Entering into the professional workforce with a degree in the performing arts can be scary. Even the best of the best performers will tell you that at some point in your theatre career you’ll probably have to get a job outside of the performance community. That might be difficult to hear. You’ve just spent 2-4 years investing in your passion and now you’re stepping out into a world where you might have to interview for a position instead of audition for a role.

Don’t worry too much, though. Auditioning and interviewing have a lot in common.

1. Know the “show”

You wouldn’t audition for a play or musical without learning about the show, so don’t interview for a job without learning about the company. Check out their website, learn a little bit about the company’s history, and find out what their mission is before the interview.

2. Understand your “character”

When you audition for a specific role, you audition in character. The casting director wants to see your take on the character in the same way that a potential employer will want to know your take on the position. Understand the duties and responsibilities going into the interview.

3. Dress the “part”

Like auditions, some interviews will specify what to wear and some won’t. For job interviews, you’ll want to err on the side of more formal. At the worst, you’ll bring a little more swagger into the interview.

4. Always “rehearse”

Before an audition, you’re probably going to (at the very least) read over your lines or sing through your song. The same goes for a job interview. Check out some commonly asked interview questions and have your answers prepared.

5. Bring your “credits”

Most auditions will ask you to bring a headshot and/or a resume. Obviously, it might be a little strange to bring a headshot to a job interview that isn’t related to theatre, but you will definitely want to bring in a copy of your resume. It shows you’re prepared and professional.

So don’t sweat it if after spending years preparing for a theatre career, you land your first gig after an interview instead of audition. You’re more prepared than you thought, and there are a lot of amazing opportunities in the theatre community that don’t require a curtain call.