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First, some facts. Of the Musical Theatre graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 213 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 47%, Musical Theatre graduates have a much lower likelihood (-20%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 17% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Musical Theatre graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 79% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Musical Theatre. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONServer Tom Tom Aug 2018 - Mar 2020 Head Of Retail  Barry's Bootcamp Apr 2019 - Mar 2020 Creative Producer  Freelance Nov 2020 - Present Group Fitness Instructor Barry's May 2021 - Present Creative Producer The Bouqs Company Apr 2024 - Present ABOUTAn established expert with a robust foundation in influencer marketing, social media oversight, and thedomain of social media marketing. Proficient in propelling audience expansion, augmenting brandprominence, and fostering revenue accumulation via data-infused methodologies and inventive solutions.Aspires to transition into a role focused on content creation and relationship management, leveraging well-honed skills and experience for continued success. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at job patterns among individuals who earned a degree in Musical Theatre, a clear trend emerges. Many graduates gravitate towards roles that require direct application of their performance skills, such as acting, teaching, choreography, and working in the creative arts industry. These jobs utilize the core competencies learned during their studies, effectively bridging the gap between education and professional life. However, a significant number of graduates also take on roles that are tangentially related or entirely separate from their training, indicating a diverse career trajectory not strictly limited to theatrical performance.
Common job types among Musical Theatre graduates include positions like performers at theatres or entertainment venues, teaching artists, directors, and choreographers. These roles are highly relevant as they leverage the skills and knowledge acquired in a Musical Theatre program—such as vocal training, acting techniques, and stagecraft. For instance, positions like actors at local theatres or educators in performing arts schools represent a direct alignment with their educational background. It’s not uncommon to see graduates working in musical theatre shows, leading dance or acting classes, or even producing arts-related content, allowing them to fully utilize their specialized training.
On the flip side, there's a notable prevalence of jobs that are unrelated or only marginally connected to the arts, particularly in sectors such as sales, marketing, hospitality, and administration. A significant number of graduates have taken up roles like sales associates, customer service representatives, or office managers—positions that don’t directly engage their theatrical skills. While these jobs may require soft skills such as communication and organization—skills that are honed in a theatrical education—they don’t necessarily serve to further their careers in the performing arts. This trend indicates that while a foundation in Musical Theatre can open many doors, graduates often find themselves in practical, albeit non-artistic, employment to support their livelihoods.
Ultimately, the workforce experiences of Musical Theatre graduates illustrate a mixed bag of pursuits—some successfully sustaining active careers in the arts while others navigate their roles in broader job markets. The relevance of their positions to their degree varies widely, highlighting both the flexibility of a Musical Theatre education and the landscape of job opportunities beyond the stage. While performance-based roles are certainly the most aligned with their training, many graduates venture into other fields, reflecting a need to adapt and find stability in a competitive job environment.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Musical Theatre graduates:
When it comes to graduates with a degree in Musical Theatre, the career trajectories can vary quite widely. Initially, many of these alumni tend to secure jobs connected, whether directly or indirectly, to the entertainment sphere. For instance, recent grads often kick off their careers with roles like stage managers, performers in regional theatres, or as hosts and entertainers at events. This pattern is evident in profiles where graduates land gigs shortly after their graduation, often within the first couple of years, such as performing at Disney, teaching arts, or working in theatres, whether through educational roles or in front of an audience.
However, looking further down the line, the trajectories become more mixed. By the five or ten-year mark post-graduation, we see a more significant variance in job stability and relevance to their degrees. Some graduates remain firmly entrenched in the performing arts, pursuing professional acting and directing jobs that align perfectly with their training, producing work for various theater companies, or even taking on roles in Broadway productions. Yet, a considerable number of them drift away from traditional theater roles, losing the connection to their Musical Theatre background altogether. They might shift towards unrelated industries, finding their roles in administrative positions, sales, or other fields entirely. This shift often stems from the challenges of maintaining a sustainable career in the notoriously competitive arts industry, leading to many finding stability in the corporate or service sectors instead.
Overall, while a number of Musical Theatre graduates find fruitful careers within the arts, many others end up exploring a range of job options that are often far removed from what they studied in college. So, it’s essential for aspiring students to be prepared for the reality that a degree in Musical Theatre can offer a fantastic creative outlet and opportunities, but the path isn't guaranteed and often requires adaptability and a willingness to pivot into other career fields. If you're passionate about theater, that's great, but always keep an eye on diverse skills you can bring to the table in the job market.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre is no walk in the park! It’s definitely tougher than a lot of average degrees because it combines acting, singing, and dancing all at once. You'll be juggling heavy workloads with long rehearsals, voice lessons, and often, pretty intense choreography classes. Plus, you’ll need to constantly push your creativity and performance skills, which can be super exhausting and even overwhelming. But hey, if you’re passionate about it, that drive can make it all feel a lot more exciting and rewarding, even if it’s definitely challenging!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Musical Theatre.
Looking at these graduates from various Musical Theatre programs, it seems like their career paths have taken a mixed bag approach when it comes to making decent money. For instance, those who have stuck with performance seem to be hustling quite a bit—jumping from gig to gig—but they might not have a steady income all the time, especially if they’re in the theater scene where roles can be sporadic. The ones who transitioned into more traditional roles, like sales, management, or educational positions, likely have found more financial stability, which can be a good thing especially if they're able to leverage skills from their experiences in theatre to upscale their careers.
On the flip side, many who are still in the performing arts seem to be balancing various jobs, which often means juggling part-time hectic schedules while they aim for that big break. Jobs in hospitality or retail are common, but they usually aren’t bringing in salaries that scream financial success. Overall, it’s a tough industry, and while some may be doing well, it’s really a mix, with many possibly still chasing their dreams without a solid financial backup. So, if you're considering this route, it’s good to have a backup plan or be open to diverse job options along the way!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Musical Theatre. This may or may not be useful:
