The viability of creative careers: breaking down barriers in performing arts
Careers in the performing arts can sometimes be viewed unfairly as being somehow less stable or less financially viable, as exemplified by Netflix and National Youth Theatre survey which revealed that nearly 90% of working-class parents are hesitant to support their children pursuit of a creative career. A negative narrative has been allowed to develop which runs contrary to the reality of Performers College students’ experience. There is no reason why you shouldn’t pursue your dream in the performing arts and Performers College’s mission is to ensure that everyone steps into a successful, sustainable career.
The UK’s music, performing and visual arts industries contribute £11.2 billion to the economy and are among its fastest-growing sectors, increasing in value by 17.9% since before the pandemic. Government support, including permanent Theatre Tax Relief from April 2025, continues to strengthen the sector. Beyond the stage, careers in production, arts management, education, and digital media are also thriving.
At Performers College, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections you need to succeed, unlocking a world of opportunity where career progression and financial stability are not only achievable but often exceed expectations.
Addressing the concerns: financial stability and career progression
West End performers earn around £880 per week, with additional pay for understudying or working as a dance captain or swing. In TV and film, daily rates reach up to £420, while commercials for major brands can pay lump sums of up to £4,000 (Backstage, 2024). Behind the scenes, professionals like sound engineers, production assistants, and arts managers earn £25,000-£40,000 per annum, with higher salaries for more senior positions such as theatre directors who can make £50,000+.
Employment prospects in the creative industries are strong, with 77% of graduates securing jobs within six months, and a recent BIMM University survey found that 86% of our most recent graduates are in work, either employed or within their own enterprise, or engaged in further study.
Performers College prepares students for success by combining industry-focused training in dance, musical theatre and acting with key entrepreneurial skills. Our graduates leave with valuable connections, transferrable and life skills, as well as audition and interview experience, ensuring they are ready to step into the industry with confidence.
A broad spectrum of career paths
While performers often take centre stage, the performing arts industry offers much more off the stage as well. Arts management is a growing sector, employing thousands across the UK, and there are significant skills gaps in off-stage technical and production roles, such as sound/lighting technicians and stage management, according to data from SOLT and UK Theatre. We’re delighted that 55% of Performers College graduates go straight into on stage careers, whilst 45% find their calling in off stage production, creative, technical and managerial roles.
New digital media roles, like digital content creators and social media managers, are becoming increasingly vital as streaming services and online platforms continue to reshape the entertainment landscape. At Performers College, we integrate innovative technologies and media platforms into our courses, ensuring our graduates are prepared for these evolving career opportunities.
Student success stories
Performers College graduates have built diverse and successful careers – from performing on stage to managing large-scale productions – highlighting the wide range of opportunities available in the creative industries.
- Harrison Dowzell stars as the swan in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, which has returned for its 30th anniversary tour.
- Graduate Noa Nikita Bleeker has landed acting roles in Disney’s live action movie The Little Mermaid, Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, and the acclaimed banking drama Industry.
- Adrian Gas is a director and choreographer for artists such as Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and Robbie Williams, even choreographing Take That’s performance at the BAFTAs.
- Graduate Stuart Rouse has appeared in numerous large productions and is currently Swing on Wicked’s UK and Ireland tour.
- Trinity Diploma graduate Catrin Thomas landed the role of Dance Captain in the current West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
- Graduate Tommy Wade Smith is Dance Captain for Mean Girls.
- With over a million TikTok followers, Alexa Williams has made her name as an influencer, presenter, and podcast host, working for the BBC and global brands.
Looking ahead: promising careers in the performing arts
It is right that parents want to be confident of a secure future for their children. If performing arts is your dream, the industry provides a wide range of financially rewarding and secure career opportunities, and its growth ensures these roles will continue to thrive.
Performers College is committed to breaking down the barriers that discourage young people from pursuing their passion for the arts. With the right training and support, a career in the performing arts can be not only be extraordinarily exciting and fulfilling, but stable and rewarding too. The future is bright for those who choose this path.
Find out more about the opportunities in the performing arts at an Open Day: tour our facilities, meet faculty members and current students, and discover how Performers College can support your creative career.
