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First, some facts. Of the Theatre graduates from University of Southern California 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Theatre graduates from University of Southern California have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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, 40% 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: 41% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Theatre. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONReader/Screener Austin Film Festival Aug 2020 - Dec 2021 Recreation Leader  Gilbert, Arizona Feb 2022 - Aug 2022 Graduate Assistant of Fraternity and Sorority Life  Pace University Aug 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Fine Arts - MFAPace University 2022 - 2025 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job paths of people who graduated with a Theatre degree from the University of Southern California, you’ll notice a mixed bag of experiences. Some alumni are lucky enough to land direct roles in the performing arts, like Professional Actors, Dancers, and Voice Over Artists. Those positions are clearly tied to their degree and allow them to utilize the skills and training they’ve acquired. However, a lot of graduates have drifted into jobs that have little to do with theatre. You’ll see pretty common roles such as baristas, administrative assistants, and project managers, which don’t really tap into their theatrical skills at all. It seems that while a number of grads have found success in the arts, many have had to venture into unrelated fields just to make a living.
Overall, it appears that the relevance of these jobs to their Theatre degree really depends on the individual. Some have successfully made careers in acting, dancing, or even production roles, while others have ended up in completely different environments, taking advantage of transferable skills like communication and teamwork. It's great to be passionate about theatre, but the job market really pushes many of these graduates to apply their skills in broader contexts, leading them to roles they may not have initially envisioned for themselves. So, it’s all about being adaptable and finding those connections wherever they can!
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 University of Southern California):
So, looking at this list of graduates from the University of Southern California with a degree in Theatre, it seems like their career paths are pretty varied right after graduation. A lot of them started out in somewhat unrelated roles, like baristas, bartenders, and administrative positions. It's not super surprising since finding a stable job in the arts can be a struggle, especially when you're just starting out and building a network. There's definitely a mix going on here; some did find jobs in the entertainment industry, like actors and production assistants, but many took on roles that don’t directly relate to their Theatre background.
Fast forward a few years later, and you can see some graduates have transitioned into more related positions, like post-production coordinators and property masters, which is a good sign! However, others have wandered quite far from Theatre, landing jobs in areas like real estate or social work, which definitely isn't what you'd expect from a Theatre program. It seems that while some grads are slowly carving out careers that leverage their Theatre skills, others have taken a completely different route. So, overall, it’s kind of a mixed bag—some are achieving their dreams in the arts, while others are finding success in totally different fields. It’s a reminder that the path after college can look pretty unpredictable, and that's okay!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre at the University of Southern California is no walk in the park, my friend. It’s a pretty demanding program that combines both performance and academics, so you can expect a ton of hands-on work, long rehearsals, and a lot of collaboration with your peers. You’ll be juggling acting classes, design work, and maybe even some directing or playwriting, all while keeping up with your script analysis and theatre history courses. It might feel tougher than an average arts degree because of the level of commitment and creativity it requires, plus the competitive environment can add some pressure. So, be ready to put in the hours and really dive deep into your craft if you choose to go for 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 the job paths of these USC Theatre grads, it seems like they're pursuing a mix of creative and more conventional roles. Grad 2010 had some interesting jobs in acting and coffee but transitioned to Starbucks, which likely pays decently, especially as they moved up the ranks to Project Manager. Grad 2011 is doing voice-over work, which can pay well if you're in demand, while Grad 2012 jumped between bartending and dancing gigs that might not raked in a ton of cash. The 2014 grads seem pretty stable, with one in a solid director role, which could mean they’re earning well. The grads from 2017 and onward are finding their footing, with some landing positions at high-profile places like Netflix and YouTube; those are likely on the better-paying side too. Overall, it seems like some of them are doing pretty well financially, especially those who have carved out stable roles in established companies or are successfully freelancing, but others might still be hustling to make ends meet in the arts.
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 University of Southern California). 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 |