An Access Officer leads the planning of a theatre’s production programme for accessible performances. They ensure the building is accessible for Actors and audience members. An Access Officer will make sure that a person can enter and exit the venue with ease, e.g. a wheelchair user. A “relaxed performance” may occasionally be offered, during which typical theatre protocols are relaxed and sound levels are lowered. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may need to move around, speak, or enter and exit the auditorium more frequently. There are also occasional performances with BSL Performers ,captions or audio description.
There are no specific qualifications required to become an Access Officer however any formal qualifications in the following subjects might be beneficial:
Search through training opportunities from across the theatre industry to find a relevant qualification to become an Access Officer.
Relevant experience in access and working with groups of people who require additional support is essential for employers as it shows your commitment to this field of work. Work experience, apprenticeships and internships will help you gain experience and new skills which you can transfer into this role.
Wage for an Access Officer can vary and not every venue or company is fortunate to have someone dedicated to Access. Wages can be anywhere between £20k - £31k depending on the employer, your qualifications and experience. It is a rewarding role for both the people you’re supporting and the venue.
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/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-officer
Updated: 6th June 2024
The role of someone in the theatre Administration Team is extremely varied. They help with email and phone correspondence, the development of new projects, make arrangements for tours and events as well as taking on marketing and planning responsibilities.
Although formal qualifications are not often a requirement, you may find it useful to study or train in one of the below subjects:
Search all training opportunities to help you get into theatre here
For a career in theatre administration, experience is essential. You can build your administrative skill set in other industries or do a Business and Admin apprenticeship. Make sure to show your passion for theatre, this will make you stand out to potential employers.
Find out more general careers information about the creative industries here
Administrator wage can vary depending on your skillset and time with an organisation. The salary can range from entry-level to supporting the directors of a venue or organisation.
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/arts-administrator
https://www.artsjobs.org.uk/jobs/16050
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/arts-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/arts-administrator
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 7th June 2024
A Casting Director plays a pivotal role in selecting performers for a production. Their responsibility is crucial to the overall success of the project. Inaccurate casting choices can significantly impact the quality of the production. Therefore, the Casting Director meticulously ensures that each role is filled with the most suitable performer, considering factors such as experience, skill, and suitability for the character. Not every show will have a Casting Director, with much smaller scale shows relying on the Director and Producer to find and secure performers.
Formal qualifications are not required to become a Casting Director, but experience is necessary. Individuals who want to pursue a career as a Casting Director can complete a degree in theatre, film production, acting or business to increase their chances of employment and make contacts in the industry.
Find opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Many Casting Directors begin their careers as Casting Assistants (CSA) to become a Casting Director. Some complete apprenticeships for Casting Agents and Directors or some complete work experience at talent agencies and production companies.
Find an apprenticeship or work experience opportunities here.
A fee for a Casting Director in theatre can vary depending the demands of the production and the Casting Director's contacts in the industry. You will often be freelance and can set your own rates. As an example, in TV and film, Casting Directors can earn around £260 per day/ £1,430 per week.
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.thecdg.co.uk/becoming-a-casting-director/
https://www.mgcfutures.com/casting-director/
https://www.productionbase.co.uk/ratesofpay.aspx
Updated: 5th June 2024
A Musician in theatre is someone who is skilled at playing one or several musical instruments. Musicians can also read, compose, conduct, perform, orchestrate and arrange music in a variety of different styles. Musicians for theatre often work alongside a band or orchestra to provide live music for a production or performance.
Musicians don’t need any formal qualifications, however they would complete years of training in one or several instruments to be suitable for a position within a band or orchestra. You could train in:
Some Musicians become Actor Musicians
You can study music through school or by taking graded exams, both of which provide valuable skills for aspiring musicians.
Find training opportunities in music to help you get into theatre here
Musicians can often work on a freelance basis and this requires you to keep a record of your previous work, on platforms like SoundCloud, to show to future employers. You must be able to promote yourself to potential employers, social media can be a good way to do this. Read our blog ‘How to be a freelancer in theatre’ for some tips on this. A show can involve anything from 1 to 25 musicians.
The average salary for a musician can vary depending on experience and ability. 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. Within concerts, an Accompanist should expect £38-£70 per rehearsal and £100-£230 per concert.
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://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-musician
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/classical-musician
https://www.yellowbrick.co/blog/music/10-steps-to-becoming-a-musician/
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/musician
Photo: Shutterstock
Update: 4th June 2024
The Deputy Stage Manager often referred to as ‘DSM’ is required to follow the script and write all technical cues in it - ensuring that all crew members perform the correct effects at the correct time. They call “go” to cue lighting, sound, special effects and scene changes. This ensures that the show runs smoothly and according to the predetermined cues and timing. This is called “calling the show”.
Search stage management opportunities here
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a DSM, however any qualifications in the following areas would be beneficial:
Find training opportunities in stage management from across the theatre industry here
Being a DSM is a very crucial role to the success of a production and your involvement is very rewarding. If this is a career you’d like to pursue, begin by applying for entry level positions, work as an apprentice or volunteer and shadow a DSM. This will help you to gain skills and work your way up from there. You can also apply for entry level roles in other positions such as Backstage Crew, casual Technicians or Assistant Stage Manager, although you will need some training or experience before doing these.
Equity 2024/2025 rates for a DSM are £551.31-£556.97 per week.
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.equity.org.uk/news/2023/new-agreement-for-subsidised-theatre
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
https://britishyouthmusictheatre.org/take-part/trainee-schemes/deputy-stage-manager#
https://penguinclub.org.uk/roles/deputy-stage-manager
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
The Company Manager works on a variety of different jobs within the theatre. They work closely with all levels of cast and production staff. They act as a link between the Theatre Manager, the production company and the rest of the company.
You don’t need any formal qualifications, however there are a number of qualifications you can get in different areas which may help you gain skills for the position:
Find training opportunities to help you get into theatre here
There are a number of different ways you can become a Company Manager. You can begin as part of the admin team, assist the Company Manager and then work your way up. You can even start as Front of House or an Usher and learn on the job about communicating between departments.
A general rate of pay is roughly between £25K and £40K.
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://officiallondontheatre.com/news/a-life-in-the-theatre-company-manager-344221/
https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/company-manager-theater
Updated: 6th June 2024
The visual and performing arts are one of nine sectors within the creative industries. The below links are great places to look for more general careers info for all the creative industries and not just theatre.
Search all theatre opportunities here
DISCOVER! Creative Careers brings together careers information and opportunities from creative organisations in one explorable directory.
Masterclass offers workshops online and in person for young people, with those well known and working in the industry.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Upstart Projects creates opportunities for young people to develop as the arts professionals of the future. They support young people to lead and manage projects, act as ambassadors, find their voice in the arts and train other people. In short, they offer real experiences which build skills and can lead into arts and media careers.
Find more theatre careers advice here.
A Pattern Cutter creates fabric patterns based on drawings from a Costume Designer, which are then used to make costumes. Patterns can be created by hand or drawn using a computer programme.
Search all theatre opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You do not need any specific qualifications to become a Pattern Cutter and you could choose to train on the job as an Assistant. You can also do a fashion-related course or costume making course, or complete an apprenticeship in a related area. Any related experience you can gain is always helpful, and it helps to keep a portfolio of your work. Read our blog How to make a costume design portfolio here.
Find more theatre careers advice through our blogs here
You can start as a Pattern Cutting Assistant or Sample Machinist with a clothing manufacturer or fashion design company and work your way to Pattern Cutter. Why don't you read our blog 'What Do Theatre Wardrobe Staff Do?' to get a better understanding of the role you can begin your career with.
A starting salary for a Pattern Cutter is roughly £22k per year. You could also be freelance, set your own fee based on the level of work, or work alongside very specific Costume Designers.
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/pattern-cutter
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/pattern-cutter/how-to-become
https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Costume_Cutter_pack_sm.pdf
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/?TabID=1358&id=662
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/National-Theatre/salaries/Cutter
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/New-Vic-Theatre/salaries/Cutter
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 3rd June 2024
The Make-Up Artist will ensure that the Actors and Performers have suitable make-up for a performance. In theatre, they may also be referred to as Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Assistants, Technicians and Supervisors. Depending on the size of the production and the requirements of the show, there may be separate positions for wigs, hair and make-up staff, or they may be combined roles.
Often, academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It’s possible to become a Make-Up Artist without a degree. You can complete traineeships and freelance work within the industry to gain experience. Qualifications such as an apprenticeship in make-up may be useful. Find training and experience opportunities in make-up to help you get into theatre here.
A lot of Make-Up Artists start as Trainees, Apprentices or Assistants, helping with shows and photoshoots for productions and working their way up whilst completing additional technique training. It is common for Make-Up Artists to be freelance so it is essential to be able to promote yourself and your work. Remember to take pictures of your work to build a portfolio. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for more information.
A trainee can earn no less than the national minimum wage or union minimum. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/make-up-artist
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://brushstroke.co.uk/make-up-artist-roles/
https://www.etbu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-10/appendix_m_theatre_handbook.pdf
https://www.hollywoodmirrors.co.uk/blogs/news/makeup-artist-salary-guide
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 6th June 2024
A Voice-Over Artist is someone who uses their voice in radio, television, film, theatre and other presentations. Sometimes they are in a dialogue between characters in a scripted radio play, but often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration. The work of a Voice-over Artist is all unseen and only heard. The different ways you can work as a Voice-Over Artist include:
Voice-Over Artists in theatre are there to entertain their audience or deliver dialogue with nothing but their voice. They must:
You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a Voice-Over Artist. Some form of drama training would be beneficial as you will learn techniques which you can use through your voice instead of your body. Many organisations offer workshops for voice-over training and you can find opportunities from across the theatre industry here.
Most Voice-Over Artists are also Actors and singers as well. When working as a Voice-Over Artist you will mostly be working as a freelancer. Read our blog 'How to be a freelancer in theatre.' It is a good idea to keep a voicereel (exactly the same as a showreel but with your voice-over work). Depending on the different skills you have for this role you can be hired for numerous roles because of your range and skills. You could also try hospital radio and reading to children in schools and hospitals to practise.
Income in voice acting can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific project. View our What does an Actor/Performer do? blog, for more information on performer rates.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/start/career-guides/how-to-become-a-voiceover-artist/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-voice-actor
https://www.filmd.co.uk/articles/becoming-a-voice-over-actor-in-the-uk-tips-to-get-you-started/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voiceover-training-5077/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
