Training for Theater Jobs

Advance your career with training for theater jobs

By Linda C. Ray
Training for jobs in theater and jobs in the movie industry is vital since these careers are quite competitive. While talent and training are important aspects of preparing for theater careers, you also need to find training centers that teach you how to build important contacts and learn the ability to accumulate experience that can be seen by employers.

Theater employment on the stage usually follows an auditioning process, which your training should cover. Most schools for actors also require auditions because the field is too full of aspiring actors. Get a bachelor's degree in acting, followed by professional training on stage and possibly a Master in Fine Arts (MFA), particularly if you hope to teach. Continue to add training to broaden your skills and increase your potential job opportunities with training for theater jobs from a variety of places.

1. Watch for theater employment training to get hands-on experience.

2. Continue with ongoing training to sustain and enhance your theatrical employment.

3. Participate in trade groups that offer members professional development for their theater careers.

 

Look for auditions to train for a career in theater

Watch for training centers that will introduce you to the instructors that will get you on stage and in front of a camera. Techniques in acting are best learned by practice. Attend a school devoted to the arts or find a university with a strong theater program.
Try: At the Academy of Art University, you can study online or at the California campus where you'll make contacts with experts willing to share advice on how to break into the theater. The school provides training in a number of disciplines. Check out the training options at the New York Film Academy that can help you move quickly into the movies.

Find additional training from associations that serve members and their employment in theater

Acting is a career that requires continual improvement if you are to remain viable and growing in your career in theater or the movies. Look for professional development courses that will help you get the kinds of personal training you need while giving you instruction in other methods and ways to improve your skills.
Try: You’ll find plenty of seminars, workshops and classes as well as chances to meet other industry pros at the Educational Theatre Association. Americans for the Arts offers professional development and training that could look good on your resume.

Join theatrical employment associations that offer members professional development

Most trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Use the groups to guide you to the events and meetings that will help you find additional training for your acting career with seminars, audition listings and advanced education.
Try: Check out all the educational opportunities available through the Actors Equity Association. The Actors Studio is a non-profit organization that supports actors and the industry as well as bringing educational opportunities to its members, including a partnership with Pace University to provide a Master of Fine Arts degree.

 

  • Be prepared to move around as your pursue theatrical employment training, because many of the better schools and theaters are in New York and California.