Most people know that a degree in Theatre Arts can prepare you for a career in acting. But, what about other careers? Earning a Theatre Arts degree can prepare you for a job in production or other theatre-related positions.
Performance and Production Careers
For those looking to continue performing and doing production work after graduating, some jobs that might interest you are:
- Actor: the most commonly thought of career in Theatre Arts. An actor tells a story through their voice and body language on stage or film.
- Director: the person managing the creative vision for the film. They ensure the script is accurately represented and work with creative teams.
- Producer: the person in charge of planning and executing the making of a show or film. They secure funding and keep production on schedule.
- Stage Manager: the manager who works closely with the director. Stage Managers supervise production, organizes director notes, and calls cues during the performance.
- Stage Crew: also known as stagehands, is a broad term for backstage workers. These workers work during the performance to make sure things like props, lighting, and costumes are set for the show.
- Casting Director: the person who works with producers and directors to bring each character to life. Casting Directors process auditions and keep in mind character appearances, actor skill level, and the film’s budget.
- Voice Actor: is an actor who uses their voice to embody characters in film, TV, video games, audiobooks, and animation. Voice acting and voice over work are similar but generally focus on different types of content creation.
- Voiceover Artist: is someone who acts with their voice and records dialogue for things like radio, commercials, podcasts, and documentaries.
- Master of Ceremonies (MC): is an event host who keeps the party moving by welcoming guests, introducing speakers, and using improv skills when things don’t go as planned. They often host events like awards ceremonies, weddings, and conferences.
External Theatre Careers
Students who want to work in a theatre-related career without being part of a production might enjoy a job as a:
- Playwright: the person who crafts a play through their writing. Playwrights are sometimes asked to write a script by a theatre company, but many write on their own time.
- Venue Executive Director: works with a team to put on events and maintain a performance space. They also are responsible for venue budgeting, public or vendor relationships, and maintaining venue regulations.
- Venue Artistic Director: is in charge of creating and executing the creative vision of the company or venue. Artistic Directors put together events and choose performances for the venue.
- Company (Theatre) Manager: the person who handles the logistics and business of a theatre group or production. They organize payroll, set up transportation and lodging, and act as a link between cast, crew, and management.
- Drama Teacher: is an instructor who teaches courses like acting, drama literature, and backstage production. A Drama Teacher may also lead student productions and develop student confidence and theatre skills.
- Actor Agent: a representative of an actor who submits actor auditions, negotiates actor pay, and communicates regularly with industry professionals.
- Drama Therapist: is a therapist who uses drama-based techniques, like role-playing, storytelling, and performance work, to help patients work through trauma or reach other therapeutic goals. Drama Therapists usually start in the theatre industry before receiving a master’s degree in drama therapy.
- Licensing Agent: the person in charge of negotiating, purchasing, and keeping track of the use of licensed content in productions. Licensed content includes music, scripts, and products which may have a fee to use or feature in a production.
Conclusion
Studying Theatre Arts can open pathways to a variety of careers, both performance-based and not. Most Theatre Arts students choose to still participate in theatre somewhere in their lives, even if their career is not theatre focused. Whatever you may choose to do after graduation, you have plenty of options in the performing arts.
Sources:
Theatre: Theatre Arts Emphasis (B.A.) | Majors | BYU-Idaho
Careers in Theater | Berklee
Careers in Film, Video, and Television | Berklee
Voice Over Artist vs. Voice Actor: What’s the Real Difference?
Acting - David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
Theatre Major Career Guide | Lindsey Wilson College Theatre
Complete list of jobs in the theatre industry - Get into Theatre
What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Venue Director