Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Are you a creative and organized individual? If you are passionate about acting, performing and analyzing creative works then you might want to consider a major in theater arts.
Education
This major is typically earned at a bachelor’s degree level. In high school, it can be helpful to take courses such as theater arts, AP English Literature, studio art, art history and computer-assisted drafting. At the college level, you should expect to take courses such as acting, costume design, directing, theater history, theater design, stage movement and technical theater. You should be prepared to learn about all aspects of theater, including lighting, costuming and doing extensive research about the time period of the play or musical that you are performing.
What to know before you apply
Experience is essential to finding a job after graduation, so make sure the schools you are looking to apply to offer good internship and shadowing experiences. Also think carefully about the area you are going to be studying in — if you are serious about becoming an actor, seriously consider going to school or completing an internship in a city that heavily pursues actors like New York City or Los Angeles. If you are more interested in doing behind-the-scenes work, make sure you get your foot in the door as early as possible in the theater district that is closest to you.
Salary
Actors made an average of $19.82/hour as of 2014 according to BLS.gov. Art, Drama and Music Teachers at the postsecondary level earned an average of $64,000 per year and producers and directors earned an average of $71,350 per year as of 2012.
