{"id":28575,"date":"2026-09-03T08:25:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T08:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/?page_id=28575---92af576f-3c27-4b6e-804f-4db7ed4233fa"},"modified":"2026-09-29T07:08:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:08:24","slug":"theater-arts-degrees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/theater-arts-degrees\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can I Do With A Theater Arts Degree?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe thing that makes a creative person is to be creative and that is all there is to it.\u201d- Edward Albee<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The theater is a magical place.\u00a0 Everyone involved in theater knows it. There&#8217;s nowhere else on earth where you&#8217;ll meet such interesting people, experience such profound emotions, and feel the gratification of a grateful audience so acutely.\u00a0 It&#8217;s the place where you can go and be your most creative self.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater is a full-on endeavor that takes physical as well as mental strength.\u00a0 It requires a wide range of skills and is not for the faint of heart.\u00a0 Joining a theater troupe is a bit like joining a motorcycle gang.\u00a0 It&#8217;s a wild ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a degree in theater arts can be a crucial addition to a career in theater arts because these degrees aim to prepare you for the versatility required for a life on stage.\u00a0 They prepare you to take that wild ride.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being creative is a risk and so having a little preparation ahead of that risk may only increase your chances of having a long and lasting career in the world of theater.\u00a0 Ready to take on a theater arts degree?\u00a0 Find out all about what you can do with a theater arts degree below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not finding what you&#8217;re looking for?\u00a0 Check out these related programs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/art-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With an Art Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/bachelors-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Bachelor\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/music-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Music Degree<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/masters-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Master\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/doctoral-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Theater Arts Degree?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-28578 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/14-e1590595403395.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A theater arts degree is dedicated to the study of theater . These programs typically contain an academic component as well as experiential coursework. The goal of these types of programs is to train theater artists such as actors for careers in their craft.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater arts degree programs are typically competitive and small.\u00a0 Many theater arts bachelor&#8217;s degrees or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in theater, only admit a dozen or so students.\u00a0 This means that if admitted theater arts students often get a lot of time with professors and work closely in a cohort.\u00a0 Each school&#8217;s theater program is different and admission policies of course will vary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Will I Study in a Theater Arts Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While no two theater arts programs are identical.\u00a0 One should expect to find all or some of the following as part of their theater arts degree:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voice and Speech<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater Ensemble\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stagecraft<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dramaturge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater Practice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some schools offer a specialization in acting along with the theater arts performance specializations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students are typically exposed to a wide variety of movement techniques such as Alexander Technique or commedia dell&#8217;arte.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater performers learn to move their bodies and use their voices as well as work in an ensemble. Additionally many students wish to learn about musical theater.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Musical Theater<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/15-e1590595418976.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical theater is often offered as a concentration or as an intensive.\u00a0 Musical theater focuses on singing, teaching the speaking voice to sing, movement and character development. The repertoire for these programs will vary including everything from opera, to contemporary rock to ethnic singing. Students who pursue a musical theater intensive should also expect to learn some dance as part of their experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people who are interested in theater arts may wish to pursue something other than a performance focus. Some may be interested in a career as a theater designer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you know, putting on a theatrical production is a huge task requiring many different types of talents. The actors and directors are just one aspect of the production, but there are many more creative talents involved in theater arts known as the theater design crew.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Theater Design<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students who wish to complete a theater production and design program may wish to specialize or major in the following areas:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage Management\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costume<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scenic, Lighting, Sound\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Design and Production<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technical<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some Combination of the Above\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These programs give students the opportunity to focus their attention or explore a wide variety of theater arts skills.\u00a0 Many students who pursue a program like this are expected to learn how to design costumes, build sets for a production, design lighting and sound and much more. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/what-degree-do-i-need-to-become-a-lighting-designer\/\">(Learn more about what degree you need to become a lighting designer.)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the best programs for theater design give students the opportunity to work closely with world class faculty making their productions visible to a wider audience. Some programs offer students an opportunity to take their work to a professional arena through summer internships.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Internships and Study Abroad\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/16-e1590595468140.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internships and study abroad opportunities are a big part of a theater arts degree program.\u00a0 Internships are an excellent opportunity for an actor or designer to gain novel experiences.\u00a0 Variety is the spice of life is very true where theater is concerned.\u00a0 Versatility is the key to getting booked regularly throughout a person&#8217;s career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Study abroad experiences provide similar opportunities to students- providing a novel setting and set of experiences in which a student may gain new skills and stretch their versatility.\u00a0 Study the commedia dell&#8217;arte in Italy or Shakespeare at the globe in London.\u00a0 Study abroad experiences are rich experiences that many students site as their most significant memories and opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not finding what you&#8217;re looking for?\u00a0 Check out these related programs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/art-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With an Art Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/bachelors-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Bachelor\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/music-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Music Degree<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/masters-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Master\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/doctoral-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What are Theater Education, and Theater Management Degrees?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater education and theater administration degrees are great opportunities for individuals to learn how to run a theater or pass on their love for the subject.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The advantage of these programs is certainly in how versatile they are. There are likely many more theater teaching opportunities than there are performance opportunities and teaching theater is an opportunity for many to pass on what they love to the next generation of actors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Theater Management Degree<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater Management degrees are often master&#8217;s degrees. These programs are designed to teach best practice management that address contemporary issues facing theater including: engaging audiences, creating sustainable budgets,making decisions based on evidence, creating a mission that benefits artists, audience and organization and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arts organizations benefit from managers with not only experience but an advanced degree in the subject. Some of the best programs in theater management include experiential learning opportunities as part of the course. These programs encourage students to solve problems in the real world- making them excellent candidates for an entry level job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are interested in theater management, it may be a good idea to seek out degrees that offer these real world opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Drama Teacher Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28581\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/17-e1590595499338.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching drama at a high school is a great idea for a career. Many students associate the drama program with fun and engaging lessons.\u00a0 You may even become your student&#8217;s favorite teacher.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drama teacher certification often varies from state to state so if you are interested in becoming a certified high school drama teacher, check in with your state&#8217;s requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What will I Teach as a Drama Teacher?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High School drama teachers work to inspire students who may be looking to pursue a career in the theater. For this reason, high school drama teachers often teach a wide-range of theater arts skills including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Character analysis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blocking\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Character development<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auditioning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Directing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set Design<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theater History\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costuming\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improvisation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, a drama teacher is an inspiration to their students and a mentor.\u00a0 Students need all of the encouragement they can get to even consider pursuing their calling in theater.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most drama teachers will need to have experience with production. Afterall, what would high school drama be without the school production? This is the opportunity for your students to get immersive hands-on experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see becoming a high school drama teacher is a great outlet for your creative side as landing consistent employment in the theater arts can be very tricky to achieve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to a theater arts degree, you will need to obtain a state certification to teach drama.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not finding what you&#8217;re looking for?\u00a0 Check out these related programs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/art-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With an Art Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/bachelors-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Bachelor\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/music-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Music Degree<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/masters-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Master\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/doctoral-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Jobs Can I Get With a Theater Arts Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28582\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/18-e1590595619825.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Actor\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An actor builds a character for a role. The actor is responsible for their actions and words.\u00a0 Some actors are required to dance or sing and should feel comfortable taking direction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All actors need to be able to audition, stay in great shape, memorize lines, memorize body movements and blocking, work well with others on stage, attend rehearsals and much more.\u00a0 Acting is often done for lengthy periods of time and for long hours.\u00a0 If you are interested in becoming an actor it is essential that you have a great personality, fantastic memory, and the ability to deliver your role with ease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dancer\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dancer uses their body to perform and may be cast to dance solo, in duets, or in an ensemble.\u00a0 Professional dancers must practice for several hours every week and should expect to be in rehearsal for many hours each day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dancing is a physically demanding job that requires the professional to be in fantastic physical shape, strong, and very flexible.\u00a0 Professional dancers should be able to take cues and feedback and dance in a wide variety of styles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many dancers work with a dance company and may take on additional roles with the company such as dance instructor, creative director, and choreographer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Choreographer\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28583\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/19-e1590595629670.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many choreographers are also professional dancers or were professional dancers. Some choreographers were gymnasts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choreographers work intimately with stage directors to gain an understanding of their vision for a production or routine.\u00a0 Choreographers design these routines for a wide variety of performances including dance performances, ballets, musicals, and gymnastics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choreographers work intimately with dancers and must be able to effectively communicate their vision. They should be team players as well as teachers with the ability to be able to dance the moves themselves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teacher certification is not required for choreography.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><strong>Theater Arts Instructor- Post Secondary<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An instructor in theater arts typically works in a community college, college, or university setting. This individual may have a Master&#8217;s degree or a Ph.D. in addition to multiple years of experience on the stage.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-secondary educators are responsible for teaching a class or a series of classes and typically focus on their areas of expertise, though not always.\u00a0 Some theater arts teachers teach literature courses as well as many of the great works of literature are plays.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A post-secondary instructor may work either as a full-time or part-time faculty member.\u00a0 As a faculty member you are also considered to be a representative of the school where you work.\u00a0 These instructors design curricula, create lesson plans, attend departmental meetings, prepare students for productions, hold auditions, mentor and train outside of the classroom, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Theater Stage Manager\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A theater and stage manager is responsible for just about everything when it comes to running a production.\u00a0 Established theater companies typically rely on the theater stage manager to liaise with every aspect of the production and ensure that each part runs smoothly. Just a few of the responsibilities of a theater stage manager include\u00a0 setting up and coordinating a rehearsal schedule, locating all props for the production, liaising with the production manager, cue the lighting and sound technicians, manage the backstage during the production, and coordinate the set up and tear down of the production among many other essential job duties.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This crucial job is a good fit for any person interested in theater production.\u00a0 It is hands-on and requires good people skills as well as organizational skills. It is an opportunity to remain intimately involved in multiple productions throughout a season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Theater Director\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28584\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/20-e1590595636363.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The theater director is the person with the artistic vision for the play. This person (typically along with an assistant director) will cast the play, make decisions about the costumes and set and have a strong connection with every person involved in making the play including those who run the theater itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be considered for a position as a director you will first need a degree and the minimum requirement is a bachelor&#8217;s degree. Next it is essential to have experience in the role as director. This can be achieved through work in community theater. Some of the best opportunities come from within. So remember never to be afraid to found a small community theater or hold an audition in your community and create a low-budget production. A minimalist set goes a long way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Set Designer\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A set designer is the person responsible for designing the scenery on stage. The set designer works intimately with the director as well as the technical crew, producer, costumer designer and any other member of staff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set designers are creative individuals with a wide range of technical skills. To be a great set designer, one will need to have clear communication skills. Depending on the size of the organization and its budget the set designer may need to meet with external construction companies who help to build the set though oftentimes, a set designer will do that themselves or with a team they assemble.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The set designer is a versatile person who is flexible and hard-working.\u00a0 A set designer should be able to draw, and build as well as be flexible enough to make adjustments to the set.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Stage writer (Playwright)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A playwright is the person responsible for writing the material that is to be performed on stage. A playwright will take original material or adapt material and create dialogue to be used in a production.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage writers are different from performers in that they often work behind the scenes entirely.\u00a0 Many stage writers are not part of the production process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In smaller productions, however, it is not uncommon for a stage writer to double up and do an additional role such as produce or even direct a play.\u00a0 Many smaller productions with smaller budgets may not have the ability to secure the rights to a previously written work and additionally may not have the budget to hire multiple people to carry out these various roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is just one reason theater arts programs, especially bachelor&#8217;s level programs offer their students the option to learn about these various aspects of the theater arts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does It Take To Become An Actor?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-28585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/21-e1590595642391.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are thinking about making acting your career then there is a lot to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First of all, the majority of actors are not hollywood actors making millions of dollars per shoot. Furthermore, stage actors committed to this craft have extremely different skills and expectations to film actors.\u00a0 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly rate for actors is just $20.43.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking to become a stage actor then chances are you are passionate about the craft of acting and are hungry for the opportunity to perform.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acting for the stage is a rigorous act that always requires long hours and an extremely resilient and flexible mindset. Optimism will be your best friend.\u00a0 There is very little room for pessimism in the often grueling profession.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re not afraid of hard work, then read on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have completed your degree in theater arts, then you have a great number of the skills necessary to do the physical job of acting.\u00a0 You likely have already practiced performing and understand how a professional production works.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landing a job on the stage can be very difficult to do, but like anything worth pursuing you should be willing to try again and again and again without faltering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mental skill of rejection is not really something that can be taught in a classroom.\u00a0 Be prepared to hear the word &#8220;no&#8221; or to see a &#8220;sorry but\u2026&#8221; in your email inbox a lot.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have all of the specifications for a role and feel like you have nailed your audition and still see absolutely no results.\u00a0 This level of rejection does not exist in professions outside of the arts, so even though it may feel discouraging, keep in mind that rejection is the norm.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Knock Gig Work. Here&#8217;s Why<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every few months a position may open up that you are right for and you may decide to go and audition. You may find out that you didn&#8217;t get the part and then wait a month or more to find another part to audition for. This is entirely normal but let&#8217;s face it waiting around for an audition to open up doesn&#8217;t pay the bills.\u00a0 Almost all actors utilize gig work to help pay for their life in a city.\u00a0 Gig work is useful for when you do get cast in a production.\u00a0 You need a job that is okay with your saying &#8220;sorry but I can&#8217;t work these days for the next few months.&#8221; Having a reliable gig is an essential asset to an actor and may be just what keeps you steady enough to actually nail your audition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting ready for an audition? Bring these five things.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Five Things to Bring to An Audition<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Extra Monologue\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a Woman: heels\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A positive attitude\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tons of charisma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memorized sides\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just remember when it comes to auditions to keep on going.\u00a0 Getting discouraged is normal but if you show up prepared and remain professional chances are you will eventually get cast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being cast in a production is exciting and likely will lead to more opportunities down the road. This snowballing effect may just be what launches your career.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;re cast in a production it is important to show that you are open and available.\u00a0 Many people aren&#8217;t successful because they don&#8217;t make time for the production itself. It may seem a no-brainer but being available, early, and ready with lines memorized are the best things you can do to create even more opportunities in the future.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Three Things Pros Do<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make Themselves Available<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show Up Early<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memorize Lines Quickly\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see life in the theater arts is never dull or boring, but rather it takes the most courageous of us all to be successful. If you are truly passionate about the theater arts, then having a theater arts background is invaluable.\u00a0 You&#8217;ll learn the necessary skills, meet an incredible group of people, and gain insights that may never come your way otherwise.\u00a0 All the world may be a stage but very few of us have the courage to step on it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not finding what you&#8217;re looking for?\u00a0 Check out these related programs:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/art-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With an Art Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/bachelors-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Bachelor\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/music-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Music Degree<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/masters-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Master\u2019s Degree?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/doctoral-degrees\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cThe thing that makes a creative person is to be creative and that is all there is to it.\u201d- Edward Albee The theater is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"mobius_hide_qdf":false,"mobius_hide_el":false,"mobius_limit":"","mobius_degree":"bachelors","mobius_category":"art-and-design","mobius_subject":"film","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-28575","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Can I Do With A Theater Arts Degree? 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