What can I do with a degree in Drama and Theatre?

What can I do with a degree in Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts?

Studying Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts at Kent offers a dynamic mix of practical and theoretical learning, helping you develop creative skills and critical thinking. A degree in Drama, Theatre, and Performing Arts opens the door to a wide range of career paths, both on and off the stage, with options ranging from performance and creative roles, behind the scenes and technical roles to those in the wider media and creative industries. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Adviser.

Careers in Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts

Career opportunities for graduates of Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts span many sectors as well as creative industries due to the transferable skills the course offers. The following roles are an example of the types of job opportunities open to graduates, utilising abilities in performance, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Actor - Perform in theatre productions, television, film, digital media or radio, bringing characters to life through interpretation and expression. In addition to entertaining audiences, an actor’s work can also be used to educate, teach skills, or support therapeutic activities.

Theatre Director - Oversee the creative aspects of a production, guiding the artistic vision and coordinating with cast and crew.  Collaborate with performers, producers, and both creative and technical teams to create a performance that resonates with the audience. This involves strong coordination skills and a clear artistic vision.

Playwright - Creating scripts for the stage, either independently or on commission from a theatre, company, or producer. Develop the storyline, characters, and dialogue, and work closely with directors, producers, and other creatives to turn it into a live performance.

Drama Teacher/Educator - Teach drama in schools (age 11-18) or community settings, fostering creativity and performance skills in students. Get into Teaching: Become a Drama Teacher

Stage Manager - Manage all aspects of a theatre production, ensuring smooth operations during rehearsals and performances.

Broadcast Presenter - Communicate with audiences through engaging and appealing presentations of information or entertainment across various platforms such as TV, radio, and online. 

Dramatherapist/Drama Therapy - Using drama techniques to support individuals' mental health and personal development and help clients with a range of personal and social difficulties including learning disabilities, addiction or physical illnesses.

Alternative career paths

Community Arts Worker - Engage communities through art projects, promoting participation and social inclusion.

Arts Administrator - Manage the business side of arts organisations, including marketing, fundraising, and event coordination.

Special Effects Technician/Lighting Technician - Handling a variety of roles within performing arts or media industries, including technical elements such as lighting, sound, and set design to enhance the visual and auditory experience of a performance and could include physical, pyrotechnic or visual effects.

Creative Producer (TV, film & video) - Develop and manage creative media projects. Oversee all elements including securing funding, remaining within budget and the strategic marketing of productions.

Event Manager - Plan and execute events, ensuring all elements come together seamlessly within timeframes and budget.

Public Relations Officer - Working in a variety of industries for agencies or for organisations in an in-house role, managing the public image of organisations, and crafting communication strategies.

Recruitment Consultant - Match candidates with job opportunities, utilising strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

Organisations that have employed University of Kent graduates in the past include:

  • Performing arts: Actors, directors, and performers in theatre, film, and television including performing at the O2, Bush Theatre, Barbican, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, The Marlowe Theatre, and ITV Border.  
  • Education and community engagement: Drama teachers, community theatre officers, and drama therapists, in secondary schools, drama schools, and community education centres 
  • Event and arts management: Event managers and arts administrators for various organisations: Square Peg Arts and Arts Council England, and other local arts councils. 
  • Independent production companies: Various start-ups and established firms in film and theatre production such as Moonbeam Theatre, focusing on multi-sensory performances for young audiences with special educational needs.
  • Production and management: Stage managers, casting agents, and arts administrators: BBC, ITV, and Glassworks 

There are many more possible employers in these and other industries.  

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes Uni Kent Careers Hub, advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.  

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Drama recruitment platforms

Arts Jobs - Listings from Arts Council England for arts-related positions

The Stage Jobs - Opportunities in theatre and performance

Creative Access - Roles aimed at underrepresented communities in creative industries

Mandy Network - Casting calls and crew jobs

Backstage - Tools, advice and jobs to help you get cast 

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General graduate job search platforms

Indeed

Prospects

TargetJobs

LinkedIn Jobs

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Useful resources

The Stage - News and resources for theatre professionals

Spotlight - Casting platform for actors and performers

Equity - Trade union for performing arts professionals

Arts Council England - Funding opportunities and industry news

The "Proper Job Gradcast" - Podcast for first-hand accounts of career trajectories post-graduation. Features interviews with University of Kent Drama alumni discussing their professional journeys and the impact of their education on their careers

Tips to stand out

Portfolio/showreel creation: Develop a strong online portfolio or showreel showcasing your work on platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo or a personal website. Add this to your CV/LinkedIn profile.  

Gain real-world experience: Add a Year in Industry to your degree, or gain experience through internships, student productions, or freelance projects, in order to develop workplace and technical skills. 

Network: Use LinkedIn and Kent’s Career Mentoring scheme to build connections with alumni and professionals to gain insights into your target roles and industries. Further network and collaborate via platforms like The Dots and Creative Lives in Progress or LinkedIn groups. 

Enhance skills: Attend additional workshops or courses to diversify your abilities (e.g. stage combat, voice training). 

Build commercial awareness: Stay updated with sector trends through newsletters, podcasts and following industry leaders and influencers. Engage with industry bodies such as FIA and The Actors' Guild of Great Britain

Year in industry

A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain during your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contributes to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.     

Further study 

Some graduates choose to pursue postgraduate studies to specialise further or explore new areas:

  • MA in Performance and Theatre Making
  • PGCE in Drama: Train to become a qualified drama teacher
  • MA in Arts Administration

Postgraduate Courses at Kent 

Prospects – Postgraduate Study 

Find a Masters