Careers by Major - Theatre & Drama

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Careers for graduates

There are many different career options available for Theatre & Drama graduates. Below is a sample of types of positions that graduates have gone on to.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

Production & Performance

  • Actor*
  • Announcer*
  • Artistic Director*
  • Director*
  • Stage Manager
  • Technical Director
  • Set Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Hairstylist*
  • Makeup Artist*
  • Magician*
  • Lighting Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Property Designer
  • Carpenter/Scenic Artist
  • Special Effects Artist
  • Rigger
  • Electrician
  • Broadcast Technician
  • Musician*
  • Casting Director*
  • Editor*
  • Film Editor*
  • Art Critic
  • Producer
  • Technical Writer
  • Playwright
  • Production Assistant
  • Camera Operator*
  • Film/TV Crew
  • Dancer*
  • Journalist
  • Interviewer
  • TV/Radio Reporter
  • TV/Radio Host or Personality
  • Extra
  • Voice Over Artist
  • Announcer
  • Circus Performer
  • Comedian
  • Stunt person
  • Lighting Technician*
  • Model*

Health & Education

  • Elementary School Teacher*
  • High School Teacher*
  • Professor*
  • University Professor
  • Drama Instructor
  • Drama/Speech Coach
  • Vocal Coach
  • Singing Teacher
  • Counsellor
  • Drama Therapist*
  • Movement Instructor
  • Dance Teacher
  • Personal Trainer
  • Nutritionist
  • Community Worker*
  • Religious Worker*
  • Personal Trainer*
  • Massage Therapist*
  • Fitness Instructor*
  • Early Childhood Education*
  • Corporate Trainer*
  • Educational Assistant*
  • Librarian*
  • Motivational Speaker*
  • Music Teacher*

Business & Arts Administration

  • Advertising
  • Administrative Assistant*
  • Agent*
  • Arts Administrator*
  • Association Manager*
  • Business Manager
  • Box Office Manager
  • Casting Director
  • Communications Specialist*
  • Executive Director
  • Event Planner*
  • Fine Arts Manager
  • Fundraiser*
  • House Manager
  • Human Resources Specialist*
  • Lawyer*
  • Managing Director
  • Media Relations
  • Development Director
  • Marketing Director
  • Personal Manager
  • Performing Arts Publicist
  • Press Director
  • Producer
  • Project Manager*
  • Producing Director
  • Production Assistant
  • Publicist
  • Public Relations Director
  • Recreation Director*
  • Talent Manager
  • Theatrical Press Agent
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Historian*

Be an entrepreneur!

Many independent artists employ themselves, and enjoy working in multiple disciplines this way. There are many government programs and grants that support young entrepreneurs. To gain experience in being your own boss and working with others to create your own work, consider forming a Theatre Company or a Summer Camp!

Note: Career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Canadian electronic career guide available through your Career Centre account.

Who employs theatre & drama graduates?

  • Agencies
  • Theatre Companies
  • Television and Radio Studios
  • Schools, Universities and Colleges
  • Community Centres
  • Non Profit Organizations
  • Airlines, Airports, Cruiseship Lines
  • Travel Agencies and Tour Companies
  • Communications and Broadcasting Companies
  • Television/Radio stations
  • Private Sector/Large Corporations
  • Cultural Organizations
  • Public Relations/Communications Firms
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Self-Employment/Freelance
  • Theme parks

Skills developed by theatre & drama majors

  • Creativity
  • Presentation skills
  • Public Speaking ability
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Interpersonal
  • Attention to detail
  • Create powerful images with sight, sound, motion & words (nonverbal communication)
  • Decision making
  • Demonstrate creativity and artistic expression
  • Work with deadlines
  • Work independently
  • Work in teams/small groups
  • Active listening and questioning
  • Analytical skills
  • Business management skills
  • Time management

Sample job listings for graduating students/recent graduates

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates. To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation. Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

  • Cultural Outreach Officer, City of Toronto
  • Administrative Assistant, National Film Board of Canada
  • Programme Coordinator, Scarborough Arts Council
  • Programme Administration Assistant, Toronto International Film Festival
  • Vice-President Campus Life, Students' Administrative Council
  • Production Artist, Entertainment One
  • Manager, Library & Archives, Royal Ontario Museum
  • Marketing Coordinator Community School, Royal Conservatory of Music
  • Musician, Synaptop/Inventmode
  • Music Teacher, Merriam Music

Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!

Check out our Alumni Profiles page, to read profiles of UTM alumni who have studied in this area, find out about their career path and how their experiences have affected their career direction.

How to get experience

If you are interested in working in the theatre community, in any capacity, the best way to get experience is by putting your foot in the door and making your face known. Meet industry professionals and begin the process of networking by going to a wide variety of productions and theatre events. Volunteer as a Front of House Usher at one of Toronto’s many theatres, or apply for an internship position. Even if you have no intention of pursuing an administrative career in theatre, by working in the environment you will learn about what it is like to truly pursue a career in this field. Once you have made a name for yourself as a hardworking and dedicated individual, your reputation as a young artist will begin to spread throughout the theatre community and you will make contacts which will help foster the development of your career.

Begin gaining experience while pursuing your studies at U of T Mississauga! There are many artistic avenues for you to become involved in on campus such as the Annual Spring Arts Festival where you can help organize and plan this event or participate as a performer. You can also become a member of the U of T Mississauga Drama Club and meet people whose interests are similar to yours. Work on preparing a show for the Hart House Drama Festival again, either by auditioning to be a part of the cast, by working on technical elements of the production, or by writing your own script to be entered. If you cannot find a club on campus that will give you the experience and skills you wish to develop, take a shot at being an entrepreneur and approach SAC about starting your own student club!

Expand your contacts by volunteering at the many cultural resources around campus as well. The Living Arts Centre is a valuable resource where you can volunteer to gain experience in a variety or arts related areas. Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want. Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Summer Positions

  • Hosting Representative, CN Tower
  • Membership Sales Representative, Royal Ontario Museum
  • Sales and Promotions Representative, RTM Communication
  • Human Resources Innovation Assistant, Ontario Ministry of Labour
  • Camp Facilitator, Habourfront Community Centre
  • Drama Workshop Instructor, City of Mississauga

Part-Time Positions

  • Customer Service Representative, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
  • Public Affairs Communications Assistant, Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc.
  • Museum/Facility Attendant, Textile Museum of Canada
  • School Bookings Coordinator, Toronto International Film Festival Group
  • Group Sales Associate, Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts
  • Marketing Representative, CIUT 89.5 FM
  • Front of House Usher, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
  • Children’s Entertainer, Disney Princess/ Superheroes, Fantasy Fables
  • Puppet Theatre Performer, Klim School of Art
  • Extra/Film, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
  • Production Manager, Solar Stage Children’s Theatre
  • Music & Movement Teacher, 88 Keys
  • Music Director, U of T Mississauga Vibe Radio
  • Part-Time Drama Teacher, The Linden School
  • Part-Time Elementary Music Teacher, The Linden School

Work-Study - previous postings have included

  • Wardrobe Assistant, UTM Historical Studies
  • Technical Assistant, UTM Historical Studies
  • Theatre Box Office Assistant, UTM Department of English and Drama
  • Theatre Archivist, UTM Department of English and Drama
  • Theatre Production Assistant, U of T Graduate Centre for the Study of Drama
  • Comedy & Performance, UTM Department of French, German, and Italian
  • Curatorial Assistant, UTM Blackwood Gallery
  • Canadian Literature Research Assistant, UTM Department of English and Drama
  • Event Programmer, UTM Student Centre
  • Student Ambassador, UTM Office of the Registrar
  • GLBTQ Outreach Coordinator, UTM Student Affairs

Volunteer Positions

  • Creative Drama Assistant, Dramaway
  • Drama Coach, Square One Youth Centre
  • Box Office Volunteer, Summerworks Theatre Festival
  • Front of House Volunteers, CanStage
  • Docents (Tour Guides), Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Gallery Assistant, UTM Blackwood Gallery
  • Front of House, The Toronto Fringe Festival
  • Promotions Team, Now Magazine
  • Musicians, Toronto Grace Health Centre

Internships

Remember to check with specific organizations of interest to see if internship possibilities exist!

Professional associations

Each industry has affiliated associations. There are many benefits of becoming a member of an association, such as stating your affiliation on your resume. In addition to your experiences and the completion of your university degree, a student membership in an association is one ay to get an edge in the job market. It also furthers your knowledge of a particular field.

Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists
"ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the union of more than 22,000 professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada including TV, film, radio and digital media. We are actors, recording artists, comedians, announcers, stunt co-ordinators & performers, dancers, narrators, voice performers, hosts, choreographers, models, singers, background performers, puppeteers and more. ACTRA’s principal role is to negotiate, administer and enforce collective agreements to provide performers with equitable compensation as well as safe and reasonable working conditions."

Associated Designers of Canada (ADC)
“Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) is a national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to promoting, pursuing and protecting the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers working within the performing arts in Canada.”

Association of Community Theatres – Central Ontario
“The Association of Community Theatres - Central Ontario (ACT-CO) is a regional not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting community theatre in Central Ontario. The organization boundaries stretch from Lake Ontario (south) to Muskoka (north) and from Georgetown (west) to Bowmanville (east). ACT-CO has been part of the theatrical community since 1932, encouraging development and appreciation of the performing arts.”

Association of Summer Theatres ‘Round Ontario
“The ASSOCIATION OF SUMMER THEATRES 'ROUND ONTARIO (ASTRO), founded in 1985, is a network of professional theatres committed to the support, growth, and cultivation of summer theatre in Ontario. By fostering partnerships, developing collaborative marketing strategies, sharing information and networking with a creative, co-operative spirit, ASTRO provides vital artistic and economic opportunities for all of its participants.”

Canadian Actor’s Equity Association
"Canadian Actors' Equity Association represents professional artists including performers (actors, singers, dancers), directors, choreographers, fight directors and stage managers, engaged in theatre, opera and dance in English Canada. Recognizing that the arts are vital to life and that artists make an invaluable contribution to our society, Equity supports the creative efforts of its members by seeking to improve their working conditions and opportunities."

Canadian Association for Theatre Research
“The Canadian Association for Theatre Research is a non-profit organization founded in 1976 to support and encourage research in theatre and performance studies in Canada, with a special interest in Canadian work. Our membership includes scholars, students, and theatre professionals from around the world who are leading developments in our field.”

Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology
“CITT is a national arts service organisation that actively promotes the professional development of its members and works for the betterment of the Canadian live performance community. CITT connects the Canadian Live Performance Community and serves: Technicians and Craftspeople, Managers, Designers, Educators and Students, Theatre Consultants and Architects, and Suppliers and Manufacturers. CITT provides unique opportunities to its members to communicate, network and expand their knowledge and skills through workshops, conferences, electronic forums, and publications in the areas of technology, management, design, architecture and education for live performance in Canada.”

Council of Drama and Dance in Education
"CODE was born in 1970 under the leadership of a small group of educators who believed that Ontario drama teachers needed an autonomous organization to address their needs. From an initial conference at Queen's University to today's province-wide services, CODE has evolved into a registered Drama and Dance, not-for-profit charitable agency affiliated with many drama organizations, notably Theatre Ontario, Theatre Canada, IDEA (International Drama in Education Association), AECO (Arts Education Council of Ontario) and others. Our members are mainly teachers, but we also welcome freelance artists, Faculty of Education students, corporate sponsors, suppliers and all others who share our interests."

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres
“PACT is a member-driven organization that serves as the collective voice of professional Canadian theatres. For the betterment of Canadian theatre, PACT provides leadership, national representation and a variety of programs and practical assistance to member companies, enabling members to do their own creative work.”

Theatre Ontario
“Theatre Ontario is a charitable, not-for-profit association of professional, community, and educational theatre organizations and artists with a variety of Programs and Services and Resources available for you. Theatre Ontario develops and supports theatre practitioners across the province, by providing resources, networking, training and advocacy.”

Resources

Career Centre Library Resources

  • Career Cruising
  • Creative Careers in Hollywood
  • Careers for Film Buffs & Other Hollywood Types
  • Careers for Culture Lovers & other Artsy types
  • Great Jobs for Theatre Majors
  • Careers for the Stagestruck and other Dramatic Types
  • Opportunities in Television and Video Careers
  • Directory of Community Theatres in Ontario
  • and many more…

Web Links

Career Centre Panel Packages & Videos

In addition there are also many community theatre groups to keep in mind!

The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check our Events Calendar regularly for upcoming career related events (we offer several networking events and panels throughout the year). Watch for our Get Experience Fair (held annually in September), the Graduate and Professional School Fair (held annually in late September or early October), and the Summer Job Fair (held annually in January).