Performing Arts Degrees

Performing arts degrees are generally either practice-based (involving a great deal of actual performance) or academic, which combines practical work with analysis of the background of the subject. Teaching is therefore likely to be delivered through a mix of practical workshops and lectures.

Most performing arts degrees provide an overall foundation spanning various disciplines, before asking students to choose a particular pathway. Universities may offer dedicated degrees for each of the main three branches of performing arts – music, dance and drama. You may also be able to specialize in a more obscure art form during your degree (read the ‘specializations’ tab for more information). Take a close look at course descriptions to see if they sound right for you and your interests. 

If you’re keen to keep your options more open, or simply enjoy variety, you may be able to study performing arts as part of a joint honors degree alongside another subject, perhaps in the humanities or another creative topic. This could be useful for giving context to your performance – for example, you could study a text in English Literature and also perform a scene from it in a performing arts drama workshop.

At undergraduate level, most performing arts degrees are three or four years long; this will depend on where you study. They are usually awarded as Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, or less commonly, Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA). You might be given the option of taking part in a work experience placement during your studies, which would be a good opportunity to develop your skills in a professional context.

Entry requirements 

In terms of academic requirements, some performing arts schools will specify that they prefer applicants who have previously studied a similar or related subject. Other performing arts schools are happy to accept students who have not previously studied any of the performing arts before.

You’re likely to be asked to attend an audition. Universities will provide information on the audition format and how you should prepare. You may have a solo audition, or you may be assessed as part of a group, or some combination of the two. You’ll usually need to prepare a few performance pieces in advance, which should be varied in style and tone, so the admission officers can get a good idea of your current range of skills. 

Performing arts specializations

The main areas students can specialize in at performing arts schools are music, dance and drama (or theater). These three major branches each offer many additional opportunities for specialization, alongside a range of related topics. Here are some of the most common specializations you may be offered during your performing arts degree.

Performance and technology 

This option introduces students to the technical equipment used ‘behind the scenes’ in theater, providing insights into how the clever use of lighting and sound effects can enhance performances and amaze audiences. You’ll also learn how health and safety practices are sustained while working with technology in theater. This specialization is likely to touch on recent technological changes and innovations and how they can be used to your advantage as a performer or director. 

Performance and script writing

If you have an interest in writing as well as starring in performances, this specialization will allow you to learn about the writing techniques and creative processes involved in creating characters and plot devices, and how to write with the stage and/or screen in mind. You’ll also discuss the various contexts behind your work in group workshops. This specialization may not necessarily be limited to script writing for the stage or screen; you could also develop your skills in poetry or song writing, for example.

Improvisation 

If you like to be in the moment, literally making things up as you go along, then improvisation (improv) might be for you. One popular strand of improv is in the comedy sector, and you may be able to specialize in stand-up comedy. You’ll also learn how to quickly solve problems using improv if, while performing a script, there’s an unexpected problem. This specialization gets you used to thinking on your feet, using your imagination and working as a team.

Performing for screen

Many performing arts degrees provide opportunities to learn how to give your best performance in front of a camera for film or television, rather than on stage in front of a live audience. As well as acting, as you may also learn about how dance is most effectively choreographed for the screen. You’ll gain knowledge of the basic differences between performing for stage and screen, and build up strong skills in both.

Other specializations offered by performing arts schools include: prosthetic make-up, circus arts, magic, musical theater, stage combat, ventriloquism, directing, speech, mime, opera, puppetry and ballet. 

Performing arts careers 

Although you may have your heart set on a particular performing arts career, your degree will have equipped you with skills which are useful in many other potential pathways. If you’re aiming to become a professional actor, singer, dancer, musician or director, you’ll be well aware that the competition is fierce, so you’ll need plenty of resilience and determination. However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t aspire to these roles if you believe in yourself and keep persevering until you get that big break.

If you love performing arts but you’re not so keen on joining the celebrity ranks, there are also plenty of other performing arts jobs to consider. These include:

Dramatherapist

If you want a career which combines performing arts with helping people, this career could be for you. Dramatherapists use performing arts activities to encourage clients to express themselves in ways which help them overcome their social or personal difficulties. Similarly, music therapists use music to help clients, establishing a shared musical experience with goals in mind. To work as a professional in either of these performing arts jobs, you’ll need to follow your performing arts degree with a specialized postgraduate qualification.

Community arts worker 

The next of our alternative performing arts jobs is another in which you can use your love of the arts to help others. Community arts workers employ creative activities to support development and improve the life quality of individuals or local groups. They often work in areas where there are societal, cultural or conservational issues to be addressed, and use a variety of art forms. For this role, you need to be outgoing and organized, with good ‘people skills’ and the ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Theater stage manager 

If you particularly enjoyed studying the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of performing arts, this career might be for you. You’ll be in charge of making sure shows run smoothly, so great organization and people management skills are essential. You’ll manage rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings, and network with front of house staff and the director. The work can be stressful, but offers opportunities for both individual and group achievement. To gain entry to this role, you’ll need to have practical experience in theater work. 

Theater director 

If you’d like to use your passion for theater to help bring scripts to life on stage, this performing arts career could be for you. Theater directors are in charge of the overall practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical score, working closely with everyone involved to create a show that wows the audience. They are involved in the whole process from start to finish, and might even write, design or act in their own work. To become a theater director, you should try to build up as much experience in theater as you can as an assistant, perhaps starting with an amateur theater group and working your way up, gaining a strong reputation, network and skills as you go.