Career and Professional Development

Careers in theatre

Our world-class University Theatre faculty produce skilled and versatile artists and scholars who are flexible, innovative leaders with global perspectives and outstanding people skills. To be successful in the performing arts, students must hone exceptional artistic and technical abilities and also develop a range of analytical, communication, and organizational skills. All academic programs offered by University Theatre help students develop valuable transferable expertise. With an estimated value predicted to grow to approximately $169.62 billion by 2030, the global theatre and entertainment industries provide countless career opportunities. 

Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, interpersonal and teamwork skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a strong work ethic. Our graduates earn a degree in an area about which they are passionate, and their skills are applicable to many careers, including those in other professions as well as in the theatre and entertainment fields. 
 

Theatre studies provide students with skills in:

Analysis

  • Comparing and contrasting ideas/information
  • Critical thinking
  • Detailed and accurate work
  • Forming perceptions and seeing connections
  • Problem solving
  • Understanding ideas within historical/social contexts

Communication

  • Communicating ideas creatively
  • Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information
  • Integrating diverse ideas from others 
  • Making keen observations
  • Speaking articulately and listening introspectively

Interpersonal Skills

  • Adapting techniques
  • Attaining a high level of craftsmanship
  • Creativity
  • Interacting collaboratively with colleagues in a team setting
  • Project planning and management
  • Self-discipline
  • Working under pressure and meeting
    deadlines

Organization

  • Ability to concentrate and work intensely for long periods of time
  • Networking
  • Time management
  • Utilizing available resources
  • Working independently

Career opportunities for creatives

The roles of creatives continue to be redefined, and artists are influencing the world in nearly every industry. This means your opportunities with a degree from University Theatre at Youngstown State University are greater than ever. Your education gives you one of the most competitive skills in today’s job market: creativity. Combined with your abilities to approach problems with unique perspectives, collaborate with others, and think critically, you will be desirable to employers in any field you pursue. Our graduates successfully establish careers in numerous professions, such as:

BUSINESS

  • Agent: Theatrical, Film and Television

  • Artistic Director

  • Arts Administration

  • Booking Agent

  • Casting Director

  • Company Manager

  • Development Associate

  • Digital Content Producer

  • Entertainment Journalist

  • Entertainment Attorney

  • Events Coordinator

  • Executive Director, Arts and Cultural Organizations 

  • Literary Agent

  • Managing Director

  • Marketing Director

  • Producer

  • Production Manager

  • Studio Owner (Dance)

  • Theatre Critic

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

  • Artist-in-Residence

  • Carpenter

  • College Professor/
    Academia

  • Company Manager

  • Costume Designer

  • Director: Stage, Film, Media Entertainment

  • Draper

  • Electrician

  • Lighting Designer 

  • Makeup Artist/
    Designer

  • Projection Designer

  • Scenic Artist

  • Set Designer

  • Sound Designer

  • Special Effects Technician 

  • Stage Manager

  • Technical Director

  • Theatre Teacher

EDUCATION

  • Artist-in-Residence

  • Community Outreach Programming

  • Dialect Coach 

  • Dramaturg

  • K-12 Teacher (Theatre and other)

  • University Professor/Academia

  • Voice/Speech Coach

HEALTH/WELLNESS

  • Chiropractor

  • Drama/Dance
    Therapist

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Physician

  • Physical Therapist

  • Psychologist/
    Psychiatrist 

Where our alumni work

Our talented and versatile alumni become cultural influencers and entrepreneurs and are making their mark locally, nationally, and globally. University Theatre alumni may be seen nationally and internationally across the entertainment industry. You’ll find our alumni on Broadway and receiving nominations and awards from The Tony’s to The Grammys®. Our exceptional program also empowers our graduates to become successful directors, designers, actors, choreographers, academic faculty, and more. Our programs will further your success and prepare you to thrive within the ever-evolving field of the theatre arts and beyond.
 

Next steps

YSU Office of Career Exploration and Development 
Jones Hall, Room 2022 
330.941.3515
oced@ysu.edu 
 

Resources