Careers in Theatre
Skills Gained
The study of theatre equips a student with a broad range of communication and organizational skills applicable to many careers, not solely 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 projects collaboratively, work independently,
work under pressure, meet deadlines and maintain composure when
faced with the unexpected.
| Communication | Organizational & Project Development |
|---|---|
| Supervising people Solving problems Conveying ideas Writing copy/proposals Interviewing/hiring staff Comparing/contrasting ideas Using critical analysis |
Establishing timelines Delegating assignments/authority Maintaining overview of project/program Motivating groups Assessing needs Developing cost analysis Budgeting for programs/services Organizing equipment Setting priorities Fundraising Reviewing new projects |
| Artistic | Technical |
| Creating new
approaches/concepts Designing scenery Giving visual/aural form to ideas Thinking creatively |
Operating visual/audio
equipment Lighting Developing computer graphics |
Career Opportunities
UW-L Theatre provides students with the theatrical knowledge,
skills, collaborative teamwork, creative problem-solving, and professional
connections needed for success after graduation.
Careers in theatre include, but are not limited, to:
| Actor | Artistic Director |
| Box Office Manger | Business Manger |
| Choreographer | Costume Designer |
| Costume Shop Supervisor | Drama Coach |
| Dramaturge | Director |
| Fight Choreographer | House Manager |
| Lighting Designer | Makeup Arts |
| Master Carpenter | Master Electrician |
| Musical Director | Playwright |
| Producer | Production Manager |
| Pyrotechnician | Recording Engineer |
| Rigger | Scenic Designer |
| Scenic Painter | Sound Designer |
| Special Effects Designer | Stage Crew |
| Stage Manager | Technical Director |
| Technician | Theatre Consultant |
| Theatre Critic | Theatre Educator |
| Vocal Coach |
Occupational Outlook
Our blend of unlimited opportunities and close personal attention produces excellent results. Over 90% of our graduates find jobs or pursue graduate level degrees in theatre. Theatre study includes a comprehensive study in theater, practical experience in professional production, and a solid background in the liberal arts. Talent, commitment, energy, and discipline are key personal qualities required for successful theater careers. Most professional occupations today require a college educated individual who can write and speak well, solve problems, learn new information quickly, utilize technology, and work well with others on a team to solve creative challenges. A major in theatre arts prepares students well for an amazing variety of collaborative, creative, people-oriented careers. The theatre arts degree brings a unique background for success in any area where words, ideas and public contact are important including careers in:
-
Admissions
Director - Advertising/Marketing Specialist
- Amusement Park Entertainer
- Art Director or Arts Administrator
- Booking Manager
- Broadcast Journalist
- Business Manager
- Communication Technology Specialist
- Community Affairs Officer
- Computer Design Specialist
- Conflict Mediator
- Copy Writer
- Customer Service Manager
- Development Officer/Fundraiser
- Draftsman
- Entertainment Producer
- Equipment Operator
- Facilities Manager
- Exhibit/Display Designer
- Human Relations Specialist
- Interior or Fashion Designer
- Lobbyist
- Media Planner
- Model
- Movie Theater Manager
- Personal or Program Assistant
- Public Relations Specialist
- Radio/TV Announcer
- Recruitment Officer
- Sales Representative
- Special Events Coordinator
- Student Affairs Specialist
- Talent Manager/Scout
- Theater Manager
- Theatre News Correspondent
- Ticket Sales Coordinator
- Tour Guide
- Tourism Program Director
- Training & Development Specialist
- Voice-Over Performer
- Writer/Editor
Capable theatre graduates are encouraged and aided by the department in seeking MFA degrees required for college level teaching or advance theatre careers. The department takes pride in noting the many graduates who have received full-ride scholarships to some of the most prestigious graduate schools in the country including UCLA, Temple University, University of Florida, Purdue University, California State University-Irving and the North Carolina School of the Arts.
UW-L theatre graduates also work at some of the nation’s most distinguished theatres including the Guthrie Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Penumbra Theatre Company, Actors Studio Theatre in New York, the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Our alumni can be found stage managing at First Stage Children’s Theatre and The Armory Dinner Theatre, designing lights at The New School (New York), performing in various television series and live theatre productions, directing for the Stoughton School District, teaching at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and serving as backstage floor manager for Carnival Cruise Line productions, just to name a few.