Five Fabulous Career Paths Where Theatre Kids Would Thrive
Michelle Jace
Despite what some might say, it is absolutely okay to keep theatre as your passion past high school without making it your career. Participating in local theatre as a hobby is a wonderful service to your community and yourself. You’ve sewn costumes, painted sets, built props, styled wigs, learned accents, memorized material, controlled the lights, and said: “actors go”. No doubt your involvement in theatre has earned you some skills and strengths, but how can you use them outside of the black box? These career paths are realistic and rewarding options for individuals who excel in the performing arts.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Average Annual Salary: USD $70,000 - $100,000
Education Requirements: Master’s Degree and National Exams
https://www.asha.org/Students/Speech-Language-Pathologists/#careers
Work in education or medical settings to help people find their voice. SLPs specialize in communication and swallowing disorders. Using universal learning techniques, Speech-Language Pathologists assist students/patients in developmentally appropriate modes of communication from verbal speech to picture exchange systems or assistive technology. This is a position many public school districts are short on. Possibilities of employment are everywhere with this career.
Real Estate Agent
Average Annual Salary: USD $42,000
Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent and state exam
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics
This career is flexible and creative without requiring much schooling and income varies depending on sales. For some performers, selling real estate is a side hustle, but it doesn’t have to be. If you aren’t cut out for a “Working 9 to 5” position, love staging and decorating, and see yourself as helpful and persuasive, this might be the job for you!
Teacher
Average Starting Salary: USD $40,000
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree and Graduate Credential Studies
http://www.nea.org/home/2017-2018-average-starting-teacher-salary.html
Salaries and certification requirements greatly vary by state, but some things are true of most teaching positions. While you’ll work your tail off (60+ hour weeks sometimes), you do have regularly scheduled time off that exceeds most other careers. You will get to do a “performance” every day and change the lives of children. Think about earning a credential in a specialty position like Adaptive Physical Education or Orthopedic Impairment.
Electrician
Average Salary: $55,190 USD
Education Requirements: High School Diploma & On The Job Training
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-1
A traditional four-year university setting isn’t right for everyone, and that is okay! There are many hands-on careers that offer on the job training. Electricians can start their apprenticeships right out of high school. This career will always be in demand no matter where you live. Big bucks can be made in this field with some experience and dedication.
Carpenter
Average Salary: $47,000 USD
Education Requirements: High School Diploma & Apprenticeship
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm#tab-1
Did your theatre teacher trust you with the power tools? Careers in carpentry and general construction are always in demand. Job growth is reported to be growing faster than average. Carpenters “construct, repair, and install framework and structures made from wood and other materials.” If you’re good at geometry and enjoyed sketching design concepts and building sets, this career would require your skillset. Much like electrician work, carpenters need a high school diploma and then learn the trade through on the job experience.
Within these career pathways, there are many types of positions and specialties to look into. Knowing how to articulate the “real world” skills you’ve learned from participation in the arts will boost your resume and strength as an applicant. We are so lucky to be part of the theatre community. Once you’re a big fancy professional in your field, be sure to stop by your old high school or local community theater to volunteer your expertise! Break a leg.