Performing Arts
A career in the performing arts allows individuals to express their creativity, passion, and emotions through various artistic mediums. Whether it be acting on stage, dancing, captivating audiences through music, or bringing characters to life through the art of storytelling, performing artists have the ability to transport people to different worlds and evoke powerful emotions.
This profession demands dedication, perseverance, and a constant drive for self-improvement as artists continually hone their skills and adapt to the ever-evolving industry. The performing arts industry can be competitive and challenging, but it also offers a sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from connecting with audiences.
EXPLORE CAREERS
Dance
Dancers use their bodies as instruments to convey emotions, stories, and themes through various dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, or hip-hop. They dedicate years to honing their technique, flexibility, and artistry, showcasing their talent on stage, in music videos, or in films. It's a physically demanding profession that requires dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
Vocalist
Vocalists possess a remarkable ability to convey a wide range of emotions through the power of their voice, captivating audiences with their unique timbre and vocal prowess. Whether performing on grand stages, recording in studios, or lending their voices to captivating melodies, vocalists enchant listeners across various genres, from pop to opera.
Music
Musicians have the unique ability to communicate emotions and thoughts through the universal language of music. They craft captivating melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that resonate with audiences across genres and cultures. From performing on stage, recording in studios, or composing original pieces, musicians continually refine their craft, collaborating with fellow artists and evoking powerful emotions in listeners.
Theater
Theater professionals bring characters and narratives to life on stage, captivating audiences through live performances. From actors and directors to set designers, costume artists, and stage managers, each role contributes to the creation of immersive theatrical experiences. It requires dedication, collaboration, and a deep passion for the art form. Through rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and performances, theater professionals strive to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire connections.
Music Education
Music educators play a vital role in nurturing young talents, fostering creativity, and instilling a deep appreciation for the art form. They design engaging and comprehensive music curricula, teach various instruments, vocal techniques, music theory, and ensemble skills. Whether in schools, colleges, or private studios, music educators inspire students to explore their musical potential, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
When searching for opportunities, you can go directly to organizations, or search job boards with multiple opportunities aggregated. To begin exploring jobs and careers within performing arts, search the following job boards. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, but designed to be a starting place.
DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST
There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and off campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.
- Colorado College Clubs: Digital Music Production, K-Dance, Colorado College Productions, Dance Workshop, Ellement A Capella, Llamapalooza Music & Arts Festival, Room 46 A Capella, Teensy Weensy Improv Group, The A Capella Rejects.
- On-Campus Job Examples: Performance Hall Assistant (Usher), Bluegrass Ensemble Assistant, Assistant Audio Engineer, Stage Manager, Sound Designer, Shop Crew, Set Designer, Hair and Makeup Designer, Choreographer.
- Take advantage of the CC recording studio to learn more about music production.
- Join a musical ensemble. Ranging from bluegrass to choir to jazz, joining a CC ensemble will give you valuable experience in collaboration and performance, as well as the opportunity to earn credit.
- Participate in one of many of the theatre productions through the department.
- Volunteer or intern with the Fine Arts Center. They have positions within art museum studies, Bemis School of Art, and the theatre.
- If you are interested in a career in the performing arts, think about majoring in Music, Theatre & Dance, or minoring in Performance Design.
- Thinking about teaching? Here is information about getting your licensure in music education.
- Consider taking a theatre and dance adjunct class.
- Take a music lesson! CC offers private music lessons that are available to all students, regardless of major.
- Graduate school can be a good next step, however not always necessary. It is important to have experiences to help narrow down your area of interest. If you are interested in graduate school, ensure to start preparation early, such as identifying programs of interest, knowing admission requirements, and talking to faculty and the Career Center about your interests.
- Search for graduate school programs through databases such as Princeton Review
- While there are many different types of graduate programs you can pursue, here are a couple of examples: advanced degrees in Arts Administration, Dance, Conducting, Music Education, Composition, and Musical Theatre Writing.
- It is important to creatively highlight your skills and accomplishments, and many jobs will likely require a portfolio. Check out these platforms to create a digital portfolio: Weebly, Wordpress, Wix, Carbonmade, Behance, Squarespace.
- Check out courses to further your skills through online platforms such as SkillShare, LinkedIn Learning, and CreativeLive.
- MasterClass offers online classes surrounding a variety of topics taught about industry professionals and experts.
- Check out some podcasts to learn more about the industry and stay up to date! Here are a few suggestions to get you started: The Theatre Podcast, The Music Industry Blueprint, and Conversations on Dance.
- Consider volunteering at local performing arts events, such as the Shakespeare Festival, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, or the Millibo Art Theatre.
- Connect with alumni! Alumni can be a great resource to learn more about the industry. You can find alumni through LinkedIn or TigerLink, CC’s networking platform.
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CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE
- Read career guides on The Vault. These guides provide valuable insight into the industry, helpful resources, and detailed information about specific careers.
- Connect with the local performing arts community:
Educator Associations
Dance Associations
Theater AssociationsContact the Career Center
719.389.6893
Physical Address: 1130 N. Cascade Avenue, Morreale House, Colorado Springs, CO 80903