While no degree program can guarantee a specific career outcome, earning a performing arts degree can open up potential opportunities in fields like acting, dance and music. It’s also possible to pursue a career behind the scenes, such as production design specialist or technician.
Performing arts majors aren’t necessarily limited to pursuing entertainment-related careers. Throughout your studies, you will be taught transferable soft skills that may serve you well in a variety of workplaces. These soft skills include communication, teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking. Take a look at some of the careers in performing arts you might pursue.
Actor
Many performing arts degree graduates decide to pursue roles in theatre or film. Actors study how to communicate through language and movement. They use scripts and work with the support of a director and other actors to make a story come alive.
Some actors may work solely with their voice doing radio, voice-over or podcasts. Others may use their skills in a wide range of work, from live events, corporate speaking and presentations, training and leadership positions.
Dancer
Performing artists who specialize in dance use their bodies to tell stories and express emotions. They work with choreographers to dance in front of audiences or on TV and in film. Some dancers work in specialized dance forms like ballet or ballroom, while others can be more versatile.
Dancers may search for employment in a variety of settings. Many of them work for performing arts companies or educational institutions, while others work in the recreation industry. Because dancing is a physically challenging line of work, it’s not uncommon for dancers to transition to another career by their late 30s, such as choreography, dance instruction or production directing.1
Musician
Musically inclined individuals may decide to pursue work in Hollywood or on Broadway. For example, they may want to deliver live performances in theatrical productions, or they might write and play scores for television shows and movies.
Musicians may work in many different settings and use their talents to help the audience understand and feel the stories they are watching. Music students can focus their degree on vocal or piano performance or on the worship arts. They may play professionally in ministry settings, or they might decide to pursue a career as a private music teacher.2
Art/Music Therapist
Some performing arts graduates go on to obtain the necessary credentials that can help prepare them to become music or art therapists. Music, drama and movement therapists work with people of all ages to help them use art to express and process their emotions and experiences.
The arts can help someone who is grieving or in pain by giving them an outlet for their thoughts and feelings when they might be struggling to express themselves with language. Art therapy has been scientifically proven to benefit the mental health of patients when used as an adjunct treatment.3
This career path can be a good option for performing arts students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree and diving into the fundamentals of psychology and human behavior.
Stage Manager
Performing arts majors are taught foundational knowledge in a variety of performance environments, allowing them to work in a range of settings where organization, leadership and technical skills are needed. Working as a stage manager can provide performing arts graduates with the opportunity to work with everything from lighting and sound to managing rehearsals and live production.
Live Production Design and Technology Specialist
Students who specialize in theatre production are taught the latest design and technical production techniques. Live production design and technology in sets, lighting, sound, properties and hair and makeup are some of the areas where graduates may seek work in the theatre, film, sports, broadcast and live event industries.
