| 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*
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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* |
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* |
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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: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.
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 in the Centre
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 Cdn. electronic career guide available in the Centre |
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WHO EMPLOYS THEATRE & DRAMA GRADUATES?
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- 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
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- 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
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SKILLS DEVELOPED BY THEATRE & DRAMA MAJORS
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- Creativity
- Presentation skills
- Public Speaking ability
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Attention to detail
- Create powerful images with sight, sound, motion & words (nonverbal communication)
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- 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
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| 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.
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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 |
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ALUMNI PROFILES DATABASE
Alumni Profiles is a searchable online database of personal profiles submitted by graduates from a wide range of degree courses offered at U of T Mississauga. Check out what U of T Mississauga grads have to say about their educational experience and how it has affected their job search, career goals and more...
U of T Mississauga Alumni Profile: Tracy Sloan
Program: Theatre & Drama Studies
Year Of Graduation: 2002
Tracy Sloan is a supply teacher and a professional actor. Tracy says characteristics of a successful teacher are patience, understanding and the ability to remain unbiased. With regard to acting, she lists persistence, confidence, and not being afraid to ask questions. [more]
Examples of other U of T Mississauga Theatre and Drama Studies alumni who work in different professions include:
Terry Costa – Major: Theatre and Drama Studies
President and Artist Manager/Agent for Mirateca Arts Management; Executive Director (Cultural Programming) for the Portuguese Benevolent Society.
Shannon Jardine – Specialist: Peace and Conflict Studies, Major: Theatre and Drama Studies
Actress, writer and producer
Shannon Kitchings – Specialist: Theatre and Drama Studies
Outreach coordinator, coloUred girls’ collective; actor and teacher at Little Red Theatre
Paul Pembleton – Specialist: Theatre and Drama Studies, Minors: History and English
Production Stage Manager, Carousel Playhouse at the Hiawatha Racetrack & Slots.
View these alumni profiles and more at www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/alumni_profiles.html |
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| 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 |
Part-Time 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
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- 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
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Work-Study
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Volunteer Positions
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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
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- 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
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| Internships |
Remember to check with specific organizations of interest to see if internship possibilities exist! |
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| RESOURCES |
| Career Centre Library Resources: |
Web Links: |
- Career Cruising
- Creative Careers in Hollywood
- 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
- and many more…
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Career Centre Panel Packages & Videos
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In addition there are also many community theatre groups to keep in mind!
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| 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 |
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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 out our Events calendar for upcoming career related events.
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 Back to Careers By Major Search Page |
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