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Published: 07 February 2022

Top jobs with a theatre and performance degree

Find out what career you could pursue with a degree in theatre and performance, and discover some of the jobs Surrey theatre and performance graduates have gone into over the past few years.

Students performing on stage

A degree in theatre and performance can lead to a variety of dazzling careers. The combination of interpersonal, practical and analytical skills that you will develop throughout your degree will ensure that you graduate with the skills you need to take the lead, whatever career you decide to pursue.

Careers with a theatre and performance degree

Jobs directly related to a theatre and performance degree include:

Actor
Dancer
Theatre director
Arts administrator
Stage manager
Production manager.

However, a degree in theatre and performance will also enable you to gain skills that would be highly relevant in other, more unexpected roles.

These include:

Teacher or lecturer
Community arts worker
Events manager
Broadcast presenter
Playwright
Film director.

Up until Covid-19 struck, I was performing as 'Albus Potter' in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London's West End. It was a fantastic opportunity; I loved performing every day, I loved exploring the Harry Potter world which is a story that I grew up with. Dominic Short, BA Acting

Dominic Short

Graduate jobs with a theatre and performance degree

Guildford School of Acting undergraduate graduates are highly sought after with 99 per cent in work or further education 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes survey 2023).

Previous theatre and performance graduates have performed in the following theatre productions on the West End, in film and in television:

Theatre

The Effect, The Royal National Theatre
Richard III, The Royal Shakespeare Company
Warhorse, New London Theatre
Strangers on a Train, Gielgud Theatre
Chariots of Fire, Gielgud and Hampstead Theatres
The Rivals, Theatre Royal, Haymarket
The Mousetrap, St Martin’s Theatre
The Tempest, The Old Vic
The 39 Steps, Criterion Theatre
The Favourite, Fox Searchlight.

Film

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Working Title
Calendar Girls, Buena Vista Productions
Defiance, Paramount Pictures
Nanny McPhee, Universal Pictures
Pacific Rim, Warner Bros
Red Tails, 20th Century Fox
What a Girl Wants, Warner Brothers
Saving Grace, 20th Century Fox
The Prince & Me: Elephant Adventure, First Look Studios
The Prince & Me 4: Royal Adventures in Paradise, First Look Studios
Love Actually, Universal Pictures
28 Days Later, 20th Century Fox.

Television

Vera, ITV
Death In Paradise, BBC
Waterloo Road, BBC
Death Comes to Pemberley, BBC
The Great Train Robbery
A Copper’s Tale, BBC
Doctor Who "Day of the Doctor", BBC
My Mad Fat Diary, E4
Game of Thrones, HBO
The Café, Sky 1
Holby City, BBC
Casualty, BBC
Doctors, BBC
Silk, BBC
Midsomer Murders, ITV
Stella, Sky 1
Call the Midwife, BBC
Fresh Meat, E4
True Blood, HBO
Hollyoaks, Channel 4
Trollied, Sky 1
The Crown, Netflix.

I am an actor in the mediums of stage and screen. A definite highlight was creating the role of 'Raven' in Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell in London, Toronto and New York. I adore working on new pieces. Every job is a highlight as I’m always meeting new people and learning from them. Christina Bennington, BA Musical Theatre

Christina Bennington

I am an actor, currently starring in Coronation Street and have been for three years. I feel very lucky because it doesn’t feel like work. I love every part of it and everyone is so lovely. Studying at GSA helped me develop my skills and prepare me for auditions and I am lucky enough to be working as an actor, but there are so many careers that can come from training at drama school. Alexandra Mardell, BA Acting

Discover our performing arts degrees, our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme and student life at Surrey.

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