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.
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This can be in the form of a sketchbook, something that contains all your research, rough sketches and notes that got you to the final design.
If your set model is large, then take photographs of this to include in your portfolio. However, if there are small pieces that you can fit in your portfolio such as textiles and textures then you can include these.
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Choose good quality images in colour. Include photographs of the set under the stage lights as well as without lighting. Any images of the Actors using the set is also really useful to include in your portfolio.
Have these printed out. If there is a particular section that mentions your work or your name, then highlight this so it stands out.
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Photo: Royal Opera House
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
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.
If you'd like to find some ways to develop your craft, look through our opportunities here.
This can be in form of a sketchbook, something that contains all your research, rough sketches and textiles that got you to the finalised product.
If you want to include a particular costume that is light and small enough to carry, then you can include this as part of your portfolio. However, if something is quite large then include photographs and small cuttings of fabric that you used for it.
Choose good quality images in colour. Include photographs of the costumes under the stage lights with the actors in character as well as some close-up images of finer details.
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.
Search opportunities here and Find jobs with The Stage Jobs here.
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 04 March 2019
Rejection is something that most people working in theatre will regularly experience. Whether you are trying to get into drama school, having an audition or interview, getting an agent or just trying to get seen by the right people, you will experience rejection throughout your career. So, how do you deal with it?
Use your rejection as experience. Take on board any comments you may have received and use them to improve yourself for the next opportunity. Go for every experience that comes your way – especially when it comes to auditions or interviews, the more you do, the more you will feel comfortable with the experience. Those who you may look up to in the industry went through a lot of rejection before they got to where they are now.
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Sometimes you may be rejected for something that is outside of your control. It’s not a reflection on your talent, but could be something such as your height which you can’t change. Focus on your strengths and remind yourself of what you are good at and where your skills lie, don’t let the rejection put you off for the next time you have an audition or interview.
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A rejection may not be a completely shut door. You may not have been the right fit for that role or job in that circumstance, but the interviewer may think of you in the future for something else. Each interview or audition is an opportunity to network and meet new people who you may work with further down the line.
Remind yourself of the saying ‘when one door closes another door opens’. A rejection doesn’t have to be the end of the world and another opportunity could present itself that is better and more suited to you. Try not to weigh all your hope on one opportunity, as this puts a lot of pressure on you and this may result in you not performing your best during the interview/audition. Take a look at our blog on How to tackle nerves and anxiety for further advice on this.
If you do find yourself upset at a rejection you have received, then allow yourself that time to feel upset about it and then work out a plan on how you will move forward from it. Give yourself a day to go through those emotions and then think about your next steps; how will you grow and learn from this experience?
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https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2016/ul-clayton-how-should-actors-cope-with-rejection/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-strong/on-rejection-and-resilien_b_8648058.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzuL4Jsdbdw
Photo: Rose Bruford
Published: 04 March 2019
To work as a freelancer or on a freelance basis means working on a contract basis for a variety of companies rather than being an employee of a single company. Freelancers are often self-employed.
There are many roles in theatre which you may do as a freelancer rather than on a permanent contract. There are lots of benefits that come with being a freelancer including the flexibility to take on the work that inspires you. Before you set yourself up to work as a freelancer these are the four key things you need to know.
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Think of yourself as a business; the product that you are selling is yourself and your craft. Recognise what your strengths are so you know how to upsell yourself, and also understand where your weaknesses lie so you can work on these.
Having the confidence to approach people and discuss opportunities is important as a freelancer. Have a business card with your contact details and a short description of what you do is a good starting point and gives you a reason to approach somebody.
Networking can be daunting, but remember that people are just people and sometimes just having a short conversation and introducing yourself can make a huge difference. If you watch a piece of theatre that you enjoyed and have the opportunity to see the Director, Producer or Artistic Director afterwards then it’s okay to approach them and compliment them on the show. For example, if you are aspiring to be a Lighting Designer, have in mind a section of the lighting that impressed you and why.
Make sure you are professional and don’t gush too much or overstay your welcome when you start up a conversation. Go over with the intention of just saying a quick comment, if they instigate they'd like to continue the conversation then that’s great, but also don’t be offended if they don’t. Your quick conversation can still have a big impact and lasting impression.
Promote yourself on social media. Use Twitter, Facebook, Tik Tok, LinkedIn and Instagram to follow industry professionals and comment on performances you have seen or workshops you have been to etc. If you have met an industry professional and then follow up later with a quick tweet, this can remind them of who you are and what you do.
Find more theatre careers advice view all of our blogs here
In between work as a freelancer is where self-motivation is required. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and others in the same industry as you can really help. Continue learning and growing with your craft, go to classes or workshops.
When you aren’t working, give yourself a reason to get up out of bed. If you are spending this time adding to your portfolio, practising a song, or sending applications then the idea of doing this from your bed is tempting, however can become a habit which is hard to shift. Set your alarm, get showered and dressed as though you are going to work as this will help shift your mindset into ‘work mode’ and you may feel more productive.
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You will need to register yourself up as self-employed with HMRC in order to pay your taxes. You can do this here. This is compulsory for any freelancer or business. Each year you will submit your earnings to HMRC and they will work out how much tax you owe, or if you need a tax rebate. If you are a PAYE employee then tax will automatically be deducted from your payslip, however when you invoice a company for your time the tax will not be taken into consideration so you need to declare this to pay the right tax. A new website and app has been set up called Sans Drama, this has been created by a Performer and an Accountant to help those working in theatre understand how to file your taxes. Find out more about Sans Drama here.
You can claim for expenses that you have purchased to do with your trade. For example, keep receipts of classes, workshops or any travel you have needed to take in order to complete your job as a freelancer. When you are inputting your taxes into HMRC you can also add in these receipts and claim against your taxes. Some people employ an Accountant to help them input their taxes and expenses into HMRC.
It's ok to have a second job to support yourself, alongside your theatre work. View our 'Misconception Series: If you were good enough you wouldn’t need a day job' blog.
https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
Photo: Arts Educational Schools London
Updated: 12th June 2024
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Here are some companies, charities and websites that offer support around mental health aimed at those working in the theatre and performing arts industry.
ArtsMinds is a collaborative initiative from British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), Equity, Spotlight and The Stage to bring together into one place a raft of resources for Performers and creative practitioners facing mental health issues.
https://wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
Wellbeing in the Arts is an organisation that provides resources such as counselling and coaching for individuals as well as services for employers and businesses including workshops, talks, seminars, events, and mental health first aid training.
Be Extra is a resource hub of intersting, fun and easy-to-digest digital resources to help support the mental health and wellbeing of creative minds.
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
Industry Minds was founded in 2018 by Actors Scarlett Maltman and Cathy Read with a goal to better mental health support to those in the creative arts industry. This organistaion offers free one-to-one counselling sessions who need it in the industry.
https://applauseforthought.co.uk
Applause for thought offers one-to-one support, talks, workshops and accredited mental health training courses with the aim to empower individuals and organisations within the industry and equip them with the knowledge and tools surrounding mental health.
Most jobs in theatre are on a freelance basis and you will be contracted for a specific job. There may be times in between contracts, when you want to get another job to earn while you are applying/waiting for the next theatre job to come through. This is perfectly normal and a part of the vast majority of theatre professionals’ careers.
Whatever job you go for, be honest from the beginning about your situation, employers will appreciate that and can also support you. It’s difficult to be in a situation where you are having to lie or keep things quiet to your place of work in order to pursue your theatre career.
Leading workshops and sharing your experience/skills is a good way to earn some extra money and can pay well for your time too (eg. £80 - £150 for a two-hour workshop). Contact local schools, universities, drama schools, drama clubs etc and offer your services. If you are planning on approaching a school, take a look at their curriculum and, if you see that you can create a workshop based off something they are currently learning, then this is a good starting place. Universities sometimes hold workshops/panel discussions for third year students who want to know what it’s like working in the industry and you can offer your first-hand experience. Once you secure and deliver a workshop or masterclass, be sure to ask for some written feedback –this is a great way to book the next workshop as you build up your reputation. This line of work would also be on a freelance basis and may not be very regular.
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Picking up a regular teaching job is another great way to earn and also continue within your field of work. Teaching a weekly class gives you security of regular pay, however this often means that you will need to commit to at least a term at a time, if not longer. You might also be required to have a DBS certificate which allows you to work with children.
Working for companies such as restaurants, bars or gyms that offer shift work can be useful for in-between theatre jobs, as you have guaranteed regular work as well as the opportunity for over-time. You could potentially swap shifts with co-workers if you need a day off for an interview/audition. Many companies enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role, especially if it is customer facing.
Find more theatre careers advice here
There are a few temping agencies where you can join who will help find you work. This is on a temporary basis, being placed in a company to deliver certain tasks for a short period of time (eg. one week) to help them out. These can be well paid between £10 - £15 per hour and you don’t have to commit for a long period of time.
Call-centres often have a very large team of employees. This means that if you do need to have a day off for an interview or audition this won’t have a huge impact on the company and they can often be flexible with you. Many of these companies also enjoy employing those who work in the theatre industry due to the natural confidence and persona you can bring to the role.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
There are other companies who like to hire those in the theatre industry and offer flexible work and support your career in the theatre industry. These companies advertise their vacancies on Facebook in groups such as The Hustle, British Actors Network, Actors UK and Bossy. These Facebook groups also provide a network with other industry professionals and emerging companies often put calls out for theatre jobs.
Photo: Shutterstock
Published: 04 March 2019
Drama schools offer a variety of offstage training opportunities for people of all abilities, including theatre design, stage management and theatre directing. Following these easy steps will ensure you are as prepared as you can be to get into the drama school of your choice.
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Find more theatre careers advice here
The best way to have confidence on the day is to make sure that you are well prepared. Know what is in your control on the day and what is not. You want to be able to walk away from your interview and know that you have done everything you can in your power to be the best you can be. The best way to do this is think about the things you can control:
If you have all of these factors in control then you can relax a bit more on the day and concentrate on being yourself, having a big smile and being friendly.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.coursflorent.education/news/how-to-get-into-drama-school
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/a-beginners-guide-to-applying-for-drama-school/
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 04 March 2019
Getting into drama school is nerve-wracking enough as it is, especially when you're not sure how to go about it. Follow our simple steps to help understand what to look for when applying and what do for your drama school audition.
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Find more theatre careers advice here
The best way to have confidence on the day is to make sure that you are well prepared, know what is in your control on the day and what is not. You want to be able to walk away from your audition or interview and know that you have done everything you can in your power to show the best you that you can be. The best way to do this is think about the things you can control:
If you have all of these factors under control then you can relax a bit more on the day and concentrate on being yourself, having a big smile and being friendly. If you are busy worrying about whether you have forgotten a line then this can block your personality from shining through and this is the most important part of any audition.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
https://www.coursflorent.education/news/how-to-get-into-drama-school
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/how-to-nail-your-drama-school-audition/
https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2017/a-beginners-guide-to-applying-for-drama-school/
Photo: Les Parkinson
Published: 04 March 2019
There are many roles in theatre where you can use your maths and/or science skills in your career.
Many of the roles within the administration teams require a certain level of maths skill – especially within the finance department. Some examples include:
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Maths is often used within the customer services team too, especially with the handling of products and money:
There are also opportunities as a Producer or Artistic Director to use your maths skills, as these roles deal with tight budgets and fundraising.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Science:
There are roles in theatre that use science skills especially within the creative and production teams. These include:
The study of light and sound is often taught in science subjects and can be a useful skill in these listed roles.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 04 March 2019
