Whether you’ve been hooked on drama since you could barely talk or you’ve only just discovered the world of theatre, you’ve got the drama bug and guess what… it can’t be cured!
But if people say you’re wasting your time and you'll never make a career from it, show them this handy list of thespian jobs and walk off with an over-acted laugh as you exit stage right.
Actor/actress
The ultimate job for thespians, you'll get to be the centre of attention, receive lots of praise and - most importantly - you'll be able to tell people that you act for a living (expect mixed reactions until you have a movie job).
You might think it’s an easy career choice: turn up, act like someone else for 90 minutes, sign autographs for your thousands of adoring fans and head home to read your fan mail and drink free wine that the theatre gave you for being so amazing... but unfortunately the truth is less glam. Sorry to break your theatre-shaped bubble but it’s hard work, and you won’t be playing the lead characters straight away, unless you’re really REALLY good. You’re more likely to work your way up from the role of 'tree number 3'.
Drama teacher
Those who can, teach. So if you’ve decided that the stage isn’t for you but love the idea of teaching the future Angelina Jolies and Matt Damons of this world then become a drama teacher.
Teaching the kids everything you know, you may even be thanked in their Oscar acceptance speech.
Career guide to drama teaching
Director
We know that some of you shy, retiring thespian types have no intention of standing on the stage. Ever. In fact, it’s your worst nightmare.
So why not become a director? It's an excuse to boss around those over-dramatic actors, telling them how they should be saying the lines, where they should stand and when they should get off YOUR stage... in many ways it’s a bit like being Jeremy Kyle. Shudder.
Stage manager
This job involves keeping your head. You juggle directors, actors, tech staff and even props (not literally… if you can do that then the circus is more for you).
When something goes wrong, you’ll be expected to sort it out before the curtain goes up. A prop goes missing? It’s your responsibility to head down the shops and replace it. An actor calls in sick? You’ve got to prepare the shaking understudy that last night was playing a sheep. Wardrobe malfunction? Better get sewing.
You also get to call 'Places everyone' so the show can start. Oh the power.
Tech and stage hand
More action goes on backstage than it does on stage with the tech and stage-hand crew working hard behind the scenes.
Not a job for anyone who glories in praise or applause, stage hands are the people that can go un-thanked, so be prepared to cart around heavy props, build complicated scenery, fix lights from high ceilings and sort out loud explosions and special effects... and then watch the actors who waltzed around it get all the praise.
If all else fails…
Become a kids TV presenter
You’ve got the energy of a kid, can pretend to be happy and enthusiastic about EVERYTHING, and always wear really bright clothes to make sure you stand out at auditions... You’re basically a kids’ TV presenter already.
