What Can I Do With A Major In Theatre?

pselects plays or scripts, arranges financing, and decides on the size and content of the production and its budget. They hire directors, principal members of the cast, and key production staff members. They also coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers and other personnel.

Educational Requirements

A bachelorís degree is the required minimum for this field. Formal dramatic training or acting experience is generally necessary. Most people take college courses in theater, arts, drama, and dramatic literature. Training can be obtained at dramatic arts schools and universities throughout the country.

Avg. Maine Salary: $10.15 per/hour

Avg. # Maine Employment 258

Avg. Starting Salary N/A

Annual Openings: 312

Projected Growth: 20%

CHOREOGRAPHER

Creates original dances. They may also create new interpretations to traditional dances like the ballet, "Nutcracker", since few dances are written down. They also instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect and audition performers.

Educational Requirements

Completion of a college program in dance and education is essential to qualify for employment as a college or elementary/high school dance teacher. Colleges, as well as conservatories, generally require graduate degrees, but performance experience often may be substituted. However, a college background is not necessary for teaching dance or choreographing professionally. Studio Schools usually require teachers to have experience as performers.

Avg. Maine Salary: $11.00 per/hour

Avg. # Maine Employment 230

Avg. Starting Salary

Annual Openings: 7

Projected Growth: 21.5%

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RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Dancers	Choreographers
Drama Teachers	Disc Jockeys
Television Announcers	Drama Coaches
Booking Agent for Musicians	Playwriter
Scriptwriter	Stage Manager
Costume Designers	Lighting Designers
Set Designers

SKILLS

Proficiency In Interpersonal Communication
Ability To Interact With People Of Differing Backgrounds And Personalities
Public Speaking
Ability To Maintain Composure Under Pressure And React Spontaneously
Ability To Accept Public Scrutiny And Criticism
Creativity

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SAMPLE JOBS

(taken from past issues of our Career Services Husky Job Board)

Art and Drama Teacher, Grades 6-12
Teach a variety of courses advise a small number of students, work with young people in extracurricular activities and work with colleagues in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Coeducational school serving 540 students from early childhood through grade twelve.
Qualifications: None given.

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RELATED ACTIVITIES

Participation in high school and college plays.
Work with theaters and other acting groups for experience.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

(These resources are located in our Career Resource Centers)

Maine Dept. of Labour and Occupational Outlook Handbook

Choices

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

(For more information see the National Trade and Professional Association
of the United States located in our Career Resource Centers)

Theater Education Association
3368 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45225
513-559-1996

American Alliance for Theater & Education

American Association of Community Theatre

American Dance Guild

American Dinner Theatre Institute

American Society for Theatre Research

American Theatre Critics Association

Association for Theatre in Higher Education

Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers

Black Theatre Network

Council of Jewish Theatres

Dramatists Guild

International Museum Theater Alliance

International Theatre Equipment Association

League of American Theatres and Producers

League of Historic American Theatres

League of Resident Theatres

Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas

National Association for Drama Therapy

National Association of Schools of Theatre

National Association of Theatre Owners

National Costumers Associations

National Federation Interscholastic Speech and Debate Association

National Movement Theatre Association

Organization of Professional Acting Coaches and Teachers

Society of American Fight Directors

Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers

Theatre Education Association

Theatre Library Association

United Scenic Artists

University/Resident Theatre Association

USITT: The American Association of Design and Production Professionals in the Performing Arts

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The information on this page was taken from the following sources: CareerWare 98; Maine Dept.of Labor, 94; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 98; National Trade and Professional Associations Of the United States, 97; College Majors and Careers

Website Last Updated August 8, 1999

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