Careers by Major - Theatre & Drama

This program is offered through the Department of English and Drama

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
1a. Sample Occupations
1b. Sample Job Listings
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
4a. On-Campus
4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs

Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and experience.

Business & Arts Administration

Advertising
Administrative Assistant
Agent
Arts Administrator
Association Manager
Business Manager
Box Office Manager
Casting Director
Communications Specialist
Executive Director
Event Planner
Fine Arts Manager
Fundraiser
House Manager
Human Resources Specialist
Lawyer
Managing Director
Media Relations
Development Director
Marketing Director
Personal Manager
Performing Arts Publicist
Press Director
Producer
Project Manager
Producing Director
Production Assistant
Publicist
Public Relations Specialist
Recreation Director
Talent Manager
Theatrical Press Agent
Volunteer Manager
Historian
Advertising Copywriter
Director of Photography
Radio/Television Program Director

Health & Education

Elementary School Teacher
High School Teacher
Professor
Drama Instructor
Drama/Speech Coach
Vocal Coach
Singing Teacher
Counsellor
Drama Therapist
Movement Instructor
Dance Teacher
Personal Trainer
Nutritionist
Community Worker
Religious Worker
Personal Trainer
Massage Therapist
Fitness Instructor
Early Childhood Education
Corporate Trainer
Educational Assistant
Librarian
Motivational Speaker
Music Teacher
Choreographer/Dance Instructor

Production & Performance

Actor
Announcer
Art Director
Director
Stage Manager
Technical Director
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Hairstylist
Makeup Artist
Magician
Lighting Technician
Sound Designer
Property Designer
Carpenter/Scenic Artist
Special Effects Technician
Rigger
Electrician
Broadcast Technician
Musician
Casting Director
Editor
Film Editor
Critic
Technical Writer
Playwright
Production Assistant
Production Woodworker
Camera Operator
Film/TV Crew
Journalist
Interviewer
TV/Radio Reporter
TV/Radio Host or Personality
Extra
Voice Over Artist
Announcer
Circus Performer
Comedian
Stunt person
Lighting Technician
Model
Audio-Visual Technician
Artist
Broadcast Technician
Composer
Comedian
Dancer
Film and TV Crew
Magician
Singer

Entrepreneurship

Many independent artists employ themselves,
and enjoy working in multiple disciplines this
way. Look out for government programs and
grants that support young entrepreneurs.
To gain experience in being your own boss and
working with others to create your own work,
consider forming a Theatre Company or a
Summer Camp.

1b. Sample Job Listings

Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on U of T's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs.

Drama Workshop Instructor, City of Mississauga
Cultural Outreach Officer, City of Toronto
Research & Copyright/Licensing Administrator, Toronto International Film Festival
Fashion Design Intern, North Aware
Technical Assistant, MiST Theatre, UTM
Marketing Coordinator, Royal Conservatory of Music
Manager, Library & Archives, Royal Ontario Museum
Studio Assistant, Blackwood Gallery, UTM
Production Manager, Solar Stage Theatre
Music & Drama Program Coordinator, Camp Menesetung
Musicians, Toronto Grace Health Centre
Event Set-Up Crew, Royal Botanical Gardens
Staff Writer, The Medium, UTM
Customer Service Representative, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Build Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

Agencies
Theatre companies
Television and radio studios
Educational institutions
Community centres
Non-profit organizations
Cruiseship lines
Travel agencies and tour companies
Communications and broadcasting companies
Private sector/large corporations
Cultural organizations
Public relations and communications firms
Theme parks
Self-employment/freelance

2. Program-Related Skills

Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

Technical: knowledge of theatre history, critical theory, and dramatic literature; knowledge of developmental and production dramaturgy, playwriting and intermedial performance; knowledge of set production; and understanding of human behavior.
Communication and teamwork: speak and perform effectively in front of large audiences; work cooperatively with others;
conceptualize and implement projects; and compose playwrights.
Creativity and problem solving: demonstrate artistic expression; identify problems and use creative processes to solve them; knowledge of production and stage management practices; and accept new challenges.
Flexibility: work well alone and in teams; and adaptable to change.

3. Explore Careers & Build Networks

Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests, and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website. Some organizations you may consider are:

English & Drama Students Society
NuMonic Dance Team
UTM Gospel Choir

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

4. Get Experience

Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Part-Time and Volunteer Positions

Attend the annual Get Experience Fair
Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website.

4b. Off-Campus

Internships, Summer, Part-Time and Volunteer Positions

Check out our binders with detailed information on internships and volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Login to Career Learning Network (CLN) and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to U of T students
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Consider taking an academic internship course through your department
Check out Government of Ontario - Job Programs for Youth
Review our Internships, Summer Employment Programs and Summer Job Search tip sheets

Full Time Positions

Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the 'hidden job market' with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides and more.

Appointments

Attend a one-on-one appointment with a career counsellor or an employment strategist to discuss what career options might work for you and determine a job search plan.
Meet with an academic or departmental advisor, who can guide you in achieving academic success. Contact the Office of the Registrar or your department for more information.

Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources

Updated August 2023