Overview of Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft are fields of study that are interrelated. Drama is an art form that uses live performances to tell stories or provide entertainment, while stagecraft encompasses the technical and creative aspects of a performance. Stagecraft involves the use of props, costumes, scenography, lighting, sound, set design, makeup, and more. Both involve the production of a play or other performance, but with different focuses. Students in these fields will need to understand both the artistic and technical side of the performance, from the directing to the technical design.

Career Opportunities Associated with Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Careers related to drama and theatre arts and stagecraft can include acting, directing, producing, teaching, sound engineering, set design, costume design, scriptwritting, technical directing, and more. Many of these positions are available in theatres, opera houses, film and television industries, art galleries, museums, festivals, and educational institutions.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities

There are a variety of internships and co-op opportunities associated with drama and theatre arts and stagecraft. Internships can include opportunities in movie production, theatre production, set design, acting, directing, and more. Co-op opportunities can be found in the technical aspects of the productions, such as working in sound and lighting, set building, and running crew.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations

Most Associate and Bachelor programs in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft have some type of specialized track or concentration. These typically may include acting, technical directing, theatrical design, theatre management, theatre history, playwrighting, musical theatre, costume design, dance, and more.

Preparing for Graduate School or Further Education

Students looking to pursue further education or a graduate degree in drama/theatre arts and stagecraft should look for programs that offer a combination of theory and practical application. The curriculum should include coursework in theatre history and theory as well as practical courses in an array of disciplines related to stagecraft. Additionally, students should find a program that has a strong technical component, such as internships, co-ops, or labs.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

The impact of artificial intelligence on drama/theatre arts and stagecraft is expected to be wide-reaching in the years to come. AI is expected to create more efficient processes to produce performances and create more visually dynamic performances. AI could also be used to analyze scripts in order to optimize the design of sets, props, lights, sound, and more. In addition, AI could be used to automate certain processes, such as rigging, tracking, and following technical cues.

The Career Outlook for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

The career outlook for drama and theatre arts and stagecraft is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field are predicted to grow by 2-3% over the next decade. With the rising popularity of digital media, the demand for professionals in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft are likely to remain steady. With the right qualifications, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates can find careers in industries such as education, theatres, cinema, and television.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft:

University of Notre Dame, Salary: $41,882

University of California-Berkeley, Salary: $31,067

University of Connecticut-Stamford, Salary: $31,019

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, Salary: $31,019

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus, Salary: $31,019

University of Connecticut-Avery Point, Salary: $31,019

University of Connecticut, Salary: $31,019

CUNY New York City College of Technology, Salary: $30,591

Miami University-Oxford, Salary: $29,766

University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Salary: $29,759

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.