9 Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s in Theatre
You’ve probably heard it before: “If you want a job, pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.” Perhaps you have been discouraged from pursuing your passion for theatrical arts, unsure of what you will do after you graduate. You might even have questioned what the future holds.
Here’s some great news: There are several jobs you can get with a master’s in theatre, including acting, directing, instructing, and more. Find out where your master’s in theatre can take you!
Playwright
A theatre degree can prepare you to become an amazing playwright. Playwrights are responsible for creating the blueprint of a dramatic production. This role requires great familiarity with storytelling and also structural, thematic and character development techniques. A master’s in theatre will provide a measurable track for your knowledge and understanding of theatrical works. If you have a passion for writing and literature, being a playwright might be a suitable career choice.
Executive Director
Executive directors act as the CEOs of their plays. They craft dramatic productions using performers, technicians, producers and stagehands. If you are a person who can see the bigger picture and works well with many different types of people, executive director might be the ideal career for you. Executive directors bring visual unity and clarity to written works provided by playwrights. They are responsible for making sure their team puts forth its best work with every live show. While actors tend to get the audience limelight, there is no shortage of well-known directors in creative circles.
Performer
Usually, actors are what first come to mind when thinking about a career in theatre. Actors carry the story of dramatic productions with their actions, words and expressions. A master’s in theatre can propel you into a successful acting career by providing a stable foundation in various theories and techniques for stage acting. These techniques also can be applied to other performing arts, such as music and dance, which can require portraying a character while performing. With live practice sessions and shows, you’ll be ready to make a splash no matter which audition you attend.
Music Director
If you love ensembles of sounds and the emotions they carry, then a career as a music director might be fulfilling. Like the general director, musical directors are deeply involved with all aspects of a play, from story development to talent management. Music directors often participate in auditions, are involved in training vocal talents, and hold rehearsals for cast and instrumentalists. A theatre degree can prepare you to work as a music director by getting you acquainted with all aspects of a theatre show. A deeper understanding of the processes in other teams will help you more easily navigate a career as a music director.
Producer
Producers manage the practical and financial constraints of a production. Not only are producers responsible for deciding the budget and securing funds, but also managing the expectations of directors. There are many kinds of producers, from creative to legal. Being a producer requires a working knowledge and experience with internal processes and stakeholders that a theatre degree can provide.
Voice Actor or Broadcaster
Voice actors and broadcasters share a similar talent for vocal acting. They typically read and record scripts for television, films, audiobooks, and commercials while broadcasters find careers in radio, sports, news, and more. Voice acting and broadcasting require a deep understanding of the audience and tone. The acting classes offered as a part of the M.A. in Theatre will prepare you to understand the use of voice to create characters and tone to portray emotion.
Stage Manager
Do you enjoy making plans and organizing teams? If so, you might enjoy a career as a stage manager. Stage managers act as another focal point for theatre operations. They are the primary point of contact for all theatre departments and manage relations between them. Stage managers oversee everything from costumes and props to schedules and cues, so there are often assistant positions open for stage management roles as well.
Artistic Director
An advanced theatre degree will prepare you to take on a directorial position. Artistic directors are responsible for creating and maintaining the brand identity of an organization. They oversee hiring talent, select scripts for performances and make sure that all shows are appealing to their audience. Because artistic directors supervise so many elements, an M.A. in Theatre will open doors to managerial roles that require knowledge of various roles and how to balance them.
K-12 Theatre Department Instructor
Use your passion to inspire the next generation of theatre talent. The arts make a huge impact on students in both compulsory and extracurricular education. Studies have shown that increased access to art classes benefit educational outcomes and personal development.1 A master’s in theatre will prepare you to share your knowledge of the arts with other passionate young artists.
Whether your desire is to be under the limelight or shine that light on others. your love for theatre matters on and off stage. Brighten the world with your talent. Learn more about Regent University’s M.A. in Theatre today.
1 Bowen, D. H., & Kisida, B. K. (2019). Investigating causal effects of arts education experiences: experimental evidence from Houston’s Arts Access Initiative. Houston Independent School District, 7(3).