ABSTRACT
Who has access to arts education? Who has access to higher education in general, and the privilege of pursuing the arts in higher ed? What is the relationship between internships and careers in theatrical production? How does underpaid work impact production career trajectories? This chapter explores the various opportunities that create access to careers in the arts, and how the lack of access to these for some has led to a lack of diverse representation in the field. It calls attention to the clear pattern which puts those without financial support at a distinct disadvantage: to get the job you need work experience; the way to get experience is unpaid and underpaid work. There have been many recent efforts to address this cycle of exclusion, but most have been on a small, independent scale rather than widespread to influence the field as a whole.
