7 skills you need to succeed in performing arts

To carve out a successful career in the performing arts a genuine talent for acting, dance or music is a given but it's rarely enough on its own. Learn more about the skills you'll need to make an impact

The performing arts explained

Performing arts primarily focus on dance, drama, music, opera and theatre. However, they also include less obvious performances such as magic, stand-up comedy and circus arts. This means there’s often overlap with the film and media industries.

The performing arts are different from visual arts, which is all about the creation of static art using materials such as paint, oils and canvas.

Performing arts jobs

Popular jobs in performing arts include:

In addition to typical performance roles, design, production and management also falls under the umbrella of the performing arts industry.

Many universities and conservatoires offer performing arts courses in production lighting, stage and prop design, costume construction and stage management.

For instance, you could choose to work as a:

With the right experience and qualifications, moving into teaching and tutoring is also an option - for instance, by setting up as a private music teacher. You could also find work in health and social care as a dramatherapist or dance movement psychotherapist.

Look for jobs at:

Essential performing arts skills

Talent can only take you so far when attempting to make your name in this industry. As well as having the theoretical knowledge and physical and technical skills needed to succeed in drama, dance or music, you'll also need to possess the right mix of soft skills.

We spoke to Scott Bellamy, deputy director of engagement and enterprise at the Royal Central School for Speech and Drama and Gary Horner, programme leader of the MA Acting course at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts to find out more.

1. Confidence and communication

'Confidence extends into every part of the performing arts,' says Scott. Acting, dancing, playing or singing in front of other people can be an incredibly nerve-racking experience. Stepping onto a stage and performing in front of an audience requires a huge amount of confidence and self-esteem, as you're displaying your talent and inviting judgement.

In these situations, it's natural to feel apprehensive, but as a professional performing artist you need to harness and use these nerves to better your performance.

'Confidence is also needed to experiment with new approaches and techniques, to push yourself, and to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them - as this is how you will grow and develop your craft,' adds Scott.

If your self-confidence needs a bit of a boost, there's plenty you can do. Volunteer to be the spokesperson or leader in group projects at university. Additionally join a club or society, or local groups such as choirs, orchestras, dance or amateur dramatics groups. You could also consider entering local or regional competitions or talent contests to build your confidence.

These experiences can also help you to improve your communication skills, a vital skill in the industry.

'At their core, the performing arts are about storytelling. Good communication skills are needed in order to work collaboratively with the whole production team and convey this story to an audience,' explains Scott. 'They're also an essential skill when working in the industry, helping you to build professional networks and develop relationships with agents, directors, producers, and the wide range of creatives involved in bringing a project to life.'

2. The ability to network and market yourself

Lots of people working in the performing arts are self-employed, and actors, dancers, singers and musicians all need to audition to find work, so it's vital that you're able to sell and market your abilities to potential employers.

'Networking helps you grow and develop your community, it can provide new opportunities for creative collaboration and it can open doors to employment,' advises Scott.

To get your name recognised and to help secure future work, you'll need to employ your networking skills to make as many industry connections as possible. Your success depends on the connections and collaborations you foster throughout your training and career.

You should:

join professional associations (The Actors Centre, The Association of British Orchestras (ABO), One Dance) and attend industry events
sign up for classes, workshops and short courses to meet like-minded people
follow relevant casting directors, dance companies, choreographers, musical directors, orchestras and repertory and commercial theatres on social media.

'During training, we recommend that students build their networks beyond their course to the staff and students across other disciplines as well as the many visiting industry professionals they work alongside. The networks they develop during their training will become their professional networks once they graduate,' says Scott.

Many of the best jobs are attained through connections and knowing the right person at the right time can pay dividends.

3. Resilience, self-discipline and stamina

Due to the competitive and highly skilled nature of the industry, it's likely that those working within performing arts - even those in technical or managerial roles - will experience rejection at some point in their career. Similarly, they'll also receive criticism in some form.

'If you make a mistake or receive difficult feedback, resilience will help you to trust in your abilities, to learn from the experience, and to turn it into an opportunity for growth,' says Scott. You need to be able to use these experiences to hone and develop your craft and bounce back better than before.

This is where self-discipline and stamina come in useful. 'You will need self-discipline to commit to your craft and to practice and develop your skills daily, even when it feels challenging,' says Scott. The work can take its toll both mentally and physically - especially on performers who work additional jobs to pay the bills.

'A passion for the performing arts is often the driving force behind pursuing training. Passion is key, but you will also need self-discipline and resilience if you want to take your passion and turn it into a career,' finishes Scott.

4. An analytical mind and creative problem solving skills

Perhaps not the most obvious skill, but those working in the performing arts need an analytical mind.

'To be an actor you need to be able to analyse scripts and human behaviour, applying strong critical thinking skills and high levels of empathy for understanding the reasons why people make the choices they make,' explains Gary.

While dancers need to be able to break down and analyse choreography, and musicians need to be able to dissect and interpret a piece of music.

You also need to be able to apply these skills to your own work when critically analysing your performances.

This skill can be developed by reviewing university or professional productions, concerts and recitals for academic publications, local media or industry magazines.

5. Versatility

Performers need to adapt and apply their skills and talent to a variety of roles, genres, techniques and styles.

For example, 'actors often need to take on multiple roles across different mediums (theatre, film, voice acting) and styles (Naturalism, Classical work, Period Pieces),' says Gary. 'They therefore need to be able to adapt to the challenges of these mediums and styles with confidence and ease.'

Over the course of a performing arts career it's also rare to stay in one place, with one focus. You need to be versatile as actors become directors, dancers become choreographers, musicians become teachers and performers become lighting designers or prop makers for the stage. It is the nature of the industry to shift and change and that is what is so exciting about it. Be aware of the skills and knowledge you have, but say yes to opportunities to extend and expand them.

Flexibility is essentially about being able to multitask, and working part time during your studies will give you lots of practice as you seek to strike the right balance between your university, work and personal commitments.

Indeed, the majority of those working in performing arts also have portfolio careers, often subsidising their salary by taking a second or third job, typically in teaching, arts administration or other technical roles.

6. Attention to detail

Crucial if you want to build a professional reputation, attention to detail is needed throughout the entire lifecycle of a performance. From the rehearsal room to the stage it ensures an accurate, precise and consistent piece of work.

It allows performers to deliver a more impactful, nuanced performance through meticulous timing, movements and expressions.

Good attention to detail can elevate a 'good' performance to a 'great' one.

7. Curiosity

Not technically a skill but a curious mind and a dedication to learning and developing is essential in this industry.

'A curious performer is always learning - about people, cultures, history and ways of working,' adds Gary. 'As a performer you should be curious about yourself, your approach and what makes you tick.'

Never assume that you know everything there is to know about your craft. Be curious, seek out new avenues that interest you and feed your creatively - this is the key to a long and fruitful career.

Other useful skills for performers

'You will need a collaborative attitude, a willingness to listen to others and an eagerness to embrace new ideas,' stresses Scott. 'These are all key for your creative development. In particular, those who are able to work effectively with others, and who approach their work with curiosity and openness, are often the best suited for the training environment - and these skills are precisely what’s needed when you enter the professional world.'

Gary also highlights the importance of research skills. 'Research helps actors create authentic, believable performances by understanding their characters' backgrounds, time periods, and motivations. It's also crucial for developing accents, movement styles, and psychological depth.

Directors, playwrights, and designers also rely on research to create immersive worlds on stage or screen and an actors' research should build on that of the creative teams to bring to life a fully realised performance.'

The reality of working in performing arts

Performing arts jobs have a glamourous image and while it's true that they're packed with variety and creativity and offer you the chance to indulge a passion while showcasing your talent, they're not without their challenges.

During your early career it can be hard to make your mark on an industry that's widely known to be highly competitive.

Full-time work can also be difficult to find. Job security is often an issue in a sector where temporary contracts are common, as are periods of unemployment. A lot of performers work freelance to pick up jobs when and where they can, so travel is often a feature of a performers career. It's also not unusual for performers to pick up other types of work to supplement their income or to help them make ends meet when out of a job.

Find out more

Search for postgraduate courses in performing arts.
Discover what you can do with a degree in performing arts.
Learn more about creative jobs.