Jobs in the Entertainment Industry

Rewarding and engaging careers in the entertainment industry range far beyond acting. Read more about these six different positions in the world of theatre and entertainment that students in the performing arts may be interested in pursuing after graduation.

1. Rigging Specialist

If you have a passion for working in theatre, consider a job behind the scenes as a rigging specialist. Rigging technicians work with various show set-ups, including lights, audio, staging and scenery. Many positions prefer applicants with experience in carpentry, electronics, pyrotechnics or sound engineering. Responsibilities of the job include conducting ongoing maintenance and repairs of systems, which can include flying rigs, silks and harness equipment.

2. Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians also play a role in essential behind-the-scenes functions in the entertainment industry. People in this position hang lights and run/program light boards and other operating equipment, which can include fog systems and pyrotechnics. Jobs as a lighting technician can be found with local theatre companies and other entertainment companies. On a cruise ship, a lighting technician might oversee the light boards for rehearsals, shows and special events.

3. Sound Supervisor

Sound supervisors work with sound designers or technicians and supervise the maintenance, performance and upkeep of audio and projection equipment, in addition to designing sound and technology for shows. Sound supervisors work in a large variety of venues, including theatres, arenas, churches and special event venues; those with an MFA in theatre may be qualified to teach students at the university level as well.

4. Wardrobe Supervisor

Wardrobe supervisors work backstage to run the costume crew. They ensure the actors are dressed appropriately, are on time for their entrances and have clean, stage-ready costumes. Being backstage before and during a performance is a high-energy, often high-stakes job that demands attention to detail, interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. This skillset makes them highly desirable to all ranges of theatre companies and university theatre programs. Wardrobe supervisors typically require experience in costume stitching, construction and maintenance.

5. Props Master

Another dynamic and rewarding career in entertainment can be found in curating props for stage productions. Props masters tend to work for theatre companies and in the theatre departments at educational institutions. They work within a budget to design, acquire and build props. Skills in upholstery, metalwork, furniture construction and electronics are preferred.

6. Box Office Manager

Box office managers tend to work more on the marketing side of the entertainment industry and tend to provide information to visitors and callers while overseeing mailing lists and ticket sales for theatre companies and performing arts centers. They can coordinate advertisements for print and radio, respond to customer concerns, create content on social media and more to promote the activities of an organization and encourage patron satisfaction.

If you wish to pursue an entertainment industry job, consider a program from Grand Canyon University’s College of Fine Arts and Production, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama, or explore our other performing arts programs.