A theatre Producer oversees all aspects of a theatre production from start to finish. They could decide to produce a particular play they are interested in, or be approached by a Playwright and/or Director. They are involved in the hands-on, daily management of a specific production and have a multifaceted role in bringing them to life. They could also be based in a theatre or with a company to produce their work.
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Producer, however a degree in a media or drama related subject could increase your understanding of creating shows. It’s essential to have a creative portfolio of any previous experience you have and build your network of contacts.
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You will need a detailed understanding of the management and technical process involved in theatre production. Other related skills you should have are:
Find opportunities to help you get into producing here
Some Producers begin with an apprenticeship as a starting point to learn new skills and gain experience. You can gain a position within a company and gain skills in different departments such as part of the production team before working your way to a Producer position. People often start initially as an Assistant Producer within a company before then perhaps building their skillset and starting up their own production company. There are funding and training opportunities in Producing, especially as your portfolio grows. You can search for these here.
A Producer based in a venue or company can earn a full time salary. They are usually part of the mid to senior team, so salary is reflective of this. As a freelancer, you can set your own rate based on your experience and the scale of the show and/or tour. ITC/Bectu rates for a freelance producer for 2024 suggest a day rate of £173.
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/features/2015/want-next-cameron-mackintosh/
https://www.barbican.org.uk/read-watch-listen/ask-a-theatre-producer
https://www.rsc.org.uk/blogs/whispers-from-the-wings/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-producer-actually-do-hannah-elsy/
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/discover/the-hub/insights/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do/
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PRODUCER-Job-Description-
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A Production Manager works with the management team, technical crew and designers (such as the Set Designer) to make sure the technical elements of a show are completed safely, on time and on budget. Production Managers work on a variety of different shows for a theatre season.
Although similar, there is a difference between a Production Manager and a Stage Manager. A Stage Manager liaises with different departments throughout the day and makes sure everything is running smoothly, whereas a Production Manager liaises with different departments to ensure decisions being made are within budgets and everything is working safely.
The responsibilities of a Production Manager can vary and they can begin from the audition process and rehearsals of a production, through to the first night of performances and to when the show has finished its run. These responsibilities can include:
Normally, a Production Manager will have a good knowledge of technical theatre. It is not usually a requirement that you have a formal qualification in technical theatre, but you may wish to develop your knowledge through:
Any experience in production is a great way to learn new skills and improve on the ones you already have. Look at the production management training opportunities available from across the theatre industry here.
You need to have the right personality for this type of work as you’re dealing with a number of different departments and people. Such as:
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Most Production Managers will have worked in one or more relevant roles. Any experience of organising events or assisting an organisation with an event is helpful. This includes any sort of experience helping backstage at a local theatre. Production Managers could have started in a lower position such as a member of the Backstage Crew and worked their way up. Many Production Managers work on a handful of shows at the same time, slotting in production weeks throughout the year.
A Production Manager fee can vary depending on the scale of the show. They will be expected to be paid higher rate to a Stage Manager, although they will not work on a show for as long as a Stage Manager. See 'What does a Stage Manager do?' for their Equity pay rates. Some venues and theatre companies who regularly produce their own work will have their own in-house Production Manager, who will have a mid-level and regular salary.
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://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-theatre-production-manager-do
https://www.mgcfutures.com/production-manager/
https://www.travellinglighttheatre.org.uk/images/uploads/_global/documents/PM_Application_Pack.pdf
https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/job/production-manager/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
Prop Makers are responsible for making all the props used in a show and ensuring they suit the design of the production. These can range from crockery to weapons and even bigger set pieces. Prop Makers work with a range of different materials including metal, latex, fibreglass, wood and textiles. They work with the production team to ensure the props they are making look authentic and match the era of the production, i.e. Shakespearean, Victorian, Ancient Greece etc. A Prop Maker may also work in the stage management department.
Although you do not need a formal qualification to be a Prop Maker you can learn new skills while studying towards a career in prop making. You can gain qualifications in one of these areas such as:
Find training opportunities in prop making to help you get into theatre here
Prop Makers use a range of different skills to create props, these include the following:
Related skills can include:
Always keep a portfolio of your work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio' for some tips.
You would typically start as a Props Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager or Technician. During this time you will gain new skills and experience and work your way up within the department. It's always a good idea to get as much experience as you can.
Many Prop Makers work freelance and they can charge an hourly rate or a day rate, depending their reputation and the estimate work it may take to complete a prop. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for tips.
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.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/props
https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/831/97
https://www.inputyouth.co.uk/jobguides/job-propmaker.html
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/prop-maker/united-kingdom/london
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Work experience is a short term placement in an organisation which gives you a feel for the role. It also helps you see what a day in the life looks like for someone who has that particular job. As part of your work experience you’ll likely carry out only a few important tasks, and will mainly complete other tasks such as assisting, making tea and coffee and photocopying etc. It will give you a chance to observe and see what you could be doing in the future.
Some work experience placements are paid and some are not. It is up to the organisation and depends on what tasks they will get you to do. Generally, work experience is usually unpaid because it’s over a short period of time, however your travel and/or lunch costs will often be covered or reimbursed.
Find work experience opportunities here.
Nothing impresses an employer more than seeing that you’ve gone out of your way (especially during your free time) to gain work experience and improve on your skills. This shows enthusiasm and dedication to your future career. There are many benefits of work experience such as:
For more info about work experience in the creative industries, you can also take a look at our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?'
Work experience 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.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
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
A Costume Maker creates the costumes based on the designs and drawings created by the Costume Designer and works under their direction. The Costume Maker will create patterns for the costumes, cutting and sewing them to actually construct the costume.
Find costume making opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Costume Maker. However, having a qualification could help to develop your understanding of theatre and costume design, as well as developing your making skills:
Find training opportunities in costume making to help you get into theatre here
Some people begin by working in wardrobe departments in theatres, progressing through to a Costume Assistant. Skills are developed on-the-job while gaining useful industry contacts which are vital for securing future work. Training could increase your skills-base and employability.
There aren’t any set guidelines as the role of a Costume Maker can vary depending on the scale of the production as well as your personal experience. You may wish to set your own rates based on how long a costume may take and the level of work involved.
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.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/costume
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/costume-maker/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/aug/05/working-life-theatre-costume-maker
Updated: 9th June 2024
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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Search all theatre opportunities here
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
