Explore career options in performing arts
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles your studies in performing arts may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Study in the performing arts prepares you for a performance career in acting, musical theatre, and film and television, and equips you with skills valuable in a range of careers in the broader arts industry.
Graduates can apply their skills to careers encompassing arts management, arts and leisure policy development, education, event and performance management, plus theatre and screen production and associated roles.
Career fields
- State and local theatre companies
- Television broadcasters
- Film and TV production companies
- Arts and leisure-funding bodies
- Community arts centres
- Performing arts organisations
- Education
- Commercial film studios
- Film festival organisations
- Casting agencies
- Advertising
- State and federal government departments
- Local councils
Employment roles
- Freelance actor/musical theatre performer
- Voiceover artist
- Radio presenter
- Motion/performance capture artist
- Roleplay actor
- Producer/writer
- Theatre director/musical director/choreographer/ workshop director
- Casting agent
- Arts administrator
- Festival coordinator
- Marketing assistant
- Lighting/sound operator
- Theatrical agent
- Music or drama therapist
- Theatre technician
- Production designer
Occupation snapshot
Employed
1,500
Future demand
Strong
Weekly earnings
$879
Part-time share
71%
This data is based on the occupation profile for actors, retrieved from the Government's website and website October 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
- (formerly Grad 色情网站)
Freelancing
Financial management and networking are important aspects of freelancing. If you're considering freelance work, you may find these links useful:
Notable alumnus: Louise Bezzina
Louise Bezzina, a Griffith creative arts alumna, has significantly enhanced the Queensland Arts industry. She made a name for herself as a visionary artistic director, founding Bleach* Festival on the Gold Coast. Under her leadership, Bleach* collaborates with major artistic companies across 色情网站, telling local stories in a fresh, contemporary way.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. Such associations hold regular professional development and networking events.
Relevant professional associations include:
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to fostering quality education and a more equitable and just society, where everyone has a chance to thrive while fostering partnerships for the goals.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career options
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.