Different Types of Performing Arts

Do you have a passion for creating, storytelling and solving unique problems? Are you interested in a career that allows you to exercise your creativity? If so, then you might consider becoming a performance arts major.

There are many types of performing arts that might appeal to you. This field involves demonstrating some type of creative talent in front of an audience, such as singing or dancing. If you decide to major in performing arts, you’ll not only explore the theories and concepts behind your chosen art form, but you’ll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience performing in front of others.

In This Article:

• What Are Performing Arts?
• What Can You Do With a Performing Arts Degree?
• Types of Degrees for Performance Arts Majors
• Begin Your Performing Arts Education at GCU

What Are Performing Arts?

Performing arts encompass all types of art that are performed and presented to an audience (live audience or otherwise). This is in contrast to visual arts (e.g., paintings), which are static (not performed).

There are many performance arts examples, including:

• Theatre: Performing plays in front of a live audience
• Musical theatre: Performing plays in front of a live audience that includes songs sung by the actors
• Music: Writing, recording and performing songs
• Acting: Portraying a story by assuming the identity of a character, either based on a real person or completely fictitious 
• Dance: Performing rhythmic, often choreographed movements, typically set to music

Magicians are also a form of performing arts. Performing arts allow the artists to express themselves while enabling the audience to experience an emotional response. Some artistic pieces are intended to provoke a certain reaction or even to ask questions for the audience to consider.

As previously mentioned, these types of artistic expressions may sometimes take place before a live audience (e.g., musical theatre). Others involve prerecorded performances that may then be streamed or aired to an audience at their leisure, such as TV shows and movies. Some performing artists, perhaps after gaining experience in the field, may decide to devote their career to teaching their art form to others.

What Can You Do With a Performing Arts Degree?

While no degree program can guarantee a specific career outcome, earning a performing arts degree can open up potential opportunities in fields like acting, dance and music. It’s also possible to pursue a career behind the scenes, such as production design specialist or technician.

Performing arts majors aren’t necessarily limited to pursuing entertainment-related careers. Throughout your studies, you will be taught transferable soft skills that may serve you well in a variety of workplaces. These soft skills include communication, teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking. Take a look at some of the careers in performing arts you might pursue.

Actor

Many performing arts degree graduates decide to pursue roles in theatre or film. Actors study how to communicate through language and movement. They use scripts and work with the support of a director and other actors to make a story come alive.

Some actors may work solely with their voice doing radio, voice-over or podcasts. Others may use their skills in a wide range of work, from live events, corporate speaking and presentations, training and leadership positions.

Dancer

Performing artists who specialize in dance use their bodies to tell stories and express emotions. They work with choreographers to dance in front of audiences or on TV and in film. Some dancers work in specialized dance forms like ballet or ballroom, while others can be more versatile. 

Dancers may search for employment in a variety of settings. Many of them work for performing arts companies or educational institutions, while others work in the recreation industry. Because dancing is a physically challenging line of work, it’s not uncommon for dancers to transition to another career by their late 30s, such as choreography, dance instruction or production directing.¹

Musician

Musically inclined individuals may decide to pursue work in Hollywood or on Broadway. For example, they may want to deliver live performances in theatrical productions, or they might write and play scores for television shows and movies.

Musicians may work in many different settings and use their talents to help the audience understand and feel the stories they are watching. Music students can focus their degree on vocal or piano performance or on the worship arts. They may play professionally in ministry settings, or they might decide to pursue a career as a private music teacher.² 

Art/Music Therapist

Some performing arts graduates go on to obtain the necessary credentials that can help prepare them to become music or art therapists. Music, drama and movement therapists work with people of all ages to help them use art to express and process their emotions and experiences. 

The arts can help someone who is grieving or in pain by giving them an outlet for their thoughts and feelings when they might be struggling to express themselves with language. Art therapy has been scientifically proven to benefit the mental health of patients when used as an adjunct treatment.³

This career path can be a good option for performing arts students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree and diving into the fundamentals of psychology and human behavior.

Stage Manager

Performing arts majors are taught foundational knowledge in a variety of performance environments, allowing them to work in a range of settings where organization, leadership and technical skills are needed. Working as a stage manager can provide performing arts graduates with the opportunity to work with everything from lighting and sound to managing rehearsals and live production.

Live Production Design and Technology Specialist

Students who specialize in theatre production are taught the latest design and technical production techniques. Live production design and technology in sets, lighting, sound, properties and hair and makeup are some of the areas where graduates may seek work in the theatre, film, sports, broadcast and live event industries.

Types of Degrees for Performance Arts Majors

Just as there are many manifestations of performing arts, there are also many different degrees for creative, artistic students. Performing arts degrees are often Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, although some universities may offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees. 

Traditionally, there are three main categories of performing arts degrees: music, dance and drama or theatre. In each of these main categories, there are additional specializations available to further refine your intended career path.

For example, you may want to explore the technology of performance art. Students who dive into this type of program will examine how technology is used in the entertainment industry. These students may consider the applications of lighting, sound, stage management, scenic design, CAD drafting and many other subjects in technical production.

Alternatively, you might want to specialize in screenwriting if you think you’d enjoy opportunities to examine professional writing skills. Performing arts majors who choose a specialization in screenwriting will be taught about the writing techniques, creative process and industry standards used to mold and shape an idea into a script for performance.

Begin Your Performing Arts Education at GCU

At Grand Canyon University, you can enjoy opportunities to nurture your God-given creative talents. The College of Arts and Media offers numerous degree programs for performance arts majors, such as: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama
• Bachelor of Arts in Dance
• Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Piano Performance
• Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music  

Fill out the form on this page to learn more about the performing arts degrees available at GCU.