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First, some facts. Of the Theatre Arts 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 175 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 46%, Theatre Arts graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-21%) 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 29% 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 Arts graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 48% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Theatre Arts. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONVP of Business Development DB&R, LLC Jan 2014 - Jan 2015 Senior Personal Banker  Union Bank & Trust May 2014 - Nov 2019 Branch Manager Union Bank & Trust Nov 2019 - Oct 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Task Force Union Bank & Trust Aug 2020 - Oct 2021 Actor Model  Sasha Models Jan 2015 - Nov 2021 Consultant Haberfeld Nov 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Arts - MADoane University 2018 - 2021 ABOUTMy passion is to help others discover who they are and how to bring their whole self to work and life. I believe that if leaders help their people become better versions of themselves, then everything else will follow! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts, it becomes clear that a wide variety of roles can emerge from this educational background. A notable number of these jobs integrate some level of theatrical knowledge; however, many are not directly aligned with the core competencies taught in Theatre Arts programs. A consistent trend reveals that while graduates often land roles that utilize some aspects of their education, a significant portion veers into unrelated fields, reflecting a mismatch between their studies and career trajectories.
Among the most common job types listed, roles in administrative positions, sales, and customer service prevail. For instance, many graduates have taken on roles as administrative assistants, receptionists, or managers in retail settings. These positions typically emphasize organizational skills and communication abilities rather than the creative or performance-related training central to Theatre Arts education. However, even within such roles, occasional overlaps do exist; for example, a position as a community engagement coordinator or a customer service representative at a theatre may make positive use of interpersonal skills derived from theatrical training. Yet, these jobs do not fundamentally require the performance or creative abilities honed during their studies.
On the contrary, some alumni have successfully transitioned into more directly relevant roles, particularly within theatre production, teaching, or performance. Positions such as stage manager, acting teacher, and costume designer highlight the application of Theatre Arts knowledge and skills. For instance, many graduates are thriving as actors, directors, or in production-related roles where their college education directly impacts their performance quality and creative decision-making. These examples indicate the potential for Theatre Arts graduates to carve out significant and fulfilling careers in their field; however, it’s evident that such roles constitute a smaller fraction of the overall jobs listed, suggesting that many theatre graduates may find it necessary to broaden their job search to related but non-theatrical fields.
In conclusion, while Theatre Arts graduates do find jobs that utilize their skills, a substantial portion of their career paths diverges into realms where their specialized training is underused. This variance highlights both the versatility of a Theatre Arts education and the greater challenges many graduates face in securing positions that align directly with their training. Nevertheless, those who manage to filter into jobs closely associated with their studies demonstrate the thriving potential within creative and educational environments, maintaining the important connection between their degree and their professional experiences.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Theatre Arts graduates:
When looking at the career paths of Theatre Arts graduates from various colleges, it becomes evident that the journey post-graduation tends to be quite diverse, with many finding success in fields related to performing arts, while others drift into unrelated areas. Let’s break this down into what grads tend to do right after school versus what they find themselves doing five to ten years down the line.
For many Theatre Arts graduates, their first jobs right out of college often include internships, assistant roles, or positions like production assistants. Graduates from schools like New York University frequently land roles with theaters, entertainment companies, or event planners, reflecting a strong initial connection to their field of study. These roles may help them gain valuable experience and networking opportunities. However, it’s a tough road because many start off in low-paying positions or multiple internships that don’t necessarily provide job security. Interestingly, some graduates also take non-theatrical jobs that seem miles away from their training—think office roles, service industry jobs, or administrative positions. This can suggest a lack of immediate opportunities in their field, forcing them to pivot temporarily just to make ends meet.
Fast forward five to ten years later, and the picture gets even more mixed. A portion of these Theatre Arts alumni are thriving, having carved out niches as producers, directors, or creatives in different sectors—like advertising or film—and some even end up starting their own companies, which speaks to a solid entrepreneurial spirit. However, this is contrasted by a considerable number who have moved away from performing arts entirely, taking up roles in marketing, education, or various corporate positions. While some have managed to integrate their love for theatre into jobs such as teaching or community outreach, others seem to struggle with finding relevance in their careers to their degree. They might hold titles like project manager, administrative assistant, or even roles in entirely different fields like customer service, which might lead to the notion that their degree is underutilized.
Overall, while some Theatre Arts graduates indeed find fulfilling careers within the realm of performing arts, a significant proportion end up detouring into unrelated fields within a few years. The road is definitely not a straight path, and while passion and perseverance play a vital role, the reality is that opportunities within Theatre Arts can be scarce, leading many to adapt to the job market in various ways. So, as a high school student considering a degree in Theatre Arts, it’s worth reflecting that while the road can be rewarding and fulfilling, it may also involve a lot of twists, turns, and unexpected detours before arriving at the destination you envisioned.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts can be a unique mix of challenges and rewards, and honestly, it's about average in difficulty but with its own quirks. Depending on your focus—acting, directing, design, etc.—you'll often find yourself juggling demanding practical work, like performances and rehearsals, along with theory and history classes. It's not just about hitting the books; you really have to commit to long hours in the studio or backstage. If you're passionate about the craft and willing to put in the time and effort, the workload might feel manageable, but if it doesn’t ignite your passion, you could find it pretty intense. Just keep in mind, the camaraderie among fellow students makes it a really fun journey, even when it gets tough!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Theatre Arts.
Looking at these Theatre Arts graduates and their job histories, it seems like a mixed bag regarding how well they’re doing financially. The person from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has climbed up the ranks in a specialized role and seems to be in a supervisory position now, which likely pays decently. Meanwhile, a lot of the others, especially those in early-career positions or part-time roles like interns and assistants, aren't securing the kind of salaries one might dream of post-college. For instance, the NYU graduates have a lot of diverse experiences but many of their roles, like internships and event assistant positions, typically pay on the lower end of salary scales.
However, some individuals have transitioned into more stable and potentially higher-paying roles like teachers or managers, especially those with a few years of experience under their belts. Overall, while a few graduates might be on paths to earning good salaries, many are still navigating various entry-level roles and freelance opportunities common in the arts. It’s a tough industry, but those who stick it out and find the right niche or move into managerial roles often end up doing much better. So in short, it really depends on the individual journey each grad takes in the industry!
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 Arts. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Theatre Arts (ordered by the average relevance score of their Theatre Arts graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 New York University
|
56 | 16 |