The arts and their many forms of expression have always been an important part of a society’s civic, economic, and social status. However, the performing arts industry was one of the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about how theater arts in the Philippines is faring post-pandemic, and if a career in performing arts is still worth pursuing in 2022.
Effects of COVID on performing arts jobs
According to statistics, there were approximately 87 million pesos worth of investments in the entertainment, arts, and recreation industry in 2018 alone. Unfortunately, the demand for the sector plummeted significantly during the pandemic as establishments shuttered down and basic human interactions were minimized.
The good news is that, after years of isolation, the world is finally opening up again and reintroducing activities we’ve temporarily kissed goodbye. While everyone is still adjusting to this “new normal”, many entertainment-centric activities are slowly picking up pace once more, specifically performing arts jobs and other activities related to it.
This is definitely good news to those who’ve always had a passion for theater but have questioned the stability and job security of the industry ever since the pandemic.
There is a silver lining to everything, especially so in a field that fulfills more abstract but equally necessary needs of society. For the truly optimistic, performing arts jobs are only expected to transform as media and visual arts change face to meet the new needs of the public.
The shifting of performance arts as career and craft
The art of performance and theater is definitely here to persevere, though it may come in different forms of expression to fit the new normal that we live in.
In an article by The Theatre Times, for example, choreographer and performer Joseph Lee shares that they have resorted to using different channels like video conferencing to showcase their performances. Traditional plays have been moved to online settings in some schools in Hong Kong, which actually gave its creators more flexibility in trying other artistic techniques like using drones.
In the Philippines, performance artists also adapted to the great shift. Theater actors found other gigs and opened up streaming channels to continue their craft while others even found new careers where they can apply their hard-earned talents such as voice acting. This proves that while times may change, art will always and forever, persevere.
The flexibility of media and visual arts
The marketability of the performance, arts, and design track as viable career options is ultimately here to stay.
Contrary to what many people think, pursuing a career in the media and visual arts opens up a lot of performing arts job opportunities because it is a path that combines creative talents with arts management and practical application.
Here are a few other career opportunities that one can explore with the right creative training:
- Music Producer
- Video Editor
- Actor
- Choreographer
- Broadcast Presenter
- Arts Administrator
- Film Director
Of course, building a promising career in this field also depends on getting the right training, education, and exposure.
For example, taking lessons in the arts and design track can give the right foundational understanding of the media and performing arts in general.
On top of that, it also exposes students to like-minded people who have the same interests and passions. When one is given the right training, exposure, and channels of self-expression, creativity just naturally flows.
These are exactly what CIIT Philippines offers in our Media and Visual Arts track for senior high school students. Under our specialized program, students will get to learn about specialized subjects covering the introduction to multimedia arts, writing, and fundamentals of film and video production, to name a few.
We aim to provide a good stepping stone to young minds who want to start a career in the media and creative industry by providing them with strand-specific course designs and a diverse community that can tease and expand their interest in the field.
Do you love performing arts? We’d love to be your guiding hand in exploring it! Find out more about the program.