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 in the University Theatre program help students develop these and other valuable transferable proficiencies that employers are seeking—critical thinking, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and a strong work ethic.

With an estimated value predicted to grow to approximately $169.62 billion by 2030, the global theatre and entertainment industries provide countless career opportunities. Graduates from YSU's University Theatre earn a degree in an area about which they're 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 relations

  • 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 the University Theatre program 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

  • Theatrical, Film, TV

  • Artistic Directors

  • Arts Administrators

  • Booking Agents

  • Casting Directors

  • Digital Content Producers

  • Entertainment Journalists 

  • Entertainment Attys. 

  • Events Coordinators

  • Exec. Directors: Arts Org.  

  • Literary Agents

  • Marketing Directors

  • Producers

  • Studio Owners (Dance) 

  • Theatre Critics

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

  • Artists-in-Residence 

  • Company Managers

  • Costume Designers

  • Directors: Stage/Film/Media

  • Drapers

  • Electricians

  • Lighting Designers

  • Makeup Artists and
    Designers 

  • Projection Designers

  • Scenic Artists

  • Set Designers

  • Sound Designers

  • Special Effects Artists 

  • Stage Managers

  • Technical Directors

EDUCATION 

  • Community Outreach Programming 

  • Dialect Coaches 

  • Dramaturgs

  • K-12 Teachers

  • University Faculty

  • Voice/Speech Coaches

HEALTH/WELLNESS 

  • Chiropractors

  • Dance Therapists

  • Occupational Therapists 

  • Physicians

  • Physical Therapists

  • Psychologists or
    Psychiatrists 

Where our alumni work

Our talented and versatile alumni become cultural influencers and entrepreneurs and may be found locally, 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. Below are examples of the many places University Theatre graduates are employed:

  • ACES Center for the Arts
  • Anthropologie
  • BCT Management. Inc.
  • Bollatta Entertainment
  • Bowling Green St. Univ.
  • Broadway
  • CUNY
  • Davenport Theat. Ent.
  • Dance/Drama Educators
  • Dramatists Play Service
  • Forty Two Event Prod.
  • Great Lakes Theater
  • Herschend Ents. 
  • Hotel Del Coronado
  • J. Paul Getty Trust
  • Kennywood Park
  • Kent State University
  • Michael Kors
  • NBC
  • The Ohio State Univ.
  • Opanova Digital
  • Physique 57
  • Premiere Bank, Attorney
  • Quantum Theatre
  • Rutgers University
  • Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
  • Step Up Productions
  • Studio North Academy
  • Univ. of Northern CO
  • VXI Global Solutions
  • W Times Square 
  • The Walt Disney Co.
  • Yamaguchi Salons

Next steps

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

Resources