Actor Job Description
Video By: Candidcareer.com
Theater Major Careers
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Information/Strategies |
Performing
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Directing
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Behind the Scenes
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Writing
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Business
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Education
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General Information and Strategies
- Complete an internship or an apprenticeship with a local theater. Participate in summer stock. Gain as much experience as possible.
- Network: Talk with people working in the field to find out about jobs and opportunities. Join professional groups to make contacts.
- Read newspapers and periodicals related to the theater to keep up with new developments. Read the “trades”—magazines and newspapers that report events in the entertainment industry. Read the “Theater” section of daily newspapers to find out about upcoming productions.
- Join a relevant union or guild to be eligible for work assignments.
- Get your foot in the door and get involved with productions any way you can. Be prepared to do various tasks assigned by stage managers or producers.
- Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts.
- Be aware of scams. Check out the legitimacy of agencies and companies before paying any fees.
- Be prepared to move to a metropolitan area where more opportunities exist.
- A career in the arts takes patience, dedication, and luck!
- Have a back-up plan. Be aware that actors and directors may face frequent and long periods of unemployment. Develop skills that qualify you for other jobs while you wait for opportunities. Consider pairing theater with another career interest or major to open up more career possibilities.
- Theater helps students develop verbal and written communication, public speaking, and teamwork skills. These transferable skills are valued by many types of employers. In particular, positions in sales, marketing, management, and public relations may be open to students with theater degrees.
- There are many ways to be involved in theater arts while working in another career field if you choose not to pursue theater as your way to make a living.
Links:
- Professional Associations
- Miscellaneous Career Information
- Job Postings
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