If you are interested in drama, there are many careers you can look at in the theatre field. Creative individuals may prefer roles like playwriting or theatre design, whereas the more practical people can land jobs as part of the stage crew or as a lighting technician.
People with excellent skills are required in several roles, especially when assisting members of the audience. Note that any show business requires marketing members and producers to ensure that tickets sell.
However, you need to be aware that theatre jobs’ popularity makes them very competitive and not well-paying when you start out. Much of your work may be on a freelance basis. Let’s look at the career options in this field.
Actor
Many actors begin their acting profession by taking acting lessons, visiting networking events, and attending drama workshops. Film festivals are one of the most important networking events.
Actors have irregular work-schedule. Some of them do part-time work, with a few taking full time acting roles. Besides, most actors acquire education in schools or universities.
Most of them who plan on working in theatre production will need a bachelor’s degree in drama; however, this is not necessary for employment.
Also, some individuals acquire acting skills through working in an acting university theatre or drama arts program. These people can take acting drama lessons. Additionally, music or dance course can enhance an actors’ competitiveness.
Actors with no bachelor’s degree may learn the craft by doing a film or taking up acting classes. Acting conservatories, community classes, or private film schools offer these courses. You can also join education programs in theatre companies.
The median wage of an actor is $20.43 hourly, while the lowest 10% of actors get below $9.52/hour. The highest 10% of actors are paid above $89.08/hour.
Director
Directors lead production creativity. They work with the actors and designers to bring their vision to life. Theatre directors manage many elements of stage-play, ranging from casting to performances.
If you are looking for a career as a director in theatre, you will require a bachelor’s degree. You can do a master’s degree in a competitive program to equip you for this role. Also, prior experience is necessary.
Directors also conduct auditions to choose the acting crew. They work with the technical members, which include the costume designers, sound, and the lighting team. The average monthly salary for a theatre director is $4,770 in the US.
Producers
Producers are in-charge of behind-the-scenes action to ensure the commercial success of the show. They deliver on-time quality performances.
The producers book theatres, raise finances, dictate the expenditure of the budget, and also negotiate contracts. This career has no particular requirements.
Yet, an HND or a bachelor’s degree in a media-related course will propel your chances of getting hired. Otherwise, you can enter the industry via apprenticeship.
In this role, you will have to develop a track record in the market, gain experience, and accrue a significant management understanding.
The related subjects to this position are Drama & Music, Business Studies, and Media Studies. On average, a producer can expect to be paid about $91,100 annually.
Career in Playwriting
Are you able to write an authentic script for a play or skit? In case you consider being a future playwright, you have to be creative and passionate about writing.
This job includes determining the purpose of the play and its subject matter. In addition, this job requires you to establish the play’s point of focus and develop dramatic characters. Most playwrights are born with a passion for writing plays.
Generally, this career does not have specific requirements. However, drama or writing courses may assist those aspiring to become playwrights to hone their skills further.
Playwrights’ salaries vary greatly, based on several factors. However, many individuals find it hard to make a living out of a playwriting career. Some sites indicate that a playwright may earn about $38,000 per year.
Designers and Technicians
Sound designers or theatre lighting designers assist in organizing the sound and lighting for a show. Their work rotates around art and technicality. Thus, this group performs much of the practical work.
This group of professionals typically operate on a freelance or short-term basis. However, there are also technicians on long-term contracts.
Typically, you will need a relevant university degree to be a lighting or sound designer. You will then need to work as a sound or light technician for some period for the experience.
Some particular courses in this field include theatre sound or theatre-lighting design. Additionally, technical theatre courses cover broad areas like sound, lighting, or set design, and stage management.
If you are interested in becoming a sound or light specialist, you will realize that managers in this field are more focused on skills and experience, rather than the educational basics.
Yet, a relevant bachelor’s degree is helpful. Salaries are relatively low in this field. On average, a theatre technician earns between $36,671, to $50,590 annually.
Conclusion
If you love the theatre industry, there are plenty of jobs available. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can have the right career in the theatre field.
