Theatre Management

<h2 id="section---IsTheatreManagementForMe">Is Theatre Management for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Theatre managers are responsible for the business operations of theatres or theatre companies. In this position, you are responsible for managing the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Business_Marketing.html">marketing</a>, sales and media relations of the venue. You may also be responsible for overseeing the hiring of performers and the production and development of performances. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>Your salary may vary depending on the type of theatre you manage, your level of experience and your location. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, in April 2014, theatre managers earned a median salary of $36,932. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of entertainers and performers, sports and related workers, which includes theatre managers, is expected to increase 8% from 2012-2022; this is a little lower than the projected average employment increase of 11% across all occupations during that same decade. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInTheatreManagement">How Can I Work in Theatre Management?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateOptions">Undergraduate Options</h3> <p>Bachelor's and master's level programs in theatre management are available, usually leading to a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Fine_Arts_BFA_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">Bachelor of Fine Arts</a> or a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Which_Schools_Offer_a_Master_of_Fine_Arts_Degree_Online.html">Master of Fine Arts</a> degree. The curriculum likely includes courses in financial management, marketing, fundraising and public policy. Theatre history, criticism and development are also studied. As an aspiring theatre manager, you should gain hands-on experience through an internship or related program, where you can assume a management role in advertising, group sales, ticketing, house management or media relations. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree program in theatre management should introduce you to a mix of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Find_Art_Management_Courses_Online.html">arts administration and management</a>. Typically, this degree requires four years. Expect a curriculum that includes theatrical productions and literature, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Performing_Arts.html">performance arts</a> management, human resources and the principles of commercial theatre. A core curriculum may include English, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Philosophy_Courses_and_Schools_Your_Questions_Answered.html">philosophy</a>, quantitative reasoning and other liberal arts courses. Obtaining this degree is usually the minimum requirement for a theatre manager. Participation in internships and fellowships may improve your job prospects. You may be able to choose management as a concentration in a theatre arts program. Given the competitive nature of the theatre business, graduates of the program may have to work toward theatre manager careers from lower-level leadership positions. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateEducation">Graduate Education</h3> <p>A master's degree program in theatre management can prepare you for the high levels of responsibility and leadership necessary to successfully manage a theatre. Over the course of three years, you study business principles such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Accounting_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">accounting</a>, management and marketing. In addition, the curriculum will help you become well-versed in contracts, producing, development and law in relation to the arts. Modules on <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Business_Writing_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">business writing</a>, working with actors, entrepreneurship, the life of playwrights and nonprofits are beneficial. You could also pursue a joint degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Management_Masters_Degree.html">management</a> for additional business skills and experience. Some Master of Fine Arts degree programs may require the completion of a thesis in order to graduate. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3> <p>The work environment for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Actor_or_Actress_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">actors</a>, directors and theatre managers is stressful, and involves a constant pressure to succeed. As a theatre manager you must be patient and committed, as well as have the ability to endure in spite of intense competition, grueling production schedules and difficult work conditions; working late hours and on weekends is common. As a theatre manager, you should have strong interpersonal and analytical thinking skills. Leadership and decision-making skills are also needed to organize the creative atmosphere of a theatre along with other <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_Some_Jobs_in_Theater.html">theatre professionals</a>.</p>