Theatre Major

• What is Theatre?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Theatre?
• What Courses Do Theatre Majors Take?
• List of Theatre Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Theatre Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Theatre?

The study of theater offers a valuable insight into the human condition. The practice of theater affords a unique opportunity to embody and express social reality. The experience of theater allows for the possibility of public reflection on community and identity. This major considers the art of theater in all its aspects. Its history and its writers, actors and directors influence are also studied. Students in the program gain expertise in all the fundamental areas of theatrical art to bring into focus imaginative expression in performance and design, rigorous critical thinking, and precise methods of research. In addition to class work, students also participate in undergraduate formal productions and informal productions, serving at various times as actors, designers, directors and dramaturges.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Theatre may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Acting and Directing	Drama and Dance Teacher Education
Drama Arts	Drama History and Criticism
Make-up Artist	Playwriting and Screenwriting
Theater Arts	Theater Arts and Stagecraft

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What Kinds of Students Major in Theatre?

Theater is an art. The theater students have a love for drama, acting, and the production of theater in general. Not all majors need to be drawn toward acting, however. There are many other aspects of theater in which to specialize: lighting, staging, writing, for instance. Here, they will learn of every aspect about the theater industry as well as specific aspects of it such as what goes on behind the scenes, how actors become proficient in their craft, and in general how everything works together in a quality theatrical production.

Is Theatre the right major for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it is one of your top recommended majors!

What Courses Do Theatre Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Theatre majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Acting	Dance
History of the Theater	Oral Interpretation
Physical Expression: Voice and Movement	Stagecraft
Survey of Dramatic Literature	Survey of Film History

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List of Potential Jobs in Theatre

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Actor/Actress	Make-up Artist
Producer	Scene Designer
Screenwriter	Stage Manager

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What is the Median Salary Range for Theatre Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$35,600

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$56,600

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Theatre

MyMajors complete list has 998 schools in the USA with a major in Theatre.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.