An essential guide for young people who want to work in the theatre - but aren’t sure exactly what they want to do, or how to get to do it.

Many young people are eager to experience the excitement and allure of working in theatre, but often this only goes as far as imagining themselves as actors, on stage in front of an audience every night. In reality, there are more jobs off the stage than on it. They can be every bit as rewarding as acting - and certainly more secure because there are invariably fewer people competing for each one.

Using her expertise as Education and Training Editor for The Stage, Susan Elkin encourages aspiring theatre-makers and workers to look beyond acting to some of the other behind-the-scenes options available: playwriting, directing, producing, designing, stage management, administration, publicity, front-of-house, stage door… *

She describes what each job entails and how you might achieve that role, including relevant courses and training opportunities offered in the UK. There are also numerous case studies of theatre professionals describing how they got where they are, and top tips for following in their footsteps.

Written in a clear, no-nonsense style, this book is an ideal starting point for students considering a career in theatre, but also a useful tool for parents, teachers and career-advisers looking to learn more about the options open to interested young people.

* And, for those of you who really must, the book does cover how to get into acting too.

‘A refreshingly candid account of careers in theatre arts that should prove attractive to any reader who is theatrically oriented… a great source of information and encouragement… Elkin’s book is a beacon of hope given its roots in reality and sense’
- Drama Magazine

‘I wish this had been published when I was at school’
- Teaching Drama Magazine

‘[Susan Elkin’s] book provides a clear overview of work opportunities in and around theatre and really should be available to young people in schools across the country’
- Drama Resource

‘An easy read, as it reads like a conversation, across a cafe table perhaps, where dollops of sound advice and useful information are being imparted… there is a lot of useful information contained in this conversation and anybody considering a career in the professional theatre would do well to listen’
- Youth Drama Ireland

‘a valuable resource for careers advisers and potential students alike’
- The Stage

‘Informative… what readers will really benefit from most is the information supplied by those who do this kind of thing day in, day out.’
- British Theatre Guide