Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance

Key resources

• Get Into Theatre – Job roles, advice and training routes
• TargetJobs -  Careers in the theatre
• The Stage – Industry news, interviews and job listings
• UK Theatre – Events, training and jobs board
  

Explore roles and career paths

• Creative roles: Actors, Directors, Playwrights, Dramaturgs / Literary Managers, Writers for performance, Choreographers, Movement directors, Musical directors, Art journalists/critics, Puppeteers, Intimacy coordinators, Fight directors, Voice artists
• Production & technical roles: Stage managers, Set/costume designers, Lighting and Sound technicians, Production managers, Technical managers, Prop makers, Scenic artists, Pyrotechnics specialists
• Business & outreach roles: Marketing officers, Press/communication roles, Theatre managers, Producers, Arts administrators, Education and outreach workers, Community engagement officers, Teachers, Academic researchers, Fundraising/development officers, Drama therapists, Box office teams, Venue Programmers, Audience Development managers

Many people move between these areas over time — for example, from performing to directing or education.

Exploring AI in Theatre: Innovation Behind the Scenes

AI is beginning to influence many parts of the theatre world — not by replacing creativity, but by offering new tools that can support writers, directors, designers and production teams. From analysing scripts to testing out virtual set ideas, AI can help streamline processes, spark fresh thinking and free up more time for the creative work humans do best.

Here are some areas where AI is currently being explored:

• Script analysis and writing prompts
  
• Virtual set design
  
• Automated lighting/sound programming
  
• Marketing and audience engagement
  

While people still drive live performance, understanding how AI tools work can help you stay adaptable in a changing industry. You don’t need to be an expert, but staying curious about emerging technologies can give you an edge as you develop your creative practice.

If you'd like to explore how AI is already influencing theatre, these articles offer accessible starting points:

• The Play’s the Thing: What Does AI Mean for the Future of Theatre?
• Immediate Theatre: You Can’t Spell Theatre Without AI
• The Stage: AI: Will it be the next big technical revolution in theatre?

Working in theatre often means juggling multiple roles, learning on the job, and adapting to fast-paced environments. Key skills include:

• Creative thinking and storytelling
• Teamwork and collaboration – working closely with cast, crew, or production teams on tight deadlines
• Communication and confidence – essential for auditions, presenting ideas, and giving/receiving feedback
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Time management and organisation
• Resilience and adaptability — particularly in freelance careers
  

Whether you’re writing scripts or calling cues backstage, practical experience and confidence working with others are key.

Further Reading

Performers College - Ten things you need to know to succeed as a performer 
Get into Theatre - What do backstage crew do? Including skills needed
MGCfutures - Playwright. Role and training overview plus key skills. 

Working in theatre is exciting, creative and deeply rewarding,  but it can also be demanding, unpredictable and highly competitive.

Building resilience is a key skill for anyone pursuing a career in writing, directing, performance, design or theatre production. Resilience helps you navigate rejection, manage uncertainty, look after your wellbeing, and stay motivated on a long and non-linear career path.

Here’s what resilience means in practice:

• Coping with rejection and uncertainty – auditions and job hunting often involve frequent setbacks and periods of waiting
• Maintaining wellbeing - managing stress, burnout, and work–life balance is vital in a freelance-heavy sector.
  
• Adapting and learning - being open to new roles, skills, and projects helps you stay flexible and connected.
  

Blog Posts, Podcasts & Reflective Resources

• Acting Strong (Podcast) – Real stories from early-career actors and creatives about resilience, early-career challenges and practical tips for persistence. Available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts
• Spotlight Resilience Articles – Advice around mental strength, future focus and relationship-building in a performer’s career (associated programme ‘Performer Resilience Programme’).

Support Services & Wellbeing Help

There are organisations and tools dedicated to helping theatre professionals manage mental health and build resilience:

• Actors’ Trust & BAPAM Well-Being Webinars – Free sessions covering stress, coping with rejection, boundaries and embodied health
  
• ABTT Mental Health & Well-Being Resources – Advice and support signposting for freelance and technical theatre roles.
  

Peer & Networking Community Spaces

Developing a network is part of resilience: knowing people means more opportunities, more support and more honest insight into the realities of the industry.

• Stage 32 – Professional social network for theatre, film and TV creatives to connect, share work and find jobs.
• HowlRound Theatre Commons – A global theatre-focused network sharing writing, conversations and practical advice.

Tips for Resilience in Practice

• Be proactive - don’t wait to be “discovered.” Reach out to companies, send speculative applications and follow call-outs on social media.
  
• Build a support network - friends, mentors and peers help you share challenges and opportunities.
  
• Take care of yourself - the industry is creative, but emotionally and physically demanding — prioritise rest, reflection and boundaries.
  
• Stay realistic but optimistic - understand the competitive nature of theatre while celebrating small wins and learning from every experience.

There’s no set path into the industry. Most people start in entry-level roles or gain experience through student theatre, voluntary work or shadowing.

Getting started – entry-level roles

• Assistant stage manager
  
• Box office or front-of-house
  
• Technical assistant
  
• Marketing or admin support
  

Freelancing 

Freelancing helps you build key skills in networking, time management and self-promotion — all vital in this sector.

• ScreenSkills: Freelancing Toolkit
• How to become a freelancer in theatre
• Side hustles...in creative work

Visa guidance (for international students)

If you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), you are not permitted to undertake freelance or self-employed work. This includes roles where you are not employed by a company, such as offering services directly to clients.

Always check your visa conditions carefully and contact the University’s International Student Support team if you're unsure about what types of work are allowed.

You might find entry-level jobs on:

• ATG Careers – Jobs at Ambassador Theatre Group venues
  
• Mandy – Acting, crew and creative jobs
  
• UK Theatre -  Jobs Board
  
• The Stage – Extensive listings
  
• Spotlight – Acting roles (membership required)
• Arts Council England – Creative jobs and commissions
• Hotbox Events - Volunteering and paid event jobs throughout the summer at festivals across the UK
• Festaff - Volunteer at the UK's biggest music festivals

Graduate schemes are rare but do exist at larger organisations. Look out for:

• Creative Access – opportunities for students from under-represented backgrounds
• National Theatre or RSC placements – occasionally advertised

Speculative applications are common in this field, especially for shadowing or backstage roles. Use LinkedIn or theatre websites to find contacts and email a short, tailored approach. Follow companies on social media for callouts and casting notices. Local or touring companies may post opportunities outside of job boards.

Early jobs may be short-term or low-paid, but they often lead to future opportunities and contacts. Many jobs in theatre aren’t widely advertised, so networking and being proactive are key. Our resources on networking and speculative applications can help you make informed, confident approaches.

See also:

• The Creative's Guide to Making Networking Meaningful

• The Creative Networking Guide: Building Meaningful Connections in the Creative Industry

Sustainability is becoming a core part of working in film and TV production. From energy use and travel to costume, catering, and waste, every stage of production has an environmental impact — and the industry is taking steps to reduce it.

Students entering the sector are increasingly expected to understand sustainable working practices. Many courses (including at York) now incorporate BAFTA’s ALBERT training, which supports environmentally responsible production and offers free online resources to help you learn more.

Learning about green production practices early on — and showing awareness in your applications — can really help you stand out in an industry that’s becoming increasingly sustainability-focused.

Explore:

ALBERT: We Are Albert – Learn how TV and film can be part of a sustainable future.

Make the most of opportunities at university to gain experience, confidence and contacts.

• York Concerts, York Festival of Ideas - not all theatre-specific, but offer crossover experiences in tech, events and performance
  
• York Barbican, York Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House, Joseph Rowntree Theatre – Look for casual work in venues (e.g. front-of-house, bar, tech crew)
  
• York SU. Join a student theatre or performance society – Whether you act, write, direct or support backstage
  
• ACT students can engage with contemporary performance practice through theatre trips across Yorkshire, organised by their School 
• Creative facilities - ACT is home to two professional theatre stages, rehearsal spaces, production equipment and post-production suites. Find out more about these facilities on the School of Arts and Creative Technologies website.

Connect with York graduates

Join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about using LinkedIn and networking.

Podcasts

Podcasts can be a useful way to hear from people working in theatre and performance, offering honest insight into roles, challenges and creative journeys.

What Do You Actually Do? is a podcast from Careers and Placements at York featuring guests like:

• John Tomlinson, Producer - Getting Involved with Theatre

Other useful podcasts include: 

• The Pink Podcast – A UK show hosted by Chloé, featuring conversations with theatre producers and artists about the future of theatre, representation, neurodiversity, regional productions and more—perfect for graduates wanting a wider lens on the industry
  
• The Making Theatre Podcast – Hosted by lighting designers James Farncombe and Bruno Poet, this series offers deep insight into how theatre is practically made—from lighting and sound to stage management and production logistics. Ideal for technical newcomers aiming to understand backstage workflows
• Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast – Hosted by Simon Stephens, this show explores the craft, challenges, and career journeys of both emerging and established playwrights