Performing Arts Skills are Transferrable
Has anyone ever told you that you won’t be able to get a job with your music skills? Ever heard of the “starving artist” trope? Well, whoever came up with those ideas clearly wasn’t an artist because there are so many skills that you learn as a performing artist that are applicable to other jobs.
Before my freshman year at university, I had never worked a non-music related job, with the exception of some non-paid volunteer work. I was convinced that no one would hire me because I hadn’t had a “real” job before. Then, I remembered that many of my skills that I had acquired from years of performing and practicing actually made me an ideal candidate.
Have you ever worked in an ensemble before? Great! You’re a team player.
Artists who work in an ensemble setting are the perfect examples of team players. When the interviewer asks, explain that while working in an ensemble, you collaborate with others to reach a common goal (a good performance!). With all the different needs of a group and types of people in ensembles, it also makes you a great leader! Employers want people who can overcome group differences and work towards a common goal. Those are the people who are most likely to get things done in a working atmosphere!
Have you ever directed a production, or maybe worked as a section leader? What about as a conductor or drum major? Awesome! You’re a leader!
Who says that leading a group of people in an artistic setting doesn’t make you good at management? A fool, obviously. When you work as a section leader, director, conductor, etc., you are legitimately working as a manager. When the interviewer asks, explain how while doing any of the above mentioned, you worked with a complex group of individuals, fielded questions, kept the group focused, and help lead a group to success! People who direct are great managers, and employers also like people who are able to step up to the plate and lead.
Have you ever worked in front of house, ticket sales, or as an usher? Perfect! You’ve worked in customer service.
Everyone knows that working in the front of house can be one of the most stressful parts about working in a production, no matter what type that can be. You work directly with patrons, and their money. Common challenges include sold-out shows or inconvenient seating, different kinds of consumer personalities, and of course, difficult questions and difficult people. When your interviewer asks, explain how in doing the above activities, you worked directly with customers and helped them get the best experiences possible. Because of your experience, you know how to work with and help a variety of people with different needs. You are also able to think on the spot to problem solve or to suggests alternatives when there is a problematic situation (sold out tickets, unavailable group seating, problematic people in general). With so many jobs today being centered around customer experiences, you are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Have you ever worked in gifts or concessions? Amazing! You have customer service experience, retail experience, and food service experience.
Everybody knows that concession work is difficult, especially during intermission. Even though I myself am a performer, I have worked many times in front of house and concessions. People who have done these things can let their interviewer know that they can work fast and efficiently, while keeping a clean and presentable workspace. Also, you’re great at customization or suggesting alternatives when a product runs out. A lot of artists will opt for a service related jobs because we are used to fast paced atmospheres and high levels of demand.
Have you ever worked making sets or props, maybe even costuming? Congrats! You have creative and organizational skills.
People who have done this kind of work before are usually very good at organizing things, especially since props must be kept in specific spots for performers and non-performers to get to. Also, chances are that you are creative, since many people working in these areas not only contribute to design, but also end up making props, sets, and costumes, following a strict set of instructions. This shows an employer that you can follow instructions, will keep things organized, and have the ability to be creative.
Are you used to being on stage, maybe performing in front of large audiences! Awesomeness! You can deal with pressure, physical requirements, and large groups of people. Also, you don’t shy away when needed.
Being used to the spotlight isn’t actually bad. It means you can handle the pressure. Everyone feels nervous going onstage, but when you perform, you overcome the nervousness. Explain to an employer how you are resilient and persistent, making you able to overcome large obstacles to get to your goal. It also means that you are fairly organized, and good at keeping a schedule, since getting ready for performances on time is a skill. You are also dedicated, considering how many hours of practicing and rehearsals go into a single performance.
These things barely scratch the surface of how useful and transferrable performing arts and related skills are to other occupations. No matter what, people who work in this area are talented, creative people, and yet, they are so much more than that. I hope this gave you insight on how flexible you can be, and maybe this took away some of the “oh no, I have a non-arts thing I have to do, but I’ve only ever done arts” anxiety.