Performing arts

Working in performing arts means doing a job where the end result is entertaining people. That might mean acting, dancing, singing or working behind the scenes.

Opportunities
On the job
Getting in...
Skills
Pay
Industry info
Notts info
Links

MyChoiceNotts

Are you interested in getting a qualification in this area? Look for a course at local sixth forms and FE colleges on My Choice Notts(Nottinghamshire and just over the border). For higher education courses go to UCAS

Vacancies Online

Search for local job vacancies and Apprenticeship opportunities in the sector you're interested in.

Find out more about the Diploma in Creative and Media here.

Many of the jobs in the performing arts sector need creative talent. These jobs also require a lot of hard work and determination to become successful. If you want a job as an actor, musician or dancer because you want to be famous then just remember that only a handful of people actually 'make it' in the industry so be realistic.

As well as the creative jobs where you entertain people during their leisure time, there are the 'behind the scenes' jobs where you don't necessarily need as much creative talent but you might need technical skills. These jobs may include make-up artist, lighting technician, band manager or promoter.

Most of the jobs mean that you'll be working when everyone is playing - so that's evenings and weekends. Some people will also have to travel away from home for long periods of time.

How can you get into this type of work?

Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.

School or college - study for GCSEs, AS / A levels, a diploma, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.

e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.

Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.

Work or work with training

What else can I do?

Get some work experience.
Brush up on some of your skills such as communication, customer care and ICT.
Read about working in the performing arts on Jobs4U or Creative Choices or look for the online EClips job descriptions in your school or nearest Connexions centre.
Talk to your Personal Adviser.

As well as qualifications, employers also look for the skills
people have when they’re applying for jobs. Here are the
skills that most employers are looking for from you:

Creative (depending on job)
Team work
Technical (depending on job)
Communication

Skills

Team working
ICT
Communication and literacy
Self management
Problem solving
Business and customer awareness
Numeracy

It's difficult to give pay rates for people working in the performing arts. Many people work part time or get paid by the performance. People often have to keep a 'day job' until they become famous! Many people don't make it but keep their involvement in performing as a hobby.

Actors in West End production in London theatres earn around £500 a week.

Most dancers are self employed. recommended rates for full time work are £336 a week. Royal Ballet dancers earn £14,000 to £18,000 a week but soloist can earn £35,000.

Pay for classical musicians varies widely but only a few people earn high incomes. Singers are usually paid by session. Army musicians earn similar wages to regular soldiers and have to do the same basic army training.

What’s happening in the industry?

According to The British Council, 1.8 million people work in the creative industries and it's the fastest growing sector in the UK (the creative industries includes performing arts). However, many people in arts and entertainment find themselves in jobs that aren't very secure and have to take second jobs. The work can also be seasonal with more opportunities available in the summer or at Christmas.

Many jobs (about one third) are based in London and the South-East so you may need to be prepared to move if you really want a job in this sector.

The majority of skills gaps are in the 'behind the scenes' jobs, such as IT and new technology, project management, business skills and people management.

See what's happening locally in the 'Notts Info' section.

The creative industry is the largest growing sector in Nottinghamshire. Our county has opportunities for work because there are many theatres, music venues and arts events. Several feature films have been shot in Nottinghamshire but there aren’t any film production companies based here. There are sometimes opportunities for budding actors to become extras!

However, don't forget that the majority of work in this area is still around the South East and London. You may have to move to pursue your dream!

You will probably have to work hard to establish yourself in this work area - many performaers work for nothing initially! In Nottinghamshire there are lots of amatuer dramatic groups, orchestras, choirs and brass bands that are looking for local talent. All these activities will look good on your artistic CV. Look for local groups in newspapers and on the Internet.

Annual events in Nottingham include Game City (a video gaming festival), the Robin Hood Pageant (at the Castle), Nottdance a Caribbean carnival and a Mela (celebration of Asian culture). In Sherwood Forest, near Edwinstowe the Robin Hood Festival lasts for a week in August. All need performers.