Performing Arts Professions Video: Career Options

Introduction

The field of performing arts includes musicians, singers, dancers, composers, actors and directors. It is a field that can require patience as professionals move from audition to audition and try to maintain a full-time salary on what may be part-time hours. Many professionals in the performing arts field take college courses or undergo extensive training to enhance their skills, but degrees are not always necessary.

Job Duties and Skills

The job duties and skills for those in the performing arts can vary greatly depending on specialties, training and much more. Musicians, for example, can be hired to sing, play an instrument, compose music or conduct musical performances. They make work solo or in a group as part of an ensemble or production crew. As a musician, one must be knowledgeable of a variety of styles and genres of music along with musical theory, technique, and technical skills. Good stage presence and poise along with self-discipline are also great skills to have when it comes to performances. Actors and other performers need similar skills and talents. Stage presence is key, along with the ability to morph into different characters. It may also be necessary to learn different accents and ways of performing.

Training Required

It is not always necessary to have formal training or a degree when it comes to the performing arts. However, they are strongly encouraged for those who want to remain competitive in the field. Musicians, actors and dancers will want to undergo training for their talent whether it be singing, composing, playing an instrument, dancing or acting. Practice may lead to long hours of study, but is necessary to maintain most skills. Private study is one way to gain formal training, as is a bachelor's or advanced degree in areas such as communications, broadcasting, film, drama, theater, or theater history. Many schools also offer a master of fine arts program, which is popular among those wishing to enter the acting, producing, or directing field.

Career Opportunities

Performing arts professionals can work in places like nightclubs, theaters, concert halls or dance companies. There is opportunity to advance or even work in multiple disciplines in the performing arts. An actor, for instance, may also have singing and dancing skills, which would make him or her versatile during auditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the field of performing arts is very broad and can lead to a variety of different career options. Professionals in this area need to be persistent and realize that rejections come often in this competitive fiel. But for those who like to perform and entertain a career in the performing arts may be the perfect fit.

Sources

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos093.htm

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos095.htm