Careers in Theatre and Dance

Photo by Ken Smith.

To be successful in the performing arts, students must develop a range of communication, organizational, and analytical skills in addition to honing artistic and technical ability. These skills are applicable to many careers, including those in the performing arts, and open up students to exciting career possibilities on and off stage.

But do I need a degree to perform, design, dance, direct, etc.? While it’s true, a college degree does not guarantee a position in the world of theatre and dance (as is the case with any field), study and practice are the best ways to prepare yourself for the rigorous demands of the profession, therefore increasing your chances on the job market. Within the competitive landscape of the performing arts there are many very talented people vying for each job. To set yourself above the rest requires skills honed through training, knowledge acquired through study, and fortitude developed through discipline.

Study of Theatre and Dance provides students with skills in:

Analysis

Problem Solving
Analyzing and interpreting the emotions and motives of others
Understanding ideas within historical/social context
Comparing and contrasting ideas/information
Attending to details
Critical thinking
Adapting techniques
Integrating diverse ideas from others
Forming perceptions and seeing connections

Artistic/Technical

Creating and performing
Ability to concentrate and practice intensely for long periods of time
Program planning
Detailed and accurate work
Working independently
Collaboratively developing a project

Communication

Public speaking
Communicating ideas and emotions creatively
Speaking articulately and listening introspectively
Explaining concepts
Making keen observations
Ability to give and receive criticism
Relating to people of varying backgrounds

Organization

Self-discipline
Working under pressure and meeting deadlines
Interacting with colleagues in a team setting
Utilizing available resources
Time management
Creativity
Concentration

Career Fields

Performance

Students who study areas of performance (dance, acting, music theatre, choreography, directing, etc.) use their artistic, professional, and personal skills to work in the arts. To be a successful artist in the 21st century, it’s important to develop yourself as a “whole artist”, integrating interests, knowledge, and perspective from within the field as well as from other disciplines. Performance careers include:

Actor: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional, Cruise Ships, Tours
Acting Coach
Dancer (Company, Commercial)
Director
Choreographer
Movement Coach

Voice and Speech Coach
Dialect Coach
Fight Director/Choreographer
Teaching Artist
Voiceover Artist
Dramaturg: Stage and Media (i.e., film, video games, theme park entertainment)
Playwright

Business

Students of theatre and dance often find careers focused on building and shaping the future of the arts and entertainment industries. Utilizing the skills and knowledge from a degree in Theatre, Dance, or Music Theatre, students pursue careers in:

Arts Administration
Artistic Director
Agent: Theatrical, Film and Television
Booking Agent
Box Office Manager
Accounting
Business Manager
Company Manager
Development Associate/Director
Digital Content Producer
Publicity/Marketing
Entertainment Law/Attorney
Events Coordinator

Production Manager
Producer
Studio Owner (Dance)
Casting Director
Entertainment Journalist
Executive Director, Arts and Cultural Organizations
Literary Agent
Literary Manager
Managing Director
Marketing Director
Outreach Coordinator
Theatre Critic
Press Agent

Design/Production

Design and Production students are interested in the creative act of design and execution for live performance, and employ a wide range of skills and interests to combine art and technology to explore and advance how artistry is experienced. Students find career opportunities in a wide range of positions in the field of theatre, dance, digital media, production, and beyond, including:

Artist-in-Residence
Carpenter
College Professor/Academia
Company Manager
Costume Designer
Director: Stage, Film, Media Entertainment
Draper
Electrician
Lighting Designer

Makeup Artist/Designer
Projection Designer
Property Designer
Set Designer
Sound Designer
Scenic Artist
Special Effects Technician
Stage Manager
Technical Director
Theatre Teacher

Education

Theatre and Dance students often, directly or indirectly, apply their creativity, critical thinking skills, and expertise to educational opportunities, both in traditional classrooms and beyond. Many students will become certified educators in K-12 and collegiate environments, and others will find ways to share their artistic passion through various teaching and educational experiences. Educational careers include:

Artist-in-Residence
College Professor/Academia
Community Outreach Programming
Dance historian/writer
Dance notator
Dance teacher
Dialect Coach

Dramaturg
Human Services Agencies
K-12 Teacher (Dance, Theatre, beyond)
Literary Manager
Recreation Programs
Voice/Speech Coach

Health/Wellness

Exploring the performing arts includes an exploration into human nature, the physical, mental, and emotional. Work related to this may be include working with people with illnesses, older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and trauma survivors, as well as the exploration of mind-body practices through research and practice. Students who study theatre and dance find they can utilize their skills and passion for the arts to help improve the lives of others through such careers as:

Care Coordinator
Chiropractor
Dance therapist
Drama Therapist
Human Services Worker
Occupational Therapist

Physician
Physical Therapist
Pilates Instructor
Psychologist/Psychiatrist
Sports Trainer
Yoga Instructor