The debate over the value of theatre degrees has intensified in recent years, particularly as discussions about higher education costs and career preparedness have come to the forefront. While skeptics often question the practical worth of arts education in today’s job market, even a brief analysis of employment data, industry trends, and alumni outcomes reveals a more nuanced picture.

Theatre degrees, rather than being simply “useless” or valuable, occupy a complex position in higher education where their worth is heavily influenced by how they are used, the skills that students develop in them, and the ways graduates adapt their theatrical training to various career paths.

To try and better understand the theatre degree landscape, I collected data around three key criteria: employment statistics, transferable skills, and real-world applications. I tried to consider both traditional theatre careers and the broader professional landscape. The emphasis here is on the US marketplace. Trends and practices will obviously differ across countries and regions.

Employment and Career Prospects

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of 2023), while acting jobs are expected to grow by 8% through 2032, competition remains intense.
• Theatre graduates often find work in various fields beyond performance, including:
  • Arts administration and management
  • Education and teaching
  • Events management
  • Broadcasting and media
  • Marketing and public relations
  • Corporate training and communications

Transferable Skills

Research from the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) consistently shows (2017, 2022, 2024) that theatre education develops highly valued workplace skills:

• Public speaking and presentation
• Project management
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Creative problem-solving
• Time management
• Emotional intelligence
• Adaptability

Industry Perspectives

Theatre degrees can be particularly valuable for:

1. Technical theatre careers (lighting, sound, stage management)
2. Theatre education
3. Arts administration
4. Production management
5. Directing and producing

Alternative Career Paths:
Many theatre graduates successfully transition into:

• Corporate training
• Sales
• Human resources
• Digital content creation
• Community arts programs

Expert Opinions

Theatre educators and industry professionals often emphasize that the degree’s value depends largely on:

• The specific program’s quality and focus
• The student’s engagement and initiative
• Networking opportunities utilized
• Complementary skills developed
• Career goals and expectations

Practical Considerations

The value of a theatre degree often depends on:

1. Program Selection:

• Industry connections
• Professional partnerships
• Technical facilities
• Faculty expertise

2. Location:

• Proximity to theatre hubs
• Local industry opportunities
• Internship availability

3. Individual Focus:

• Specialization choices
• Portfolio development
• Networking efforts
• Additional skill development

Recommendations for Maximizing Value

1. Choose programs with strong industry connections
2. Develop multiple skill sets (technical, performance, business)
3. Pursue internships and practical experience
4. Network actively within the industry
5. Consider double-majoring or minoring in a complementary field
6. Build a strong portfolio during study
7. Engage in extracurricular theatre activities

The verdict?

Theatre degrees aren’t “useless,” but their value depends heavily on how they’re utilized. They provide unique skill sets valued across many industries, though success often requires

• Strategic career planning
• Willingness to be flexible in career path
• Development of complementary skills
• Strong networking
• Understanding of business aspects
• Continuous professional development

Like any degree, its worth is largely determined by how the student uses it and what additional skills and experiences they develop alongside their formal education.

Further reading