12 Careers for Theater Graduates

“All the world’s a stage.” These famous words are just as true today as they were when Shakespeare first wrote them.

No one knows this better than a theater major. Theater students are masters of performance. They know how to enchant, persuade, infuriate, and entertain. They understand the nuances of human emotion, the importance of body language, and the power of communication. Plus, they have no problem working—and thriving—under high pressure conditions.

In the workplace, theater-trained employees can be incredibly valuable. They’re enthusiastic and energetic, professional and poised. They have excellent time management and human relations skills, with extensive experience working in teams toward a common goal. More importantly, they also have the confidence needed to overcome challenges. They’ve already learned to set ambitious goals, accept criticism, and move forward toward success.

With these important skills, theater majors can succeed in a wide range of careers—both on stage and beyond. Let’s take a look at a few examples.

This article will be covering the following careers:

Career Avg Salary Satisfaction
Actor $50k 4.2/5
Producer $89k 3.6/5
Choreographer $55k 4.2/5
Television Writer $70k 4.0/5
Set Designer $39k 3.8/5
Talent Director $89k 3.5/5
Sound Engineering Technician $46k 3.4/5
Public Relations Specialist $67k 3.0/5
Event Planner $47k 3.5/5
Fundraising Manager $132k 2.9/5
Music Therapist $51k 3.4/5
Editor $61k 3.4/5
By Maeghan Myers
Maeghan Myers Graduate Student Assistant