues are all over the country and features every type of theatre you can imagine. Most shows are brand new that no one has ever seen before. One of the more well-known fringe festivals is Edinburgh Fringe. The TV show Fleabag started as a one woman show at the Festival. It was later adapted into an internationally famous award-winning TV show that we all know. Fringe theatre is a great opportunity to learn, get tips and ideas on theatre, performance, comedy and more, the sky's the limit. Remember to always make sure you are paid fairly when working on the fringe.
https://www.ypia.co.uk/posts/10-tips-for-getting-into-theatre
https://targetcareers.co.uk/career-sectors/arts-and-creative/1015387-careers-in-theatre
There are many different types of disabilities people can have or identify as having. One of these disabilities are learning disabilities which again can mean a number of different things.
A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime. This can affect the way a person understands information and how they communicate. Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability and it’s thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability and this figure is increasing.
If you’d like to learn more about learning disabilities please see the NHS website for more information.
We interviewed Dominick Rutter from Bradford who is a training Actor and happens to have a learning disability. He is currently training in the Performance Academy at leading learning disability theatre company Mind the Gap. Dominick answered a few questions for us about his journey pursuing a career within the theatre industry with a learning disability.
My biggest inspiration is Lee Evans, so I’ve always wanted to get into comedy. I don’t think I’d be very confident as a solo Comedian but I would love to be a part of an ensemble in a TV show like Phoenix Nights or Men Behaving Badly. Training on Mind the Gap’s Performance Academy course is helping me develop my skills in acting as part of a group.
I don’t know why they would as they wouldn’t know what I was capable of without meeting me. For me, everyone is equal, whether they have a disability or not and should be treated the same way. It’s not something I worry about to be honest.
FACT: All employers must follow the Equal Opportunities Policy in any industry. The Equal Opportunities Policy (EOP) are guidelines put in place to ensure an organisation commits to fairness amongst applicants for new jobs and existing staff members. Basically, if you apply for a job, the employer cannot discriminate against you for any reason and you will be treated equally like everyone else.
I think it’s a difficult industry for anybody to get into really, but you need to be confident and keep trying, whatever your situation is.
I want to make something of my life. I want to do something that I’ve never done before and I like to challenge myself. The world of theatre and TV seems to be opening up for people with learning disabilities at the moment so it’s an exciting time; I want to be part of that. I’m inspired by people such as Liam Bairstow on Coronation Street and Lost Voice Guy, their success motivates me.
[Laughs] I don’t think so. If Gok Wan applied for a job in a costume department, I don’t think anyone would question his skills. If you want to work in a certain area in theatre, it shouldn’t matter who you are.
FACT: Job roles within the theatre industry are becoming more ‘gender neutral’ as one role is not deemed more for a woman and another more for a man. Women and men can pursue any role within the theatre industry as long as they are the right person for the role.
Not at all! Nothing stops me from doing what I want to do. I don’t feel like I’ve faced barriers in my life because of my disability and I’m determined to achieve what I want out of life.
Go for it, you just need to apply, what have you got to lose? You’ve only got one life and you’ve got to do what you want to do. If people think you can’t work in theatre, prove them wrong!
I hope so. When I was looking for a course in acting for people with learning disabilities, I was lucky enough to live in Bradford and have heard of Mind the Gap. Hopefully Get Into Theatre will be useful for people all over the country to find courses that are right for them.
Take a look at our opportunities that are suitable for those with learning disabilities.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/
http://www.mind-the-gap.org.uk/
Photo: Mind The Gap
Published: 14 November 2019
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
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
