Theatre Arts: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Theatre Arts graduates vary by role and location. Producers and Directors earn a median of $83,480 annually, while Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $80,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $114,065 compared to $51,520 in Arkansas. Approximately 297,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 848 accredited institutions offer Theatre Arts degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include New York University (NYU) (454 graduates), American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) (243 graduates), and Texas State University (TXST) (135 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 11,545 in 2010 to a peak of 11,552 in 2020, before declining slightly to 10,778 in 2023-24. This represents a 7% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, and Actors. Related occupations employ approximately 297,000 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.