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Over the past 18 months I’ve delivering presentations and seminars on working in theatre and the question that is often asked is how do you get into theatre? There is no simple answer because everyone who works in theatre has had a different route into the industry. Below are some tips for anyone who is aspiring to work in the industry.
Being able to do something that you are passionate about is a wonderful feeling. For me my passion has always been theatre, it was my favourite subject at school, then at college and then studied two degrees in it. Following my passion has lead me on some incredible adventures. There maybe times in your career that you divert and do other things and that’s ok. I did that in the early part of my career and what it taught me was that I wanted to work in theatre more than anything else. Your passion helps you navigate through tough times with guiding a light. I often think of it as a tunnel and the passion I have for theatre is on a torch which maybe someway in the distance but helps guide me.
Don’t feel put off by thinking you need a certain level of education or theoretical knowledge. Life is about a continuous journey of self-discovery, always remember that the future is yet to be decided. The past has happened and we can learn from it but we can’t change it. The future is yet unwritten and can be shaped.
Goalsetting is applicable in any industry, it helps keep you focused and grounded. The key is always to set achievable goals but at the same time stretch you. Achieving a goal gives you enormous energy and belief in yourself to set another goal.
None of us know all of the answers, we learn by asking questions. Understanding how something works, asking why we do things in a certain way and how we can improve are all valid and important questions to ask. There is nothing wrong in asking for help or asking a question to understand fully what is being asked.
I use the word experience here because theatre and performance takes on multiple strands. There is the traditional theatre stage, there are outdoor shows, immersive experiences and online experiences and those are just the tip of the iceberg. I have referenced in other TheatreArtLife articles the need to embrace the hybrid nature of digital and in person experiences. It broadens our mindset of theatre and performance is and engages people on so many different levels. Theatre is now available on demand, in person and online now more than ever before. Embrace and experience the beauty of performance.
This is similar to goal-setting, it is applicable to any industry. Networking isn’t just the number of people you know but it is the power the connections you have to help bolster your career aspirations. Think of the shows or performances you have been involved with, then add in your colleagues or co-workers and your slowly building your own network. Networking enables you get answers to questions you might not know the answers too and develop as an individual.
Working in theatre is a team. A performance cannot happen without each department working together. It involves the backstage team, performers, musicians, box office staff, marketing, fundraising and education teams all working together. Like any successful sports team each role has to be accounted for and nurtured to ensure maximum potential. Understanding this is vital to working in theatre.
You are more skilled than you realise. Being skilled in lots of different areas is vital for both our personal and professional lives. Working in theatre, you quickly learn a lot of new skills that can be used in a multitude of different ways. Some of the skills I’ve acquired so far in my theatre career include how to duty a manage a theatre show, leading a youth theatre session, being a theatre company trustee, writing a press release. Other skills I’ve acquired include being a talent show judge, learning the basics of British Sign Language and learning how to dress out a retail shopping unit. You may think the skills you acquire may not come in handy but there is a always a time top use them. At times over the last 18 months I’ve been so glad that I’ve spent so many years playing around with technology in my spare time because it has enabled me to help share my knowledge with people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Always keep learning.
We are always faced with things we don’t know, more often than not we don’t have too much time to think things through. Working in theatre requires you to think proactively and as a problem solver. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer straight away because you can always rely on your network to help you out. Think of solutions to problems.
Nothing in life is certain, always been open-minded. New things will happen, unexpected events will occur. Being open minded helps you forge through these uncertainties. Don’t become fearful of change but accept that is a part of everyday life and embrace it.
I would like to finish with two quotes that I often refer back to and hopefully they give you as much inspiration as me:
‘The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them’
‘The best way to predict the future is to create it’
The Thrill of Seeing Theatre In-Person and Online
How to Enable Access to Theatre for Everyone
Experienced Theatre professional with a demonstrated history of working in the performing arts industry. Skilled in marketing, event management, presenting, workshop leading and working with young people.
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