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First, some facts. Of the Theatre graduates from Columbia College Chicago 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 42%, Theatre graduates from Columbia College Chicago have a substantially lower likelihood (-25%) 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 0% 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: 7% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelors in Theatre. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern ComedySportz May 2018 - Aug 2018 Film Development Screener Intern  Flix Premiere Oct 2018 - Feb 2019 Shift Supervisor  Starbucks Jan 2019 - Present ABOUTScreenwriter currently seeking employment with a background in theatre, improv, and comedy. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of graduates from Columbia College Chicago who studied Theatre, it seems like there's a pretty mixed bag in terms of relevance to their degree. A lot of folks have taken on jobs that don’t directly connect to theatre—like sales roles, administrative positions, or customer service jobs—where they’re not using the juicy skills they learned in their theatre classes. For example, many graduates moved into roles as administrative assistants, sales managers, or even service industry jobs, all of which don’t tap into the core competencies of acting, directing, or stage management that theatre majors typically focus on.
However, there are also some graduates who managed to stay true to their theatrical roots. We see roles like actors, lighting technicians, and stage managers that directly leverage the skills developed during their time in college. Some even found themselves in communications roles at theatre companies, which certainly connects back to the field. So, while it’s great to see some graduates shine in roles that relate directly to theatre, many of them have wandered off into fields where the knowledge gained from their degree isn’t as applicable. It makes you wonder about the practical utility of a Theatre degree in the broad job market out there!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Theatre graduates (this is across all Theatre graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Columbia College Chicago):
Looking at the career trajectories of Theatre graduates from Columbia College Chicago, it seems like their career paths often veer in different directions after graduation. For many, the first job isn’t always a direct fit in the theatre world. A decent number of graduates have taken positions in administrative roles or sales—like those who ended up as Administrative Assistants or Sales Managers. On the other hand, some have landed right in the performing arts field, working as actors or teaching artists fairly soon after graduating. So, you can see a mix right off the bat, with some sticking close to their Theatre roots while others explore a wider range of opportunities.
Five to ten years after graduation, the trends seem to diverge even more. Many graduates in this range still hold onto jobs related to performance or the arts, like actors and artistic directors, while others are deeply embedded in corporate roles or administrative positions, seemingly far from their Theatre degree. Unfortunately, some seem to have transitioned into jobs that don’t directly utilize their Theatre training—like sales or management roles in various industries. It’s a bit of a mixed bag; while some find fulfilling careers that are closely connected to their passion for Theatre, others drift into roles that might not resonate with the creative ambitions they had when they started their college journey. So, if you’re thinking of studying Theatre, be prepared for a journey that can lead in many different directions!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, especially at a place like Columbia College Chicago, can be pretty demanding. It mixes a lot of practical work with theory, which means you're not just hitting the books; you’re also getting involved in performances, rehearsals, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that comes with it. Depending on your focus—like acting, directing, or design—you might find yourself juggling a ton of projects and deadlines, which can feel overwhelming at times. But hey, if you're super passionate about theatre and enjoy being creative, it can also be a really fun and fulfilling experience. So, while it’s not necessarily "easy," if you love what you’re doing, it might not feel as hard as it sounds!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Theatre.
Looking at the job histories of these Theatre grads from Columbia College Chicago, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some have definitely landed roles that can pay pretty well, like those working at Uber or in sales positions, which typically offer solid salaries or commissions. On the flip side, there are folks still hustling in roles that might not be as financially rewarding, like bartending or being a teaching artist, which often come with lower pay. Many seem to be combining arts with other jobs, possibly for financial stability, which is super common in creative fields. Overall, while a few have found good opportunities, it looks like many are still navigating the tricky balance between passion and paycheck.
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 is across all Theatre graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Columbia College Chicago). 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 |