Theatre Degrees for Military and Veterans
What is a Theatre Degree?
A Theatre Degree, also commonly known as a Dramatic Arts, Theatre Arts or Theatre and Performance Arts Degree, encompasses stagecraft, acting, direction, performance, playwriting and other aspects of theatre.As students engage in classes and get experience behind and in front of the stage curtain, they develop a full understanding of theatre production.
This type of degree encourages students’ creative, communication and critical thinking skills and teaches them how to work well with others.
Students typically earn a BA or Bacehlors in Fine Arts (BFA) when working toward a Theatre Degree. A BFA is more theatre-intensive than a BA and prepares students for a career in theatre as opposed to other professions and industries.
What can you do with a Theatre Degree?
A student holding a Theatre Degree can find work in the entertainment industry, either behind the scenes or in view of audiences. Careers for students graduating with Theatre Degrees will find that lucrative career possibilities are not only limited to the stage.Additionally, the skills they learn while obtaining this degree—for example, public speaking, storytelling and problem-solving—are highly transferable to other industries.
According to Columbia, Kentucky’s Lindsey Wilson College, students can find work in the following industries:
- Non-profit and community organizations
- Education
- Entertainment Law
- Travel and Tourism
- Media
- Event Planning and Hospitality
- Public Relations
Is a Theatre Degree Hard?
Obtaining a Theatre Degree is not an easy ride through college, but if you stick with it, you’ll learn creative and practical skills that will carry you throughout the rest of your life, no matter the career you choose. Coursework often involves demanding rehearsals and training on top of your standard class schedule. And, of course, theatre students are no strangers to auditions and rejection.Is a Theatre Degree worth it?
While working in the dramatic arts does not require formal education, having a Theatre Degree can make it easier to get certain jobs. Salaries can be lucrative but many performers and people holding this degree are independent contractors who are paid by the hour or per gig.Like jobs in the music industry, steady employment in the dramatic arts isn’t always readily available, as there is so much competition. However, some jobs, like those found in art administration or education, do require a degree.
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Careers with a Degree in Theatre
BAs and BFA are the most common degrees in Theatre, but students can also earn a Master’s or Doctorate at some schools, like UCLA, which offers both options.Jobs that require a Bachelor’s include:
- Theatre directors control all the moving parts of a production, from auditioning actors to blocking scenes and managing the production schedule. Directors usually work on a freelance, per performance or in residence basis. Theatre directors' that earn a salary make about $85,320 per year.
- Playwrights and scriptwriters write for stage, TV and film. They can be independent contractors paid per script, per season or through royalties. Those that work full-time have an annual salary of approximately $73,150.
- Production designers create the visual elements for stage and screen, which sets, costumes and props. They are also independent contractors paid per hour or per job. Annual salary is approximately $68,490.
Select VA-Approved Colleges with Theatre Programs
Le Moyne College- Le Moyne College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Le Moyne College is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.University of Dayton–The University of Dayton offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. The University of Dayton is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.
East Tennessee State University- East Tennessee State University offers a a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts. East Tennessee State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school and MyCAA-approved school.
Jacksonville State University- Jacksonville State offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts and has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Jacksonville State is a Yellow Ribbon and MyCAA-approved school.
*Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from sources including Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.