Performance, Theatre & Dance

This sector includes roles both in front and behind the scenes, from people who act, dance, direct, and work to bring live performance to a stage. It spans everything from a national theatre company to a small local drama group and includes just as many technical and business roles as performing ones — someone has to run the box office, build the set, and manage the schedule.

Examples of jobs in this sector

Lighting & Sound Technician

Rigs, operates, and maintains lighting and sound equipment for live performances.
Possible Pathway Many start with “Stage Pass,” a safety-awareness course that’s become the industry standard for Irish theatre technicians, then build hands-on experience.

Artistic Director

Leads the artistic vision and programme of a theatre or arts centre, a company, or a production.
Possible Pathway A long route, usually built up over years directing, producing, or working within a company before stepping into this role.

Choreographer

Creates and directs dance movement for a performance or production.
Possible Pathway Many choreographers begin their careers as dancers and develop their craft through training and experience.

Props Master

Sources, builds, and maintains all the props needed for a production. There’s no fixed education route — most Props Masters build up experience by working their way through the property department.
Possible Pathway Work Experience or Transferable Skills (making, crafting, or DIY experience), building hands-on experience over time.

Stage Manager

Runs the technical and logistical side of a production during rehearsals and performances. Example: the Abbey Theatre’s Stage Manager postings typically ask for 3-5 years’ experience.
Possible Pathway Further/Higher Education in stage management or technical theatre, building experience on smaller productions first.

Costume/Set Designer

Designs the costumes or set for a production.
Possible Pathway Higher/Further Education in design, building a portfolio through student and amateur productions.

Front of House / Box Office Assistant

Welcomes audiences, sells tickets, and supports a venue’s day-to-day running.
Possible Pathway Work Experience — a genuine, direct way into a theatre or venue with no formal qualification needed.

Possible Pathways into this sector

Look at Higher Education options
Think about a course inrelated to one of these areas. Many universities offer these, for eg: BA in Drama (Performance) at TU Dublin, or a BA in Film and Theatre Making at Queen’s University Belfast. There is also a BA in Contemporary Dance at UL.
Look at Further Education options
Many FE colleges offer courses in subjects like acting and theatre performance, while other organisations run summer schools and short courses to help get a sense of what you like. For eg., The Lir Academy offers a beginner level short course in Costume: Sewing & Alterations
Think about work experience
Local and community theatres often need help at front of house, backstage, or production support. In Dublin, The Abbey, The Gate and The Ark offer work experience programmes.
Transferable Skills / Local Experience
Joining a school drama club or musical, performing with a local youth theatre or dance group, or helping backstage on a school production. Join Youth Theatre Ireland or look at the programmes and resources they offer.