Performing arts (dance/drama) : Your skills

A performing arts course is an invaluable way of gaining a rounded and informed view of the industry, as well as gaining specific skills and discipline(s) in your chosen area of specialty. Courses can focus on a particular area, while others may give a broader overview before you specialise.

The course will develop and fine tune your original talent, in addition to teaching you new techniques to enhance your performance, e.g. movement, improvisation and breathing. Courses often involve acquiring new skills such as mime (actors and dancers) and choreography (dancers). Some will also provide you with relevant technical understanding: how to use sophisticated sound and lighting equipment or how to stage a production.

Most courses introduce you to the history of individual performing arts and the different influences that have shaped them. You also develop an understanding of related subjects such as anatomy, sociology, media and culture.

Performance skills and stagecraft are also developed through real performances. Another key aspect is working with industry professionals and beginning to build your performance networks and contacts.

Studying performing arts also gives you a range of skills sought after by all types of employers:

• confidence;
• self-presentation;
• teamwork and collaboration;
• time management and organisational skills;
• self-awareness;
• self-discipline;
• an open mind and the ablitity to move beyond boundaries and experiment with different ideas;
• communication skills;
• analytical, critical and research skills;
• the ability to cope with criticism and learn from it;
• stamina.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.