Performing Arts

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Performing Arts

Performing arts are a creative form of art performed by individuals or groups that use their voices, bodies or inanimate objects to convey artistic expression in front of a live audience. Performing arts include a range of disciplines which include theater, dance, and music.

Job Title Examples:

  • Actor
  • Dancer
  • Comedian
  • Musician
  • Vocal performance/singer
  • Costume Designer
  • Casting Agent
  • Talent Agent

Skills Needed:

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Resilience
  • Listening skills

Find Opportunities

Irishcompass 01

Using IrishCompass, LinkedIn, and ND’s alumni association directory called myND is the best way to start on the networking front. Building relationships and networking is a key factor when it comes to finding out about opportunities in this sector. Stay in touch with ND alumni groups in whatever city you’re pursuing a career in - they will be willing to help you get connected and find potential opportunities.

Job Databases:

Industry Timeline

As soon as you know what areas within the Performing Arts interests you, start reaching out to personal connections, alumni, and others who work in the industry to build relationships to advance your career.

Applying and Interviewing

Resumes

Your resume will often be the first impression for a potential employer.  You want to make sure that your resume is concise, direct, and specific. Ensure that your resume is tailored for the position and for the industry. Highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your fit for a particular position. It’s important to include your transferable skills on your resume, which are skills you have acquired during any activity in your life that are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in a particular position. You can find transferable skills from your performance experience, film/TV experience, leadership experience, activities, etc. Review our guide on resumes for more information on how to construct one.

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer. Use the position description to make specific connections between your skills and experience and what the organization is looking for in a candidate. The cover letter should be concise and well-written—if a potential employer reads your cover letter and is intrigued, they will then read your resume. Your cover letter should not repeat your resume verbatim, but enhance it. Together the cover letter and resume can help land you an interview. Review our guide on cover letters for more information on how to construct one.

Interviewing

Most interviews will contain a mixture of resume based questions (questions about your past experience) and behavioral based questions (your ability to handle prospective situations at work.  Most positions will begin with an interview that has a mix of these questions. Review our guide on common interview questions. 

Preparation is extremely important for interviews. Research the company/organization, current and previous projects they’ve worked on, and even the people that you’re interviewing with. This will not only help provide talking points but will show your knowledge and genuine interest in the position. Utilize our resources on how to best prepare yourself to excel in your interview.

Audition
Auditions are involved for most jobs in the performing arts. Be sure to find the best site for your area (ballet, dance, theater, music) and start auditioning. Oftentimes it will be key to take classes in your particular area to improve your skills.  Some students will apply to graduate school in their various fields (please consult your professors).  Auditioning can be stressful, Juilliard provides 10 tips to alleviate auditioning anxiety.

Online Resources

Explore:

Actors:

Dance:

Vocal Performance/Singer:

Theater:

Campus Resources

Meet with a career counselor
Schedule an Appointment
 

Student Clubs:

Employer Examples:

  • Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
  • Arts Center of the Ozarks
  • Erie Philharmonic (musician)
  • Goodman Theater, League of Chicago Theaters
  • Pangea World Theater
  • Phillips Exeter Academy (dance instructor)
  • Shrek the Musical at NETworks Presentations

Join Handshake:

Personalize your feed, explore your curiosities, and get updates that matter to you. Handshake is a dynamic system that works to match students with the most relevant resources and opportunities offered by our office including:

Access to personalized job recommendations – This is based on major, career interests, and profile information such as skills and experiences. When students fill out their profile, they’ll be able to see jobs and internships that match their interests and skills.

  • Ability to schedule one–on-one counseling appointments  – Counseling appointments are able to be scheduled through Handshake and held virtually via Zoom. 
  • Ability to Interact with employers – Students can research contact information for local and national employers. Employers can also message students with opportunities and information.
  • Connect with students across the country -  Students can interact with their peers through messaging, get tips and advice, as well as network. 
  • Search for and apply to open positions -  On Handshake, students can see jobs and internships posted specifically for them as well as employers actively recruiting from Notre Dame.