Curtains up! The 7 types of performance arts and how they launch you to stardom

It’s an exciting season for various types of performance arts.

With the Grammys wrapped up and the Oscars just around the corner, all eyes are on the biggest night in film. Among the top contenders for the 2025 Best Picture Oscar are “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “Gladiator 2,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” “Blitz,” “Challengers,” and “Maria” — a very diverse lineup.

But the Oscars aren’t just about the stars on screen; they celebrate the incredible work behind the scenes as well.

Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster biopic “Oppenheimer“ was the most awarded movie at the 2024 Academy Awards. Cillian Murphy earned Best Actor for his gripping portrayal, while Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor.

Behind the scenes, the film also dominated technical categories, earning Oscars for editing, cinematography, and score. Nolan finally claimed his long-awaited Best Director win, while Hoyte van Hoytema and Jennifer Lame took home awards for cinematography and editing, respectively.

Oppenheimer set a high bar last year, and anticipation is high for which film will follow in its footsteps.

One thing any of these award shows confirms, though: the performing arts industry comprises many talented individuals — on and off stage or screen. 

The realities of a performing arts career

There is tremendous value in getting a degree in performing arts.

The depth of knowledge, technical mastery, and creative insight you gain form a solid foundation that will take your performances to new heights.

But here’s the problem: the number of aspiring performers far outweighs the available opportunities.

The competition is fierce, and the industry’s demand simply cannot accommodate the sheer volume of talent eager to enter.

Talent alone will not guarantee success — getting cast often depends on factors outside your control, like the director’s vision or how you fit the character’s image. Sometimes, you might even get passed over for a more well-known talent; whether it was for better or worse, that’s hard to say. 

Regardless, there is always room for the best in the industry, on and off stage.

Take DJ Mustard, for example. As a record producer, he rarely appears on screen, unlike the stars he works with, such as Tyga, Rihanna, and, of course, Kendrick Lamar.

But on stage or not, Mustard’s racking in success too.

Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” produced by Mustard, got the DJ his first number-one production on the Billboard 100, as well as five Grammy awards in 2025. It is one of the most awarded songs in Grammy Awards history, winning all its nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video.

So, whether you go into theatre management, writing, teaching, or even behind-the-scenes work, the skills you’ve honed in your training are invaluable across many fields.

What you need to do is look at what you will be happy doing and go from there.

A world of creative possibilities with 7 types of performance arts degrees

Note: The fees for performance arts degrees below are specific to the US. The cost of these tests varies depending on currency and country.

Musical theatre

Do you dream of singing, dancing, and acting all at once? With a musical theatre degree, you can do it all.

The programme is your ticket to becoming a “triple threat,” mastering the skills to stand out vocally, physically, and emotionally.

You’ll also dive into the rich history of musical theatre, explore diverse performance styles, and grow as a creative force.

And here’s the best part: the benefits of a musical theatre degree don’t stop at the stage.

You’ll gain confidence, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and develop teamwork abilities that employers in any industry love.

The average annual salary for a musical theatre actor is US$53,775.

Universities that count musical theatre among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• Siena Heights University, US: US$56,240
• University of Chester, UK: US$12,153
• National University of Singapore, Singapore: US$28,555

Stand-up comedy

Can comedy really be a major? Yes, because comedy is more than entertainment — it’s an art form that brings people together and makes us see the world differently.

A degree in comedy helps you master the craft of creating and performing your own material, whether through stand-up, sketch comedy, or even blending humour with classic works like Shakespeare.

You’ll explore the art of storytelling, perfect your timing, and develop your unique voice.  

What sets comedy degrees apart is the hands-on experience. Every aspect of the industry is covered, from writing scripts and producing shows to performing in front of live audiences and managing backstage roles.

The result? A well-rounded, career-ready comedian with the skills to succeed on stage or in any creative field.

The average annual salary for a stand-up comedian is US$36,409.

Universities that count stand-up comedy among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• Emerson College, US: US$56,032
• Brunel University of London, UK US$27,135
• Bath Spa University, UK: US$56,240

Dance

Think dance is just about spinning and twirling? Think again.

Dancers are storytellers, using movement to convey emotions and narratives that words alone cannot express.

On stage, on screen, or behind the scenes, dancers work with choreographers to bring performances to life.

Some stick with a favourite style like ballet or jazz, while others explore a little bit of everything, from ballroom to hip-hop, making them flexible performers who can adapt to any opportunity.

But here’s the thing — dance isn’t an easy field to break into. Like acting, dancers often start with smaller gigs and have to hustle, network, and hone their skills.

The average annual salary for a professional dancer is US$71,263.

Universities that count professional dance among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• New York University, us: US$99,366
• Institute of the Arts Barcelona, Spain: US$17,878
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Scotland: US$35,692

Music

Picture a world where every note you play becomes a story — that’s music.

Pursuing a music degree means learning to express yourself through instruments, voice, and the latest technology.

You’ll transform raw emotions into captivating melodies that resonate with listeners.  

Your journey will take you through music theory, composition, performance, and production, allowing you to master everything from classical symphonies to contemporary beats.

This degree opens doors to careers where creativity thrives — think composer, conductor, sound designer, or artistic director.

The average annual salary for a musician is US$52,851.

Universities that count music among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• University of Surrey, UK: US$29,111
• Saint Martin’s University, US: US$60,948
• Korea National University of Arts, South Korea: US$3,392

Acting

For many performing arts graduates, the thrill of stepping into a character’s shoes leads them to careers in theatre or film.

With guidance from directors and the synergy of fellow actors, these performers breathe life into scripts, making audiences feel, think, and connect.  

An acting degree prepares students for the professional stage, sharpening their performance, technique, and creativity skills.

The journey involves intense rehearsals, exploring various acting methods, and delving into the nuances of script analysis. 

However, not all actors perform in front of a live audience. Some take their talents to the mic, lending their voices to radio shows, animated characters, or podcasts.

The average annual salary for an actor is US$34,151.

Universities that count acting among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• Taylor’s University, Malaysia:  US$28,578
• Birmingham City University, UK: US$24,879
• Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology, Germany: US$12,649

 

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Opera

Opera is a tough industry to navigate for many reasons: it’s very competitive, and it’s expensive to start a career in it.

But it’s worth every challenge if you’re passionate about the art form and committed to the journey.  

An opera degree gives you the tools to succeed. You’ll explore musical styles, practice your craft, and get plenty of time in voice lessons with expert instructors.  

And let’s not forget the academic side. Music history, theory, and general education classes might not seem like they’ll improve your voice, but they’ll make you a better musician.

The average annual salary of an opera singer is US$119,458.

Universities that count opera among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland: US$12,692
• Carnegie Mellon University, US: US$86,812
• Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong: US$11,000

Circus arts

When you think of the circus, is it all about the daring stunts and playful energy? Well, with a circus arts degree, you can be part of the action.  

You’ll learn to juggle, spin plates, and maybe even walk on stilts. But it’s not just about doing stunts; it’s about expressing emotion and telling stories through movement.  

You’ll also explore the creative side, pushing boundaries and transforming skills into powerful performances that captivate and inspire.

The average annual salary for a circus arts performer is US$62,286.

Universities that count circus arts among their offered types of performance arts degrees:

• Swinburne University of Technology, Australia: US$34,187
• Ecole Nationale de Cirque (National Circus School), Canada:US$11,007
• University of Kent, UK: US$22,962