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Job outlook for performing artists in the United States
Are performing artist jobs in demand?
Performing artist job and salary trends over time
Performing artist jobs over time
Performing artist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 966 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 930 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 959 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 962 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 970 | 0.00% |
Average performing artist salary over time
Performing artist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,715 | $23.90 | +0.2% |
| 2025 | $49,601 | $23.85 | --0.6% |
| 2024 | $49,908 | $23.99 | +4.5% |
| 2023 | $47,746 | $22.96 | --2.5% |
| 2022 | $48,973 | $23.54 | +5.1% |
Performing artist jobs by state
Most common states for performing artists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39,536,653 | 335 | 1% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 73 | 1% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 61 | 1% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 56 | 1% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 41 | 1% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 30 | 1% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 21 | 1% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 17 | 1% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 11 | 1% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 5 | 1% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 4 | 1% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 4 | 1% |
| 14 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 86 | 0% |
| 15 | New York | 19,849,399 | 71 | 0% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 28 | 0% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 22 | 0% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 20 | 0% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 4 | 0% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 1 | 0% |
Most common cities for performing artists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glen Ellyn | 1 | 4% | $41,310 |
| 2 | Menomonee Falls | 1 | 3% | $34,630 |
| 3 | Northbrook | 1 | 3% | $41,842 |
| 4 | Park Ridge | 1 | 3% | $41,676 |
| 5 | Westerville | 1 | 3% | $39,780 |
| 6 | Hoffman Estates | 1 | 2% | $41,473 |
| 7 | Appleton | 1 | 1% | $35,120 |
| 8 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $41,589 |
Performing Artist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of performing artist experts
Rider University
Henry Ford College
University of Indianapolis
The University of Tampa
University of Houston – Downtown
The University of Alabama
Art Academy of Cincinnati
California Institute of the Arts
Springfield College
Northern Kentucky University
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Texas Woman's University
University of Puget Sound
Kent State University
Loyola University Chicago
SUNY Buffalo State
University of Rio Grande
Fairleigh Dickinson University
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
Todd Dellinger: Know thyself. This response has many facets and implications - know your 'deep why' or vision of yourself as an artist and professional and frame around the impact you wish to have on others - this becomes a sort of 'lodestar' for the work ahead of crafting a career. Know who you are internally, as well as externally - as a 'package' because you are entering an industry where you - and the work you produce - are the commodity, for good or bad. As such, define and adhere to your boundaries - so that you cannot be taken advantage of, and can stay true to your vision. Know yourself in the context of the business - and know the business aspects of what you do. You are, at the end of the day, a business - too many artists ignore that. Then, stick to your knowledge of and vision for yourself as an artist and professional.
What Performing Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Dellinger: Have a diverse and relevant toolkit of skills and expertise - creative and artistic ones, yes - but perhaps even more importantly, skills and expertise which translate into multiple, diverse corners of arts & entertainment and into other sectors. Know how to translate your artistic wizardry from the stage to a phone, from the studio to a streaming platform, from one arts discipline or style or genre to multiple others. But also, know how to write up a marketing piece, a grant narrative, plan an event, manage a budget. You might find day-work in the very place where you're sharing your talent at night.
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
gerard brown: Folks starting out in the crafts and the fine arts often think the most important thing is the images of their work they put out in the world - through social media, on grant applications, etc. But you also need to be able to write and speak about your work in ways that inspire and motivate ordinary people to share your interests. Too often, people come out of school speaking the language of school and writing for an academic reader - I wish everyone would read more good journalism about art in magazines and news papers (yes, they are online!) and learn to communicate about their work in an accessible, approachable way earlier in their careers.
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
Todd Dellinger: Have a diverse and relevant toolkit of skills and expertise - creative and artistic ones, yes - but perhaps even more importantly, skills and expertise which translate into multiple, diverse corners of arts & entertainment and into other sectors. Know how to translate your artistic wizardry from the stage to a phone, from the studio to a streaming platform, from one arts discipline or style or genre to multiple others. But also, know how write up a marketing piece, a grant narrative, plan an event, manage a budget. You might find day-work in the very place where you're sharing your talent at night.
What Performing Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Dellinger: Adaptability to change - it's inescapable and has been forever in the arts - but change comes so swiftly and from so many directions now - particularly those changes brought about by technology and media/communications. Be ahead of the curve when it comes to what new uses of AI, what new applications for social media and how to manipulate those to your advantage, to your "business" of being an artist in this world. Entrepreneurial skills are vital in any business. You will need to be your own entrepreneur - exercising creative, innovative ways of using your talents and skills "outside the box" and applying these in parts of the industry and in other settings to expand your earning and learning potentia
John Sefel MFA,
Henry Ford College
Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
John Sefel MFA,: There's a lot to be said for the old cliche, "it's not what you know, it's who you know." The majority of professional theatre artists are freelancers, and so are ALWAYS looking for their next job. Because of this, earning a reputation as skilled and reliable among people who are often hiring is the quickest path to earning a decent living in theatre, and the tried-and-true path of summer stock or other repertory houses remains a wise bet for the early career theatre artist. It allows you to work with multiple people (including visiting leadership), who can serve as pathways to multiple new theatres and, if you're interested, regions. If you weren't born into theatre royalty, this is a way to build a cohort of early career peers and professional mentors that can far exceed what your university alumni office can ever offer.
What Performing Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Sefel MFA,: There are two vital things graduates should do if they plan to move into professional theatre: first, think very seriously about where they want to begin their career. There are professional opportunities all over the U.S., so it's important that – as someone gets onto a ladder, they make sure it's a ladder they'd enjoy climbing. Austin will have fewer opportunities than NYC, but there will also be far less competition. Atlanta theatre may not (yet) have the storied history of Chicago theatre, but it's growing in that direction. There isn't a single one size fits all" best city or region for theatre – instead, it's about understanding a graduate's eventual goals and pursuing that. No one wants to climb for years, only to find they've been climbing the wrong mountain.
Second, when preparing to move to that area, they should assume that they'll need a "day job" to support their early work, and so should do everything possible (including in choosing their college courses!) to ensure they're employable within their industry. The classic idea of "waiting tables" while auditioning is a path for burnout and giving up. Actors who can work in casting agencies, box offices, and similar positions will find that they continue making theatre contacts even during their "day job," and will find themselves surrounded by people who understand their need to sneak out early for auditions. Designers who can work on overhire crews, in costume shops, or otherwise find themselves in the same room as the designers are going to pay their bills while moving their career forward."
What will help Performing Artists increase their earning potential?
John Sefel MFA,: As with most career fields, contemporary professional U.S. theatres are looking to fix two vital gaps: technology and true inclusion. Anyone heading into any aspect of design or management should be comfortable not only with the latest technology, but with diving in and self-teaching new tech as it comes along. Whether dealing with finding new ways to print fabric, innovations in lighting and projection, or the latest methods of promotion and fundraising, there's an entire leadership generation who often feels lost when dealing with new methods, and who are desperately looking for workers who can understand their vision and translate it to the latest tools. Meanwhile, the theatre industry is finally beginning to recognize how poorly it's approached true inclusion. In everything from lighting, makeup, and hair designers who truly understand the needs of BIPOC performers to Intimacy and Cultural advisors, professional skills in these areas will set job seekers apart from those who simply show up with the same decades-old conservatory training as their competitors.
Nathaniel Foley
Assistant Professor of Art & DesignUniversity of Indianapolis
Fine And Studio Arts
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
Nathaniel Foley: Creatives must possess the confidence to sell and speak about themselves and their multifaceted and transferable skill sets. As creative problem-solvers, artists place themselves in a unique position to be able to engage all facets of the job market to positively contribute to today's society. Never place yourself in a mindset of only being able to function as a starving artist as you have gone through extensive training to think, take risks, communicate, and make differently than other disciplines, which sets you apart and provides you a unique opportunity to craft your own path. Do not be afraid to take risks by pursuing jobs that might not completely fit your perceived path because they will open doors and opportunities in the future.
What will help Performing Artists increase their earning potential?
Nathaniel Foley: A career in fine art is never a linear path like other professional fields, so one must remain flexible and aware of all opportunities that they might fit or create. Additionally, they possess numerous skill sets that are unique and they must be able to highlight them to an employer to demonstrate their value.
Michael Staczar
Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Chair,Associate Professor, Speech, Theatre and DanceThe University of Tampa
Department of Theatre and Dance
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Michael Staczar: I think that I musical theatre artist's resume has to reflect the range of their abilities – musicianship, training, etc. – so I can see if the individual may be right for production or teaching/leading a workshop or masterclass. I need to see the breadth of the experience.
What soft skills should all Performing Artists possess?
Michael Staczar: I like to see that they have a broad background of related experience in the performing arts. The credits on a resume show me what they have done, but related experience – such as stage management, technical theater, and so on – show me that they are a well-rounded performing artist.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Performing Artists?
Michael Staczar: I really like to see an overview of their training and education, so I can see their technical expertise and the variety of skills they possess.
What skills will help Performing Artists earn the most?
Michael Staczar: Skills that will help/enhance the work for the producing organization. Besides "performing," what else can you bring to the table (technically, artistically, administratively) that will benefit all involved.
Ayden Adler Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Arts AdministrationUniversity of Houston – Downtown
Department of Arts and Communication
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Ayden Adler Ph.D.: Our program is geared toward securing employment after graduation. Students who graduate with a degree in Fine Arts complete an internship that gives them practical experience and networking opportunities in the local fine arts community. Additionally, students produce a portfolio of professional work to present to potential employers. While their portfolios encompass all areas of fine arts (visual and performing arts), each student is encouraged to concentrate in a specific art form or arts administration and build high-level skills in their concentration of choice.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Performing Artists?
Ayden Adler Ph.D.: At UHD, we have over 200 students currently enrolled in our Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Fine Arts degree who study arts administration, visual art, music, dance, graphic design, and theatre. Our students often focus on one particular art form with personal meaning to them, but they all develop their talents and cultural knowledge through a varied and rigorous schedule of courses, internships, and co-curricular activities. Our faculty includes professional studio artists, practicing musicians, actors, acclaimed historians, and nonprofit arts leaders.
Fine arts majors graduate with an understanding of art, performance, and personal expression. In addition, students acquire strong skills in business, management, research, public speaking, and writing. Graduates who earn a BA in Fine Arts at UHD can describe in detail the historical and stylistic development of each of the fine arts; they can effectively analyze and communicate the significance of humanities and fine arts products and performances, and they can execute the foundational tasks that drive the operations of nonprofit arts institutions. And they can express their ideas through multiple artistic media.
What skills will help Performing Artists earn the most?
Ayden Adler Ph.D.: Skills developed by our graduates are useful in various real-life jobs, where salaries range from approximately $40K for entry-level positions to high-six-figure salaries for extraordinary artists and top arts administrators. Our students find employment in these and other career paths:
-Education
-Museum curation
-Administration (in all art forms, including symphony orchestras, theatres, performing arts centers, museums, dance companies, etc.)
-Commercial art, including graphic design, gaming, and advertising
-Studio art and live performance
-Art and music therapy
-Media and photography
-Art criticism
-Fashion, interior, and stage design
-Acting, directing, and technical theater
-Music production and composition
Lawrence Jackson
Associate Professor, Dance, Chair, A&S Diversity Committee, President, Alabama Dance Council, A&S Distinguished Teaching Fellow, Associate Chair of the UA Dance programThe University of Alabama
Theatre and Dance Department
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Lawrence Jackson: Dance companies/productions a dancer has performed with, teaching experience, teaching certifications in various styles and techniques, past instructors/mentors/choreographers, and dance education.
What soft skills should all Performing Artists possess?
Lawrence Jackson: Soft skills used that are most important for a dancer include time management, interpersonal communication, collaboration, spatial awareness, empathy, persistence, flexibility, leadership, teamwork, commitment, ability to work independently, respectful of deadlines, respect for others, mental and physical stamina, attention to detail, listening, and following directions.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Performing Artists?
Lawrence Jackson: Mastery of turns, advanced jumps, increased range of motion, flexibility, high level of artistry.
What skills will help Performing Artists earn the most?
Lawrence Jackson: Time Management, Collaboration, persistence commitment, and ability to work independently...these skills support a successful independent artist, which will yield a sustainable income.
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Paige Williams: The skills that stand out on artist resumes are skills that distinguish them from other applicants. Potential employers are looking for individuals whose resumes provide evidence of exploration, risk-taking, and the ability to adapt. These traits are evidenced through experiences with internships, study abroad, and other real-world experiences such as client-based projects, exhibitions, performances, and readings in public spaces. Art school is experiential. Students aren't just observing but doing while they are in school. The ability to learn and adapt to new technology is also important. Art students don't just learn but utilize technological skills with purpose in their own creative work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Alison Bjorkedal: I hope the coronavirus pandemic will have an enduring positive impact on all of us! It is likely that artists of all mediums will find their creating impacted for many years to come both emotionally and practically. As artists, we can immerse in, respond to, and process our environment through our work. We are living in a time of great upset and change; history has shown us that artists have been integral in helping society react to and process tremendous change in the past. What long-term opportunity losses the pandemic might bring I can't predict, but I am excited to experience the innovation that graduates will bring to the field. Practically, live concert events will likely need to continue riding the waves of uncertainty we've experienced this past year. Flexibility in our responses and transforming how musicians reach their audience will continue to be integral for our artistic future.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Performing Artists?
Alison Bjorkedal: From my personal experience, I wish I had been more tech-savvy when the pandemic hit. As a musician who mostly performs live or records professionally with a full studio staff, I was woefully behind in understanding how to package myself both visually and aurally online. I recommend musicians focus on being comfortable with at least one type of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and basic video-editing software. Developing an authentic, but purposeful social media presence would also be helpful in cultivating connections to audiences as our live opportunities might be impacted for some time to come.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Performing Artists to find work opportunities?
Elizabeth McPherson: I predict that NYC will continue to have a large concentration of dance companies. However, I do know that many young professional dancers have returned to their parents' homes across the USA since the pandemic hit. Perhaps this will result in a flourish of more theatrical dance, particularly modern and contemporary, happening outside of NYC.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Elizabeth McPherson: Yes, I think the coronavirus pandemic will have a profound impact on the dance field. Many small dance companies may find it impossible to keep paying dancers and staff. Some bigger dance companies have disbanded their second or junior companies. Virtual or outdoor performances are all that is possible right now for the most part. There is. However, some fantastic work being done in terms of dance film and online performance events. I think as the pandemic subsides eventually, that we will have live performances again, but also more virtual events. Dancers and choreographers are honing their skills with technology.
In terms of dance education, innovation is again the name of the game. One recent grad from Montclair State has just been hired to teach a 4- to 5-year-old dance class outside in someone's backyard. Many dance teachers are teaching over Zoom, and also creating videos of dance classes that people can do at their leisure, not in real time. I think this will also stay with us even after we return to teaching more classes in person. It allows for more global connection, in that I could take a dance class that is happening in Japan, for instance, through Zoom.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Harold InDelicato: Aside from the economic consequences, I believe that the job market will actually expand. Many unexpected considerations have arisen in light of the pandemic, creating new markets and new approaches to traditional disciplines. If graduates are looking in the right places, the post-pandemic world may provide many opportunities.
What type of skills will young Performing Artists need?
Harold InDelicato: In addition to the traditional skills that graduates will need related to their particular fields, it would help to have experience with remote and streaming technologies including software and hardware, social media experience, and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) skills. All of these skills will benefit new professionals when utilizing remote instructional media and production technologies. I believe the pandemic has caused a rapid shift in the way we work. Many traditional fields have been forced to quickly hybridize in order to compete in the era of the pandemic. Preparedness for the next wave is at the agenda forefront for many corporations and institutions. Graduates should consider how structural systems will eventually replace the stop-gap measures that are currently in place. Whole new economic infrastructures are currently being built around the disaster.
What experience really stands out on Performing Artist resumes?
Harold InDelicato: In regards to visual arts, practical knowledge in software and graphic design as well as creative and critical thinking skills stand out on a resume. The practical skills help employers to screen applicants but in the field of art and design, employers are typically looking for a deep thinker, someone who can transfer information in a way that is unusual and new. The ability to analyze, imagine, and express multiple viewpoints and perspectives will help young designers to stand out. Designers should be aware that there are many different ways to interpret meaning and that art and design may express multiple opinions, and even diametrically opposing views, in the same communication.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Performing Artist job market given the pandemic?
Matthew Albritton: I think everyone would agree that 2020 has been a transformational year. What is less clear is how the repercussions will continue to reverberate and just how far and wide the transformation will reach. The visual and performing arts, along with every single industry has had to grapple with new modes of delivery, new solutions to constantly changing problems, and the struggle to remain productive and relevant in the face of unprecedented unknowns.
It does seem clear that every job in nearly every field will not simply go back to the way it was. We have all learned new and effective ways to do business remotely, new and effective ways to find efficiencies, and new and effective ways to do things differently. Some of the trends I believe we will see continue after the pandemic are more opportunities to work remotely, a continuing demand to consume content online, and a growing insistence that these online and remote activities be higher quality.
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Matthew Albritton: With every industry rapidly changing to address the repercussions brought on by the events of 2020, flexibility will be a top requirement to find success in any field. There is an increasing shift in education to coalesce around the four Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. As these soft skills rise to the top of just about any list of job skills that employers are seeking, reliance on specific hard skills has declined in most industries. Resumes with training in the visual and performing arts should highlight not only the acquired skills of artists and performers, but also the more widely applicable skills that are at the heart of the arts including those four Cs mentioned above.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Performing Artists to find work opportunities?
Matthew Albritton: One of the repercussions of a remote world is that we have all found that we can Zoom-in to meetings and remain effective and productive. In the visual and performing arts, this extends to remote interviews, applications, and even auditions. Instead of driving to another city for an audition, we can now keep our PJ bottoms on and Zoom in from the comfort of our home office or studio (maybe the PJ bottoms aren’t such a great idea!). The point is that if we all take advantage of new techniques with new technology, we can broaden the possibilities. Graduates in the visual and performing arts are very well armed with new tools and skill sets to take full advantage of these new possibilities.
Dr. Patrick Bynane Ph.D.
Professor and Director of the TWUTexas Woman's University
Theatre Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Dr. Patrick Bynane Ph.D.: One of the things to know about a career in the arts (especially in the performing arts) is that our work is incredibly sensitive to the state of the economy; perhaps more so than any other field. It can sometimes feel like we are the proverbial canaries in the economic coal mine. It is clear that one of the legacies of the coronavirus pandemic will be a highly unstable and uncertain economic forecast; quite possibly for years to come. This means that graduates in the arts are going into a very unpredictable employment environment. For example, as I write this Actor’s Equity (the stage actors’ labor union) has a near-complete ban on any of their members performing in a theatre. This ban won’t lift until a critical mass of people has been vaccinated. This has created unprecedented unemployment in that field. At some time, though, the vaccines will begin to have an effect and this situation will slowly turn around. When this will happen is anybody’s guess. I bring this up because it is just one small example of the unpredictability that I mentioned earlier within an enormous industry. When you take that one example and try to multiply it across an entire field as vast as the performing arts you start to see why predicting the impact of the pandemic on arts graduates is so difficult.
In spite of all that, I think there is still great opportunity out there. Graduates in the arts are incredibly resilient and have a great passion for what they do. These are traits that will be extraordinarily useful in our post-pandemic world. Also, we in the arts are used to the vagaries of the gig economy and typically know how to navigate it fairly well. I also think that the skills that are learned in a performing or fine arts program are very transferable to other realms and that one of the things we will see as a result of the pandemic are interesting new applications of the skills learned in these programs. I am thinking of the continuing rise in popularity of social media channels and streaming, digital content. Just because we learn how to dance, sing, act, stage, costume or light in a performing arts department doesn’t mean that we have to keep those skills trapped in those disciplines. They can be creatively and successfully transferred to new areas.
So, yes, there will be an enduring impact and some of it will be pretty bad. But out of a crisis like this there will also be some amazing opportunities for performing arts grads to rewrite what a person can do with their training and that is pretty exciting.
What type of skills will young Performing Artists need?
Dr. Patrick Bynane Ph.D.: Young grads are going to need to have a big and expansive toolkit of skills. Simply “selling” yourself as a singer or an actor or a director is not going to cut it. Arts organizations are hurting right now due to the inactivity in Congress and the restrictions forced upon us by the pandemic. They are going to have to look at making some very hard decisions and painful cuts. A graduate in the performing arts who can sell him/herself as a multiple threat is going to have an advantage over a single-skill specialist.
Young grads are also going to have to develop a strong entrepreneurial sense of themselves and the corresponding business and communication skills to match that sense. I think we are going to see more and more recent grads really see themselves as their own brand that needs to be marketed, properly budgeted and nurtured. Along those same lines, I think recent grads will have to have a pretty savvy sensibility regarding social media and digital communication; both in how to use it and how not to use it.
What experience really stands out on Performing Artist resumes?
Dr. Patrick Bynane Ph.D.: This is a really hard question to answer because the entire field of performing arts is so rooted in contract work and the gig economy. That means that every new gig (and new employer) is looking for a specific set of experiences suited to just that job. This makes it very challenging to try and create a resume that will be both specific enough to accurately reflect your own experiences but general enough that you look good for a variety of different positions. Folks in the performing arts often have multiple sets of resumes. There will be one for acting jobs, say. And another for more technically oriented jobs.
And another for educational work. But the thing that really jumps out at me, when I am going through a resume, is whether or not I get a sense of who this person is and what kind of work they like to do. Some resumes are filled with every single thing a person has ever done and I feel myself getting lost in all the entries. Others will try to pad out what they feel to be a thin resume with filler that either feels glib or overly clever. If you have a lot of experience, pare down what you have to what really shows off you and your qualifications for that particular gig. If you are just starting out and you don’t have as much as you would like, don’t apologize for that. Show what you have clearly and professionally and keep working on getting more experience where you can.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Performing Artist job market given the pandemic?
Wind Woods Ph.D.: It is difficult to say. What is encouraging, however, is that artists are still producing theatre through different mediums, for example, Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, and other streaming services, and audiences are still attending productions. Theatre is still very much alive. A positive aspect to this trend is that theaters and theatre artists are able to utilize actors in different geographic regions and bring in a wider range of audiences, a reality that is financially difficult to accomplish physically.
I am hopeful that the theaters will reopen and artists will be able to continue to create and develop their crafts. I am also hopeful that theaters will become more innovative and daring in their season choices by committing to producing new works, finding ways to incorporate virtual technologies, and developing new and young audiences. A trend that I think will take place is that theatre will come back strong since during the pandemic the importance of coming together and telling stories, of seeing who we are and what we hope to be represented on stage has been magnified. I imagine that new positions that focus on virtual and streaming technologies will become a trend and provide new exciting jobs.
What Performing Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wind Woods Ph.D.: Great question. I would recommend learning skills that center around technology and ways to incorporate virtual platforms into theatre productions and audience outreach. Playwrights might want to develop skills in writing for the stage and some form of a virtual theatrical hybrid. Actors, too, might want to train in both stage acting and film acting to make themselves marketable in both or a blend of the two. A silver lining (if there is one) to this pandemic, is it offers a low-stake way for artists to produce new and innovative work on their own: write a play, cast it with actors, and do a virtual reading. Finally, I recommend that students/artists find ways to do internships as dramaturgs and literary managers. These can even be done virtually. If the pandemic keeps productions in the virtual realm for longer than anticipated, scripts will still be written, and developing the skills to evaluate scripts in relation to a company’s mission statement and goals will be very valuable.
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
Wind Woods Ph.D.: Produce your own work, act in or design plays with friends and colleagues that take place online or in other social-distanced venues, and always strive to build your network. The last piece of advice is to keep your mind and options open. There are a lot of opportunities and positions in this career: on stage, backstage, above/under the stage, in the house, in the shop, etc. Also consider opportunities in community outreach, education, and audience development.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Eric Baars: Yes, the resources created to work through the pandemic have affected how we communicate and do business, in every sector. In addition to the virtual office spaces that will continue after the pandemic is over, the need for adequate ventilation and standardized airflow maintenance checks will be addressed in the theatre industry. Makeup artists, costumers, dressers, all will be aware of risks mitigation guidelines for years to come. As we have become even more isolated, intimacy coaching and direction, a relatively new extension of performance training, will be needed, as more and more humans will reenter the personal spaces of others.
What type of skills will young Performing Artists need?
Eric Baars: For performance-focused graduates, strong self-tape and marketing skills are demanded. The audition world has been reinvented, and offers increased mobility to reach a large target of applicants. The expectation of higher quality self-submissions, and current knowledge of digital platforms is vital for anyone entering a performance career. These technical skills in film and video production have been utilized for over a decade. Now, these have become the norm, and the quality matters. The age of Professional quality self-submission is here and is the industry standard.
What experience really stands out on Performing Artist resumes?
Eric Baars: The resume reflects your professionalism, so follow the industry standards and focus on clarity over creativity. I look for relationships on a resume. Certainly, working with well-respected people helps. Have you worked with the same artistic team on more than one project? Or have you worked at the same theatre for more than one season? A good resume should establish a pattern of work rather than the individual roles. Everyone will (most likely) have added a Zoom play or two to their resumes this year. Even if these are volunteer opportunities, don’t dismiss these, as they are current and demonstrates your commitment to work.
Timothy Kane
Assistant Professor of TheatreLoyola University Chicago
Department of Fine and Performing Arts
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Performing Artist job market given the pandemic?
Timothy Kane: Adaptability. The ability to continue to grow and expand one's working knowledge is an asset in more conventional times; however, this year has proven that it will be necessary and expected of graduates. Every arts organization has had to scramble to finds way to create and curate content that earns revenue and donations while also responding to the concerns of the current social moment. Relevancy and audience appetite remain moving targets, and organizations need collaborators that can contribute to their institutional elasticity.
Every theatre and arts organization has been struck by revenue loss, staff reductions, audience atrophy, technological limitations, and fundraising shortfalls. When new graduates get interviews and auditions, they will want to demonstrate that they possess skill sets that will help those institutions recover, adapt, and build institutional muscle in those vulnerable areas.
What skills stand out on Performing Artist resumes?
Timothy Kane: The ones that the employers are looking for in the description of the opening! A director doesn't need to know you can type 100 words per minute, and a box office manager doesn't need to know you played Ophelia. Emphasize the skills, college experience, and the previous employers that are the most logical leverage for getting an interview. Artists typically need to have more than one resume: one that reflects their arts involvement (roles, performances, concerts, exhibitions, etc.) and another for non-performance-based employment.
Remote technology has become a ubiquitous tool in 2020 in all areas of employment, and the arts are no exception. Knowing how to reliably record auditions, performances, and classes will continue to be necessary skill sets. The pandemic has broken open traditional arts interviews and casting models. The self-taped, at home audition and callback structure is here to stay. Graduates will need to stay current with the technical requirements, expectations, and most effective tools.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Performing Artists to find work opportunities?
Timothy Kane: I'm not sure how to forecast an answer for this one. It seems to me that science and public health will dictate which cities' arts organizations begin to bounce back most effectively. Public performance is based on large groups being able to gather safely. Larger cities have more employment opportunities, but they also have higher population density which might mean it takes longer to reach a safer public health threshold.
Until the Covid-19 vaccine has been widely distributed, most employment opportunities will remain remote which means what city a person lives in might not directly correspond to where their employer has a brick-and-mortar presence. Until then, a graduate can choose to lay down roots in the city that corresponds with their long-term ambition or hole-up where it's most economically or personally viable. There is time to pivot toward opportunity when geography and zip codes matter more.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Performing Artist job market given the pandemic?
Ann Emo: Multi-media skills – the ability to integrate video into your own work. Solo shows that require little physical interaction or support will likely be popular.
What Performing Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ann Emo: I think graduates should take advantage of reading everything they possibly can. Know plays, philosophy, social science. Step away from the screen and social media, and be prepared to make your own informed decisions. Do art of any kind to gain an appreciation for things that you do not normally do. This will hone the essential empathy that we know is important in theater.
What general advice would you give to a Performing Artist?
Ann Emo: Figure out how to sit with being uncomfortable. Sure COVID has messed with us, but learning how to work through challenges has always been important. The more you know about yourself, the more you will know what your brand is and how to optimize it, market it, and live into it. Also, as hard as it was to ask for help as a student, it may be harder to do so as a graduate but maybe even more important. Don’t forget that you have connections with people who came from your programs before you, with your peers, and with your faculty and staff. Find a mentor, OR be a mentor. Growth comes from sharing.
Kevin Lyles
Professor of ArtUniversity of Rio Grande
Bunce School of Education & Liberal Arts
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Kevin Lyles: Of course there will be an impact on graduates from the coronavirus pandemic, but not all of it will be bad. I think there will definitely be some short-term funding, hiring, or expansion limits in the next few years. Although much of the service industry seems to have more jobs than they can fill, this may not necessarily be the case in the arts. Many small museums will close, perhaps never to open again. Attendance to museums, music venues, and theaters has been severely curtailed and so has their income from ticket sales. But many have stepped up to the plate and made their offerings online, maybe better than they have ever done. This will never go back to normal but will get even more competitive, so those who are prepared to help with this evolution will be needed.
What type of skills will young Performing Artists need?
Kevin Lyles: Young graduates who are dependable, hard-working problem solvers will always be needed, and especially those that have the technological skills to turn real experiences into virtual, they will have many options. Computer skills are going to help a lot. English literacy in their writing will be mandatory. It has never been a secret that most art jobs are not going to “fall into your lap”. But most artists I know have tremendously rewarding careers in the arts, but they didn’t get these by waiting for the opportunity to come to them. They got it by being ready, not afraid to take risks, and working hard. Many think those with successful careers got lucky, but it has often been said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I think this is especially true in the arts.
What experience really stands out on Performing Artist resumes?
Kevin Lyles: Just about any related experience where it is obvious a student worked hard helps with resumes. Did the student work twenty hours a week during college to pay the bills? Check on being useful. Did the art student enter and get accepted into more exhibitions than their peers? Check. Useful. Did the person work at a place and then get promoted? Check. Although any job is useful, a job in their professional domain is even better. Did the graduate work in a gallery, design shop, museum, or graphics firm? All efforts help resumes. As careers become longer, less significant things can be dropped off.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Performing Artists?
Stacie Lents: I don't want to try to predict the future, but what I'd suggest is that while there is every sign that live theater will return – including in new and creative ways – we are also likely to see the lasting impacts of the pandemic on the way we rehearse, market, and distribute theater. A silver lining is that this may improve access. Being able to stream live plays and to provide closed captioning, among other tools, can make theater more accessible to more people and communities and allows the coming together of national and international artists as well. Being able to audition virtually means greater access to talent and fewer barriers to entry for actors, including those just starting out.
What type of skills will young Performing Artists need?
Stacie Lents: Although signs point to a return for live theater in 2021, I do think that graduates will be well-served to build their skills both in film and in virtual theater spaces. At Fairleigh Dickinson University School of the Arts in the Theater Program, for example, self-taping is just one skill we are focusing on in preparation for auditions of all types; we hear from agents that even once the pandemic has retreated and live theater has returned, knowing how to prepare and present a strong self-tape and virtual audition will be important for theater auditions, as well as for film. The good news is that as the industry bounces back, virtual platforms may make auditions accessible for actors – offering a wider pool of talent for directors, producers, and casting directors. It's also important to note that tools for self-taping don't have to be expensive. Ring lights and portable green screens can be researched and purchased relatively cheap online, and your college acting professor can help guide you on how to set up on a budget.
What experience really stands out on Performing Artist resumes?
Stacie Lents: Particularly right now, artists stand out by taking advantage of opportunities, including self-producing and finding ways to create and showcase virtually. For example, we have an FDU graduate who created an episodic web series entitled Quarantined: Real Life Edition. She and her collaborators cast a number of fellow alumni. The show has garnered attention and led to other work. This is a good time for performing artists to explore virtual platforms and to become familiar with complementary skills such as film editing and language skills.
This is also a great time to polish up your resume or website, attend virtual master classes and performances, participate in staged readings on virtual platforms, and to find new audition material including songs and monologues. Many publishers are even offering free script samples or read-only perusal scripts for performers searching for material.
As we say to our FDU School of the Arts students, an important way to think about artistic success is in terms of entrepreneurship. Afterall, artists are also CEOs of their own companies, the stock in which is their performance or artistic work.