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There is no such thing as a typical career in drama and theater. You can work backstage on Broadway, be an actor in a theater production, manage a theater company, or be an opera singer. There are jobs for people of every age and background.
Learn everything you need to know about careers in drama and theater with our comprehensive career guides.
What degree is best for a creative career in theater? Find top college degree programs here.
How much do artists working in theater and drama make? Explore salary info for a variety of professions.
Casting directors are people in charge of helping actors, models, and television presenters get the most appropriate parts for their skills, bringing together talent and casting choices to create a cohesive production. Casting is basically the same process as finding an actor to play a role in a film.
A playwright is someone who creates and writes plays. A playwright might also be in charge of managing a group of actors, writers, designers, producers, stagehands and so on. Playwrights write scripts that are then staged as productions for audiences to watch on stages, in movie theaters orother forms of entertainment.
A set designer is responsible for designing the stage on which a play, ballet, opera, musical or similar performance takes place. The set designer works with members of the production team to create the physical aspects of the set, and may be responsible for designing costumes, props, makeup, and other theatrical elements.
An actor is a person that performs in a dramatic, entertaining, or musical performance. Being an actor requires a unique set of skills that cannot always be learned through traditional means. Actors are expected to mix personality and professional skills in order to bring life and authenticity onto the stage or screen.
A costume designer creates the clothes that actors wear on stage or in front of a camera. They're responsible for designing clothing that helps tell the story and create believable personalities for each of the characters. They also help to oversee production design, which includes set decoration and props.
A screenwriter creates written scripts for films, television programs or video games. They must be able to create interesting character and plot lines and provide concepts for various aspects of the story including settings, props, and costumes or detailed notes about the history of locations that will appearin the story.
A theater director is the head of a theater production. They are in charge of making sure the production is running smoothly, maximizing performances by actors and singers, planning technical aspects of the production (sets, lighting, and special effects), and they have the final say in a production's creative decisions.
| JOB CATEGORY | MEAN ANNUAL WAGE * | MEAN HOURLY WAGE * | 10-YEAR JOB GROWTH * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $106,920 | $51.40 | 37% |
| Producers and Directors | $96,690 | $46.49 | 24% |
| Costume Designers | $87,210 | $41.93 | 0% |
| Musicians and Singers | N/A | $41.72 | 11% |
| Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators | $67,590 | $32.50 | 29% |
| Actors | N/A | $31.42 | 32% |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $64,610 | $31.06 | 9% |
| Dancers and Choreographers | $52,000 | $25.00 | 31% |
| * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Art and Design Occupations, May 2020 | |||
There is so much to love about theater. Whether you are singing, dancing, or acting, the theater offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to express yourself creatively and to let your inner artist come alive. A theater career can also be lucrative with the right mix of talent and determination. The theater world is not just limited to acting though. It can also be a wonderful stepping stone to other arts and entertainment careers such as filmmaking, set design, lighting design, and more. If you are passionate about the theater world, there are many ways you can make it a career.
If you want to start a career in the performing arts, a theater degree could be worth the investment. Theater programs are designed to give students a well-rounded mix of professional theater training, classical liberal arts knowledge, and performance skills. Graduates of theater programs typically go on to a broad range of dynamic performing arts positions both on stage, behind the scenes, and in a variety of other fields. The value of a theater degree lies in the wide range of expertise it provides.
Experience is helpful when starting out in theater, but there are many ways for someone who is new to get involved with theater. Many theaters require that you attend a few rehearsals or be part of an ensemble before joining the company. Some people audition through community-based theater groups, which are often free to join and can act as rehearsal spaces for companies looking for new members. If you’re interested in becoming an actor, there are also options including taking classes online or finding a mentor to help guide your acting career. Not all actors need experience, but it certainly helps if you want to pursue professional work in the field.
The Art Career Project is a trusted resource for emerging and professional artists.