The arts are big business in New Jersey, supporting other industries and enriching communities throughout the state. With a strategic location close to the lights of Broadway, and a growing reputation as a film and television production hub, professional opportunities in the performing arts abound in the Garden State. Technical positions include sound, lighting, and set design and are ideal for those looking to be part of the action but work more behind the scenes.
For those interested in capturing a bit of the spotlight, students in dance, drama and vocal music programs are often accepted through auditions. They gain valuable opportunities to perform and showcase their work both on campus and throughout the community. They often grow their talents by learning with a community of peers with similar interests and drive.
Why Performing Arts?
- New Jersey is close to the Broadway and Philadelphia theater scenes
- New Jersey recently instituted one of the largest subsidy programs for film production and studio creation
- According to Choose: New Jersey, the state is home to the most concentrated film and TV professionals outside of Los Angeles
- Skills obtained are valuable in a range of careers
- Opportunity to express creativity and innovation
- Streaming services create increased opportunities for talented artists to join a cast or pitch an idea
Career pathways in this area include:
Actor
Choreographer
Dancer
Director
Fashion and costume designer
Makeup artist
Music director or composer
Musician or singer
Set and exhibit designer
Talent director, agent, or manager
Theater technician or stage manager
For Students And Parents:
To see what performing arts programs your county vocational-technical school offers, find your school.
For More Information About Careers In Performing Arts:
O*Net OnLine has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
View videos on career pathways in performing arts:
From US Department of Labor Career One-Stop:
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/arts-av-technology-and-communications-occupations.aspx
https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=27201100
https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=27203100
https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=27204200
Performing Arts News
CTE Success Story: Essex County Schools of Technology’s Marquese Rhoden is DJ and Audio Engineer for nationally recognized dance competition
Marquese Rhoden is excitedly packing his bags and getting ready to go on his first tour with the dance competition Precision Arts as DJ and audio engineer – an opportunity that allows him to further explore his career passion.
CTE Success Story: Hudson County Schools of Technology alumna Julietta Vogt developed skills in school’s Dance program that she applies daily
Working in public administration for Hudson County requires a specific skill set, something Julietta Vogt developed while studying in the Dance program at Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST). Although her current role as deputy chief of staff to the county executive does not involve dancing, the program at HCST helped Vogt’s creativity blossom, which she now uses to find innovative solutions to challenges that arise.
CTE Success Story: Musician Gage Kroljic’s experience at Camden County Technical Schools put him on a path leading to the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
Before entering Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS), Gage Kroljic’s musical experience consisted of playing the drum set and snare drum. By the time he graduated from the Music Academy at CCTS in 2015, Kroljic, a Blackwood native, expanded his percussion knowledge, but also learned more about other instruments including brass, strings, piano and guitar.
Read more news about Performing Arts