Career questions tagged theater
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!
How did you get started with a career in playwriting ?
I am currently writing/submitting to festivals in my spare time. I'm wondering what the entry points are for playwriting as a career, especially as a career switch. Is it necessary to pursue an MFA? Are there specific fellowships or incubator programs I should be exploring? Or should I be looking to get into a writer's room? Thank you so much for your time!
How can my background in theater and performance help me become a more effective music therapist in real-world settings #Spring26?
I am a senior in high school. I love music and singing and I am in choir and English has always been my favorite subject in school.
How can I efficiently double major in engineering and theater?
I am a senior in High School, going to UCSD, planning on double-majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Theater. Any advice on study habits, course selection, and time management to help make that happen? I am very passionate about both fields and hope to create careers in both as well, not one career that includes both like tech theater or set design. How can I make this happen without burning out from taking so many courses?
What is the most difficult or hardest part about getting into the theatre industry, for theatre production and/or technical theatre specifically? #Spring26
In college, I intend to be a Drama/Theatre major and I'm just curious about the difficulties that come with that career.
What's the best way to go about exploring my major interests in college as a freshman?
I have a lot of major interests, including psych, acting for theater and screen, TEFL, environmental sustainability & policy, journalism, linguistics, and creative writing. I'm really excited to go to college this fall and explore all of my interests, but I'm wondering what the best way to explore them is and also get the most out of my time at college. I'm going to be attending Western Washington University's Honors College. I'm definitely planning on talking to my academic advisor about it before registering for classes, but I wanted to get some input from here too.
I want to become a theater teacher, but I also don’t want to give up performing. How do people balance teaching with continuing to act or perform professionally?
I’m a high school senior interested in both theater and education. I’ve been involved in theater for a few years and have been in many productions. I'm planning to pursue a major in education with a minor in theater in college.
How do I choose between being a therapist and being an actor?
I'm a 17-year-old high school student; I've loved doing theater for years. But I'm afraid I won't make any real money if that were to be my career. I'm passionate about helping children through therapy, but I think I would be happier in the long run if I were to pursue theater. I'm mostly worried about the job market surrounding theater, and the long-term money-making aspects.
What advice do you have for someone choosing a double major?
I know that being a musical theater major does not guarantee a financially sustainable career. I would like to double major in something that would allow me to have a stable career option with flexibility to perform and pursue my passion.
What is the best way to find scholarships for people who love theater but won't major it in it ?
Scholarship searching tips.
What do I do when everyone is telling me to get a "realistic career plan"? #Fall25
Hello! I'm only a freshman in highschool but I have always known that I wanted to do something in Arts, a/v technology & communications career cluster. I just now found out what I want to do in that cluster, I want to to be in the film industry. Whether it's acting on stage in front of a live audience or acting in movies/TV shows. I joined the highschool theater this year for the first time and got a major role in the Fall production. I can tell you that I have never been so proud and happy when we perform together, on a stage, in front of lots of people. The entire cast and crew put a lot of work and time into that production and it was the best feeling in the world, every single part of it. I told my parents that I would like to continue doing that as a career and get into a good college to pursue that career. All they could tell me is that it was probably not going to happen for lots of reasons sushi as: "we don't have money to afford a good college for you", "That is an unrealistic job that has high demand", and "It's probably best that you just start looking for another REALISTIC job that will be easier for you to pursue". How do I still pursue what I love doing and get money to save up for a good film college, while my parents keep telling me not to?
How to memorize monologues FAST??? I also need help finding a good comedic monologue. #fall25
Hi I'm auditioning for the highschool theater one act play. I have 5 days to memorize two monologues (comedic and dramatic). I have a dramatic monologue but not a comedic one. If I anyone has some good suggestions, I would appreciate them. I have also been reading my dramatic monologue over and over again, but still can't memorize it.
What early jobs or credits help SFX makeup artists move from random gigs to steady, repeat work?
I am an art student who wants to specialize in SFX makeup. I am comfortable learning new skills and collaborating, but I do not know which types of early projects (student films, theater, haunted houses, low‑budget shoots, etc.) matter most for getting hired again and again by the same teams.
When should a new SFX makeup artist start thinking about joining a union, and what should I do now to prepare?
I am still in college, building a portfolio through art classes and small projects. I hear a lot about unions for film and theater makeup artists, but I do not know when it becomes realistic to join or what groundwork I should be laying while I am still in school. I really want to insure steady income.
#Fall25 For any theatre majors out there, how different are college auditions compared to high school auditions?
Is it more intimidating? Do you have to prepare more material? I bet it feels more professional, right?
What are the most effective ways for a communications and musical theatre double major to build a strong personal brand that helps with both creative and professional opportunities after college?
I'm currently a college student double majoring in Musical Theatre and Communications. I'm passionate about storytelling, social media, and digital marketing, and I hope to combine my creative and professional skills to build a career in the entertainment or marketing industry. I've been gaining experience as a social media manager and digital marketing specialist, and I'd love advice on how to continue developing my personal brand while still in school. What steps can I take now to set myself up for success after graduation, both as a performer and as a communications professional?
How do I ensure that I'll have a job in the performing arts post-graduation?
Freshman at Emerson College looking to go into acting and/or arts management! #Fall25
how to get into clowning ?
This honestly might seem like a joke but I've fallen in love with the idea of dressing up to entertain people but I have no clue where to start other than a small local business. just to clarify, I don't think I would be a circus clown, I would just want to be like a party clown or someone higher in individual events
How do I create a portfolio for technical theatre?
I am about the be a senior in high school and i want to major in stage management/technical theatre (specifically related to set, props, and sound), but im not sure how to create a portfolio. I’ve only been doing theatre since my sophomore year and have only done two shows. I’ve always just been part of a crew, i’ve never stage managed or been crew head, so i’m not sure how to impress admissions people. I don’t have much experience, but I truly love theatre and being creative, so I don’t know what to do.
How do I become a teen actor?
Hi! I'm a kid (grade ten) interested in going into some sort of an acting career. I've done many musical theatre productions, including acting at school and being a background character in university productions. I'm interested in acting for stuff like movies! I live in a small town so it's hard to figure out what to do and where to go.
How can I build my professional acting portfolio while being active in college, what will professional companies most look for ?
I'm a seventeen year old in high school, and am going to college for theatre. More specifically live theatre. I've had experience in competitive and community plays in the past and have enjoyed both experiences thoroughly. However, I've never experienced theatre on a professional level, as there haven't been any opportunities available to me. This is concerning as I intend to become a professional actor post-college, and have currently had zero experience to put in my portfolio. What are the most important factors that casting agents look for in an applicant, how can I build those skills during college so Ill have experience in the field prior to application?
How should acting students network and handle the pressure of eventual graduation and job searching?
I am majoring in acting in theatre, and although I am so excited, I am scared for graduation because I know it's a competitive field. Going into the "real" world and industry is especially daunting. A lot of actors say that most of their careers are spent auditioning. I was wondering if there's more hope than people say, or even just the reality of it.
What are some careers that you can go into after studying musical theatre and decide not to pursue a life on the stage? #spring25
I am excited to start my musical theatre major in the fall, but curious to see what other careers people have gone into if the stage is not in the cards.
How do aspiring actors and artists make the transition from college life into the business world without falling on their face #Spring25
I desire to become a Musical Theatre actor or director out of college, but I am not sure where to look for auditions or job applications. #Spring25
Any Fashion/merchandise majors, what careers did you use your degree for and what does that entail? #Spring2025
I would really like to own a clothes brand or work in a boutique, or even make costumes for musicals. Lots of options to consider so I wanted more insight, thank you.
How Would I Start my Journey?
How would I make my way, starting from college, into the theatre acting scene? I know I can start my own journey confidently, but don't know exactly how to start it after college as I was mostly focused on that in the moment.