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First, some facts. Of the Theatre graduates from Northwestern University 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? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Theatre graduates from Northwestern University have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) 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, 61% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Theatre graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 56% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Theatre. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGuitarist, Teaching Artist Stomp and Shout Kids, Inc. Sep 2019 - Mar 2020 Commencement Office Administrator  Northwestern University Jan 2020 - Jun 2021 Guitarist, Teaching Artist Little Maestros Feb 2020 - Aug 2022 Tutor  Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring Sep 2019 - Present Tutor, Curriculum Developer Bespoke Education Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After going through the job history of these Northwestern University graduates who studied Theatre, it’s pretty clear that many of them have taken paths that stray from traditional theatre roles. A lot of them have ended up in education-related jobs, like teachers and tutors. While there’s definitely some overlap in skills—like communication and creativity—these positions don't fully utilize the specialized theatre training they received. It’s kind of like they’re on the stage but in a different play than what they originally auditioned for!
On the other end of the spectrum, there are quite a few graduates who managed to stay closer to their theatrical roots. Positions like Production Supervisor, Stage Manager, and even Creative Assistant really capitalize on the skills learned in a Theatre program. These roles thrive on the creative storytelling, production techniques, and performance aspects that are central to theatre. Overall, while some graduates are using their degree more tangentially in roles like marketing or administrative work, a solid number have found fulfilling opportunities that keep them engaged in the world of theatre, whether that's directly on stage or behind the scenes. So, there’s a mix—some are still in the spotlight, while others are finding their way through the wings!”
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 Northwestern University):
Looking at this group of Theatre graduates from Northwestern University, it seems like they've followed a pretty diverse set of career paths after graduation. Many of them seem to have taken on roles that are directly related to the arts, like stage managers, teaching artists, and production supervisors. This suggests that for their first jobs, a good number of these grads were able to find positions within the theatre and performance industry, especially in the early years following graduation. For instance, some took up teaching roles or positions as stage managers right after school, which aligns well with their Theatre degree and allows them to use their skills in performance and collaboration.
However, as we look at their careers five or ten years down the line, we see a bit more variability. While some have stayed connected to theatre—becoming directors or engaged in production roles—others have shifted towards entirely different fields, like social work or education, which can seem a bit removed from theatre. Interestingly, it looks like many have also explored creative opportunities in writing, marketing, and business-related roles, which indicates a tendency to diversify their skills beyond pure performance. So, while some grads are definitely thriving in theatre-related careers, a sizable portion has branched out into other areas, suggesting that not everyone sticks to the traditional route after studying Theatre. It's a mixed bag, and it just shows how versatile a degree in Theatre can be!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, especially at a prestigious school like Northwestern University, can be pretty challenging. It’s not just about attending classes; you’re often juggling rehearsals, performances, and sometimes even writing your own pieces. The workload can be intense, with demanding projects and lots of collaboration, which means you’ve really got to stay on your game and be committed. Overall, it’s probably harder than the average degree because of the time and emotional investment involved, plus you'll likely be exposed to a lot of critical feedback that can be tough to take. But if you’re passionate about theatre, all that hard work can definitely be rewarding!
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 Northwestern Theatre graduates, it seems like they’ve had a mix of experiences and job roles, but when it comes to making decent money, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Many of them started out in education and tutoring, which can be rewarding in ways other than just money, especially if you love teaching, but it’s not always the most lucrative path. On the other hand, some folks seem to be climbing the ranks in production and creative roles, which could offer better pay and exciting opportunities. Overall, while some have probably found stable incomes, it doesn’t look like a lot of them broke into the big bucks right away. It all depends on what you’re looking for—passion vs. 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 Northwestern University). 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 |