Ever dream of performing on a London stage, filming a movie in New Zealand, or playing a music festival in Berlin? Working internationally is a massive career goal for many creatives. It’s a chance to see the world, collaborate with global artists, and make your mark on a bigger stage. Breaking into the international scene takes serious planning and hustle, but it’s an achievable dream.

Here’s your guide to finding and landing international gigs in theater, film, and music.

Researching Opportunities Abroad

Your global career starts with smart research. You need to know where the opportunities are and what it takes to get them.

  • Identify Your Target Market: Where is the industry for your craft booming? London’s West End and New York’s Broadway are theater hubs. Vancouver and Atlanta are major film production centers. Berlin is known for its electronic music scene. Pinpoint the cities or countries that are a match for your skills and career goals.
  • Use Online Job Boards: Many casting and job sites have international listings. Platforms like Mandy, Backstage, and ProductionHUB are great for film and theater roles. For musicians, check out sites like Music Jobs or specific festival submission portals.
  • Follow International Companies: Follow theaters, production companies, record labels, and casting directors in your target countries on social media and LinkedIn. They often post opportunities directly to their followers.

Build a Portfolio That Crosses Borders

Your portfolio or demo reel is your international passport. It needs to be polished, professional, and easily accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.

  • Keep it Digital and Accessible: Your portfolio, resume, and demo reel must be online. A professional website is essential. Host videos on platforms like Vimeo or YouTube, making sure they are not region-locked.
  • Showcase Versatility: Your work needs to show that you have a range of skills that can translate to different markets. For actors, this means showing different character types. For musicians, showcase various styles or genres.
  • Highlight Unique Skills: Do you speak another language? Have a special skill like stage combat or a specific dance style? Make sure these are front and center on your resume. These skills can make you uniquely qualified for certain international roles.

Networking on a Global Scale

Connections are your currency in the creative industries, and this is even more true when you’re going international.

  • Leverage Social Media: Connect with artists, directors, and producers from other countries on Instagram and LinkedIn. Don’t just follow—engage. Comment on their work and share their projects. Build authentic connections.
  • Attend International Festivals: Film festivals like Cannes or TIFF, music festivals like SXSW, and theater festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are massive networking events. They are melting pots of global talent. Attending is an investment, but meeting a key director or producer in person can be a game-changer.
  • Collaborate Remotely: Start working with international artists now. Co-write a song with a musician in another country or act in a short film being produced remotely. These projects build your network and add an international credit to your resume before you even leave home.

The Paperwork: Visas and Permits

This is the least glamorous but most critical part of working abroad. You can’t work in another country without the proper legal authorization.

  • Understand Visa Requirements: Every country has different rules. Some have specific "artist" or "entertainer" visas. Research the visa process for your target country long before you start applying for jobs. The process can be long and expensive.
  • Get Professional Help: For major moves, consider hiring an immigration lawyer who specializes in entertainment visas. They can navigate the complex paperwork and increase your chances of approval.
  • Sponsorship is Key: In many cases, you will need a company—a theater, film production, or record label—to sponsor your visa application. This is why connecting with potential employers first is so important.

Embrace Cultural Differences

Working in a new country means working in a new culture. Showing that you are adaptable and respectful is a huge asset.

  • Learn the Lingo: Even if the primary language is English, professional terms and on-set etiquette can vary. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. It shows respect and a willingness to adapt.
  • Be Flexible: The work style might be different from what you’re used to. Be open-minded, professional, and ready to learn. A positive, can-do attitude goes a long way.