Jobs in Theater

Actors
Written By Cecilia Kurachi

In the world of theater, there are many jobs to choose from (more than the industry lets on).

Most of us tend to associate theatrical professions with acting and directing, but outside of these notable and oftentimes glamorized roles, lies a plethora of other jobs that contribute significantly to theatrical experiences, everywhere. Let’s talk about some of them.

Looking for Work in the Theatre Industry

When we think of theater, we might not necessarily think about all of the intricacies and jobs that go on behind the scenes. This is OKAY. It’s part of the magic of theater. However, if you’re looking for work in the theatre industry, please know that it DOES exist… and it exists in abundance.  

Pre-production jobs: playwrights, producers & casting

Before any type of play, musical or theatrical experience can come to life, there are people who specialize in developing an idea and constructing the mechanisms that will bring it to life. For example, a Playwright is in charge of writing the script. Without a script, you have no show.

After a script is written, there’s usually someone tasked with all of the administrative planning pertaining to the execution of the production itself. This person is usually the Producer and their job spans different theatrical departments, as they are mainly responsible for securing funding and getting a production up on its feet. From budgetary arrangements, production funding and creative decisions to overseeing selected talent, creative teams and individual hires, producers tend to have the final say in most (if not all) aspects of a creative project or theatrical production. To put it simply, they are the reason a show happens in the first place… so… make sure to be extra nice to your producers!  While their job typically starts in the pre-production phase, their role spans well into the production and post-production stage of theater making.

Casting and the audition process

After a play is developed and pre-production has begun, an ensemble of actors needs to be cast. This is usually when Casting Directors, Talent Agents and Managers come into play. These positions typically work in tandem, and specialize in finding the right actor for each role. As a Casting Director or Talent Representative (“Rep”), you’ll find yourself working from a computer, submitting actors to various projects, writing and releasing casting notices, watching auditions and negotiating contracts.

Examples of pre-production jobs in theater include:

  • Producers (Line Producer, Executive Producer, Supervising Producer, Associate/Assistant Producer, etc.)

  • Playwright

  • Lyricist

  • Composer

  • Casting Directors, Associates or Assistants

  • Talent Agent

  • Literary Agent

  • Talent Manager

Theater Locale Jobs

Regional theaters, producing houses or theatrical venues are known for their varying departments that essentially, help to run and promote the venue itself and the shows they produce.

Let’s talk about some of their most popular departments and the types of theater jobs you can find in them:

Artistic: executive directors, associates & in-house producers

Artistic divisions offer positions like Executive Artistic Directors and In-House Producers who typically oversee the artistic decisions of an entire organization. This includes selecting a theatrical season or in other words, the shows that will be produced that fiscal year.

Associates or Coordinators in this department help to assist creatively, and are usually tasked with reading scripts, attending auditions, contacting actors, attending rehearsals, organizing databases and things of the sort. If you enjoy helping curate artistic projects and love blending administrative and creative spaces, this is probably the niche for you.

Management: company management & house management

In theater, company management refers to the oversight of a theatrical ensemble. Company Managers and anyone working in this department is responsible for communicating and overseeing the selected cast or ensemble of actors. This is important, especially at theaters where actors become residents during their contractual period. Company Managers become their go-to person for questions or concerns relating to transportation, housing, itineraries, rehearsal room changes, and other things.

If you happen to enjoy customer service, you might also find yourself well-suited for jobs in house management. House Managers are front-facing positions, tasked with welcoming patrons and helping them have the best experience at their venue or performing “house.”

Examples of management jobs in theater include:

  • Company Manager

  • Company Associate

  • House Manager

  • Front of House Staff

    • Usher

    • Floor Staff

    • Bartender

    • Box Office positions

    • Ticketing & Sales Reps

Education

Oftentimes, a regional theater will offer education services of some sort. Theater jobs pertaining to this department are essential in engaging with student actors and connecting with a given community. Education departments usually host a variety of classes and workshops throughout the academic school year and will oftentimes partner with public schools to bring arts education into the classroom.

Examples of education jobs in theater include:

  • Director of Education

  • Education Program Manager

  • Education Coordinators, Associates and Assistants

  • Teaching Artist

  • Facilitator

Marketing

Marketing jobs are essential when it comes to the promotional engagement of any show and the community you’re trying to connect with.

Examples of marketing jobs in theater include:

  • Director of Marketing

  • Marketing Associates, Coordinators and Assistants

  • Social Media Strategist

  • Content Creator

  • Blog Writer

  • Production Photographer

  • Theater Critic

  • Journalist

Production

The most notable professions in theater relate to production jobs. These are the ones we hear about most often, probably because they seem to be the most “obvious” or the ones we see reflected in the performances we physically watch.

The following list details professional niches in theater production:

  • Directing

  • Acting

  • Stage Management

  • Dramaturgy

  • Costume

  • Lighting

  • Props

  • Scenic Artistry

  • Sound

  • Wig, Hair and Make-Up

Examples of production jobs in theater include:

  • Production Manager

  • Designers

  • Board Operators

  • Technician

  • Electrician

  • Carpenter

  • Stage Crew

  • Directors

  • Actors

    • Ensemble

    • Swing

    • Understudy

    • Circus Performer

    • Voice-Over Artist

  • Stage Manager

  • Assistant Stage Manager

  • Production Assistants

  • Choreographer

  • Musical Director

  • Musicians

  • Fight Director

  • Flyperson

  • Puppet Maker

  • Make-Up Artist

Finance

One of the highest operational roles in any theater is the Managing Director, charged with upholding the financial status of a given venue.

Additionally, regional theaters or venues include development departments. This department oversees financial profits and the economic growth of a particular venue as it pertains to grants, donations and proposals that help to further fund a given theater.

Examples of finance jobs in theater include:

  • Managing Director

  • General Director

  • Director of Finance

  • Payroll and Benefits positions

  • HR Manager

  • Accountant

  • Director of Development

  • Grants Writer

  • Grants Manager

  • Membership and Funds Coordinator

Theater Jobs Near Me

If you’re looking for jobs in the theatre industry, take some time to find the right niche for you. It’s important to understand what part of theater interests you the most – and from there, you can narrow it down and begin searching for jobs that suit you best!

Take some time to familiarize yourself with local theaters in your community and network with professionals in your area. Sometimes all it takes is a quick search to find the right fit.

Cecilia Kurachi
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