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Can I find a job in the performing arts?
I like the performing arts and I love journalism. I always wanted to start my own business as well.
#broadcast-media #journalism
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Allan’s Answer
Hi Kayelin. The answer is yes.
Many newspapers have reporters who cover the performing arts. Some write articles about upcoming events like dance performances, plays or concerts. Others are "critics" who write reviews of those events. (Usually the same person does both.) There are also web sites and magazines that are either devoted to arts coverage, or include it.
In addition, there are publications and web sites for professional performing artists. Dancers, musicians, actors all have publications that help them advance their craft, cover the business side of the performing arts ("arts administrators"), and cover performing arts organizations and schools.
Often, these journalists work as "stringers" or "correspondents." They are not full time paid employees, but freelance writers who write regularly under their byline. They are paid by the article or by the word. Being a freelance writer is like running your own business. And of course, you can also start your own publication or web site. You can be paid by subscribers, advertisers, or by views on social media platforms.
There is another option too: working for a performing arts organization as a writer. They all have their own web site and email newsletters, and they often hire journalists to write and run them.
Good luck!
Allan
Check out the arts sections of your local newspaper and read their articles. Is this something you'd like to do?
Search for publications that cover the performing arts business. "Variety," which covers the movie industry, is the most famous example. But each performing art has its own.
Many newspapers have reporters who cover the performing arts. Some write articles about upcoming events like dance performances, plays or concerts. Others are "critics" who write reviews of those events. (Usually the same person does both.) There are also web sites and magazines that are either devoted to arts coverage, or include it.
In addition, there are publications and web sites for professional performing artists. Dancers, musicians, actors all have publications that help them advance their craft, cover the business side of the performing arts ("arts administrators"), and cover performing arts organizations and schools.
Often, these journalists work as "stringers" or "correspondents." They are not full time paid employees, but freelance writers who write regularly under their byline. They are paid by the article or by the word. Being a freelance writer is like running your own business. And of course, you can also start your own publication or web site. You can be paid by subscribers, advertisers, or by views on social media platforms.
There is another option too: working for a performing arts organization as a writer. They all have their own web site and email newsletters, and they often hire journalists to write and run them.
Good luck!
Allan
Allan recommends the following next steps:
I agree with Allan's comments and I wrote for the college newspaper that had an arts and entertainment section. Any artists that came to campus or interesting art related topics were covered. It was a fun way to practice my writing skills while covering things I wanted to learn more about myself. College is a great place to test out what you like and don't about journalism.
Amber Gowen
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Frank’s Answer
I would explore a career in marketing communications or public relations as you can apply your journalism skills and also support businesses that are focused on entertainment or the performing arts, in addition to other companies that you could represent. Being a good communicator, including having strong writing skills, is of great benefit for any career. My first job was in public relations and later I became a general manager where I began to move more into management. Good luck!
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Jennifer’s Answer
Allan and Alysea have given you some good tips. We could probably help more if we understood the why and what about the performing arts and journalism appeal to you as well as your educational status. Also, are you willing to move or do you need to stay in New York?
I worked in fundraising for a small ballet company and while I enjoyed being part of our little arts community, the pay was low and the job could be quite frustrating. Often in order to apply for certain grants I'd become involved in envisioning programs we'd offer to the community in order to receive the funding. And often you wouldn't see the fruits of you effort for a year of more after an application.
I worked in fundraising for a small ballet company and while I enjoyed being part of our little arts community, the pay was low and the job could be quite frustrating. Often in order to apply for certain grants I'd become involved in envisioning programs we'd offer to the community in order to receive the funding. And often you wouldn't see the fruits of you effort for a year of more after an application.
Updated
Alysea’s Answer
I had the same interests in college. I went into grantwriting and fundraising for the arts. Since most arts organizations are non-profits, they employ fundraising to garner additional money, as well as marketing. You could write email copy, grants asking funders for money, website copy, performer bios. Lots of writing is necessary!
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Gloria’s Answer
HI Kayelin,
You can have whatever career you want in performing arts. You just need to know that it is a process and some steps take longer than other. In addition, sometimes it can come in a different form that you expect. I know some people who wanted to be actors and they ended up doing a lot of acting in local theater rather than Broadway. Journalism can change to writing and writing can be a variety of careers. I think that I would focus on what would satisfy you and know that the road can change, sometimes in a really good way.
Gloria
You can have whatever career you want in performing arts. You just need to know that it is a process and some steps take longer than other. In addition, sometimes it can come in a different form that you expect. I know some people who wanted to be actors and they ended up doing a lot of acting in local theater rather than Broadway. Journalism can change to writing and writing can be a variety of careers. I think that I would focus on what would satisfy you and know that the road can change, sometimes in a really good way.
Gloria