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What kind of jobs and opportunities can I find with a Creative Writing or Musical Theater major?

For starters, I'm going to be going into my freshman year at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. This may change, but as of right now, I really want to be an author or playwright. I often find myself worrying about not being able to find good jobs in creative fields. If you have any advice, I'd appreciate it greatly!

college-advice job-search college-bound creative-writing theater opportunities fiction-writing science-fiction drama-and-theatre playwright theater-college
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Paul’s Answer

Hi Tim:

I have always emphasized that you can earn a living in the writing field if you target high-demand niches and acquire specialized professional training.

I break down job-seeking for writers into three main strategies:

#1. Target High-Demand Niche Sectors

Standard creative fields are highly competitive, but steady employment exists in targeted, professional areas. I explicitly recommend looking for opportunities in:

• Editing
• Content writing
• Technical writing
• Legal writing
• Grant writing

#2. Combine English Degrees with Professional Concentrations

For students or those looking to pivot, I usually suggest researching regional colleges that offer English majors with a concentration in professional writing. Specific academic concentrations provide the technical knowledge and techniques required for modern online web writing, journalism, and grant proposal creation.

#3. Let Passion Drive the Search

As a general philosophy, I firmly believe that job seekers should pursue paths they love so much that they would do them without financial compensation. I have always advised against entering a writing niche purely for financial gain, because high performance—and eventually high compensation—naturally follow when you are genuinely driven by the day-to-day work.

I hope that some of these suggestions have assisted you in finding your future major or career. Best of luck in achieving your goals.
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Anne’s Answer

I think that you should ask yourself some questions. Who is your favorite playwright? What is your favorite play? Why? In order to familiarize yourself with the form, read and see as many plays as you can. See if your college offers an Intro to Dramatic Literature course. You should definitely take a beginning acting course (to understand what their process is). If you're able, I'd take an Intro to Directing class as well. If there are any productions on your campus, get involved. Doesn't matter what you do on a production, you're there to watch, and learn. Ask questions.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Tim
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Martha D.’s Answer

Good for you for asking this question before you even start college. I agree with Anne about building a varied educational foundation and getting involved with productions on campus. Additional thoughts:
- Western Massachusetts has many terrific theaters. Maybe get an internship or any job at one of them? Also North Adams, itself, has community theater, such as The Adams Theater and The Main Stage Theater. I know from my own involvement in community theater that you learn a lot from just observing, plus you connect with people of similar interests and possibly connections.
- Most colleges are active in their local communities. You may be able to work with theater programs in schools or build sets / source props for local theaters. This could be both enlightening and enjoyable.
- Get in the habit of writing every day. It doesn't have to be an actual play. Maybe it is just reflections on an experience. The discipline will be good and you may eventually see a throughline you could turn into a play. My community theater recently produced a wonderful play inspired by the author's summer job in a nursing home. You never know where you will find inspiration.
- See as many productions, especially musicals, as you can. Then, as Anne says, notice what you like and what you don't like. This will help refine your style.
If you end up not wanting to stay in theater or not finding jobs specifically in theater, know that your organizational and communication skills are transferable. Potential employers can be too literal sometimes so you may have to explain how. Wishing you good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Tim
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Martha D. Kramer
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Emily’s Answer

Hi Tim! I think it’s great that you already have a clear goal of becoming an author or playwright. It’s definitely possible to build a career in those fields, but I also think it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. Creative careers can take time to grow, and many writers and playwrights support themselves with related jobs while building their portfolio and audience. The good news is that a Creative Writing or Musical Theater degree can open doors to careers in publishing, editing, marketing, communications, copywriting, screenwriting, arts administration, education, or nonprofit work, in addition to writing books or plays. My advice would be to spend your time in college building a strong portfolio, networking with professors and other writers, submitting your work to contests or literary magazines, and looking for internships in publishing or the arts. Those experiences can make a big difference after graduation. Pursuing your dream is absolutely worthwhile, but having a flexible plan that lets you gain experience and earn an income while continuing to write can give you the best of both worlds. Best of luck at Monmouth!
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Frivita’s Answer

First, take a breath- every writer worries about this, including the ones doing great now. But here's the truth: creative writing isn't one job, it's a skill that opens a dozen doors.

Copywriting in advertising pays well and sharpens your voice. Instructional design pairs beautifully with a teaching background. Children's books are a whole world of their own. Screenwriting is basically playwriting with a camera — dialogue and structure transfer directly. And these days, you don't even need someone to hire you - start a podcast or Spotify channel, read your own work, build an audience yourself.

You don't have to pick the "right" path now. Just keep writing, keep reading , and stay open. The writers who make it are the ones who never stopped writing while they figured out the rest.

You've got this.
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Emily’s Answer

Hi Tim! Hi! I think it’s great that you already have a clear goal of becoming an author or playwright. It’s definitely possible to build a career in those fields, but I also think it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. Creative careers can take time to grow, and many writers and playwrights support themselves with related jobs while building their portfolio and audience. The good news is that a Creative Writing or Musical Theater degree can open doors to careers in publishing, editing, marketing, communications, copywriting, screenwriting, arts administration, education, or nonprofit work, in addition to writing books or plays. My advice would be to spend your time in college building a strong portfolio, networking with professors and other writers, submitting your work to contests or literary magazines, and looking for internships in publishing or the arts. Those experiences can make a big difference after graduation. Pursuing your dream is absolutely worthwhile, but having a flexible plan that lets you gain experience and earn an income while continuing to write can give you the best of both worlds. Best of luck at Monmouth!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for yoyr question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Have you thought about to become a musical writer, movie script writer, media content creator, journalist, copy writer in advertising, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
2. Find out more in these careees and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from. professors and speak to alumni
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers yiu evils like to pursue
5. Select subjects relevant to yhe careers
6. Explore ang intern opportunities in the relevant careers
Hope thus helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Caroline ’s Answer

My advice to you is to continue writing and getting roles to perfect your skills. Also, consider learning some IT skills that will enable you to, save, modify and sell your craft online. Visibility is the key.
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Tiffany’s Answer

Getting into the theatre industry can be difficult because there are SO many people out there with a great amount of experience. I would suggest volunteering to really help with networking and growing your resume. You can volunteer at local theaters or even assist with various events that nonprofits put on. A lot of nonprofits will throw galas and fundraisers--and they are always in need of techs, production assistants, stage managers, performers, etc. It's a great way to not only help your community, but help your career! Getting to be part of your local theater in any way will help you meet the right people to help launch your career in playwrighting. Good luck!
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