Theatre professions

Director Job Description: A Theatrical Production Director visually interprets the script; guiding the actors in vocal and physical direction and blocking the movement on stage. They coordinate all of the creative aspects of the production and prepare the show for opening. Median Salary: Up to $200,000+ per production. Locations: All over the globe and in any language. Types of jobs: Education, Community, Regional, Broadway, Restaurants, Outdoor shows, Disneyland, and others

Skills and Training Creative vision for “Big Picture” Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree preferred, not but required Knowledge of theatre and space Ability to coordinate with others Detail-oriented Experience as an actor and technician is very helpful

Technical Director Job Description: Oversees all of the technical aspects of a play. He coordinates the technical designers, manages the budgets and oversees the quality and timeline of the technical work. Median Salary: Up to $100,000 per production. Skills and Training: Experience and knowledge in construction, lighting, sound, and metals. College degree not required, but preferred. Must be really good at math, engineering and budgeting. Most technical directors start in theatre in a specific area (like set construction) and learn all of the trades to move up in position.

Stage Manager Job Description: Act’s as the director’s representative. Handles all scheduling, runs rehearsals, updates scripts, and stays on book for lines and blocking. During the run of the show, the stage manager calls all cues and is in charge of the show. Median Salary: $250 - $2500 per week Skills and Training: College degree is useful and a must for professional theatre. Practical training – usually as an assistant stage manager first. Knowledge of all aspects of theatre, personable and detail oriented.

Actor Job Description: Performing in theatrical productions. Median Salary - $0 – millions Skills and Training: EXPERIENCE. College degree is required for professional theatre. Must be able to memorize lines. Must be responsible and attend rehearsals, be in good physical health, and easy to work with for directors. Most actors also get specialized training in stage combat, fencing, dialects, singing, and dancing. Types of jobs: Educational, community, churches, regional, Broadway, summer stock, touring companies, cruise lines, Disneyland, etc. It is generally not a regular 9 to 5 job.

Set designer Job Description: Creating the set design for theatrical productions. Median Salary: $3,300 per production Skills and Training: Degree is required in professional theatre. Other places just need a creative vision, ability to draw or computer design skills, and knowledge of staging, color, and materials. Must be flexible and work well with others.

Lighting Designer Job Description: Visualizing the lighting for a theatrical production. Determining necessary equipment, charting light boards and mapping out placement. Median Salary: $46,000 per year Skills and Training: Knowledge of theatre, lighting effects, use of color, use of lighting for mood, creativity, electrical knowledge, ability to be flexible and work under pressure.

Sound Designer Job Description: Designs music and sound effects needed for a production. Determines sound mix, levels, and blending. Determines equipment needed for actors and sound crew. Median Salary: $45,000 Skills and Training: Understanding of acoustics, knowledge of electronics, use of sound for effect, sound mixing and balancing skills a must. Needs to work well under pressure and be flexible with hours needed for a production.

Costume Designer Job Description: Developing and creating costume designs for clothing worn in theatrical productions. Median Salary: $64,000 yearly income Skills and Training: College degree preferred, but not required. Knowledge of fashion, colors, fabrics, and fashion history. Drawing skills, creativity, and sewing skills are a must.

Make up Designer Job Description: Creating the design of the actor’s appearance through the use of make up. Median Salary: $12,000 - $65,000 a year Skills and Training: Drawing skills for design is a must. Cosmetology skills needed. Knowledge of lighting, staging and costume design. Knowledge of materials and how they affect the actor.

Property Master Job Description: Locating and creating the necessary props for a theatrical production. Keeping props ready and in place for actors on stage. Reset props daily. Median Salary: $250 - $950 per week Skills and Training: Creativity, crafting ability, handiness with tools, good organizational skills.

Critic Job Description: View theatrical productions and write reviews for publication. Median Salary: $11,000 - $1 million Skills and Training: Bachelor’s degree in journalism required. Excellent writing skills, objectivity, and interest and knowledge in theatre and performing arts. Knowledge of acting and technical theatre is helpful.

Playwright Job Description: Writing scripts for theatrical production. Median Salary: $65,000 yearly Skills and Training: Excellent writing skills. Knowledge of theatre is helpful.

Choreographer Job Description: Developing dances, routines and movements for a theatrical production. Auditions and teaches dance routines to performers. Median Salary: $35,000 yearly Skills and Training: Extensive training in dance. Ability to teach, technical dance expertise, vision and creativity.