Career Opportunities for Majors in Theater Arts


Introduction

Theatre is a creative art in which true excellence can only be achieved through total mastery of the mind, body and technical craft. The Theatre Arts curricula combine rigorous studio class work with a demanding production schedule to provide students with in depth training and practice in theatre.

Undergraduate training options include acting, scenic, costume and lighting design, theatre and costume technology, and production and management training. First year students learn a foundation in theatre and its history, expository writing, art history and receive a specially designed theatre course relating to the student's area of interest. Students begin intensive theatre study as sophomores.

The continued development of the visual media is expanding the volume of opportunities for majors in theatre. Networking, job experience, internships and expertise in your specialty are paramount to success. Employers for many better off-stage positions prefer an advanced degree in most aspects of the theatre, yet openings are also available for students starting out with a bachelor's degree.

A Sample of Related Occupations

BACKSTAGE
PRODUCTION
ADDITIONAL
Artist
Agent
Advertising Specialist
Broadcast Technician
Booking Manager
Announcer
Carpenter
Box Office Manager
Coach
Costume Designer
Casting Director
Clown
Electrician
Company Manager
Comedian
Film editor
Executive Director
Communications Specialist
Hair Stylist
General Manager
Disc Jockey
Interior Decorator
House Manager
Drama Therapist
Lighting Designer
Marketing Director
Furniture Designer
Make-up Artist
Personal Manager
Labor Relations Specialist
Miniature Set Designer
Public Relations Manager
Manager
Property Manager
Talent Manager
Media Relations Rep.
Recordist
Theatrical Press Agent
Mime
Rigger
Touring Production Mgr.
Newscaster
Set Designer
ACTORS
Playwright
Sound Designer
Stage
Public Relations Rep.
Special Effects Designer
Film
Puppeteer
Stage Manager
TV
Script writer
Wardrobe Supervisor
Radio
Teacher
Computer
Ventriloquist

Writer

 

Types of Employers

Private and Non-profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies News Stations Science Centers
Apparel Manufacturers Newspapers Talent Agencies
Corporate Communications Party Companies Telecommunications
Cosmetic Firms Promotional Companies Television Studios
High Schools Public Relations Firms Theatres
Lighting Companies Radio Stations Universities
Movie Studios Retail Concerns

 

Government Agencies
Cultural Affairs Institute of Museum Services Nat'l. Endowment - Humanities
Department of Education Nat'l. Archives & Records Admin. Voice of America
Freer Gallery of Art Nat'l. Endowment for the Arts U.S. Information Agency
Hirshorn Museum


Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates (* = Advanced Degree)

Actor, Shoestring Players Instructor, San Joaquin Delta College*
Actor/Writer, Universal Studios Landscape Manager, Kibbutz Lotan
Actress, Actor's Equity Lighting Crew Chief, Morpheus Lighting
Actress, Children's Theater of NJ Mailing Service Director, All Direct Mail Services
Advertising Director, NJ Newspapers* Marketing Rep., Canon USA
Art Director, New Stage Theater* Medical Copywriter, Lewis & Grace Inc.*
Arts Center Manager, PNC Arts Center Music Base Manager, Radio Computing Services*
Arts Consultant/Actor, Open Mind Productions Owner, Nu Credit Associates
Assistant Subscription Director, Joseph Papp/ A. Harper Playwright, Ensemble Theater of Newark*
Attorney, Sherman & Sterling* Producer, NY Television*
Broadcast Associate, CBS News Production Assistant, Reading Rainbow
Casting Director, MTV Summer* Program Coordinator, SEIU Local 1199P
CEO & GM, Apollo Theater Program Director, ComCast TV
Communications/Media, Simulations Inc. Promotions Manager, On Time Services
Customer Service Rep, Toys R' Us Radio Air Talent, WMGQ
Director of Artistic Administration, McCarter Theater Talent Agent, Don Buchwald Associates
Director, Crossroads Theater* Teacher, School of Math, Instructor for Adva*
Electrician, Freelance Art Director, Open Eye Theater*
Drama Teacher, Montgomery High School Training Specialist, Prudential Insurance
Film Projectionist, Liberty Science Center  


 

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Created by the Rutgers University, New Brunswick Career Services staff

 

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Updated 7/12/05

 

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