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A Career Guide for Theatre Majors
Theatre is a collective endeavor requiring
individual achievement. A single production
may, for example, bring together the skills of
playwrights, performers, designers, and
experts in scene construction and lighting.
Theatre may be the most comprehensive of all
the arts, and the most challenging and
exciting.
While it is true that having a college degree
will not guarantee you a position in the world
of theatre (or any other field for that matter), it
is important to realize that this is the best way
to prepare yourself and to increase your
chances in the job market. Acknowledging
that there is intense competition, given the
incredible number of talented people vying for
each job, you must somehow set yourself
above the others.
A great combination is a college degree with
at least one theatre-related internship,
additional formal training or study, experience
working in the field (such as working crew on a
production, volunteering, teaching drama at a
local arts center, etc.), enthusiasm along with
a positive attitude, and perseverance.
A student concentrating in theatre arts should
emerge from the experience more
knowledgeable, confident, sensitive, and
aware of the benefits of cooperating and
sharing with others. Study in the theatre arts
offers exposure to creative dramatic
expression, primarily in front of live audiences.
It involves study of all types of artistic
performance in theaters, in educational
institutions, on TV, in movies, and outdoors.
All major aspects of performance preparation
are studied. Major areas of specialization
include: acting, directing, theatre history and
criticism, playwriting, design, theatre
technology, theatre studies (education), and
creative drama.
While many theatre majors proceed to careers
in the theatre and associated fields, their study
may also lead them to success in such fields
as teaching, arts management, public
relations, and drama therapy, to name a few.
Skills
The study of theatre equips a student with a
broad range of communication and
organizational skills applicable to many
careers, including those in the performing arts.
The theatre major's presentation skills, ability
to perform in public, and control of the voice
and body provide a solid basis for working
effectively with others.
Theatre also develops the ability to
concentrate intensely, to listen introspectively,
observe keenly, solve problems creatively,
think critically, develop a project
collaboratively, work independently, work
under pressure, meet deadlines, and to
maintain composure when faced with the
unexpected. Well-developed communication
skills enable graduates to contribute and to
succeed in many professions. For example,
the ability to put feelings and impressions
about the world into words is needed by such
diverse professionals as a theatre critic and a
drama therapist. A sample of representative
skills and abilities follows:
| Analysis | Artistic/Technical | Communication | Organization |
| Problem solving | Explaining concepts | Public speaking | Self-discipline |
| Analyzing and interpreting
the emotions and motives
of others | Ability to concentrate and
practice intensely for long
periods of time | Communicating ideas and
emotions creatively | Working under pressure
and meeting deadlines |
| Understanding ideas
within historical/social
context | Sound, lighting,
costuming, makeup, and
design techniques | Speaking articulately and
listening introspectively | Interacting with
colleagues in a team
setting |
| Comparing and
contrasting
ideas/information | Good health, stamina,
and body coordination | Voice control/modulation | Ability to maintain
composure when faced
with the unexpected |
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