How can a Theatre Degree prepare me for the world of work?
The number of careers available to theater majors is vast and varied. Students graduating from our program tend to be organized, articulate, inventive, curious, competitive, energetic, creative and friendly. Because of the unique nature of the art of theater, our students are hard workers, proactive, understand and practice team-building, know how to meet deadlines, use a variety of research techniques, accept criticism well, are creative problem solvers and enjoy "process" as well as "product."
They engage in a most complex and interesting area of study where how you arrive at a solution is frequently more interesting than simply coming up with the right answer.
This type of student has little problem in securing a job or embarking on a fruitful and (very often) lucrative career. Does this mean that all theater majors will earn a living in the performing arts? Certainly not, although several of our talented graduates will make their mark in professional theatre across the country, or are successfully passing on their craft in the classroom.
On the whole, theater students are in demand in the workplace. They are motivated people who embrace challenges and deliver on promises. In short, they are passionate in all their pursuits.
The study of theatre also involves awareness (sometimes proficiency) in a number of other fields. Compatible disciplines include:
- History and Literature (dramatic literature)
- Oral Communication and Language (performance and voice)
- Physical Well Being (movement and dance)
- Visual Art and Design (scenic, costume, light design)
- Math, Engineering and Applied Physics (technical theater and all its many elements)
- Writing (playwriting, criticism)
- Music (musical theater, song, sound design)
- Critical Thinking/Philosophy (script analysis and the study of major artistic movements)
- Management (directing, stage management, collaboration, cooperation)
- Psychology and Sociology (all theater studies)
Finally, few areas of employment need the healing touch that Christians can provide more strongly than does the entertainment industry. Today "the furthest ends of the earth" may well be Hollywood, Broadway or your local regional theatre. Who else can spread the salt and light of Christ better than Christian theatre artists? At FHU, we try to view our work as a calling as well as a profession.
An Honest Report from the Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Report.
Other valuable Job Resources:
Actors Equity
Backstage Magazine On-Line (subscription required)Southeastern Theatre Conference
Artsearch