Career Development and Calling

Theatre Arts

Theatre
Theatre Arts Department Home Page

A major in Theatre Arts can help prepare students for many career opportunities including work in theatre production or performance as well as the related areas of advertising, television, film, recreation, education, and management. Use your time at Bethel to develop your skills in the essential areas listed below.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular jobs related to Theatre Arts.

Arts & Entertainment Business

Job Titles:
Manager, Screenwriter, Illustrator, Director, Ticket Manager, Consultant, Editor, Lighting Technician, Set Designer, Properties Expert, Marketing/Promotions

Potential Employers:
Local and National Radio/Television Networks, Public Relations Firms, Nonprofit Organizations, Television Programs, Theatres, Newspapers, Motion Picture Companies

Strategies:

  • Consider a minor or double major in business
  • Network with art professionals in the Twin Cities area
  • Join related professional organizations
  • Develop strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills

Public Relations / Advertising

Job Titles:
Marketing Manager, Public Relations Expert, Publisher, House Manager

Potential Employers:
Public Relations Firms, Publishers, Newspapers/Magazines, Advertising Agencies

Strategies:

  • Consider a minor or double major in business
  • Complete internships in area of interest
  • Serve as publicity officer for organizations and/or productions
  • Develop a portfolio of advertisement experience
  • Join related professional organizations

Education

Job Titles:
Instructor, Professor, Private Teacher

Potential Employers:
Colleges, Universities, Community Education Centers, Private Instructors

Strategies:

  • Pursue graduate programs as required by most states
  • Obtain certification for public school teaching if appropriate
  • Join an education and/or art club or organization
  • Acquire strong skills in research, writing, and public speaking
  • Work or volunteer with age group of choice

Performance Arts

Job Titles:
Stage Manager, Sound Technician, Lighting Technician, Set Designer

Potential Employers:
Theatres,  Motion Picture Companies, Nonprofit Organizations

Strategies:

  • Audition for plays in and around the Bethel community
  • Gain experience with set design, costumes, props, lighting, & sound
  • Develop a portfolio of works you have written and directed
  • Consider beginning the search for an agent
  • Join professional organizations
  • Develop skills for part-time or freelance work to supplement income

Technical Theatre Production

Job Titles:
Technical Director, Lighting Technician, Sound Technician

Potential Employers:
Theatres,  Motion Picture Companies, Television Programs, Television Networks

Strategies:

  • Volunteer and work with plays in and around the Bethel community
  • Keep a list of productions you have worked with and references
  • Join professional organizations
  • Pursue employment or internships in technical theatre settings
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups

Essential Skills for Theatre Arts Majors

  • Reading / Summarizing
  • Public speaking, reading, and singing
  • Vivid Writing
  • Promotional and advertising skills
  • Patience
  • Memorization skills
  • Conceptual and synthesizing ability
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Able to generate new ideas
  • Thirst for perfection
  • Applying theory
  • Explaining concepts
  • Problem-solving and prioritization
  • Independence and entrepreneurial spirit
  • Sense of Humor
  • Perception

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "theatre arts employment" in an online search engine.

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

Mandy.com - International film and TV production resources

ProductionHub - Jobs, events, news, etc.

Show Crew Network is an online resource for production professionals in the live event, film/television, theater, touring and entertainment industries.

Professional Theatre Arts Associations

Need More Information?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322


Adapted From:
http://www2.gaou.edu/sta/career
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/theatre.htm
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors/sta..html