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How can I get a career in acting and musicals?

I would love to perform as a career but I don’t know how or where I should go to do so. #performing-arts #acting #career

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Peter’s Answer

Hi Ciara,

I know your question was asked back in 2019 but I also know that others will have the same question. I'd love to hear if you are still involved in the performing arts.

My personal experience is that I had to make a difficult choice between the arts and business but I have found a balance between a day job in technology and my life in the arts where I write and perform music. One of my sons has studied theatre and drama in Dublin. His path to getting into the industry started in youth theatre. You're fortunate to live near many local theatres where these groups exist so I hope you found one and enjoyed it.

The skills and knowledge gained when studying in the performing arts can be applied in other industries. People skills, management skills, technology skills and more.

Peter recommends the following next steps:

Join a local performing arts group
Consider the diploma and degree courses available
Look for opportunities to share your talents through volunteer organisations
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Aimee’s Answer

There are many online acting courses you can partake in and also acting schools around Ireland - you could look at speaking with an agent to get you castings for upcoming roles. Keep building your profile and apply to as many open opportunities that interest you!
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Daniel’s Answer

Hi Ciara,


Becoming a professional performer is such an exciting and fulfilling career. I have many friends that went to school for musical theater and have been performing on stage ever since! I think it is important that you do your research and ask yourself some of the following questions:

  • Do I want to study musical theater or acting/drama?
  • If I study musical theater, will I want to pursue the vocal aspect or dancing aspect of that career?
  • What schools have great musical theater/acting programs that I can afford?

If you have decided to go to school and study musical theater or acting, it is important that you build your acting resume! Participate in the school drama productions and musical productions. Audition for everything and keep building that resume. Make sure you have a professional headshot when you go to these auditions. Also, it is important that you audition for local/regional theaters around you also.

While in school studying to be a performer, many of my friends auditioned for Summer Stock shows in other states, which prepare a performer for the vigorous and challenging career. You can be cast in up to three shows and rehearse for all of them at the same time and perform them back to back. It is a good learning experience.


I hope this insight helps you! Good luck with your acting!

Daniel recommends the following next steps:

Research musical theater programs at affordable colleges
Search for open auditions at local theaters
Create a resume with all of my past theater experience and get a professional headshot
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Beverley’s Answer

Hi Ciara, I also have a love of musical theater and pursued this career for a bit. I will tell you what I learned from my mistakes. First, I focused my attention strictly on performing and never explored any other options. I wish I had been open to more options other than performing. For example, costumes, set design, technical and directing. I think if I had had the option to float about within the industry I would have stayed with the theater longer. The ability to work in theater even though not performing, would have given me the opportunity to both learn the craft better from all angles and make more contacts within the industry. The more people you know, the more opportunities will become available to perform. The more you understand the whole picture, the better performer you become. Second, I never hired an agent to actually get me jobs. I relied on my own detective skills for finding jobs and friends with agents to tell me about auditions. A real agent will work with you to help you grow your reputation and find you industry work. Third, I didn't continue to study the acting craft. The majority of successful actors I have read about have spent years learning and practicing the craft. There is always more to discover about your talents. I wish you the best of luck!
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