A world of opportunity awaits.
Welcome to Mermaids brand new database to help you find and kick start your career in Performing Arts! Below you will find a range of helpful resources to introduce the various areas of the Performing arts industry to you. We are also thrilled to now offer you the opportunity to connect with St Andrews alumni currently working in the industry, who are happy to answer any questions you may have and be some guidance and support - so read on to learn more!
Support we offer
The ways we can help you progress your career.
Additional Resources
Browse through the resources below to get an helpful overview of what the Performing Arts Industry is like.
National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/creative-and-media
Get Into Theatre: https://getintotheatre.org/
Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/?category=The+Industry
The Stage: https://www.thestage.co.uk/
Finding Work Experience
To strengthen your CV further, it is a good idea to try and get some work experience in the industry and the career you are interested in. Below are some suggestions of employers that run a wide range of internships and work experience schemes.
Connect with Alum.
How to build your CV
There are many ways you can prepare yourself and your CV for the performing arts industry whilst still at university. Below is a list of some of the most common transferable skills that employers in the industry are looking for. Naturally, the sought-after skills vary from career to career, but this is an overview of what could be helpful to gain experience in at St Andrews.
Making Connections
We are incredibly excited to say that we have a full database of St Andrews alumni, who now work in various areas of the performing arts industry, who have kindly said that they are willing to support you in finding your way into your arts career. They are there for you to ask questions about the transition from St Andrews to the industry, and if you have any career specific questions you would like to know more about. Just fill out the form below of the careers you’d be interested in learning more about, and Mermaids will get in touch with you and connect you with one of our alumni.
Finding Work Oppurtunity
Getting a start in the industry.
Interning & Work Experience
Royal Ballet and Opera
National Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Old Vic
ITV
Warner Bros
Channel 4
Finding A Job in the Industry
Volunteering Opportunities
British Film Institute
Royal Ballet and Opera
Shakespeare's Globe
Royal Shakespeare Company
Creative Lives
Kickstart with Grants
"The Edinburgh Seven". Mermaids at the Fringe 2024
Sought -After Skills
Transferable Skills desired in the Industry
Performance Skills
Develop your performance skills in Mermaids shows or with any of our affiliated societies: Affiliated Societies
Creativity
Visit Societies for a range of creative societies to get involved in. Also consider getting involved with On the Rocks Arts festival.
Technical Proficiency
Develop your technical skills with the ENTS Crew.
Confidence and Communication Skills
This can be developed through performing, being part of a production team, being on any kind of committee, or trying something like debating with UDS Debating. If you are looking for experience in reviewing or photographing performing arts, join one of the university’s many newspapers and magazines
