Top jobs with a theatre and performance degree

A degree in theatre and performance can lead to a variety of dazzling careers. The combination of interpersonal, practical and analytical skills that you will develop throughout your degree will ensure that you graduate with the skills you need to take the lead, whatever career you decide to pursue. 

Careers with a theatre and performance degree

Jobs directly related to a theatre and performance degree include:

• Actor
• Dancer
• Theatre director
• Arts administrator
• Stage manager
• Production manager.

However, a degree in theatre and performance will also enable you to gain skills that would be highly relevant in other, more unexpected roles.

These include:

• Teacher or lecturer
• Community arts worker
• Events manager
• Broadcast presenter
• Playwright
• Film director.

"Up until Covid-19 struck, I was performing as 'Albus Potter' in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London's West End. It was a fantastic opportunity; I loved performing every day, I loved exploring the Harry Potter world which is a story that I grew up with."

– Dominic Short, BA Acting

Graduate jobs with a theatre and performance degree

Guildford School of Acting graduates are highly sought after with 90 per cent in work or further education 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes report 2021). This was a key factor in Surrey being named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Previous theatre and performance graduates have performed in the following theatre productions on the West End, in film and in television:

Theatre

• The Effect, The Royal National Theatre
• Richard III, The Royal Shakespeare Company
• Warhorse, New London Theatre
• Strangers on a Train, Gielgud Theatre
• Chariots of Fire, Gielgud and Hampstead Theatres
• The Rivals, Theatre Royal, Haymarket
• The Mousetrap, St Martin’s Theatre
• The Tempest, The Old Vic
• The 39 Steps, Criterion Theatre
• The Favourite, Fox Searchlight.

Film

• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Working Title
• Calendar Girls, Buena Vista Productions
• Defiance, Paramount Pictures
• Nanny McPhee, Universal Pictures
• Pacific Rim, Warner Bros
• Red Tails, 20th Century Fox
• What a Girl Wants, Warner Brothers
• Saving Grace, 20th Century Fox
• The Prince & Me: Elephant Adventure, First Look Studios
• The Prince & Me 4: Royal Adventures in Paradise, First Look Studios
• Love Actually, Universal Pictures
• 28 Days Later, 20th Century Fox.

Television

• Vera, ITV
• Death In Paradise, BBC
• Waterloo Road, BBC
• Death Comes to Pemberley, BBC
• The Great Train Robbery
• A Copper’s Tale, BBC
• Doctor Who ­"Day of the Doctor", BBC
• My Mad Fat Diary, E4
• Game of Thrones, HBO
• The Café, Sky 1
• Holby City, BBC
• Casualty, BBC
• Doctors, BBC
• Silk, BBC
• Midsomer Murders, ITV
• Stella, Sky 1
• Call the Midwife, BBC
• Fresh Meat, E4
• True Blood, HBO
• Hollyoaks, Channel 4
• Trollied, Sky 1
• The Crown, Netflix.

"I am an actor in the mediums of stage and screen. A definite highlight was creating the role of 'Raven' in Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell in London, Toronto and New York. I adore working on new pieces. Every job is a highlight as I’m always meeting new people and learning from them."

– Christina Bennington, BA Musical Theatre

"I am an actor, currently starring in Coronation Street and have been for three years. I feel very lucky because it doesn’t feel like work. I love every part of it and everyone is so lovely. Studying at GSA helped me develop my skills and prepare me for auditions and I am lucky enough to be working as an actor, but there are so many careers that can come from training at drama school."

– Alexandra Mardell, BA Acting

Discover our performing arts degrees, our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme and student life at Surrey.