why do they reject me because I do performing arts?

Question

I am doing performing arts student and I need a small job, but if I go and ask anywhere outside the theatre, they reject me when they hear that I do performing arts. Why is this? Just because I need time off for shows, doesn't mean I don't want a job at all.

Answer 1

Most of the time employers see Performing Arts individuals as unstable. They consider us a risk for their business and would rather hire someone that will not have a conflict of interest, as they like to call it. A lot of minimum wage jobs also go through employees at a high rate so they have a tendency to say no when or if they see a potential risk. I am not sure what type of performing arts you are in but I know this applies especially to actors more than dancers, as actors seem to get called for castings/auditions on the spot and have to drop what they are doing to run to the audition. If you are a dancer, that usually doesnt happen that frequently so maybe you should explain that you are a dancer and you dont have a million auditions to go to at the drop of a dime. The only other thing you can tell them is close to nothing...dont pose as a risk if you know you wont be one. Dont let them judge you incorrectly. Just tell them as much of the truth as necessary and leave it at that. If you are running to castings & auditions constantly however, try to get a night job. Typically castings and auditions are not held later at night. You could have your days free for training and auditions and your nights to work to keep you on path of your dreams! If this isnt something you are interested in, try doing promotions...it is promotional modeling actually. There are usually always promotions giong on and you are not obligated to do every one that comes up. If you can work it, you book it and if you cant, it doesnt matter. There are pros & cons to doing promotions but the good thing is that they are very flexible. Hope this helped!

Answer 2

Employers are looking for people that will be there all year and those of us in the performing arts have to fly when the show is on. Maybe you could leave out the part about the performing arts and instead, apply for a job that is part time with great benefits, like working at a starbucks. Great benefits, flexible work hours and should you decide that you want to take a few extra courses to train in your field, they pay for tuition too.

Answer 3

There are jobs in the theatre and other areas for resting actors/performers.

They are specially tailored to the needs of performers.

You cant expect regular jobs to give you time off as easily.

Answer 4

You shouldn't be too surprised. Even with a "small job", an employer wants some kind of continuity in his employees attendance. Yo need to try for something where you can work from home, where total hours may be significant but actual hours aren't.

Answer 5

Employers are looking for more practical skills, for one thing. But if you can commit to their schedule, I would think they wouldn't hold it against you. You might even use it as a positive when it comes to service jobs, like retail sales. Performance artists need to have something of an outgoing nature, moreso than most people. That's a plus in the service industry.

Answer 6

I think most employers would need to rely on you being there and and would be looking for commitment to the job. If I was you I would look for jobs such as delivering leaflets or addressing envelopes etc that you can do in your spare time. Try looking in your local paper or scan the internet for part time jobs like this.

Answer 7

The best way to advertise yourself to an employer is via your CV. Think about what skills you have learned from your classes ie: self confidence, communication skills etc, how quickly you learn new things? how much of yourself do you give in the things you put your mind to? how reliable are you? etc etc. Depending on the way you write your CV and sell yourself to a prospective employer depends on whether they will offer you a job. If you go to your local careers service they should be able to help you with this.

Answer 8

If you are looking into a retail job, it honestly is going to be hard to find someone who is willing to let you off on weekends. I was a theater student myself and had to look very hard to find someone who understood and had the staff to cover any time off I took. I ended up waiting tables (how cliche') during the week. Good luck to you hon.

Answer 9

Maybe because they think you won't be as reliable as someone who isn't in the Arts coz you might be doing a show or something while they need you working?

Answer 10

Try finding work where you could teach in a school program, and or studio, that is in your field of study, i.e try acting school that are non professional, dance schools, training kids, or teachers in acting speaking, assisting a H.S. or University Drama Teacher. I hope this was helpful to you.