Understanding Job Opportunities in the Performing Arts

Understanding Job Opportunities in the Performing Arts
Research creative, technical and administrative jobs in performing arts

Creative;

Actor, Dancer, Musician, Light Designer, Costume designer, Hair and Makeup Artist, Director, Writer/Author, Prop Designer, Set Designer, Choreographer, Conductor, Producer, Puppetry Artist, Artistic Director (overall responsibility for the selection and interpretation of the works), Advertising, Casting Director, Graphic Designer, Animator, Dialect Coach, Animateur (enlivens or encourages something, especially a promoter of artistic projects), Understudy ( person who learns another's role in order to be able to act at short notice in their absence), Swing (an understudy who prepares several roles), Standby (First reserve to go on but aren't in the actual show)

Technical;

Light Technician, Sound Technician, Editor, Animator, Electrician, Runners, Touring Technical Manager, Puppetry Artist, Dresser, Pyro Technician, Scenic Construction Technician, Stage Crew, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Camera Operator, Mic Operator

Administrative;

Marketing, Publicist, Venue Manager, Ticket Administrator, Front of House, General Manager, Producer (responsible for the financial and managerial aspects), Popcorn/snack guy (snack distributor), Ushers, Premises Manager, Agent, Ambassador, Fundraising, Chief Administrative Officer, Stage Door Manager, First aid


Create three detailed fact files. One job from each title.

Hair and Makeup Artist

Q- Work involved in the Job

A- Researching hair and make up styles and designs, working to production designers' notes and instructions, tidying and styling hair, using special effects make-up, taking notes and photos for reference, removing make-up and keeping wigs and hairpieces in good condition,

Q- The knowledge, skills, qualifications and training needed

A- There are no set requirements, but you’ll usually be expected to have a qualification in media make-up. Practical experience can help build a portfolio of work to show employers. You could start out as a trainee or assistant to a make-up team, or find casual work doing make-up and hair for extras in crowd scenes. Cosmetology school is not mandatory but is good to expand your skills and can help you progress.

Q-The routes into the profession

A- Trainee jobs can be found on many films, commercials, music videos, etc. If the senior make up artist has the budget they may hire a trainee. To become an artist, you usually start out as a trainee,  progressing to be a Make-up and Hair Assistant, before becoming a Make-up and Hair Artist.

Q-Any organisations or people they will have to work with or have contact with. How they work with other people/ the relationship between the job and other areas

A- work closely with production designers, costume designers, camera and lighting crew, and performers.

Q-Possible career progression

A- Progress is determined by your skills and experience, which you’ll develop through on-the-job training, assisting established Make-up and Hair Artists. You should maintain a portfolio of your work, and keep all letters and testimonies as evidence of your work and experience.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/make-up-artist

https://www.myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk/resources/careers-guide/detail?page_id=7

Light Technician

Q- Work involved in the Job

A- You usually specialise in film and TV, or theatre, concerts and live events. You can work with a wide range from basic spotlights, operating strobes, lasers and pyrotechnics. Normal tasks can include; interpreting the lighting designers plan, carrying out risk assessments, rigging and checking equipment, taking cues from the stage/floor manager, programming and operating the lights.

Q- The knowledge, skills, qualifications and training needed

A-You could qualify as an electrician and get practical experience in production lighting. You could also do a college course to learn skills like stage electrics and lighting design. You'll also need relevant practical experience, or have done an apprenticeship.

Q-The routes into the profession

A- You may be working on your own, as a self-employed freelancer, or you could be employed on a large crew on, for example, a concert tour.

Q-Any organisations or people they will have to work with or have contact with. How they work with other people/ the relationship between the job and other areas

A- They have to be able to interpret the lighting design and work closely with crew that help set up the lights and rig.

Q-Possible career progression

A- You could work on more complex events, or specialise in areas like electrical safety, inspection and testing, pyrotechnics or rigging.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/lighting-technician

Producer

Q- Work involved in the Job

A- You'll manage the production process from start to finish, organising people and the resources. Decide which projects to produce, or creating programme ideas yourself. Read scripts. You'll also have to secure the rights for books or screenplays, or negotiating with writers to produce new screenplays. Check and approve locations. Plan filming schedules. Hire cast and staff. Manage the cash flow. Keep the production on time and within budget. 

Q- The knowledge, skills, qualifications and training needed

A- Experience in both the creative and business sides of film or programme making, an in-depth understanding of the production process and a network of contacts in the industry. You'll also need creativity, vision, presentations and negotiation skills, leadership and management ability, organisational skills, and financial skills. You can also get a degree, such as Film and TV production, directing, communication, or another related program.

Q-The routes into the profession

A- In TV, start as a runner or production assistant and then progress through production office roles. And in film, you’ll usually start as a runner, then work your way up to production coordinator, line producer and production manager. You could also progress through the roles of 3rd, 2nd and 1st assistant director.

Q-Any organisations or people they will have to work with or have contact with/How they work with other people/ the relationship between the job and other areas

A-  The producer works with many people when preparing and executing a show. The talk to the writers when they first read the script, discuss funding with financial backers. They also hire the key staff, such as the director and the stage crew. The producer must meet with the director regularly to check on progress and make sure the work is on schedule and within budget.

Q-Possible career progression

A- The majority of training is carried out on the job, by employers. In addition, numerous short courses, and some training schemes are available.Programme makers and producers working in television, film and video tend to work as self-employed freelancers on fixed, often short-term, contracts.There is no fixed route for promotion for producers and progression depends on opportunities arising on an 'as and when' basis. The common alternative is to progress by creating a studio, or by moving into work as an executive producer, accountable for several projects. Taking the time to learn about all aspects of the television, film or video industries may help you progress in your career. Volunteering to work on new projects or programmes may also help you gain promotion.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/tv-or-film-producer

http://study.com/how_to_become_a_tv_producer.html
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/television-film-video-producer