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Published on Mar 23, 2023
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Theatre and social media might seem like two completely different fields, but in fact they can intersect in many ways. With the growing importance of social media in the entertainment industry, theatre majors who have a passion for technology, marketing and storytelling can find exciting career opportunities in this field.
Theatre majors are often trained in the art of performance and storytelling, but they may not always receive formal training in how to build a personal brand and how to build a social media following. However, as the entertainment industry becomes increasingly reliant on social media, theatre majors must understand how to harness the power of these social platforms to further their careers.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss tips and tricks for theatre majors to grow their social media following and increase their visibility in the industry.
The 21st century has seen a massive shift in how social media has affected modern theatre. The use of podcasts, streaming productions, videos and actors interacting with fans on social media has young audiences captivated by the online theatrical world. So, learning how to build a social media following may just be the crucial piece keeping the art of theatre surviving and thriving.
When you think of your favorite influencer, YouTuber, trendsetter or celebrity who has an extensive following, they each have their own sense of style, energy, adventure, personality and content that are on display for all the world to see. We choose to follow them because we can relate to them in some way or another. With nearly 330 million social network users in the U.S.,1 social media provides an opportunity for your show, performing arts business, theatre performance or content creation to ultimately reach your target audience, build brand awareness and drive sales.
According to Statista, some of the most popular social media platforms in the U.S. for advertising and marketing include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.1 Each platform can help theatre majors build a social media following, utilizing sponsored posts, display ads, influencer marketing and more.
As social media marketing usage in the U.S. continues to steadily increase,1 a theatre performer can leverage the power of social media for professional growth.
Theatre majors often use technology to enhance their performance and production on the stage. However, individuals with a theatre background also have the emotional awareness and adaptability to be appealing and compelling when creating connections online.
If you’re wondering, how can social media help your career? understand that technology has changed the way theatre is consumed. With more and more productions being streamed online, this has opened new opportunities for theatre professionals to reach larger audiences and present their work to a global audience. Whether you’re streaming a show on the stage or trying to break into the influence marketing industry, here are a few tips for theatre majors to learn how to build a social media following:
Increasing your social media following as a theatre major takes time and effort. These tips and tricks can help you build a strong personal brand and connect with a wider audience over time.
Building a personal brand online is an important part of establishing a successful career in theatre or in the influence marketing industry. Those who are drawn to acting, theatre and performance learn to tell stories and to create interactions that connect with an audience. These skills — combined with a passion for drama, performance and entertainment — make theatrical professionals ideal candidates when trying to create an online brand.
Theatre majors have a unique set of skills and perspectives that sets them apart from others in the performing arts and entertainment industries. To pursue a social media career and build a personal brand, helpful traits and characteristics among theatre majors include:
These unique skills make theatre majors valuable contributors when learning how to build a personal brand and open the door to begin a social media career, including as influencers, content creators and developers, social media specialists or digital assistants. Building a social media following does take time and effort. Patience, persistence and continuous evaluation of your strategies are the path to using social media for professional growth.
Theatre and entrepreneurship are two distinct fields that can intersect in various ways. Starting a theatre business can be challenging because the industry is highly competitive and often requires significant investment in talent, production and marketing. Success in the theatre industry requires a combination of creative and business skills, a deep understanding of the target audience, and a willingness to take risks.
Entrepreneurial ventures pursued by theatre majors include running your own theatre company, producing shows, creating online jobs (such as a virtual assistant to YouTubers and influencers) and using your theatre experience to promote products or services.
Entrepreneurs who wish to learn how to build a social media following with a theatre degree background can accomplish this using several strategies:
In fact, 90% of U.S. marketing experts and entrepreneurs plan to increase their influencer cooperation on Instagram in the future.1 Because theatre majors are creators within their own niche, a theatre degree will help you stand out in today’s competitive marketplace.
Adapting to new technologies may not be the first thing you think of when pursuing a theatre degree, but it is a huge part of the industry. Theatre majors use technology tools in various ways to enhance their practice, including lighting and sound design software, video editing software, digital script analysis tools and more.
How can social media help your career? It can help by providing you with a powerful tool to network, showcase your skills and experience, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and news. For theatre professionals who want to blend their talents with social media marketing, there are several technologies that are commonly used for a career in social media, including:
Modern technology has brought many new tools and techniques to the field of theatre, and theatre majors who are proficient in these technologies may also have a significant advantage in the social media industry.
As technology becomes an increasingly important aspect of the theatre industry, theatre majors need to be familiar with its use and integration into their work. Earning a BA degree in theatre and drama from Grand Canyon University (GCU) can help leverage your unique skills and perspectives to find success in this exciting field of social media.
At its core, theatre requires imagination, empathy, social skills, teamwork and a way to express yourself, all of which greatly benefit those looking to branch out into a social media career. Unlock the potential of social media to take your career to the next level — learn how social media can help your career today!
The performing arts degrees offered at GCU help you reach your career goals of merging theatre with a social media presence. To learn more about the degrees offered by GCU, click the “Request Information” button at the top of your screen.
1Dencheva, V. (2023, Jan. 6). Social Media Advertising and Marketing in the United States – Statistics & Facts. Statista. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
Approved by the Dean for the College of Arts and Media on March 14, 2023.
