The Performing Arts Industry
The Performing Arts Industry
Embedded Files
The Performing Arts and what it is
The Performing Arts and what it is
The Performing Arts is pretty self-explanatory. It is a variety of art forms that are performed to an audience and include Dance, Drama and Music (not to be confused with visual arts which create a physical piece of art using paint, canvas, materials etc). The Performing Arts have been around since pre-historic times (3.3 million years ago) and are a constant throughout human culture as a form of entertainment and communication. One of the reasons the Performing arts (PA for short) has been around for so long, and is so popular, is because it can be done virtually anywhere; in a theatre or film studio, or on the street or in a field.
Who is involved in the Performing arts?
Who is involved in the Performing arts?
The performing arts is like a tree and has many branches that all work together for the same purpose: to be shown to an audience/Performed.
The people who are actually seen by the audience are called Performers and they come in many different types depending on what kind of production your involved in; actors, comedians, dancers, magicians, circus artists, musicians and singers are the most commonly found Performers because it encompasses a wide range of skills under one title (e.g. a dancer can do multiple styles of dance, an actor can do multiple genres of acting or a musician could play multiple instruments without having to list each one individually and lots of skills are often transferrable, for example a circus artist often has a background in dance, or a comedian has a background in acting/improv). Performers are not the only ones involved in the industry though, they are just the ones that are seen, the rest are part of the pre-production, production and backstage crew or post production teams and they involve a whole lot more people!
https://www.vercida.com/uk/articles/jobs-in-performing-arts
https://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatre-faqs/253-who-works-in-a-theatre
https://getintotheatre.org/blog/complete-list-of-jobs-in-theatre-industry/
Production team
Production team
Artistic director
Artistic director
The artistic director is responsible for the creative vision of a company, and how it shows itself. Artistic directors are often just known as directors, and they usually direct the production. They work closely with the actors, sound and lighting crew, producers, and other members of the production crew to make the production how they envision it.
AD Department (Assistant Director)
AD Department (Assistant Director)
The AD Department helps the director, either by organising filming or rehearsal dates, scheduling meetings or many other jobs that the director cant focus on (because they're directing).
Arts administrator
Arts administrator
An arts administrator helps to develop and expand a project.
Animation artists
Animation artists
An animation artist uses technology to bring life into their work.
Associate producer
Associate producer
Helps the producer put on the production
Automation technician
Automation technician
Repairs and maintains robotic equipment and equipment
Assistant location manager
Assistant location manager
Assistant to the locations manager. usually responsible for organising meetings, scheduling and all the boring bits that the managers don't want to do.
Backstage
Backstage
Backstage literally means back -stage. It’s the area where the actors go before, during and after the show where the audience can't see or access (usually). Its where the actors wait for entrances, props and set are kept and often where quick changes happen. Having a backstage manager is useful to a production because they oversee the area and running of the show when directors, producers and others can't. They make sure the right set and props are in the right place, the area is safe and are there to help the actors with quick changes during scenes.
Chief Executive
Chief Executive
A chief executive is the leader and is responsible for the success of the project or company.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/chief-executive
Craft service and catering
Craft service and catering
These guys are responsible for snacks and drinks on set.
Casting director
Casting director
Casting directors are in charge of finding the right actor for a role.
Casting assistant
Casting assistant
Offers general help in the process of finding actors for roles.
Call boy
Call boy
The call boy is someone who runs between the stage and dressing rooms to collect people, so that they do not miss their que to go onstage. This means that the backstage area is left clear and helps to ensure the smooth running of the production.
Carpenter
Carpenter
A carpenter is a stagehand whose job it is to build set and props. They are usually hired by the production manager, crew chief or technical director and work closely with the set designers to create the set.
Chargehand carpenter
Chargehand carpenter
A chargehand carpenter is in charge of the carpenters and assists in the set up and take down of a theatre and set.
Charge artist
Charge artist
A charge artist works with the set design and carpentry crew to add finishes to the set. They are responsible for painting and applying surface treatments to all scenic elements of a production e.g. adding faux finishes, textures, or ‘damage’ to provide the right look for the production.
Crew chief
Crew chief
The crew chief is in charge of the moving of scenery and is the head of the stage staff. They ensure that scenery, staging and props are handled and moved properly, safely, carefully but quickly during a production. They work with the stage crew, set and prop designers and stagehands.
https://aact.org/crew-chief-or-crew-head#:~:text=Home,of%20building%20and%20shifting%20scenery.
Costume manager
Costume manager
A costume manager is someone who responsible for all aspects of costumes during a performance. They are in charge of how the costumes are stored, packed and transported from venues and oversee dressing rooms for performers. They work with the costume designers, actors and directors and play a vital role in the upkeep and condition of the costumes.
Company stage manager
Company stage manager
stage manager for the performing company. right had to the director, responsible for communicating and liaising with the technical, costume, makeup and backstage departments as well as giving technical ques.
Chief electrician
Chief electrician
Responsible for making sure all equipment is maintained and installed correctly
Dance or movement therapist
Dance or movement therapist
A dance and movement therapist helps to channel any emotions and feelings into dance to help stay healthy in the industry.
Dancer
Dancer
A dancer is someone who dances on stage for a production. There are many forms of dance, and each require different movements and styles, so dancers often train for years in order to complete the routines and choreography for a production. They work closely with Choreographers, sound techs and directors to add to the production.
Dance and drama teacher
Dance and drama teacher
A drama or dance teacher is someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience of that area and wants to teach others about it.
Drama therapist
Drama therapist
A drama therapist uses roleplay, voicework and other drama exercises to help people cope with life's issues.
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
A dramaturge is responsible for providing the cast and crew knowledge, context and an interpretation of the performance they are about to do, so that, they can do their jobs better as they have more information. Sometimes this information can be historically, geographically, politically, or culturally relevant to the story, so Dramaturgs are a vital part of a production team.
Director of production
Director of production
The Director of production (Director) is responsible for making the vision, a reality and are one of the most important parts of a production. They control what the scenes look like and how they play out from an actors, lighting, sound, setting, props, audience, and production aspect. They are the main lead on almost every aspect of the production, and they organise rehearsal schedules, audition for characters, create and work with a production team and lead rehearsals from very beginning to very end.
Deputy chief electrician
Deputy chief electrician
To assist chief electrician
https://www.productionbase.co.uk/film-tv-jobs/deputy-chief-electrician-11.13.0052068
Deputy head of Lighting
Deputy head of Lighting
Oversees the lighting and electrical aspects of a production.
https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/assets/Uploads/DepHoL-July-2022-Job-Description-FINAL.pdf
Dresser
Dresser
A dresser is someone who helps look after the costumes and preserve them for shows. They report into the costume manager or supervisor and are in charge of cleaning and maintaining the costumes in a production.
Editor
Editor
An editor takes all the footage and 'edits' it down into the finished product.
Electrician
Electrician
An electrician is someone who works with the lighting and sound crew to operate the equipment. They often are used to set up and install/maintain lights so that the lighting technician can programme them. They are responsible for maintaining the equipment and ensuring it is safe to use.
Executive producer
Executive producer
The Executive producer is the person who has the final say in the production and are in charge of the management, finances, marketing and overall success of the production.
Film loader
Film loader
The Film loader is responsible for what the film is stored on and its safety e.g. memory cards, USB sticks and film canisters originally.
Fly crew
Fly crew
The fly crew in in charge of operating the fly system. This is a series of ropes, Pulleys or strings that allow the curtains to open and close, setting to be pulled up and add to the drama of the production.
Graphic artist
Graphic artist
A graphic artist conveys a story through digital images, such as cartoons.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/graphic-artist-vs-graphic-designer
Head of automation
Head of automation
In charge of the automation department and in charge of maintaining and operating equipment.
https://tinathemusical.com/uk/content/uploads/2021/06/Head-of-Automation-Job-Description-TTM.pdf
Head of lighting
Head of lighting
Oversees lighting department
https://playfuluk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2-Head-of-Lighting-Job-Description.pdf
Head of sound
Head of sound
Oversees the sound department.
https://playfuluk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2-Head-of-Sound-Job-Description.pdf
Deputy head of sound
Deputy head of sound
Works behind the head of sound and is responsible for the sound elements of a production.
https://playfuluk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2-Deputy-Head-of-Sound-Job-Description.pdf
Head of wardrobe
Head of wardrobe
The head of Wardrobe is in charge of making sure all costumes are looked after and ready for performances. This runs from the creation of costumes, to the storing of costumes, upkeep of costumes and re-use of costumes for each show. They are also responsible for all wardrobe staff and the smooth running backstage.
https://tinathemusical.com/uk/content/uploads/2022/05/Head-of-Wardrobe-Job-Description-TTM.pdf
Deputy head of wardrobe
Deputy head of wardrobe
Second in command to the head of wardrobe.
Intimacy coordinator
Intimacy coordinator
An intimacy co-ordinator is someone who speaks and acts on behalf of the actors in the production team during intimate scenes. This means that during scenes where intimacy is involved (e.g. nudity or sexual acts) there is someone there who ensures the actors are comfortable and looked after during these scenes.
Illustrator
Illustrator
An illustrator tells a story through self drawn (of some description) images, such as drawings, paintings and computer software.
Lighting technician
Lighting technician
A lighting technician operates lighting equipment
Literacy manager
Literacy manager
A literacy manager reads and evaluates a script to see which one should be chosen. They go through plays and make recommendations to the artistic departments on whether the play would be a good one to produce or not.
Location manager
Location manager
A location manager is responsible for finding the perfect places to shoot scenes and create the production.
Location scout
Location scout
A location scout goes around and finds perfect locations to shoot in.
Master carpenter
Master carpenter
A master carpenter is someone with lots of experience creating set and scenery and are certified craftsmen.
Deputy master carpenter
Deputy master carpenter
Works as second in command to the master carpenter and helps create props and set/scenery for a production.
Makeup artist
Makeup artist
Makeup artists are people who use cosmetics, prosthetics, and other products on actors to enhance features and develop the characteristics of the role being played. They have to research and analyse the script to see what makeup style is required, or if prosthetics or SFX are required, e.g. a WW2 piece would require multiple types of makeup: time appropriate makeup, ‘dirty’ makeup and SFX, the list could go on. I've always shown a particular interest in Makeup and more specifically SFX makeup.
Music therapist
Music therapist
A music therapist uses music and sound to improve mental health and stay healthy in the industry.
Orchestra or band
Orchestra or band
An orchestra or band is used to play live music in a performance.
Painters
Painters
Painters work with the scene designers to create the setting of the production. They work to add designs and textures to set and props and are often very constrained with the time.
Playwright/Script writer
Playwright/Script writer
A Playwright or script writer does what it says on the box. Play. Wright. Script Writer. The writing of plays or scripts. A playwright is responsible for writing the scripts to plays which then go on to be productions. They usually include 2 basic elements: Dialogue and stage directions. Dialogue is what the characters say in the performance. Stage directions instruct on how the story is to be portrayed to the audience, e.g. telling an actor to get out of bed and walk to the wardrobe.
Playbill writer
Playbill writer
A playbill writer is someone who writes the credits of the production. This includes the cast and production crew and is known as a programme of the production.
Props master
Props master
A props master is responsible for the finding, sourcing, maintaining and storage of props for a production. This involves analysing the script to see what props are needed, sourcing those props, teaching the actors how to use them safely and look after them and then knowing when they are being used and where they are at all times.
Prop maker
Prop maker
A prop maker uses various skills (e.g. carpentry, sewing, painting etc) to create props for a production.
Principle cast
Principle cast
The principle cast are the main characters or cast members.
Puppet designer and maker
Puppet designer and maker
This is someone who designs and creates puppets for a production.
Producer
Producer
The role of a Producer is kinda like the big boss. They usually start the project and find the script, crew and money for the production and start hiring people to make it happen. When they have found the Directors, Lighting crew, Backstage crew etc, they can delegate down to those people, who then delegate down further. You get the picture. The producer then oversees everything to do with the production, from start to finish.
Production manager
Production manager
The production manager is responsible for overseeing the budget and schedule of a production and is often the main problem solver. The role involves finding cost effective ways of producing the production, finding the people to do that, and resolving issues that might impact the production quickly before they cause an issue.
Production administrator
Production administrator
Provides admin support to the production supervisors and managers.
Audio engineer/sound Technician
Audio engineer/sound Technician
Sound technicians oversee the sound and music of a performance. They edit, mix, record, sync, reproduce and amplify sound effects for a performance. They work closely with the lighting techs and directors to help create the mood for the piece. They're also in charge of all the sound equipment, ensuring it is connected correctly, used properly and is safe to use.
Sound technicians oversee the sound and music of a performance. They edit, mix, record, sync, reproduce and amplify sound effects for a performance. They work closely with the lighting techs and directors to help create the mood for the piece. They're also in charge of all the sound equipment, ensuring it is connected correctly, used properly and is safe to use.
Stage crew
Stage crew
Work together to complete scene changes, set builds, film scenes, and complete the performing part of the production.
Screenwrite
Screenwrite
A Screenwriter writes and develops the script that will then be turned into a production.
Stage manager
Stage manager
A Stage manager is responsible for the communication and oversite of all areas of the production. They act as a director's right hand and are responsible for the smooth running of the show, directing stagehands, giving tech cues, running entrances and exits and managing backstage as a whole.
ASM
ASM
An Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) acts as the stage managers assistant and does the everyday jobs that a stage manager has to do but has not got time to do. These things include everyday administrative tasks, assisting the director during rehearsals and being responsible for all backstage activity during the performance.
Deputy stage manager (DSM)
Deputy stage manager (DSM)
A deputy stage manager is the next in charge behind the Stage manager and is responsible for helping the stage manager out in any aspect.
Staging department
Staging department
They are responsible for preparing the stage and area for the upcoming production and ensuring the area is safe for use.
Spotlight operator
Spotlight operator
The spotlight operator is in charge or operating and controlling spotlights for the production. They work closely with the lighting design and technicians so that the lighting flows with the piece and adds to the mood of the production.
Stagehands
Stagehands
A stagehand is someone who acts as a pair of hands backstage and cover a range of areas. They are used usually for changing scenery or fetching props but can also be used to operate smoke or mist machines, help with quick changes or fetch spare costumes, whatever the stage manager needs!
Scenic artist
Scenic artist
scenic artist create the scene for a production. They are responsible for creating backdrops, murals or scenic props for the production and work closely with the scenic designers to make their vision come to life.
Stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy
Stand up comedy is a type of performance where the comedian engages with the audience for the purpose of making them laugh. It is often loosely scripted but has a huge area for improvisation.
Session musician
Session musician
A session musician is like a 'musician for hire' and they often do short term contracts
Singer
Singer
A singer Performs live or in a studio with only their voices.
Technical department
Technical department
The technical department are responsible for all things tech including lighting, sound and other effects.
Technical director
Technical director
The technical director is the boss of all things tech. They are a technical expert and oversee all technical activities across the tech departments. They supervise any aspect of the production that needs technical assistance, including carpentry, sound, lighting, SFX and they make sure that the theatre equipment is maintained and working safely.
Theatre fight director
Theatre fight director
A theatre fight director is in charge of all the fighting in a production and makes sure its done safely by carefully choreographing and then teaching fight sequences to the actors.
Theatre armourer
Theatre armourer
In charge of the blades, firearms and pyrotechnics of a production
https://getintotheatre.org/blog/what-does-a-theatre-armourer-do/#:~:text=An%20Armourer%20is%20in%20charge,or%20sound)%20and%20theatrical%20trickery.
Wardrobe supervisor
Wardrobe supervisor
The wardrobe supervisor works together with the wardrobe manager to source, make and maintain the costumes used in a production. They make sure that the costumes are stored properly and looked after so that they last the entire performance and ensure that the clothes are clean and fresh each performance.
Wardrobe assistants
Wardrobe assistants
Help find, make, maintain and store the costumes for productions
Wardrobe crew
Wardrobe crew
The wardrobe crew help the actors get into and out of costumes, and maintain the costumes when not in use. They work closely with the actors, hair and makeup, costume design and backstage departments.
Head of wigs
Head of wigs
Oversees the wigs department
Wigs assistant
Wigs assistant
Provide general assistance to the wigs department
Deputy head of wigs
Deputy head of wigs
Helps cast into and out of wigs and helps maintain wigs and hair pieces.
Creative team
Creative team
Actor
Actor
An actor is someone who portrays different characters to an audience. They train to change their behaviour, body language, characteristics, and mannerisms to fit a particular role. This is called Characterization. They work with the director and are told how to move, and what to do and then perform to an audience on stage.
Assistant director
Assistant director
An assistant director makes sure filming is on schedule and going according to plan. they also help arrange filming or rehearsals dates, locations and other logistical factors of a production.
Associate director
Associate director
Associate directors work in larger productions and are in charge of create decisions, plans and policies.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/associate-director-vs-assistant-director
Associate choreographer
Associate choreographer
Assists the choreographer in the logistics, movements and pieces of choregoraphy.
Associate sound design
Associate sound design
Works closely with the director and sound team to assist in the design element of sound for a production.
Associate costume designer
Associate costume designer
Assists the costume department is designing and creating costumes for a production
file:///C:/Users/Charlotte%20Rich/Downloads/Production-Assignment-Guidelines-Associate-Costume-Designer-6-12.pdf
Associate set designer
Associate set designer
Assists in designing and creating the set for a production.
Associate lighting design
Associate lighting design
Assists in the production and delivery of a plays lighting and technical elements
https://mandylights.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Associate-Lighting-Designer.pdf
Circus performer
Circus performer
A circus performer performs to an audience for entertainment, they often have gymnastic or circus training in order to perform the stunts required
Choreographer
Choreographer
A choreographer is in charge of creating the dance and movement sequences in a production and then teaching it to the performers.
Composer
Composer
A theatre composer writes original music for a production. This helps tell the story and add emotion and they can write music for instruments, voices, or even electronic and digital tools. Composers work closely with the music Director and team to create unique and emotive sounds, scores and effects for a production.
Costume maker
Costume maker
A costume maker makes the costumes in a production
Cabaret artist
Cabaret artist
A cabaret artist performs dances, songs and drama pieces similarly to a musical-theatre performer, however it tends to be more dramatic/theatrical.
https://getintotheatre.org/blog/what-does-a-cabaret-artist-do-in-theatre/
Costume designer
Costume designer
A costume designer is responsible for planning, supervising, and creating the costumes that the actors wear in a production. They are experts in fashion history, practical clothes making and theatre design, so the costumes are long wearing, appropriate to the scene and add to the overall effect on the audience.
Director
Director
A director is someone who 'directs' the actors in how to carry out and present the production to the audience.
Dance captain
Dance captain
A dance captain is responsible for overseeing and handling the choreography and musical staging of a production. They work closely with the stage manager and associate director
Fight director
Fight director
A fight director is responsible for planning, choreographing, and overseeing fight scenes, where the actors use stage combat. It's really important to carefully plan any fight scenes because of the risk of injury being high, but using angles and timing you can make a realistic looking fight, while the actors remain unhurt.
Hair and wig design
Hair and wig design
Hair and wig design are responsible for the design of characters hairstyles and appearances. They work with the makeup and costume departments to make the character as believable as possible and then work with the actors to transform them into their characters.
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
A lighting designer is responsible for all the lighting aspects of a production. This includes what light are used, when they are used, why they are used, if any effects are used etc. They are responsible for adding to the ambiance or general mood of the production. E.g. watching a sunset scene with house lights only does not have the same effect as watching a sunset scene with red, orange, and pink lighting and shadow effects from ground lights.
Music director
Music director
A music director is someone who oversees everything to do with the music of the production. They work with the director, sound operators, producers, and other crucial members of a production team to cast performers, find musicians for the orchestra, rehearse with everyone and they conduct the orchestra during the performance.
Musician
Musician
A musician is someone who plays one or more instruments. They work with the conductor and music director to create sounds for a production, either individually or part of an orchestra or group. They can read, write, perform, conduct, and orchestrate music in a range of genres for a range of performances.
Performer
Performer
A performer is who the audience watches when they see a production.
Pattern cutter
Pattern cutter
A pattern cutter makes the templates that are used to create costumes.
Playwright
Playwright
A Playwright or script writer does what it says on the box. Play. Wright. Script Writer. The writing of plays or scripts. A playwright is responsible for writing the scripts to plays which then go on to be productions. They usually include 2 basic elements: Dialogue and stage directions. Dialogue is what the characters say in the performance. Stage directions instruct on how the story is to be portrayed to the audience, e.g. telling an actor to get out of bed and walk to the wardrobe.
SFX Artist
SFX Artist
A Special Effects Artist (SFX artist) is responsible for all of the effects and illusions needed for a production. This could include pyrotechnics, prosthetics and puppets.
Scenic or Set designer
Scenic or Set designer
A set designer is responsible for designing the set and environment for a production. This means they have to evaluate the script and make the story's setting ‘come to life.’ If we use Hansel and Gretel as an example, when they drop breadcrumbs in the forest, the scenic designer would be responsible for designing and creating that forest, so that the audience can clearly understand and be as involved in the story as possible.
Sound design
Sound design
The sound designer is responsible for any and all sound effects of the productions. They must analyse the script and then find or create all the effects that the story needs, e.g. thunder, crickets, and sirens. They are also responsible for sourcing any live sounds used in a production.
Voice over artist
Voice over artist
A voice over artist (or voice actor) uses only their voices to play a character. they cover a wide range of work including animations, games and commercials
Administration team
Administration team
Agent
Agent
An agent represents and helps you when finding jobs and offers professional advice. https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/6/agent#:~:text=An%20agent%20is%20a%20representative,the%20agent%20doesn%27t%20survive.
Accounts assistant
Accounts assistant
An accounts assistants helps the accounting department, sorting files, mail, basic accounting and bookkeeping.
Admin assistant
Admin assistant
An Admin assistant is someone who supports the production by filling out documents, organising meetings and updating records
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/admin-assistant
Accountant
Accountant
An accountant is in charge of monitoring the financial ingoing's and outgoings of a production and can help in the tax side of things as well.
Assistant archivist
Assistant archivist
An assistant archivist helps in the day to day running of the archive services.
https://www.linnean.org/news/2020/04/01/meet-the-team-assistant-archivist
Accounts manager
Accounts manager
An accounts manager connects with customers, potential business allies and stakeholders and looks for new business opportunities.
Archivist
Archivist
An archivist looks after and preserves documents.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/archivist
Audio describer
Audio describer
An audio describer uses words to describe in detail what is happening, rather than rely on visual communication (e.g., videos)
BSL interpreter
BSL interpreter
A BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter translates a production into sign language so that people who struggle to hear can understand what's going on.
Campaign manager
Campaign manager
A campaign manager creates and runs the marketing efforts of a production.
https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/job-description-campaign-manager/1381285
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
A Chief Financial Officer is a senior person responsible for the financial decisions of a company.
Chief executive
Chief executive
The chief executive is the person mainly responsible for the company. They oversee the higher ranking members and are in charge of making the major company decisions.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/ceo.asp#toc-what-is-a-chief-executive-officer-ceo
Development manager
Development manager
A development manager is responsible for designing the development progression plans of a production, including timelines, deadlines, skills and resources required, roadblocks and overseeing the development process.
Data archivist
Data archivist
A data archivist is someone who looks at all the data (information) of a production or production company and decides what needs to be accessible and what can be stored. They are then responsible for storing and looking after that data.
https://www.druva.com/glossary/what-is-data-archiving-definition-and-related-faqs
Drama teacher
Drama teacher
A Drama teacher is someone who teaches others how to act and assist in production. they support students and help them develop new skills and techniques that are needed to take part in a production.
https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/drama-teacher#:~:text=Also%20Called,Careers%20in%20Theater
Director of development
Director of development
The director of development is in charge of growing the production or company. They work with the director, producer and other staff to expand the production, or take it to the next level.
Executive director
Executive director
An executive director is a senior officer that acts as the CEO but is usually for a non-profit organisation or corporation.
Education and outreach staff
Education and outreach staff
Education and outreach staff work together to organise community focused events including budgets, participants, benefits and requirements.
Foundation administrator
Foundation administrator
A foundation Administrator is responsible for the overall running and functioning of a foundation.
Festival director
Festival director
A festival director is in charge of all the logistics, management and overall running of a festival.
Finance and admin staff
Finance and admin staff
Finance and admin staff assist in the financial and business needs of a production (registers, pay checks etc)
Foundation Appeals director
Head of marketing
Head of marketing
Head of marketing oversees the marketing team and is responsible for creating strategies, goals and budgets for a production.
Head of sales
Head of sales
The head of sales designs and implements strategies for companies to make sales.
Legal affairs
Legal affairs
Legal affairs specialise in specific areas of law and act as solicitors for the company or production.
Licensing manager
Licensing manager
A licencing manager is in charge of sorting out licencing applications in a production.
https://www.zippia.com/licensing-manager-jobs/what-does-a-licensing-manager-do/
Legal counsel
Legal counsel
Legal counsel assists in the business side of a production, specifically with the legalities and big transactions and are responsible for drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and agreements.
Licencing assistant
Licencing assistant
A licencing assistants help the licencing agents with all the licencing and licences a production needs (music licences, scripts, copyrights etc)
Marketing account manager
Marketing account manager
A Marketing accounts manager works with others to improve and develop their company.
Marketing co-ordinator
Marketing co-ordinator
A marketing co-ordinator makes sure that everything (fundraisers, events, research etc) gets done on time
Marketing director
Marketing director
The marketing director is in charge of the public image of the production, and how it makes money. This includes advertising, marketing, promoting, and branding the production to help ensure its success. The marketing director works with the FOH manager, director, producer and advertisers.
Marketing manager
Marketing manager
A marketing manager is responsible for the planning of promoting a product or performance and assists in the marketing of the product.
Office management assistant
Office management assistant
An office management assistant helps co-ordinate and organise office managers, as well as help them with tasks.
Office and IT manager
Office and IT manager
An office and IT manager oversees the area in which they work, ensuring it runs smoothly and effectively
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/office-manager-job-description
Outreach and education manager
Outreach and education manager
This person is responsible for events that are done at different locations (travelling performance) and that aim to educate the public....I think
Press and publicity
Press and publicity
Press and Publicity involves marketing the performance to any potential audience.
Social publicist
Social publicist
A social publicist is responsible for the publicity (public attention) of a production or company.
Sales assistant
Sales assistant
Assists in the selling of products (merchandise, tickets etc)
Stage door team
Stage door team
The stage door team (Or Stage Door Keepers (SDK)) are responsible for opening and closing doors to the buildings and stay with the audience throughout the day.
https://www.charlton.uk.com/media/28994/dmt-a-day-in-the-life-stage-door-keeper.pdf
Sales and ticketing director
Sales and ticketing director
A sales and ticketing director is responsible for maximising sales and bringing in as many customers as possible. This can be done by creating strategies to draw more people in.
Social media manager
Social media manager
A social media manager is responsible for an organisations presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and twitter. This includes organising posts, interacting with followers and creating content.
Theatre fundraiser
Theatre fundraiser
A theatre fundraisers job is to raise money for the theatre by asking for donations, organising events and connecting with potential donors.
Theatre tour manager
Theatre tour manager
A theatre tour managers job is to make sure everything runs smoothly, usually including making travel plans, sorting venues, finances and media of a production.
Unit manager
Unit manager
Oversees a department or unit within the production.
Customer service roles
Customer service roles
Access officer
Access officer
An access officer makes sure that performances are made accessible to people with limited mobility, e.g. a wheelchair ramp offers wheelchair users access to the venue.
https://getintotheatre.org/blog/what-does-an-access-officer-do/
Box office manager
Box office manager
A box office manager, manages the ticketing office and is responsible for its smooth running.
Box office staff
Box office staff
They are the first point of contact for the audience. they sell tickets and provide information to customers.
Box office clerk
Box office clerk
A box office clerk is responsible for selling tickets to a production
https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Box-Office-Clerk-Job-Desription-2019.pdf
Customer experience manager
Customer experience manager
The customer experience manager is responsible for making sure the customer has the best experience possible with that company.
https://www.intelligentpeople.co.uk/customer-experience-manager/
Company manager
Company manager
The company manager is responsible for the logistics of the production. They are responsible for lots of administrative roles, like payroll, contract discussions, accommodation and travel of the crew, scheduling etc, and are one of the main communication points for the entire crew, as these people know everything that is happening.
Deputy customer experience manager
Deputy customer experience manager
A deputy customer experience manager motivates their team to do a good job for customers, and aims to improve the customers experience.
Deputy box office manager
Deputy box office manager
Assists the box office manager in the successful running of the box office, deals with customer queries and customer service.
Deputy theatre manager
Deputy theatre manager
Works with the theatre manager to ensure the smooth running of a production
https://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/documentdownload.axd?documentresourceid=54
Director of audience services
Director of audience services
A director of audience services is in charge of all the FOH staff and aims to make the audiences experience as enjoyable and easy as possible. They supervise the ushers, ticket scanners, event operators, concession stands, house managers and volunteers to make sure they are doing everything correctly and up-to standard.
https://acttheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ACT-AdncSrvMgr-v1.pdf
Deputy general manager
Deputy general manager
Supports the general manager in day to day activities and duties.
https://sg.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/deputy-general-manager
Front of House team members
Front of House team members
FOH team member are the people who interact and help with customers. FOH team members include: House manager, Box office manager, Box office assistants, Ushers, Cashiers, Attendants, Sales persons etc.
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/141417-theatre-front-of-house-operations.pdf
FOH manager
FOH manager
The Front of House (FOH) Manager is responsible for the running of the seating and reception area. They oversee collecting or booking tickets, looking after any waiting areas, and helping customers.
House manager
House manager
A house manager is responsible for the smooth running of the FOH area, usually the seating, hallways, and entrance area. They oversee the audience's safety and wellbeing during, before and after the performance.
Janitor
Janitor
The janitor is responsible for keeping the venue stocked and clean. This includes clearing auditoriums for performances, restocking tissues and cleaning surfaces, to make sure the audience is as happy and welcomed as possible.
Marketing
Marketing
They work to market or advertise the project
Public relations director
Public relations director
A public relations director oversees the production and ensures that deadlines are met and people are communicated with. They work closely with the director and main managers across the whole production to make sure everyone is on track for the deadline of the production.
Publicist
Publicist
A publicist is someone who advertises the production to bring in an audience. They are usually responsible for setting up interviews, advertisements, and meetings to promote the show. They are the ones responsible to getting an audience into the venue.
Senior assistants
Senior assistants
High ranking assistants.
Theatre manager
Theatre manager
A theatre manager is the administrator of the theatre. They are oversee all administrative, financial, marketing, production and general running of the theatre and must have excellent communication and budget management skills.
Ticketing agent
Ticketing agent
A ticketing agent is someone who sells tickets for the production. They are in charge of sales for the production and work with the FOH staff.
Theatre front of house
Theatre front of house
The theatre front of house is anywhere that the public can go to. FOH includes sitting and waiting areas, corridors, toilets etc and the people working FOH are there to supervise and help guests in and around the FOH areas.
Theatre operations manager
Theatre operations manager
A theatre operations manager is responsible for all FOH needs (including hiring, training and preparing staff, health and safety checks, etc)
Usher
Usher
An usher is there to help the audience. They often guide the audience to their seats, check tickets, pass out programmes or answer audience questions. They are there to help the audience and are who the audience encounters, so act as the ‘face’ of the production a lot.
Departments (some!)
Departments (some!)
Grip Department (cameras and filming equipment):
Key grip- Most Senior Role
Best boy/girl grip- Skilled Technician
Grip- Technician and operative for camera equipment
Dolly grip- Operates camera Dolly (rails) and ensures the safety of the Grip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_grip
Sound department:
Production sound mixer- responsible for recording high quality audio
Boom operator- operates sound recording equipment
Sound assistant/cable person- supports the smooth running of the recording process
https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/sound-mixer
Art department:
Production designer- Creates the feel of a production
Art director- Responsible for the visual design of a production
Set dresser- Responsible for the décor of a production
Art PA- Production assistants for the art department
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/set-dresser-70516/
Stunts department:
Stunt co-ordinator- Co-ordinates (plans) the stunts of a production
Stunt performer- Performs the stunts in a production
Set medic- There just in case anyone is injured or needs help.
Hair and makeup department:
Key MUA (Make-Up Artist)- Main MUA
Key hair stylist- Main hair stylist
Hair and makeup assistants- assist the MUA and Hair stylists
SFX artist- Creates the SFX needed for a character
VFX Department (Visual effects department):
VFX supervisor- Supervises VFX
VFX coordinator- co-ordinates VFX
Camera department:
Director of photography- Figures out how to create the production using lights, camera movements and kit and crew.
Camera operator- Handles the camera and captures the production.
1st and 2nd AC- the 1st AC(Assistant Camera) sets up the camera, plans for marks to be hit and prepares for the rehearsal and the 2nd AC lays down markers for actors and cameras to aim for during that rehearsal.
DIT- a Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) assists the camera department with knowledge and advice on how the cameras work best.
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-camera-operator-job-description/
Wardrobe department:
Costume design- Designs costumes
Wardrobe supervisor- Oversees wardrobe
Set costumer- Responsible for the costume on set
Costume co-ordinator- Creates the overall appearance of a character
Tailor- Creates clothes
Shopper- Shops
Electric department:
Gaffer- Controls the light of a production
Best boy electric- supervise the electric crew daily operations
General operator- general assistance where needed
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/best-boy-electric-70407/
Production department:
Line producer- responsible for almost everything (hiring, budgets, health and safety, deadlines etc)
UPM- a Unit Production Manager is responsible for managing the production
Production coordinator- Runs the production office.
Set accountant- Responsible for keeping track of the budget on set
office PA- Production assistants for the office
How to stay healthy in the Performing Arts Industry:
How to stay healthy in the Performing Arts Industry:
As a Performer you rely entirely on your body and its ability to perform, and so making sure it is as fit and healthy as possible is vital to sustaining a career in the performing arts.
What is the body?
What is the body?
The Human body is made up of lots of cells all joined together to create a person. Each of these cells has a different purpose and has evolved to serve a specific job to the body (e.g. skin cells are made to protect the body from the outside, White blood cells serve to fight bacteria and infection from the inside.) These cells working together form the body's systems.
The body is made up of lots of systems all working together and these systems all do specialist things, some of these systems include:
Skeletal system- The skeletal system provides the scaffolding for your body, it determines the size, shape and general structure of your body and allows you to move around. It is made up of bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints and also makes blood cells, stores minerals and provides protection for your internal organs.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21048-skeletal-system
Respiratory system- The respiratory system is what we use to breathe. It consists of the nose, nasal passageway/cavity, mouth and throat, larynx, trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. When we breathe in, air travels from our nose, through our nasal passage, down our throat into our lungs and alveoli, where oxygen passes through a thin cell wall into our bloodstream, round our body (being turned into carbon dioxide along the way) and out again through the same thin cell wall in the alveoli in our lungs to then be breathed out.
Endocrine system- The endocrine system is how your hormones travel around your body and uses them to control your body's metabolism, energy levels, reproduction, growth and development, and response to mood, injury and stress. It includes, the hypothalamus, pineal body, pituitary gland, thyroid and parathyroid, thymus, adrenal gland, pancreas, ovary and testis.
Nervous system- The nervous system is what transports messages to and from the brain and the body. It includes the brain, spinal chord and nerves and uses neurons to send messages to different sections of the body from the brain.
Digestive system- The digestive system is used to get the nutrients out of the food we eat and into our body's to be used. food starts off at the mouth where it is chewed up and then goes down the oesophagus and into the stomach to break down further. It is then passed into the small intestine where proteins, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins and minerals, and most carbohydrates and fats can be absorbed into the bloodstream. what's left then passes into the large intestine where the rest of the water, vitamins and minerals are absorbed into the blood. What's left...you poop out.
Renal system- Your renal system is your body's filtration system. It is made up of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra and works by filtering all the blood that pumps round your body, and gets rid of the toxins, waste and excess water. Blood enters your kidneys and toxins, waste and excess water are separated from nutrients, minerals and water. The waste products then travel from your kidneys, down the ureters and into your bladder, ready to be wee-ed out through the urethra.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21197-urinary-system
Circulatory system- The circulatory system is how blood is moved through the body and carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones around the body and includes the heart, lungs, arteries, veins and capillaries. Blood starts at the heart and is pumped through an artery down to your lungs where it becomes oxygenated. The oxygenated blood then is pushed back up to the heart and pumped through to arteries that lead to the rest of the body. These arteries then flow blood through to capillaries where the oxygen, nutrients and minerals are used in the body's cells. the waste products and de-oxygenated blood are then pushed around the rest of the body (where the waste is separated by the kidneys) and then returns up to the heart through Veins to start the process again.
Immune system- The immune system is what protects your body from bugs, viruses and bacteria and is what helps heal us when we are sick. It is made up of white blood cells, antibodies, Cytokines, the complement system, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils and adenoids, thymus, bone marrow, mucosa and skin that all work together to keep outside threats away (e.g. a scab when you have fallen over protects the 'open' wound), patrol inside to look for things that don't belong (e.g. bacteria or mutated cells) and creates antibodies to protect us from the same threat in the future.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21196-immune-system
Musculature system- The musculature system is made up of lots of muscle fibres and gives muscles their ability to contract. It works very closely with the skeletal system (hence why is often merged into the muscular-skeletal system) to allow movement for the body, ranging from large movements (such as walking or running) to tiny movements (like visual focusing).
Endo-cannabinoid system- The endo-cannabinoid system is not heard of much because it is not a major system of the body and is only responds to certain stimuli. However, I'm including it because it is relevant to me and my medical conditions. (Fibromyalgia and Endometriosis)
The endo-cannabinoid system is a small underlying part of the nervous system and is partly responsible for controlling cognitive and emotional processes like your behaviour and mood but also neurological disorders such as epilepsy. It only responds to specific molecules found in cannabis (or marijuana) and other cannabis based products (like CBD or hemp). This system is very useful for people who have medical conditions that cannot be treated using 'traditional' or 'the usual' methods (e.g. pain issues, seizures or neurological conditions that don't react or cant be treated with other medications).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gcw30p/cannabis-prescription-pot-luck
The human body is about 60% water and is made up of organic compounds like lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, and has 4 main types of tissue; connective, muscle, nerve and epithelial.
Connective tissue- Connective tissue connects everything together and provides support and structure to other parts of the body like organs and tissue. Connective tissue also stores fat, helps repair damaged tissue and helps move nutrients and other substances around the body. Types of connective tissue include fat, blood, bone, cartilage and lymphatic tissue.
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/connective-tissue
Muscle tissue- Muscle tissue is made up of specialised cells designed to contract or shorten giving the body the ability to move and can be separated into 3 categories; skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle tissue.
Nerve tissue- Nerve tissue is what makes up our nervous system and is made up of 2 cells; Nerve cells (or Neurons) and Glial cells.
Epithelial tissue- Epithelial tissue is what covers the outside of our organs and blood vessels and also coats the inside of cavities in our internal organs (chambers of the heart, inside your mouth etc)
So now we know the basics of how the body works (or is supposed to work...), how do we keep it working and work it to its best safely and continuously?
What does the body need to be healthy?
What does the body need to be healthy?
Being healthy is really important, not only for physical reasons (less stress on your body, live longer, build up strength for the future) but for mental reasons too as it makes us feel good to be healthy. By exercising, eating well, drinking plenty, sleeping enough and managing your mental health you help your body to stay at its optimum performance ability and so you will be able to do more for longer.
https://www.wcrf-uk.org/eat-move-learn/learn-it/what-do-humans-need-to-stay-healthy/
Exercise
Exercise
Exercise is any movement than makes your muscles work and makes your body burn calories (energy). Exercise has many health benefits including lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer and its recommended to do 2.5 hours of exercise a week, which evens out to just under 22 minutes each day. Keeping up a regular exercise routine means that you are toning and strengthening your muscles as well as increasing your bodies stamina (how long it can go before needing a break), but pushing yourself too far can have negative impacts.
In order to exercise properly you first must warm your body up and prepare your muscles for the workout ahead. If you don't prepare these muscles you risk tearing, pulling, straining and even permanently damaging those muscles and areas around that injury, so start slowly with some gentle stretches and light cardio. This will gently stretch the muscles and get lots of oxygenated blood to those muscles so they can stretch further and do more (as your providing them with more energy to work with). Once your entire body has been gently stretched and feels warmer, more flexible and ready for your workout, then you can begin your exercise. Once you have completed your workout, its a good idea to warm DOWN your body. This is because your body has gotten used to working harder than usual and so by suddenly stopping your exercise, you risk a drop in blood pressure and other negative side-effects that come with that (as well as others).
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
Nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition is learning about what foods your body needs and what each of those foods do in your body. As we learnt earlier your body is made up of lots of systems all working together to perform different tasks, but all these systems need energy to function and need maintaining by your body and that where calories, macro and micro-nutrients come in.
Calories- calories (or kilocalories) are used to measure foods energy content. Food is made up of macro-nutrients that each contain different calorie levels (carbohydrates contain less calories than fats do) and these calories are either used up by the body during the day or they are stored for later use. The amount of calories a person needs each day varies depending on who they are (for example a mid 40's full time desk worker will not need as many calories as a mid 20's bodybuilder) but can be calculated using three things; your BMR (basal metabolic rate), the TEF (Thermal effect of food) and your ADL (activities of daily life).
Law of Conservation of Energy- the Law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only changed from one form to another. This comes into play as energy is transferred from our food into our bodies.
https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Law_of_conservation_of_energy
BMR- the Basal Metabolic Rate is how much energy your body needs just to survive. Things like breathing, your heat beat and body temperature control all require energy and this is measured as a BMR or your Basal Metabolic Rate.
TEF- The Thermic Effect of Food is how much energy you use just by eating, digesting, absorbing and disposing of food and nutrients.
ADL- your Activities of Daily Life are what you do on a day-to-day basis. This varies depending of lifestyle, health and other factors.
Macronutrients- Macronutrients are the nutrients that we need in high quantities (hence MACRO) because they provide the most energy to us.
Carbohydrates and fibre- carbohydrates are the most important energy suppliers to the body. they are comprised of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms and can be quickly or slowly digested depending on the structure of the carb. Carbohydrates can be split down into 3 sub-categories; monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose), disaccharides (lactose, sucrose, maltose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose). all carbohydrates are broken down by the body into glucose which is the main (and in some cases only) source of energy for the body.
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest and break down into glucose but it plays a significant role in digestion and helps us feel full after eating.
Fat- Fat is essential to the body as it provides fatty acids that our brains and muscles need to work. Fats come in 3 types; Unsaturated, saturated and Trans-Fatty acids. Unsaturated fats are healthy and help our body's function normally (particularly our brains) and have multiple double bonded atoms (think that's the right word?). Saturated fats have only one double bond (if any) and are less healthy for you. Trans-fatty acids should be avoided because they are industrially or naturally produced, Unsaturated fats that increase your risk of heart attack by blocking up your arteries, preventing proper blood flow.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturated_fat
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsaturated_fat
Protein- Proteins are like the building blocks for most of our bodies and are made up of amino acids which help with the overall healthy function of the body. Proteins can be broken down and re-made to fit what the body needs specifically in that moment. There are 9 essential amino-acids that we need to function that are found in foods, these are; Histidine (used for growth and repair of the body, also makes red blood cells), Isoleucine (carries oxygen in the blood and helps make haemoglobin), Leucine (helps the body make protein), Lysine (helps the body absorb calcium), Methionine (helps regulate metabolism, immune system and digestion), Phenylalanine (helps the brain and nervous system function normally), Threonine (helps maintain protein balance), Tryptophan (helps make melatonin and serotonin) and Valine (enhances energy, endurance and helps the body heal).
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00161
Micronutrients- Micronutrients (as the name 'MICRO' suggests) should only be consumed in small quantities and refers to all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. These vitamins and minerals do not provide the body with energy, but help in the energy conversion process, healing and repairing of the body, building new body parts and maintaining the immune system. Vitamins that the body needs to function include vitamins; A, D, E, K, C and B's and the minerals the body needs to function include; potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc.
https://jimmyjoy.com/en-gb/pages/beginner-s-guide-to-nutrition
https://jimmyjoy.com/en-gb/pages/micronutrients
Weight
Weight
Weight it a tricky one, as (personally) there are many factors that are not considered when assessing whether or not a persons weight is considered 'healthy'. A persons weight is measured as 'Body Mass Index' or BMI and is measured as:
A persons weight in kilograms (kg) ➗ your height squared in metres (m)
e.g. A 1.5m, 50kg person would have a BMI of: 22.22
50➗(1.5x1.5=2.25)= 22.22
BMI is split into 5 categories: Underweight, Healthy weight, Overweight, Obese and Morbidly obese and people are expected to be in the 'healthy weight' category. Personally though, I feel like a persons weight is not as simple as how much they weigh divided by how tall they are. A persons weight can change dramatically through the day depending on what they eat, drink, do or don't do, and the terms overweight and obese have a psychological link with me (and possibly others) with fat or being fat, but muscle is actually denser than fat and so all those absolute units out there who are solid muscle (e.g. The Rock) could technically fall into the overweight or obese categories because of their BMI. (using the Rock as an example he is 118kg and 1.93m (thanks google) so his BMI would be 31.7 which falls into the overweight/obese category, which...well....he's not...)
Weight can also impact your mental health. A persons view of themself is often different to how the rest of the world sees them ('we are each our own worst critic'- Ellen Hendriksen) and eating disorders are scarily common among todays society (between 1.25 and 3.4 million people in the UK ). Eating disorders come in many forms and can effect anybody, regardless of how much they actually weigh:
Anorexia Nervosa (or Anorexia) is when a person eats too little or exercises too much in order to keep their weight low, this can deprive the body of nutrients that it needs to function.
Bulimia Nervosa is when a person eats lots of food and then gets rid of it in unhealthy ways before the body has had time to process it, (e.g. making themselves sick or using laxatives)
Binge-eating Disorder is when a person regularly eats a large amount of food at once until they feel uncomfortable and then feels guilty or upset because of it.
OSFED stands for 'Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder' and means that a person has issues with food that don't fit or fully fit into one of the previously mentioned categories.
https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-statistics
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and Drugs can be added, or not added into your lifestyle depending on how you want to live. Some people choose to drink alcohol in their lifetimes, some people choose not too. Some people choose to take drugs (legal and non-legal), some people choose to avoid them. The choice really is all yours, but its still worth knowing about how alcohol and drugs effect your body.
Alcohol
Alcohols come in various forms, but the one that people most commonly consume is called Ethanol. It is created when natural sugar sources (such as fruits and grains) start to ferment as the sugars are turned into energy. This Fermentation process creates Ethanol which is what we most commonly call alcohol.
Alcohol has its pros and cons. Drunk in small quantities, it is believed that some alcohols (such as Red wine) actually have health benefits as they can help the heart and circulatory system, but its very easy to go overboard with alcohol. Heavy drinking can damage your liver, kidneys, heart and other systems in the body, is a dehydrator and effects your mental abilities too, slowing reaction times, increases depression and it alters your perception of things. Alcohol is measured in 'Units' and one unit is approximately 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol and the body can generally process 1 unit of alcohol per hour. Its advised not to consume more than 14 Units per week of alcohol on a regular basis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_(chemistry)
Drugs
Drugs is a broad term used for a variety of substances, that each have a different effect on the body. Over the counter drugs, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are used for pain relief while multi-vitamins are used to supplement our diets, and prescription medications have been given to us by doctors for one particular reason. These tend to be referred to as medicines more commonly than drugs.
Drugs can be split down into 6 categories: Alcohol, Opioids, Benzodiazepines, Cannabinoids, Barbiturates and Hallucinogens, and 3 classes: Class A, B and C.
Alcohol- Alcohol is the most widely abused substance throughout the world as it is legal and highly attainable. Alcohol can leave the user feeling very happy and relaxed, it can make the user angry and aggressive, and everything in between. Examples include: Wine, Beer and spirits.
Opioids- Opioids or Opiates are either created from the drug Opium or are synthetically mimicking Opium. They work by interacting with the neuro-transmitters (info-receivers) in the brain and blocking certain messages from getting through. They can be extremely useful for treating pain (as they block the pain signals) but can leave the user feeling incredibly happy, which is why it can be so addictive. Opioids are one of the most addictive substances today and can be legally or illegally obtained. Examples include: Heroin, Fentanyl, Codeine.
Benzodiazepines- Benzodiazepines are made up of a Benzene Ring and a Diazepine ring, and work by reacting with the Gamma-aminobutyric Acid-A (GABA-A) neuro-transmitter in the brain. Each type of benzodiazepine reacts differently with the GABA-A transmitter and so affects the body in different ways. They are used to treat a wide range of medical issues but can easily be abused due to the highly addictive nature of the drug, and can have a wide range of side-effects and can cause medical and psychiatric problems if used incorrectly. Examples include: Valium, Xanax, Ativan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine#:~:text=Benzodiazepines%20
Cannabinoids- Cannabinoids have a similar chemical compound to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is found in Marijuana. Cannabinoids create a feeling of happiness and relaxation but can negatively impact your mental and physical health. They are the 2nd most widely abused drug in the world as they are becoming more and more legal. There is very little chance of a physical addiction to cannabinoids and examples include cannabis and hash.
Barbiturates- Barbiturates are made from barbituric acid (formed in malonic acid and urea) and they slow down the central nervous system. They were used in the 50's and 60's to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders and are used today for anaesthesia and to treat a variety of conditions such as epilepsy. Barbiturates are extremely addictive and have a high overdose risk. Examples include: Amytal, Luminal, Pentobarbital.
https://www.britannica.com/science/barbiturate
Hallucinogens- Hallucinogens alter the users thinking process and perception of things around them. These hallucinations can be physical, mental and emotional and have a wide effect depending on the individual that takes them. These pose a low risk of addiction but can cause lasting damage to the body and mind if taken in too high quantity's. Examples include: LSD (acid), Psilocybin (mushrooms), DMT.
Classes
Class A- These are the most dangerous types of drug and generally are illegal because of this. They include: Cocaine, Ecstasy, Heroin, LSD and Magic Mushrooms
Class B- These are drugs that are considered less harmful that class A drugs. These include: Codeine, Ketamine, Cannabis, Amphetamines and Barbiturates.
Class C- These are drugs have the least potential to cause harm. They include: Anabolic steroids, Minor tranquilisers and GHB.
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/outlines/drug-offences/
Hydration
Hydration
The human body is made up of about 60% water, and so its really important to stay hydrated so that your body doesn't dry up. Not only is Water used in things like the bloodstream, but it has other functions too. It helps to regulate our internal body temperature, it transports nutrients around the body, it forms saliva (to aid in digestion) and it even acts as a shock absorber for our brains, spinal cords and foetus's (pre-birthed babies).
Its recommended for adult males to drink around 3 litres of water (or water based liquids such as tea, squash etc) a day, and women to drink around 2.2 litres of water a day.
Sleep
Sleep
On average, we spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping and sleep is really important for the physical and mental wellbeing of someone. When we sleep, the body does much of its repair work and the brain processes and stores what its learnt from the day.
There are 2 different kinds of sleep: REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep and NREM sleep has 4 stages. The first stage is when you are just trying to go to sleep, you can be easily disturbed and your brain is winding down. The second stage requires more to wake you up than the first stage. Stages 3 and 4 are when you are fully asleep. REM sleep tends to be when you dream.
Forming good sleeping habits can help your quality of sleep and making sure that you get enough of each of the different kinds of sleep is important for looking after your body and mind.
Mental health
Mental health
Your mental health is your emotional, phycological and social health, and is important throughout our lives. It effects how we think, feel and act, and affects how we handle stress, connect and communicate to others and make healthy choices in life. Mental health is...as the name suggests... located in the brain and the brain is a complicated thing. Unlike a broken arm or a bruised knee, mental health issues are not visible and can go un-detected for a long time and therefore can get worse if not found and treated, and there are various different types of mental health issues that affect people differently.
Your Mental health and Physical health are linked, what you put into your body and how you treat your body will impact how your brain works and therefore impact your mentality. One example of 'putting into your body' is alcohol. when you consume alcohol it can impact many things including your eyesight (blurry or fuzzy vision, slurred vision). part of the reason for this is because your brain has slowed down and so cannot function and process what your seeing properly, and excessive consumption can permanently damage the brain, lead to addiction or cause many other mental health problems. An example of 'how you treat your body' is weight. If you struggle with weight issues (over or underweight) then it can be harmful to your body in various ways (e.g. by putting too much stress on joints or not providing organs and bones with enough protection), and can lead to physical issues such as pain, broken bones and restricted movement. This then effects how you feel (imagine not bieng able to stand up or having the worlds longest backache... not easy to stay positive for long). These feelings can then lead to mental health issues if not adressed. Keeping your physical health and good as possible gives you the best chance at a good mental health too. As the saying goes...Healthy body, Healthy mind!
As humans we are blessed with a higher level of intelligence than other living creatures. This intelligence allows us to perform complex cognitive tasks, have high levels of motivation and we are self-aware. We are able to learn, form concepts, understand and apply logic and reason to activities and use language to communicate with each other. This intelligence however is why we have mental health issues.
Imagine you have 2 parts to your brain. The First part is what all intelligent living things have, the part that keeps you alive. This part comes from when we first started to evolve. Life began from bacteria, moved up to fish and then got bigger...dinosaur size! Dinosaurs, alligators and other reptiles were the start of our brains evolutionary journey and so this part of the brain is the "Reptilian brain". This part is responsible for survival; Eating, Reproducing and Running away.
Soon though, mammals arrived and the 'Reptilian Brain' evolved into the first half of the second part; the "paleo-mammalian Brain" (meaning old mammal) bringing the ability to parent, learn and react, to intelligent creatures. Then...an asteroid strike! Dinosaurs are wiped out and mammals are free to take over...this eventually leading to the further evolved second half of part 2: the "Neo-mammalian" (or new mammal) brain, which is what we have today. This brought with it language, invention, planning and perception ability's and its the perception ability which effects our mental health.
Perception when it comes to mental health is "the way in which something is regarded (specifically thought about), understood, or interpreted"- (credit to oxford dictionary) and its this that is the root cause of most mental health issues. The way we perceive things, including ourselves, can trigger hormones to be released that contribute to negative feelings and emotions which in turn contributes to overall negative mental health. So its important to be kind, not just to others, but to ourselves and to perceive the world in a positive light to stop the triggering of those negative hormones that lead to negative mental health and help improve our overall mental health.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triune_brain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_intelligence
Sadly, Mental health issues don't always improve and become too much for some people. In 2022, 5,642 suicides were registered in England and Wales, averaging 10.7 deaths per 100,000 people and in the Performing arts industry, mental health issues are scarily common. Research papers found that Performers are twice as likely to experience depression than the general public are (actor and ballet dancers were studied) and 54% of musical theatre students met the criteria for a mental health disorder based on their anxiety and depression levels. Suicide attempts are almost double in the PA industry and suicide risks are 270% higher than non-artists.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9014267/
https://stmstudiosupplies.com/2021/01/31/suicide-in-the-performing-arts/
Maintaining a 'healthy' mental health is much easier said than done, but the NHS recommends these 5 steps to help improve mental health:
Connect with other people- connecting with people helps gives you a sense of belonging, helps improve your self-worth, can provide emotional support and gives you the opportunity to share positive experiences and emotions with others.
Be physically active- not only is physical activity important physically, but it can help improve your self esteem, help you set and achieve goals and releases happy hormones into your brain (Endorphins).
learn new skills- learning new skills can boost your confidence, raise your self esteem, help you to connect with others and help your build a sense of purpose.
Give to others- giving to others doesn't have to mean buying presents, it can just be as simple as holding the door open for someone. giving to others gives you a sense of reward and invokes positive feelings, gives you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helps you connect with people.
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)- mindfulness is the act of being in the present moment and focusing on the here and now. The world is a stressful place and it can be very easy to focus on the past or the future and not realise that life is happening right now. Being present in the here and now can help us look at life in a positive light and makes us focus on ourselves and what's going on around us and gives our brains the chance for a break.
https://supportinghumanity.org/general-mental-health-services/?gad_source=1
But what about me?
But what about me?
I have been in the industry since the age of 4 and have worked in many different areas of the industry including; Acting, Voice acting, Directing, Fight choreo, Dance, choreography, Scriptwriting, Lighting, Sound, Hair and makeup, Special effects, Singing, teaching (a bit), videography, editing and producing. However I want to specialise in certain areas that really interest me, these are: Acting, Singing, Dance, Producing, Directing and Voice work. These 6 specialism will allow me to cover a wide range in the industry whilst also taking my Health issues into account. My health issues first started in 2010 when my wrist developed pain issues. Over the years this pain appeared in my wrists/hands, shoulders, back, abdomen, hips and knees, with diagnosis' of Depression, Anxiety, CRPS, Endometriosis, PTSD and Fibromyalgia made over 14 years. Due to these health issues I have limitations with my mobility, stamina, resilience, working hours, memory and I can struggle with widespread pain during a flare-up.
Being an Actor comes with risks to your wellbeing and general health including:
Increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
Eating disorders can develop (most commonly anorexia)
Making dramatic changes to your body for a role (gaining or losing a lot of weight so you can play a character e.g. Tom Hanks and Rebel Wilson)
Risk of injury during filming (anything can happen even if risk assessments have been done)
High intensity work during filming (falls, throws, jumps, runs, climbs and other actions will have an impact on the body)
Method acting can go wrong (its a great technique to use but some actors have gone too far and quite literally become the character e.g. Heath Ledger)
possible exposure to sexual, physical and mental abuse
Being a Singer comes with risks to your wellbeing and general health including:
Injury to your vocal chords
increased risk of acid reflux
Increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
Eating disorders can develop (e.g. Karen Carpenter)
possible exposure to sexual, physical and mental abuse
Being a voice artist comes with risks to your wellbeing and general health including:
vocal fatigue
work in a high stress environment
possible exposure to sexual, physical and mental abuse
Increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
Eating disorders can develop
Being a Dancer comes with risks to your wellbeing and general health including:
injury (most common in hips, knees and ankles)
eating disorders
increased risk of mental health issues
possible exposure to sexual, physical and mental abuse
Risk of perfectionism that negatively impacts mental wellbeing
Being a Director comes with risks to your wellbeing and general health including:
long days
Lots of responsibility and pressure
Increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
Eating disorders can develop
Risk of injury during filming (anything can happen even if risk assessments have been done)
High intensity work during filming
Being a Producer comes with risk to your wellbeing and general health including:
High stress job can negatively impact your mental health
Increased risk of developing depression and anxiety
Eating disorders can develop
High intensity work during Production
https://vocal.media/geeks/risks-involved-in-acting
https://wp.stolaf.edu/musician-health/nutrition-eating-and-singing/
As you can see, all of these professions come with their own risks, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't do it, you just need to manage the risks.
My plan is to keep my body and mind as fit and healthy as it can be. There are risks that I have limited control of (Exposure to sexual abuse and injury on set for example), but can take precautions for to limit the possibility of that happening (risk assessments on set, personal risk assessments, paying close attention to the director and stunt co-ordinators and keeping my fitness up, to reduce the risk of injury and be extremely aware of who I'm around and learn to spot signs of potential abuse).
Keeping a healthy body and mind will make keeping my fitness up, durability and resilience up, and keep my mental health in a good space much easier than if it were unhealthy and unfit. To do this I'm going to keep eating healthy, exercise daily for 20 minutes and go for a longer walk at the weekends, drink more water, create healthy headspace routines (leaving my phone at home on walks and doing things everyday that I want to do like crochet), get into routines so I don't forget meds and try to become a more mindful person by taking 10 minutes a day when I wake up to sit in the quiet and focus on my body and mind.
What are the diversity challenges in the industry at the moment?
What are the diversity challenges in the industry at the moment?
The performing arts is one of those industries where, until your well known and famous, it is a never ending fight for employment. It could be for a number of reasons: they have more public following than you do, your eyes might not be the right blue, their parents are sponsors of the event, you live too far away from filming and cant afford travel expenses, the list goes on and on and these have always been issues in the industry. Pre-Covid these issues were slowly evening out and the diversity gap between 'rich-and-pre-famous' Artists in centralised locations and 'working-class-never-heard-of-before' artists from the middle of no-where, was decreasing. Since covid though, budgets have gone down, access to the industry has decreased and the number of potential artists has only increased, so companies are going to go for seasoned, professional actors who are central to filming locations to keep costs down and risks low.
The biggest diversity challenges I face are working with Fibromyalgia, the location I am based in and costs. With Fibromyalgia, although I have the disability act working in my favour, if I am having a flare up and cannot run, I cannot audition for a part that requires the character to run everywhere. It just doesn't work... Not sure how to combat that one except managing and learning to live with it... Location! I'm based in England and the centralised locations for auditions to be held are in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Bristol, with London being the most popular as the capital city. I'm based in Gloucester which is about 40 Miles away from Bristol, 135 Miles away from Manchester, 64 Miles away from Birmingham and 112 miles away from London, so it isn't really close to anything and prices are on the rise everywhere! Train tickets, bus fares, petrol and parking, all these costs add up so you have to depend on another source of income to fund it, usually a part time or full time job, which limits your availability for auditions, which limits the job opportunities you get, and so a vicious cycle begins.
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/diversity-creative-industries-covid-lockdown-b1838852.html
Social media and how to market yourself
Social media and how to market yourself
Social media first appeared in around 1997 when SixDegrees launched. This was followed by other platforms, most notably; Facebook (now Meta) Instagram, Twitter (now X), Snapchat, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp. These platforms opened up a whole new way to market yourself. No longer did you have to pay for stamps to send your portfolio and applications in the mail, now... everyone was at your fingertips!
Anyone who had a social media account could network with anyone around the world, send messages, photos, videos whatever that platform used and Performers found out that headshots and showreels could be sent or created using these platforms, and shared worldwide within seconds for anyone to see. Hashtags soon became popular as people grouped topics together such as #holiday #singer and #metoo just to name a few. These hashtags then meant you could target specific people who you want to see your posts because they have similar interests to you e.g. #youngactor #freelanceperformer or #actorforhire. These little tips and tricks are often how casting agents see and then recommend actors to the casting director, possibly getting the actor an audition.
Social media is an incredible asset for professionals in any area if you know how to do it properly, but social media can also have a lot of negatives. The world is at your fingertips, but its a two way street. If you have a social media account, anyone who uses the same platforms as you, can see and interact with your account, like your post, comment anything (nice or hurtful), share it with people who you don't want to see it (we've all missed a day of work to go on holiday!) and even repost what you have posted so it is on their feed too. It doesn't just stop there. People can message you privately, access personal information about you and even track you very easily if you don't have the correct settings in place (e.g. private account, hide private info and ghost mode) and that can really effect a persons mental health. Social media can even be negative without trying to be. By being given access to follow and interact with whoever we want to, it can be very easy for us to start comparing our lives to others lives and that can be very detrimental for mental health too if we don't focus on what WE have.
I have set up Multiple social media accounts both for personal and professional use (aswell as my actors accounts I have a small production company called 'The Little Collective Studios' or TLCS). These are: Facebook (personal and for TLCS), Instagram (Personal, Public, TLCS), X (TLCS), YouTube (Personal, TLCS), Snapchat (Personal), WhatsApp (personal) and TikTok (TLCS) to see which ones worked best for me. I've found that the best marketing tools for me are:
My Website- Everything is there in an easy to understand format, I'm always updating it and it shows who I am.
Instagram (Public)- Easy to update, I find it easy to engage with and allows me to connect with who I want to connect with easily
YouTube- Worldwide video viewing platform makes content quick and easy to share
Facebook- Linked with Instagram, connects with a different demographic than Instagram while serving the same purpose.
I need to make sure I update my Facebook, Instagram and Website frequently (ideally daily for Facebook and Instagram and weekly for my website) as that will help gain consistent traction and grow a larger audience to view my profiles. The content I post could include: Photos and videos of PROFESSIONAL work (not to be confused with casual selfies or cute pics of the dogs), Photoshoots, sneak peaks of future content, BTS footage, information about me, headshots, links, future engagements and events and many others.
Although Technology has opened up a whole new way for us to market ourselves, there is also a way to market and network without using social medias. Getting involved in collaborative projects opens you up to new people to work with and therefore new opportunities to get some paid work. Say you've offered to be an actor in a short 30 second clip for a friend of yours. You have never met the cinematographer before but you get along well and 2 weeks later they are contacting you because they need an actor for their project and you popped to mind. This project is paid and you do such a good job that the producer of the project wants to get you involved in their film series. Not only is this paid but its televised too. Now, just through networking, you've launched your career!
Useful websites to find work (free and subscription based):
Useful websites to find work (free and subscription based):
Backstage- https://www.backstage.com/casting/
Casting Call-back- https://castingcallback.com/uk/jobs-actors
Star Now- https://www.starnow.com
Indeed- https://uk.indeed.com/q-actor-jobs.html?vjk=ff555dee8a35adf2
Casting now- https://www.castingnow.co.uk
Spotlight- https://www.spotlight.com
Phoenix casting- https://phoenixcasting.tv
Policies and challenges in PA
Policies and challenges in PA
The performing arts industry is very unique, in that it is one of very few industries who can (and have too!) judge a person on their looks (e.g. A production about Rosa Parks, if the casting director wants to be as accurate as possible then they HAVE to cast a black woman to play Rosa). There are examples where exceptions have been made (one example is When Laurence Olivier (a white man) played Othello (a black man)) but otherwise the Performing arts industry is a very judgemental one...but that's not all.
The Performing arts (like many other industries) has many discriminations and challenges that face it. Despite how much money the Performing arts industry makes, they too face budget cuts, and funding issues are becoming more and more common. Pay and working conditions are poor, with a lot of performers averaging less than minimum wage for the work they do. AI and Technology advancement is putting a lot of performers out of business (because why pay a slow person money to animate a film when AI does it for free and almost instantly?) There is a lack of representation, diversity and inclusion in the industry focusing on certain demographics including; working class, women, disabled and ethically/culturally diverse peoples.
In 2017, #metoo went viral and caused a big change in the professional industries. #metoo first started in 2006 when a woman named Tarana Burke used it to try and raise awareness of sexual abuse, harassment and rape culture, and it was used by actress Alyssa Milano in 2017. Alyssa posted on Twitter: "if all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote 'Me too' as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem", and many celebrities made that their status. This then exposed multiple producers, directors and people of power (most notable Harvey Weinstein) of being apart of sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace and because the Performing arts industry is so public facing, this news spread very quickly. This then uncovered the same issues in other industries as people felt more confident to speak out about their own experiences, and in October 2024 'The Worker protection act' (amendment of the equality act 2010) will come into force, making employers responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
https://www.equity.org.uk/campaigns-policy/policy-work/performing-arts-for-all
https://www.shlegal.com/insights/changes-to-the-law-surrounding-workplace-sexual-harassment#:~:text=The%20Worker%20Protection%20(Amendment%20of,employees%20in%20the%20workplace%3B%20and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeToo_movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Othello_(1965_British_film)
The Challenges of Social media and Wellbeing
The Challenges of Social media and Wellbeing
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