National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

A

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513 - Creative and performing artists

5131 - Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations

This unit group includes producers, directors, choreographers and others who oversee and control the technical and artistic aspects of film, television, radio, dance and theatre productions. They are employed by film production companies, radio and television stations, broadcast departments, advertising companies, sound recording studios, record production companies and dance companies. They may also be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • artistic director - motion picture
    • choreographer
    • cyber-choreographer
    • director - motion picture
    • director of photography
    • film editor
    • filmmaker
    • multimedia audio producer
    • producer - performing arts
    • producer-director
    • radio producer
    • record producer
    • stage director - performing arts
    • technical director - broadcasting
    • television producer

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts (0512)
    • Photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (522)
  • Main duties

    The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

    • Film, radio and television producers plan, organize and control the various stages and scheduling involved in the production of presentations, motion pictures, television shows and radio programs; engage directors and other production personnel and supervise all technical personnel, and determine the treatment, scope and scheduling of production; maintain production archives and negotiate royalties.
    • Directors interpret scripts and direct the mise-en-scène; select and direct the actors, extras and technical crew; advise the cast and crew on the interpretation and delivery of the performance; direct rehearsals, filmings, broadcasts and performances; and confer with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentation.
    • Choreographers create dances for film, theatre and television performances that convey stories, ideas and moods, and direct rehearsals for dancers to achieve desired interpretation.
    • Art directors plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of motion pictures, stage productions and television shows by overseeing the design of sets, costumes, furnishings and props to create portrayals of period and setting.
    • Film editors edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences to achieve continuity and desired dramatic, comedic and thematic effects.
    • Record producers plan and co-ordinate the production of musical recordings, direct musicians and singers during rehearsals and recordings and manage technicians involved in duplicating, dubbing and mastering of recordings.
    • Directors of photography co-ordinate and direct the photography of motion pictures, supervise camera operators and other crews and determine lighting, lenses, camera angles, backgrounds and other elements to achieve desired visual effect.
  • Employment requirements

    Producers, directors and film editors

    • A university degree or college diploma in the performing arts, broadcasting, journalism, business administration, theatre production or film studies
      and
      Experience in a technical or production occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or theatre are usually required.

    Choreographers

    • A university degree or college diploma in dance, or a period of study at a school of dance
      and
      Extensive training with a dance company are usually required.

    Record producers

    • A university degree or college diploma in music or the recording arts
      and
      Experience in a technical or production occupation in the recording arts are usually required.

    Directors of photography

    • A university degree or college diploma in film studies or cinematography
      and
      Experience in camera operation or another technical occupation in video or motion picture production are usually required.

    Demonstrated creative ability is required for all occupations in this unit group.

  • Additional information

    • Membership in a related guild or union may be required.

5132 - Conductors, composers and arrangers

This unit group includes those who conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions. They are employed by symphony and chamber orchestras, bands, choirs, sound recording companies, and orchestras for ballet and opera performances, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • arranger
    • bandmaster
    • choir director
    • composer
    • conductor
    • lyricist
    • music adapter
    • musical director
    • orchestrator
    • singer-songwriter-composer
    • songwriter

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Musicians and singers (5133)
    • Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations (5131)
  • Main duties

    The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

    • Conductors select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances.
    • Composers create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games.
    • Arrangers adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances.

    Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular type of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.

  • Employment requirements

    • A university degree in music or completion of a program at a music academy, conservatory or school of music is usually required.
    • A period of specialized study related to conducting, composing or arranging is usually required.
    • Experience as a musician is required.
    • Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
  • Additional information

    • Composers often work as arrangers.

5133 - Musicians and singers

This unit group includes musicians, singers and teachers of vocal and instrumental music. Musicians and singers perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in establishments such as concert halls, lounges and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. Music teachers teach in conservatories, academies and private homes.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • accompanist
    • church organist
    • guitar player
    • instrumentalist
    • music teacher - musicians
    • musician
    • opera singer
    • percussionist
    • recording artist
    • rock singer
    • singer
    • vocalist

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Conductors, composers and arrangers (5132)
    • Elementary school music teachers (See 4032 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers)
    • Professors of music (See 4011 University professors and lecturers)
    • Secondary school music teachers (See 4031 Secondary school teachers)
  • Main duties

    The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

    • Musicians play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.
    • Singers sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.
    • Teachers of music or voice teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons.

    Musicians and singers usually specialize in specific types of music such as classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera or popular music.

  • Employment requirements

    • Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required.
    • Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music.
    • Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
    • Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.

5134 - Dancers

This unit group includes dancers and dance teachers. Dancers are employed by ballet and dance companies, television and film productions and night clubs and similar establishments. Dance teachers are employed by dance academies and dance schools.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • ballet dancer
    • ballet teacher
    • ballroom dancing teacher
    • dance instructor
    • dancer
    • folkloric dancer
    • interpretative dancer
    • tap dancer

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Choreographers (See 5131 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations)
    • Other performers, n.e.c. (5232)
  • Main duties

    Dancers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Practise and rehearse dance routines under direction or instruction to achieve desired interpretation and presentation
    • Perform dances as soloists or as members of groups before live audiences or for film or television
    • Train and exercise to maintain the required levels of ability and fitness
    • May choreograph their own performances.

    Dance teachers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Teach dance technique and artistic interpretation to amateur and professional individuals and groups
    • Teach the techniques, cultural origins and symbolic meanings of Aboriginal, ethnic and folkloric dances
    • Teach recreational dancing lessons such as ballroom dancing
    • Prepare dance students for specific auditions and performances.

    Dancers may specialize in specific types of dance such as ballet, ballroom, folk, jazz or modern.

  • Employment requirements

    • A university degree or college diploma in dance
      or
      Graduation from a private dance school or academy may be required.
    • Talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
    • Dance teachers usually require experience as dancers.
    • Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.

5135 - Actors and comedians

Actors and comedians perform roles in motion picture, television, theatre and radio productions to entertain a variety of audiences. They are employed by motion picture, television, theatre and other production companies. This unit group includes acting teachers employed by private acting schools.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • acting teacher - private or studio
    • actor/actress
    • comedian
    • drama teacher - private or studio
    • narrator

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Announcers and other broadcasters (5231)
    • Dancers (5134)
    • Drama professors (See 4011 University professors and lecturers)
    • Musicians and singers (5133)
    • Other performers, n.e.c. (5232)
  • Main duties

    Actors and comedians perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Study and rehearse lines, gestures and expressions to interpret a role
    • Portray roles in video or motion picture productions, television shows, theatre productions, radio dramas, commercials and other productions or perform the narration
    • Sing or dance as required by specific roles
    • Perform comedy acts in nightclubs alone or as members of comedy troupes
    • Improvise a role.

    Acting teachers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Train students in interpretation of scripts, speech, movement, and dramatic theory
    • Prepare acting students for specific auditions and performances.
  • Employment requirements

    • Demonstrated ability, based on an audition or previous acting roles, is an important hiring criteria.
    • Acting programs are offered at universities, colleges and private acting schools.
    • Acting teachers usually require experience as actors.
    • Membership in a guild or union may be required.

5136 - Painters, sculptors and other visual artists

Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • art teacher (except primary, secondary and post-secondary education)
    • artist
    • artistic painter
    • portrait painter
    • sculptor
    • silkscreen artist
    • watercolourist

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Artisans and craftspersons (5244)
    • Art teachers (in 4011, 4021, 4031, 4032 - university, post-secondary, secondary and elementary education)
    • Graphic designers and illustrators (5241)
  • Main duties

    Painters, sculptors and other visual artists perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Painters create drawings, paintings and other artwork using oils, pastels, watercolours, charcoal, ink and other media.
    • Sculptors create sculptures, statues and other three-dimensional artwork by shaping, carving and working with materials such as clay, ice, paper, stone, wood or metal.
    • Art instructors and teachers teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression.
  • Employment requirements

    • Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools.
    • A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required.
    • Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.
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