Career Possibilities

The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.

ACQUIRED SKILLS

  • Dealing creatively with colors and shapes
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of entertainment design and production
  • Works will under pressure and meets deadlines
  • Ability to respond quickly to unexpected circumstances
  • Ability to create entertaining and persuasive messages

CAREER TITLES

  • Carpenter and Scenic Artist
  • Costume Designer
  • Educator
  • Event Planner
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Fine Arts Manager
  • Lighting Designer
  • Lighting Technician
  • Production Assistant
  • Professor
  • Property Designer
  • Props Designer
  • Rigger
  • Scenery Painter
  • Set Designer
  • Stage Director
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Editor
  • Special Effects Specialist
  • Stage Manager
  • Stylist
  • Technical Director
  • Theater Manager
  • Theater Technician
  • Visual Effects Specialist
  • Wardrobe Supervisor

TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HIRE 

  • Theaters
  • Entertainment venues
  • Touring performance companies
  • Industrial shows
  • Educational  institutions  
  • Film studios
  • Television Networks/Cable
  • Non Profit Organizations

CAREER INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION LINKS

www.usitt.org - United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
www.usa829.org - United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
www.iatse-intl.org - International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
www.iald.org - International Association of Lighting Designers
www.actorsequity.org - Labor union that represents more than 50,000 Actors and Stage Managers.
www.stagemanagers.org - Stage Managers’ Association
www.costumedesignersguild.com - Costume Designers Guild
www.costumesocietyamerica.com - Costume Society of America
www.aact.org - American Association of Community Theatre
www.bls.gov/ooh - Occupational Outlook Handbook Online - Job descriptions, growth forecasts & salary

JOB SEARCH LINKS

www.showbizjobs.com - The Entertainment Professionals Network
www.filmandtvpro.com/us - Networking and recruitment site for professional film and TV crew.
www.mandy.com - International Film & TV Production Resources
http://offstagejobs.com/- Source for behind-the-scenes jobs in the Live Entertainment Industry
www.mediabistro.com - Job and industry information in the media
www.creativehotlist.com - Site for the professional creative marketplace
www.nyc.gov/film - NYC Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting
www.productionhub.com - Search site for jobs in film, television, video, live event and digital media production.
www.playbill.com - Jobs in stage and theatre
www.shubertorganization.com/organization/jobs.asp - Jobs at the Shubert Organization’s 17 Broadway theatres
www.entertainmentcareers.net - Music, Theater Arts, Film, TV, Media jobs

Additional Resources Available at the CDC