Performing arts

Performing arts degrees combine creative talent with practical aspects of self-promotion and arts management. This mix of disciplines is good preparation for entering the world of performance

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Actor
• Broadcast presenter
• Community arts worker
• Choreographer
• Dancer
• Dramatherapist
• Music producer
• Music therapist
• Theatre director
• Theatre stage manager

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Arts administrator
• Charity fundraiser
• Film director
• Higher education lecturer
• Museum education officer
• Secondary school teacher
• Special effects technician
• Talent agent
• Theatre manager
• Writer

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Your degree will contain a lot of practical work, projects and performances but it is still good to supplement this with additional work experience outside of your degree.

Try to tailor your activities to suit your career aspirations. For example, if you would like to become an actor you could join amateur dramatic groups, find work as an entertainer at theme parks or holiday camps or sign up to an agency to gain work as an extra in television or film.

If you would like to work within theatre you could join a youth theatre or student drama society. You can also look for a part-time job within a theatre to give you an insight into how it is structured and managed. There are many roles you could consider ranging from front of house to stage crew or wardrobe.

Networking is important in the performing arts industry so keep a list of any contacts you make and stay in touch so you can remain up to date on any potential opportunities.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

If you want to work as an actor or within the performing arts, employers can include:

• theatres - including producing and receiving theatres, youth and community theatres
• film, television and radio companies
• marketing companies - for promotional videos
• museums, heritage organisations, tour companies and theme park - for role-playing and bringing to life certain attractions.

You can also find employment with a range of other employers who will value your skills. These include:

• local government
• arts organisations
• education institutions
• the National Health Service (NHS)
• leisure companies
• voluntary organisations.

Short-term or freelance contracts, moving between different fields, generating opportunities through networking, attending auditions, collaborating with other artists and putting on your own shows are all part of a performer's lifestyle.

Performing arts is about how you present yourself. It's important to network at every opportunity and keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. There may be an opportunity for employment in the most unusual places, and by keeping open-minded you will be able to make the most of your individual talents.

Find information on employers in creative arts and design, teaching and education, and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

The skills you gain while studying a performing arts degree set you up for working in acting or performance but they can also be applied in many careers. Skills include:

• confidence
• self-presentation
• teamwork and collaboration
• time management and organisational skills
• self-awareness
• self-discipline
• an open mind and the ability to move beyond boundaries and experiment with different ideas
• communication skills
• analytical, critical and research skills
• the ability to cope with criticism and learn from it
• stamina.

Further study

You may want to specialise further, learn additional performance skills or do academic research into an aspect of your subject that interests you. Alternatively, you may choose to take a vocational course, which will open alternative areas of employment, such as a qualification in arts administration or teaching.

Continuing your education while taking the first steps to becoming established can ease the transition from student to professional performer. It also means that the opportunity to take part in student performances and festivals is still open - many dancers, actors and musicians have started their careers through this route.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in performing arts.

What do performing arts graduates do?

A fifth (20%) of performing arts graduates are working as actors, entertainers and presenters (9%), arts officers, producers and directors (4%), photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators (4%) or dancers and choreographers (3%) 15 months after graduation.

For a detailed breakdown of what performing arts graduates are doing after graduation, see What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.