Drama and Theatre What Next?

Drama and Theatre at UCC

Drama and Theatre Studies comprises the study of drama, theatre and performance, including production and direction. The teaching of the Drama Theatre Studies degree in UCC at DTS is research-led and is informed by a practice-based approach to teaching and the complementary relationship between theory and practice (DTS, UCC). The department has close links with Cork Opera House, Everyman Palace Theatre, Triskel Centre and Firkin Crane, among others. In short, the performing arts degree gives graduates the opportunity to combine their creative talents with the practical aspects of self-promotion and arts management.

This mix of disciplines within the drama and theatre studies degree is a good preparation for the tough world of artistic performance. Requiring a high degree of confidence, self-awareness, openness to criticism and physical and mental stamina, the degree is also an excellent grounding for success in a number of related careers such as management, especially arts management, teaching, media and public relations.

What can Drama and Theatre Graduates offer employers?

A graduate of Drama and Theatre in UCC will have developed the ability to:

• Apply performance and production skills to communicate with an audience. • Apply group processes in the creation of original work. • Communicate in writing, orally and through performance. • Demonstrate creative and imaginative skills through the realisation of practical projects. • Think reflectively and independently, and concentrate and focus for extended periods. • Develop ideas and construct arguments and present them in appropriate ways. • Handle creative and interpersonal issues and negotiate and pursue goals with others. • Manage personal workloads and meet deadlines under pressure with flexibility, imagination, self-motivation and organisation. • Apply information retrieval skills involving gathering, sifting and organising material. • Use IT skills such as word processing, electronic mail, and accessing electronic data.

First Destinations of Drama and Theatre Graduates

Who employs Drama and Theatre Studies Graduates?

Each year, UCC Career Services produces a First Destination Report (FDR) based on an annual survey of graduates six to nine months after graduation. The following table presents the 5 year trend for graduates of Drama and Theatre Studies.

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a and Theatre What N

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Employer Role

Project Arts TheatreGranary TheatreIrish Arts CouncilEveryman Theatre, CorkProjects Arts CentreGraffiti Theatre, CorkGranary Theatre, CorkConflicted Theatre, CorkReal Events Promotion CorkStudents Union, CorkStandpoint Media, CorkTV3

ActressFront of House StaffInternBox Office AssistantBox Office AdministratorFacilitatorTheatre TechnicianAssistant ProducerPromotion StaffWelfare OfficerMedia InternSales Executive

5 Year Trend 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

In Employment 22% 46% 56% 46% 33% In Further Study 56% 46% 11% 46% 67%Seeking Employment 11% 8% 28% - -Not Available for Employment or Study 11% - 5% 8% -

What Postgraduate Courses do Drama and Theatre Studies Graduates choose?The following list provides a sample of the postgraduate courses listed by Drama and Theatre Studies Graduates on FDRs returned to UCC Career Services.

Course Title Institution

CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)Higher Diploma in Arts: Study of ReligionsMA Drama and Theatre StudiesMA Film StudiesMA English: Texts and Contexts – Medieval RenaissanceProfessional Diploma in Education

Language Centre, University College Cork

University College CorkUniversity College CorkUniversity College CorkUniversity College CorkSt. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Sample Graduate career paths 3-5 years after graduation

BA Drama and Theatre Studies

PG Dip Acting, Drama Studio London

Bunbury Banter Theatre Coach

Marketing Assistant, Ambassador Theatre Group

Business Development Officer, The Gaiety

BA Drama and Theatre Studies

Traditional Career Path:

Non Traditional Career Path:

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ext?Long-term prospects for Drama and Theatre GraduatesContinuing your education while taking the first steps to becoming established can ease the transition from student to professional performer. It also means that the opportunity to take part in student performances and festivals is still open; many dancers, actors and musicians have started their careers through this route. Graduates go on to take up a diverse range of roles in theatre, arts administration, media, broadcasting, journalism, casting, screenwriting, directing, and production.

Work in the creative industries can be unpredictable, initially there is unlikely to be a pre-planned, structured career path. It is important to pursue avenues and projects in order to gain experience that create and strengthen networks which support and create opportunities for learning and building one’s reputation and profile. A combination of determination, wide-ranging experience, proven skills and good contacts will open up graduate career opportunities in acting; arts administration and management; community arts; lecturing, teaching and training; media, film and television production; technical production and stage management.

Where can I find out more?

Association Website

Irish Theatre OnlineCommunity Arts PartnershipTheatre Forum IrelandCreative CareersActive LinkArts Jobs Online UKGuardian JobsThe Stage UKArts Hub UKGet Into TheatreUK TheatreBritish Performing Arts YearbookCasting Network UKThe Knowledge OnlineSpotlight UKCasting Call Pro UKStage Jobs Pro UKStage Management AssociationAssociation of Irish Stage TechniciansCreative Skills SetCreative and Cultural Skills UKIrish Film & Television Network: Arts CouncilTriskel Arts Centre: Corcadorca Theatre Company Graffiti Theatre Company Montfort College: Firkin Crane Theatre: Cork Academy of Dramatic Art: Cork Ireland Actors Guide: The AbbeyFlying Turtle ProductionsGaeity School of Acting Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art: Druid Theatre Company: Decadent Theatre Company: Blue Teapot Theatre Company: Drama Books: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art: LAMDA - London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art

www.irishtheatreonline.com/default.aspxwww.caf.ie/jobs.aspwww.theatreforum.iewww.creativecareers.iewww.activelink.ie/cewww.artsjobsonline.com/home/home.aspwww.jobs.theguardian.comwww.thestage.co.uk/recruitmentwww.artshub.co.ukwww.ccskills.org.uk/careers/advice/any/theatrewww.uktheatre.orgwww.rhinegold.co.uk/bpaywww.castingnetwork.co.ukwww.theknowledgeonline.comwww.spotlight.comwww.castingcallpro.comwww.stagejobspro.com www.stagemanagementassociation.co.ukwww.aist.ie www.creativeskillset.orgwww.ccskills.org.ukwww.iftn.iewww.artscouncil.ie/homewww.triskelartscentre.iewww.corcadorca.comwww.graffiti.iewww.montfortcollege.com/index.cfmwww.actorsvision.comwww.cadaperformingarts.iewww.irelandactorsguide.ie/resourceswww.abbeytheatre.ieflyingturtleproductions.comwww.GaietySchool.comwww.thelir.iewww.druid.iewww.decadenttheatregroup.iewww.blueteapot.iewww.dramabooks.iewww.rada.ac.ukwww.lamda.org.uk

While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore careeroptions while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you getstarted?

As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC CareerServices. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning yourcareer from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what youryear of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online viaour website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.

8 ways to put your degree to workEmployers want graduates with a three-dimensional CV, who are able to demonstrate a healthy balance during their college years between study, work and extra-curricular interests. CVs should provide evidence of maturity, life skills and active citizenship to inform a future employer that they will be taking on a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.

• Get involved in running the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.• Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays or free days.• Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skill set, e.g. languages, ECDL.• Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.• Go to the UCC Career Services for careers advice and assistance with regard to CV and

interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.• Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers• Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.• Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers and www.gradireland.com