Career questions tagged theater
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.
How do you get into the screenwriting industry?
I am interested to making a career out of acting, screenwriting or playwriting, as well as using my musical abilities of singing and songwriting. I understand that networking is key but as an actress I have only done background work, and student films, plus an online commercial. I don't have an agent and am uncertain as to what that process is like or when I should look into one. Also I am in school (Sophomore year) to obtain a Film degree as I find that most screenwriters have degrees. I realized early on that I am natural writing and dialogue comes naturally to me I just don't know how to put it together to be a professional piece of work and I am curious to connect within any one who has gone through this process and are successful.
How many auditions did it take you to get your first actual professional music job/gig ?
I’m currently an undergrad vocal performance major and I know the industry can be brutal. How difficult is it exactly and how much rejection should I expect to receive?
What's YOUR best way to stay motivated and consistent in college, or just in general
I'm not gonna lie- being in college has been EXHAUSTING to say the least. I feel like I've done enough to to earn myself a doctorate, and it's only my second year! Espically with being a film student, the late nights shooting with early morning classes can be alot for me- not to mention my job, applying for scholarships, working out, and maintaining a social life, to name a few. To any creatives, or anyone's who got their life down to a science- how did you do it? And what could I do to find at least a little bit of stablity in this seemingly always unstable environment?
How Many years does a music education degree take?
Can I still participate in jazz band as a bassoon major? What about theater? I love performing and acting and don’t want to sacrifice them.?
How can I check about internships if there are no posters in school?
I want to be a voice actor but I rarely see anything that involves any type of acting for experience (high school level)
What education and experience requirements are there for basic backstage theatre/entertainment jobs (ie. prop assistant, set assistant, PA, set painter, etc.)?
No offense to any of those jobs -- I'm currently in a remedial school and not very confident about graduating, let alone any type of college. Not exactly in the spot to pay for certifications either. Do I need a diploma or training to compete for those jobs, or do I have a chance at a local theater/low-budget production? Is volunteering at a local theater worth my time currently, or should I just focus on school?
What are the requirements for acting? How long does it take to make it into the main stage of acting like doing movies with Blumhouse, Universal Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and etc?
How long does grind short film movies take to get recognized by the big production studios? How long does the process take.. does it take no process does your short film have to go viral to be recognized?
What degree should I major in if I want to be a Creative Director?
I am currently working in healthcare administration looking to pivot my career to creative directing. I have no clue where to start. I have interest in musical theater, production design, graphic design, and creative writing.