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So what are your Career Plans?
Advice on careers and jobs in the theatre and performing arts

 

Welcome to career-plans.com, the FREE website designed for young adults aged 14 to 23 years who are deciding on their career plans.

Here we exchange career and job information between parents and young adults, giving detailed and enlightening insights drawn from first-hand experience.

So often careers are left just to chance. However, the more first-hand information you have, the more informed your choice. The more informed your choice, the more successful your career.

With higher education fees set to rise, it is really worth researching the validity of the course you choose for the career plan you have in mind. Will it really fit the job you ultimately want?

Remember, you are at the beginning of your career, so do not leave it just to chance. Make your informed choice with our help...

And see where life leads you.

NAME: E Allen JOB TITLE: Make-up artist
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 20 years plus.
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Various. A good all-round education and artistic skills.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Worst - Unsociable hours, too many graduates chasing too few jobs.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: Long hours on set ,waiting for performances to end.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? For me, it's to become a top designer.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS: There is plenty of work as a local make-up artist (brides etc). Getting into medical work. It helps if you know someone already in the industry.
NAME: Alex Veness JOB TITLE: Actress
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Four
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: I attended an accredited drama school in London and completed a 3-yesr diploma course.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Auditions were best and worst; they were fun, yet nerve-racking.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: I wish I knew how much time was spent writing letters and networking compared to actual performance time.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? I am no longer in the profession.
NAME: Claire JOB TITLE: Flute teacher

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 15
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: I have a BA hons degree and CTABRSM teaching certificate. There are no formal qualifications as a requirement for private teaching, but people will have more faith in your methods if you have some training and experience at performing yourself. Much of my work is acquired through recommendations and word of mouth. It was particularly difficult making a living when I lived in London as supply outstripped demand for lessons.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Best - very rewarding and stimulating. I can see that I will continue to grow and change as a teacher, so cannot imagine ever getting bored with the job. It's a challenge to do the best for each individual that comes to me. It's a job which can be flexible, and so suitable for those with children. Worst - my income can vary from month to month; it has suffered in the recession.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: The amount of planning, preparation and phone calls. I often work late into the evening.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? It changes from student to student, and from school to school, you cannot become set in your ways.

NAME: Bryony Pritchard JOB TITLE: Freelance Visual Arts Director for Grassington Arts Festival , Creative Practitioner for The Hepworth Wakefield Gallery , Illustrator, Workshop Leader, Project Manager
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Five years since graduating. I volunteered and worked every holiday, weekend, spare day I could through training.
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: BA (Hons) in art subject with lots of experience in coordinating/managing arts projects. Other ways - internships, residencies, volunteering, going to networking events, weekend courses, part-time courses, attending talks, symposiums etc.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Best - every day is different and a challenge! Worst - every day is different and a challenge! I really enjoy working with different organisations, charities and businesses at the same time. Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure with funding and timescales. But the pressure is outweighed by the positive impact a project can have on people's lives.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: Get as much experience as you can. Often this is more valuable than a qualification. Building good working relationships with individuals and groups is key when working as a freelancer. Don't panic if things don't work out straight away. It's alright to ask for help.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? I'd like to run my own arts festival one day - in Sweden perhaps. Never to stop working closely with communities.
NAME: Phil Woods JOB TITLE: Festival Manager for
an arts charity
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Five
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: As much experience as possible of working on and organising a range of arts and cultural events, e.g. concerts, readings, talks, however big or small. Often volunteering is the way in, as was the case for me.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Best - seeing an event you've worked long and hard to realise become a huge success which is enjoyed by both artists and audiences, and preferably doesn't lose money! Worst - dealing with occassionaly difficult and arrogant music agents, though not all are like that.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: Get involved with as many different things at university to gain as wide ranging experience as possible. It's also ok to learn from your mistakes, or those of others around you!
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? There are a wide range of options and paths that could be followed working for a venue, other festivals, in a freelance or self-employed capacity. Areas include technical production, education project management, marketing, fundraising, artistic programming. Hopefully one day I will get to work at director level within a venue or on a festival.
NAME: E Allen JOB TITLE: Posticheur 'wig maker'
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 20
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: May not be required, or hairdresser and/or make-up artist.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Best - Theatrical work : It can be elaborate and imaginative. Day wear work: Good to return someone's identity.
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: It is tedious in construction.There is monotony in in-depth weaving. You can get eyestrain and backach ! Working behind the Stage/TV/Film you have to keep wig and face/body postiche in top condition.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? Specialist employment/skills.
NAME: Vanessa Pohlhammer JOB TITLE: Director of Performing Arts School
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 20
TODAY'S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Experience in the professional theatre or tv, etc. Excellent training throughout your career. Relevant teaching qualifications.
BEST AND WORST BITS ABOUT THE JOB: Best - the rewards of watching the students develop;teamwork when putting on shows. Worst - too much paperwork. .
WHAT I WISH I'D BEEN TOLD BEFORE I STARTED: How much paperwork is required for running your own business.
HOW DO I SEE THE JOB EVOLVING? There's so much potential growth; we could take the school in many directions in the future.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS: I have been blessed with a fun career. I have been around the world and met many interesting people. I have had many fantastic life experiences.
CONTACT ME AT: pohlhammer@compuserve.com. Website - www.HastingsStageStudio.com

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