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First, some facts. Of the 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 701 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, Theatre graduates have a much lower likelihood (-15%) 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 24% 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 Theatre graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 90% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONArtistic Director Unified Theatre Company Aug 2018 - Mar 2023 Theatre Teacher Brookville High School Aug 2022 - Present Social Media Marketing Specialist  Chani Marketing Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTTheatre artisan with a strong focus in stage management, directing and sound design but theatrical experience in multiple areas. Head of Public Relations for Longwood Theatre department at the Virginia Theatre Association festival. Strong education professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Theatre Education from Longwood University and has held leadership positions in multiple on-campus organizations including secretary and social chair of Alpha Psi Omega and President of the Longwood Players. Experienced Peer Mentor with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Organization Skills, Stage Management, Event Planning, Management, and Communication. Currently working as a substitute teacher at Prince Edward County Schools. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you dig into the job history of individuals who graduated with a Theatre degree, you notice a pretty wide array of career paths. It's fascinating to see how many of these jobs are related to the skills learned in theatre—like communication, creativity, and presentation—but it’s also revealing to see how many have gone entirely off the beaten path, landing in roles that don't really connect back to their studies at all. Overall, the most common job types tend to be in education, event coordination, and performing arts, but there’s a surprising number of graduates who end up in fields that have little or no relevance to their Theatre education.
Most frequently, theatre graduates take on roles as Teaching Artists or in educational settings, where almost every job you see directly applies the skills they mastered in their degree. Positions like Drama Teacher, Theatre Program Director, or Teaching Artist at various institutions leverage both the performance and educational aspects of a Theatre degree. A big takeaway here is that the ability to present and engage an audience—skills honed from an acting background—can easily translate into teaching environments. Similarly, many have landed roles in artistic and production capacities, such as stage managers or technical directors, where direct application of theatre knowledge is essential.
However, there are also many who have ventured far from traditional theatre jobs. Roles like Customer Service Representatives, Administrative Assistants, or even Software Engineers pop up in the mix. These jobs don’t utilize the practical skills or theoretical knowledge from their Theatre studies, which might make graduates feel a bit like they’re wasting their talent in those positions. While skills like communication and teamwork can certainly be beneficial in any job, it’s clear that many graduates may not be utilizing their Theatre training to its fullest potential.
In sum, while many Theatre graduates do find their way into relevant and fulfilling careers, a significant number also find themselves in roles that do little to apply their theatre education. The job landscape for Theatre majors is diverse, but it illustrates a broad spectrum of relevance to their degree.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Theatre graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of theatre graduates from various institutions, we can see a mixed bag of outcomes. Many of these graduates find their way back into the world of theatre and performing arts, while others pivot to completely different fields. Typically, the first job after graduation often involves positions closely related to performance or educational roles in the arts, such as teaching artist roles, stage management, or administrative positions in theatre companies. These initial roles allow graduates to gain valuable experience and connections in the industry, which can be crucial in the highly competitive field of performing arts.
Fast forward five or ten years down the road, and the paths of these graduates begin to diverge significantly. While some find success in creative careers directly related to theatre—like stage managing, directing, producing, or working in arts administration—many drift into unrelated fields. For instance, several individuals seem to have settled into jobs in marketing, customer service, or education, showing a trend where the skills gained during theatre training can be valuable but applied in various contexts outside of traditional theatre roles. It’s not uncommon to see theatre graduates transitioning into roles in content creation, education, or even business management. This suggests that while theatre training is robust and enriching, its graduates might not always stick to careers specifically within the arts, reflecting the versatility of their skills.
In conclusion, while there are certainly graduates who land great positions in the theatre scene, many do not find sustainable long-term careers in this niche field. The reality is, theatre as a profession can be unpredictable, and while some maintain a steadfast dedication to the arts, others utilize their transferable skills in a variety of other industries. It's essential for theatre majors to stay flexible and open to diverse career paths, as their training can prepare them for a range of opportunities beyond the stage.
A Bachelor’s degree in Theatre can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty; it really depends on the person and their interests. If you’re super passionate about acting, directing, or stagecraft, you might find it more enjoyable than tough, but don’t be fooled—it's not just all fun and games. You’ll spend a lot of time in rehearsals, performances, and, let’s be real, a ton of homework analyzing scripts and honing your craft, which can definitely be challenging. Plus, the collaborative nature of theatre means you have to navigate working closely with others, which can add its own layer of difficulty. Overall, it’s probably about average in difficulty when you consider study, practice, and the emotional investment, especially if you're really committed to making the most of it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Theatre.
So, looking at these theatre graduates and their job histories, it seems like many of them are doing okay, but it really varies widely. A good chunk of them have landed work in the arts and education sectors, like teaching or working in theatre companies, which can sometimes be fulfilling but not the most lucrative. For example, a lot of them started off with internships or entry-level gigs, but those don’t always pay really well, and even the teaching positions can be on the lower end of the pay spectrum. However, a few have advanced to more stable positions with better pay, like managerial roles or working in corporate settings related to the arts, which can lead to better financial security.
On the flip side, there are also those who have ventured into different fields, such as marketing, sales, or tech, which might offer better salaries than traditional theatre roles, indicating that they are flexible and adaptable. Overall, it seems like while many are passionate about their craft and have found ways to work within their field, financial success can be hit or miss depending on the path they choose. So, keep in mind that if you're considering theatre as a career, you might need to be ready for some ups and downs financially; it’s all about balancing passion with practicality!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Theatre. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Theatre (ordered by the average relevance score of their Theatre graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Northwestern University
|
63 | 13 |
 Texas State University
|
50 | 12 |
 University of Southern California
|
49 | 10 |
 Columbia College Chicago
|
42 | 13 |