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How do I ensure that I'll have a job in the performing arts post-graduation?
Freshman at Emerson College looking to go into acting and/or arts management! #Fall25
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Jace’s Answer
Hi Garan!
That's a really great question! To shed some light, I'm a recent college grad (2024) working in theatre administration.
While I didn't have a long-term job lined up after I graduated, I did have a summer stock gig and, thanks to some networking, a connection reached out to me about a job available in a theatre in our home town! So my biggest advice is to find summer stock gigs/internships when and where you can, and to make friends/network. The connections you make can be a lifeline to future gigs/creative projects! It certainly helped for me, I've been working at my local theatre for a year and have no plans to leave!
Wishing you the best of luck!
-Jace
That's a really great question! To shed some light, I'm a recent college grad (2024) working in theatre administration.
While I didn't have a long-term job lined up after I graduated, I did have a summer stock gig and, thanks to some networking, a connection reached out to me about a job available in a theatre in our home town! So my biggest advice is to find summer stock gigs/internships when and where you can, and to make friends/network. The connections you make can be a lifeline to future gigs/creative projects! It certainly helped for me, I've been working at my local theatre for a year and have no plans to leave!
Wishing you the best of luck!
-Jace
Thank you for sharing your perspective!!
Garan
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Garan !
The first step in planning a career in Theatre, Acting or Management is to choose one specific niche because you can actually do both but not at the same time due to the commitment that would be expected of you. I would say train for Acting and later on go into management as you'd basically have learned the ropes for management by being an actor.
No one is assured a job in acting or management after they graduate college. You will have taken a strong training and education and will know the things you'll need to do to get work. Nothing is guaranteed because it is an opinion business, depends on very, very heavy networking and making contacts. One must be willing to accept the business as that. Like I mentioned, choose one thing to be expert in and never micro-think or write the script for your career. If you worry about it too much and try to set definite ideas, you'll see that it doesn't work that way.
The amazing thing is that many times, you will not know when opportunities for you will present themselves. That's why we all in this business need to be patient, relaxed and accept the reality of it. Your career will be what you make it out to be, how much you make acting your life and how strong you connect to your Theatre Department and local acting community. You're not training for a hobby, it's a life, career and the more dedicated you are, the more doors can open. Yet, nothing is a sure thing unless you create your own Acting Company and act in every show. Even that is a huge amount of work.
You've just started as an Acting student so give it time. You will learn how to start your career and it may even happen during the four years you are in college. I obtained paid acting work while in college. Actors are brave. We take a chance knowing how conditional this work is. You either get used to it or not.
I would advise that you connect with your major department and make strong contacts and always keep aware of what is happening in the acting community through information at your college. People are going to need to get to know you for opportunities to come your way. So even though nothing is assured, you can increase your chances for work or experience by being part of the acting community and at your college department.
Every actor I have ever known was able to get a survival job while they were pursuing acting. There's always something you'll be able to do for work while you pursue your career. Just try not to set things in your mind of how you want your career to be because it doesn't work that way. Be open minded about it and take it day by day, step by step.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The first step in planning a career in Theatre, Acting or Management is to choose one specific niche because you can actually do both but not at the same time due to the commitment that would be expected of you. I would say train for Acting and later on go into management as you'd basically have learned the ropes for management by being an actor.
No one is assured a job in acting or management after they graduate college. You will have taken a strong training and education and will know the things you'll need to do to get work. Nothing is guaranteed because it is an opinion business, depends on very, very heavy networking and making contacts. One must be willing to accept the business as that. Like I mentioned, choose one thing to be expert in and never micro-think or write the script for your career. If you worry about it too much and try to set definite ideas, you'll see that it doesn't work that way.
The amazing thing is that many times, you will not know when opportunities for you will present themselves. That's why we all in this business need to be patient, relaxed and accept the reality of it. Your career will be what you make it out to be, how much you make acting your life and how strong you connect to your Theatre Department and local acting community. You're not training for a hobby, it's a life, career and the more dedicated you are, the more doors can open. Yet, nothing is a sure thing unless you create your own Acting Company and act in every show. Even that is a huge amount of work.
You've just started as an Acting student so give it time. You will learn how to start your career and it may even happen during the four years you are in college. I obtained paid acting work while in college. Actors are brave. We take a chance knowing how conditional this work is. You either get used to it or not.
I would advise that you connect with your major department and make strong contacts and always keep aware of what is happening in the acting community through information at your college. People are going to need to get to know you for opportunities to come your way. So even though nothing is assured, you can increase your chances for work or experience by being part of the acting community and at your college department.
Every actor I have ever known was able to get a survival job while they were pursuing acting. There's always something you'll be able to do for work while you pursue your career. Just try not to set things in your mind of how you want your career to be because it doesn't work that way. Be open minded about it and take it day by day, step by step.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This is really great advice, thank you so much! Not having a concrete plan is scary but I’m glad you pointed it out as something that’s good!
Garan
You are welcome for the advice. If you just let things happen, you'll see that everything will fall into place. Sometimes we cannot make the career, rather we need to let it develop. I think you'll be fine !
Michelle M.