Film and performing arts sit at the centre of Australia’s creative industries. From screen production and live theatre to comedy, writing and directing, these fields are powered by creative teams working across stage, screen and behind the scenes.
While acting and performing are often the most visible roles, careers in film and performing arts span storytelling, production, direction, management and creative leadership. Many professionals build flexible careers by working across multiple disciplines over time.
Here are 10 real film and performing arts careers that reflect how the industry operates in Australia today.
1. Director
Directors shape the creative vision of film, television and theatre productions. They guide performances, visual storytelling and collaboration across creative teams. Many directors begin their careers by working across short films, independent theatre or assistant roles before leading their own projects.
2. Screenwriter or playwright
Screenwriters and Playwrights develop scripts for film, television, theatre and digital platforms. In Australia, writers often work across formats and genres, developing original work alongside commissioned projects. Writing skills are highly transferable across screen and live performance.
3. Screen producer
Screen Producers manage projects from development through to release. They oversee funding, schedules, teams and creative outcomes across film, television and online content. Stories like Francesca's - a Collarts Screen and Media alum - show how you can quickly move from study into meaningful professional work.
4. Actor or performer
Actors work across theatre, film, television and live performance. Many Australian performers build sustainable careers by combining acting with screen work, writing or teaching. As seen in How this acting student landed a full time professional acting job before graduating, early industry engagement can open doors sooner than expected.
Understanding the difference between performance styles is also key, as explored in Acting for screen vs stage: what’s the difference?, which highlights how actors adapt their craft across formats.
5. Comedian or comedy writer
Comedy careers span stand up, sketch, screenwriting and digital content. Comedians often develop original material for live performance, festivals, television and online platforms. The pathway into comedy is explored in Comedy degree? That’s got to be a joke., which highlights how structured training supports creative risk taking.
6. Theatre maker or deviser
Theatre Makers create original live performance work by combining acting, writing and directing. This role is common in independent theatre, festivals and experimental performance spaces, where collaboration and creative leadership are essential.
7. Stage manager
Stage Managers are essential to live performance. They coordinate rehearsals, manage cues and support performers and creative teams during productions. This role is central to theatre, festivals and touring shows.
8. Production manager
Production Managers oversee logistics, scheduling and technical coordination across screen and live performance projects. This role suits people who enjoy organisation, problem solving and working closely with creative teams.
9. Assistant director or creative assistant
Assistant Directors and Creative Assistants support directors and producers across film, television and theatre. These roles provide hands on experience and insight into professional creative workflows and are often stepping stones into leadership roles.
Image above: Collarts screen and media student Juliette at work during her internship at Never Too Small media company.
10. Screen and media content creator
Screen and Media Content Creators develop video, documentary and performance based content for digital platforms. Graduates often move between screen production, media organisations and creative studios. Stories like Juliette’s internship in the media industry highlight how industry experience plays a key role in building careers.
Opportunities to connect with the wider screen industry also matter. Partnerships such as Collarts’ involvement with the Melbourne International Film Festival, help students and alumni engage directly with Australia’s screen sector.
Careers in film and performing arts are rarely linear. Many professionals combine multiple roles and work across screen, stage and live performance throughout their careers.
At Collarts, students across screen and media, acting, comedy, stage management, writing and directing develop practical skills, creative confidence and industry awareness. Through hands on projects, industry partnerships and real world experience, students are prepared for careers that adapt to the realities of Australia’s creative industries.