Creative Careers: What’s Possible in The Performing Arts World?
So… you’re creative. What’s next?
You love to dance. Or act. Or write. Or perform. Maybe you’re the one coming up with routines in dance class, jumping into school plays, jamming in a band with your mates, or filming and editing everything on your phone. Or maybe you just know you want to do something creative, but you’re not sure what that actually looks like yet.
Here’s the thing. In Wigan, Leigh and across the North West, there are way more jobs in the creative world than most people realise. It’s not just “become famous” or “give up”. There’s a whole spectrum in between. Loads of people are building careers doing what they love without going viral or landing a West End lead. If that’s your dream, go for it.
And if Results Day has left you excited, confused, or somewhere in between, you’re not alone. Creative careers often don’t follow a straight path and you don’t always need formal qualifications to get started. Skills, passion, experience and connections can take you just as far.
Let’s break it down.
The Performers
You probably already know this one. Dancer, actor, singer, poet, spoken word artist. You’re the one in the spotlight, connecting with people through energy and expression. Being a performer means learning your craft, building confidence and sharing stories that stick with people long after the applause fades.
The Big Idea People
Some creatives don’t need to be centre stage. They want to shape the vision. Choreographers, directors, creative leads. These are the people who imagine something bold, then bring everyone together to make it real. If you’re brimming with ideas and love guiding others, this could be your lane.
The Tech Wizards
When the lights hit just right, the music lands perfectly, and the visuals tell their own story, that’s the tech crew. Sound engineers, lighting designers, videographers. They create the atmosphere. If you love the “how” as much as the “wow”, this is a route worth exploring.
The Style Makers
Costumes. Sets. Props. Makeup. Art direction. If you’ve got an eye for detail and love making things look just right, whether with your hands or on your iPad, there’s a whole world of creative careers here.
The People People
These are the youth workers, teaching artists, workshop leaders and creative facilitators who make space for others to shine. They help people grow, build confidence and feel part of something. Creatives in these roles also spark change in communities and places, using the arts to connect people, tell local stories and shape how areas are seen and celebrated.
The Content Creators
TikToks. Reels. Behind-the-scenes videos. Posters. Brand visuals. If you’re already making content for fun, you’ve got skills the creative industry needs.
The Organised Creatives
Producers and project managers are the glue that holds everything together. Budgets, timelines, events, communication. They turn ideas into real-life moments. If you’ve got a planner’s brain but still want to be in the thick of it, this is your spot.
The Engine Room Roles
Not every creative career is on the stage or in the studio. Behind every show, festival or creative organisation is an engine room of people making things happen. Think accountants balancing the books, marketing teams spreading the word, hospitality staff making audiences feel welcome, fundraisers bringing in vital support and data specialists showing the impact of the work. These roles are just as vital to the creative sector and can be an amazing way to combine your skills with a passion for the arts.
Real Story: Gemma’s Journey from Participant to Leader
You don’t have to leave your hometown to make it in the arts. Just ask Spirix Collective member Gemma.
Gemma is 22 and from Leigh. She grew up training with Spirix, starting out as a participant in local workshops and grabbing every opportunity she could. At first, she didn’t know what she wanted to do as a career. She began studying health and social care, but soon realised her true passion was dance. She made the bold decision to change direction and study for a dance degree instead.
Fast-forward a few years and Gemma is leading her own creative projects, teaching dance, producing events and even hosting them. She’s worked as a performer, an event host and a behind-the-scenes producer. Gemma is proof that you can change your mind, follow your passion and still build a successful career in the arts right here in the North West.
Her story is a great reminder for anyone on Results Day that your next step doesn’t have to be your final step. You can try things, switch paths, and still end up where you’re meant to be.
Want to explore what’s possible?
At Spirix Collective, we’re here to help you figure it out. Whatever stage you’re at, you’ll find space to try things, meet people and start shaping your creative future in a way that works for you.
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