Department of Theatre Arts

What is Theatre Arts?

Theatre Arts is your gateway to transformative growth through the art of live performance, where storytelling shapes your identity as an artist and professional while building collaborative skills that serve you across any career path. Our department empowers you to learn by doing, as live performance demands deep knowledge, professional work ethic and creative problem-solving abilities that translate into success far beyond the stage. 

Through our unique African American Theatre Program — the first and only accredited graduate program of its kind in the nation — you'll explore the rich cultural heritage that makes theatre essential to our society while contributing to cutting-edge performances in our intimate learning environment with classes no larger than 25 students. From our main stage productions to the student-led Studio Theater Company, you'll build the portfolio and professional network that launches careers like our alumni who've worked on major productions from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Mandalorian and tours with artists like Beyoncé. 

Here, your passion for storytelling transforms into the collaborative skills, creative confidence and professional excellence that drives success in entertainment, education, business and any field requiring effective communication and innovative thinking.

Career Prospects

Where Creative Expression Becomes Your Gateway to Transformative Impact

Transform your passion for storytelling and performance into a career that shapes culture, inspires communities and creates meaningful connections across every industry. Theatre Arts graduates don't just entertain — they become the creative visionaries, strategic communicators and innovative leaders who bring stories to life and move audiences to action. With 87% employment rates, $112,000 salaries in tech and explosive 21.5% growth in streaming markets, your theatre training becomes your foundation for both artistic fulfillment and exceptional professional success.

Performance and Entertainment

Salary Range: $35,000-$150,000 
Bring stories to life through the timeless art of live performance and digital entertainment. Your training in character development, voice and movement positions you perfectly for careers that touch hearts and change minds.

Career Opportunities:

• Stage Actor performing in regional theaters and Broadway productions
• Film and Television Actor building characters for screen
• Voice Actor bringing animated characters and commercials to life
• Musical Theatre Performer combining acting, singing and dance
• Touring Company Artist sharing performances with communities nationwide
• Theme Park Performer creating magical experiences for audiences
• Corporate Entertainment Specialist engaging audiences at events

Direction and Production

Salary Range: $50,000-$200,000 
Shape artistic vision and guide creative teams to bring powerful stories to life across multiple platforms. Your leadership skills and creative problem-solving become essential for project success.

Career Opportunities:

• Theatre Director guiding artistic vision for stage productions
• Film and Television Director creating compelling visual narratives
• Casting Director discovering and developing new talent
• Producer managing creative projects from conception to completion
• Assistant Director supporting major productions and developing skills
• Content Creator developing original programming for streaming platforms
• Creative Director leading artistic teams in multimedia companies

Design and Technical Production

Salary Range: $40,000-$120,000 
Create the visual and technical magic that transforms empty spaces into immersive worlds. Your artistic vision and technical expertise become crucial for every production.

Career Opportunities:

• Scenic Designer creating stunning stage environments
• Costume Designer developing character through clothing and accessories
• Lighting Designer crafting mood and atmosphere through illumination
• Sound Designer creating auditory landscapes and effects
• Technical Director managing all technical aspects of productions
• Production Manager coordinating complex creative projects
• Set Construction Supervisor building theatrical worlds

Arts Administration and Management

Salary Range: $45,000-$130,000 
Lead creative organizations and ensure artists have the resources to create transformative work. Your understanding of both art and business becomes vital for sustainable arts programming.

Career Opportunities:

• Theatre General Manager overseeing all operational aspects
• Arts Development Director securing funding for creative programming
• Marketing Director promoting performances and building audiences
• Programming Coordinator curating seasons of meaningful work
• Box Office Manager connecting audiences with performances
• Event Coordinator creating memorable experiences around productions
• Cultural Center Director managing community arts facilities

Education and Community Engagement

Salary Range: $40,000-$95,000 
Inspire the next generation of artists and engaged citizens through transformative educational experiences. Your performance skills become essential for effective teaching and mentorship.

Career Opportunities:

• Theatre Teacher nurturing creativity in K-12 students
• University Professor training future theatre professionals
• Community Theatre Director building local arts programming
• Teaching Artist bringing creative learning to schools and communities
• Drama Therapist using theatre for healing and personal growth
• Youth Program Coordinator developing after-school arts programming
• Arts Integration Specialist helping teachers use creativity in all subjects

Corporate Communications and Training

Salary Range: $55,000-$140,000 
Apply your presentation skills and emotional intelligence to help organizations communicate effectively and develop their people. Your theatre training becomes invaluable for business success.

Career Opportunities:

• Corporate Trainer using performance techniques for employee development
• Public Relations Specialist crafting compelling organizational narratives
• Communications Manager building authentic connections with stakeholders
• Executive Coach helping leaders develop presence and confidence
• Event Planning Manager creating memorable corporate experiences
• Brand Storyteller developing authentic company narratives
• Presentation Consultant helping professionals communicate with impact

Media and Digital Content

Salary Range: $45,000-$150,000 
Pioneer the future of storytelling through emerging digital platforms and interactive media. Your creative skills become essential for engaging modern audiences.

Career Opportunities:

• Content Creator developing original programming for streaming services
• Social Media Manager building authentic online communities
• Podcast Producer creating compelling audio storytelling experiences
• Video Game Narrative Designer crafting interactive stories
• Digital Marketing Specialist using storytelling for brand engagement
• YouTube Creator building audiences through authentic content
• Virtual Reality Experience Designer creating immersive narrative worlds

Entrepreneurship and Creative Business

Salary Range: $30,000-$300,000+ 
Build your own creative enterprise and bring innovative artistic visions to life. Your entrepreneurial spirit combined with artistic training creates unlimited potential for impact.

Career Opportunities:

• Theatre Company Founder creating new models for live performance
• Creative Agency Owner developing artistic solutions for clients
• Entertainment Startup Entrepreneur launching innovative platforms
• Arts Consultant helping organizations integrate creativity
• Freelance Creative Professional building a portfolio career
• Creative Workshop Facilitator teaching skills to audiences
• Entertainment Technology Developer creating tools for artists

Your Journey to Creative Leadership Awaits

Every path in Theatre Arts connects your passion for storytelling with the power to inspire, educate and transform communities. Whether you're drawn to the $200,000 potential in film direction, the meaningful impact of educational theatre or the emerging opportunities in digital content creation that leverage the 21.5% streaming market growth, your degree provides the creative foundation for careers that matter deeply. With 87% employment rates, opportunities across industries and increasing demand for professionals who can communicate authentically and think creatively, your investment in Theatre Arts becomes your gateway to both artistic fulfillment and professional success that grows with every story you tell and every audience you move.