Hunter Fullhart
Photography & Social Media Editor
When people think of a career in theatre, they think of the obvious: Broadway actor, director, producer and even TV and cinema actors, but there is so much more that comes with a degree in theatre.
Different careers can be obtained with a degree in theatre are a position at an acting agency, make-up artist, costume designer, stage manager, playwright, lighting and set designer, attorney for actors, casting director, public relations assistant, editor, business manager, model and one of the more important ones, a theatre teacher or professor.
“To receive a degree in theatre, a student needs to attend an accredited institution where a theatre degree is offered,” Professor of Theatre and Speech Bob Peterson said. “The student’s area of interest, performance, directing, design, technical, will determine the classes needed for the degree. I have worked as an actor, director, nightclub emcee [and] an event entertainer. Theatre is important to human culture. It feeds the soul.”
Freshman Chandler Moore, who is on a theatre scholarship, is very active when it comes to the theatre world. He even played Oberon in Butler’s fall production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“I would love to transition to film acting at some point,” Moore said. “As far as stage goes, I want to play Jean Valjean [from “Les Miserables”] at some point in my career. I [also] would love to star in a movie that I wrote, like Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting.
Every college in the state of Kansas offers some form of a theatre degree. Whether it be performance, technical aspects, make-up design or set-design, there’s an option for almost every field readily available.
Many actors who perform on stages eventually find themselves in front of a camera at some point. In the sense of education requirements, to be an actor a person is highly encouraged to have at least a master’s in drama, theatre or performing arts and upon receiving the job. According to smallbusiness.chron.com, as of August 2010, the minimum salary for an actor on Broadway is $1,605 per week. This is the minimum rate regardless of name, experience or celebrity though an actor and his/her agent are free to attempt to negotiate a higher rate if the producer will pay it.
“My advice to [students] would be, first, to get your degree and while in school do everything you can to get experience,” Butler theatre alumni and current Wichita State theatre student Jeremy Buoy said. “Secondly, take any job you can get once you get out into the world. Third, talk with older people who have experience in the business, they are very helpful, listen to them. Finally, get as many connections as you can because they are important in the business.”
There are many options out there for students to pursue a career in theatre. It may not be the highest paying job out there, but it could very well be a one of the more fun and exciting career choices out there.