Careers in Theatre
When most people think of theatre they think of actors, but there are so many other exciting careers that keep theatre running. We want to help you learn more about your options! Below is a list of several different career paths within theatre (SPOILER: This isn't even everything!)
Artistic
Director
An executive of a theatre organization who is responsible for the overarching artistic vision of the organization.
Carpenter
Maintains theater stage equipment and may also serve as a production carpenter, building sets and moving all scenery on and off stage for the installation and run of a production.
Casting
Director
Coordinates and runs the process by which the director and other key members of the creative team audition actors and assign roles.
Company Manager
Takes care of the logistical needs of a production or company, such as managing and delivering payroll to the cast and crew, being the policy enforcer, and serving as the primary point of contact between the company (which includes the cast, creative, and administrative teams) and the General Manager.
Costume
Designer
Transforms the actors into their characters through the use of clothing and helps situate a production in a specific time and place through the visual cues of clothing. They design, research, source, and construct the clothes for all the actors in a production.
Director
Provides the guiding creative vision for all members of the production. The Director takes the lead in putting together the entire creative team and managing the overall staging and artistic vision of a production.
Dramaturg
Works with the Playwright/Book Writer/Director, and/or Artistic staff to help them have a deeper and more accurate understanding of a production.
Education
Director
Developing and executing programming for community partners, such as students, young professionals, those in prison, or families, that is usually connected to the shows currently playing at their venue as well as overseeing the Education Department.
Electrician
Maintains a theatre’s electrical systems and often serves as production electrician operating all lights during a show, including traditional and automated lighting, spotlights, special lighting effects, and house lights. They work closely with the Lighting Designer.
Education
Director
Developing and executing programming for community partners, such as students, young professionals, those in prison, or families, that is usually connected to the shows currently playing at their venue as well as overseeing the Education Department.
General
Manager
Also referred to as a GM, is hired to help strategize and plan the details of a production to make sure cost and schedules are kept in line and supports the Producer’s vision. GMs supervise the show’s financial planning; oversee administrative operations, employee management/human resources, and labor relations; and negotiate contracts.
Hair and
Wig Designer
Transforms the ACTORS into their characters through the use of hair and wigs.
House
Manager
Is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the theatre from prepping the house to overseeing the Front of House Staff. House Managers are the liaison between the Company Manager, the production staff, and the theatre owners. They also deal with and serve as the point person for audiences. They are present to ensure the audiences enjoy themselves and leave the theatre safely.
Intimacy
Coordinator
A trained professional who advocates for what is best for a scene and what is best for the actors in the case of an intimate scene (which can be anything from a kiss, a romantic grab, or simulated sex).
Lightboard
Operator
Is responsible for programming and running the light board for a production during technical rehearsals and performances.
Lighting
Designer
Creates the lighting concept and equipment requirements for a production. Lighting Designers work most closely with the Director, Scenic, Costume, and Projection Designers to create a lighting scheme that communicates the feeling of a production and guides the audience’s attention in specific ways throughout a performance.
Make-Up
Artist
Transforms the actors into their characters through the use of make-up, along with hair and styling. Make-Up Artists develop a look and style for each character that helps convey the story.
Marketing
Director
Is in charge of the promotion and representation of the production, public image, and branding of the theatre organization or show.
Music
Director
Is in charge of all music-related aspects of a production.
Production
Manager
Sometimes called the PM, is in charge of everyone who is a part of the production team – costumes, sets, lighting, sound, props, etc.
Projection
Designer
Creates all projections shown on stage, including still photos and filmed footage.
Props Person/
Props Master
Maintains certain aspects of the theatre facility and may also serve as the props person for a specific production. They research, fabricate, and find all necessary props, things that are picked up, used, or set, for a show.
Scenic
Designer
Creates the set design for a production, including backdrops, set pieces, and, in some cases, even the shape of the stage.
Sound
Designer
Designs the audio experience of a production by creating the sound design, including sound playback, sound effects, music, and amplification.
Scenic
Designer
Creates the set design for a production, including backdrops, set pieces, and, in some cases, even the shape of the stage.
Sound Mixer/
Engineer
Develops or sources music and sound effects according to the Sound Designer’s specifications.
Scenic
Operator
Executes all sound during a show, including playback of music, special effects, and pre-recorded sound cues.
Special Effects
Designer
Creates the illusions that help to immerse the audience into the world of the production.
Stage
Crew
Sometimes referred to as stagehands or run crew.
Stage
Manager
Works on a production from the start of rehearsals through the last performance and coordinates schedules and information for the creative team.
Talent
Manager
Is in charge of helping actors, directors, playwrights, and musicians organize and advance their careers.
Technical
Director
Also known as the TD or TP, is the most senior technical position you can have in the theatre.
Video
Designer
Creates and oversees any filmed footage, projections, or motion graphics that are used in a production.
Wardrobe
Crew
Dresses performers, assists with fast changes, keeps track of costumes and accessories, and quickly fixes costume pieces when necessary.