Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this comprehensive field explore the dynamic intersection of performance, production, and creative expression within live theatre. The program fosters a deep understanding of theatrical storytelling through hands-on training and academic study, preparing individuals for diverse roles in stagecraft, performance, and production design.
- Acting Techniques: Study of foundational and advanced performance methods, including voice projection, physical expression, character development, and scene analysis across diverse dramatic styles.
- Directing and Stage Management: Training in the artistic and logistical coordination of theatrical productions, covering rehearsal processes, cueing systems, and team leadership.
- Costume and Set Design: Exploration of visual storytelling through costume creation, scenic construction, and spatial design, integrating historical context and contemporary aesthetics.
- Lighting and Sound Design: Mastery of technical systems and creative approaches to lighting effects, audio engineering, and soundscapes that enhance narrative and mood.
- Theatrical Production Management: Instruction in budgeting, scheduling, safety protocols, and collaboration across departments to ensure seamless execution of live performances.
- Stagecraft and Technical Operations: Practical application of rigging, stage mechanics, prop fabrication, and backstage operations essential to professional theatre environments.
- Theatre History and Theory: Critical examination of global theatrical traditions, dramatic movements, and influential playwrights across time periods and cultures.
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees, including Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary and Costume Attendants. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 303,290 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors 27-2012 | $83,480 | $43,060 - $198,530 | 145,270 | $40.13 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1121 | $80,190 | $47,040 - $194,530 | 97,890 | N/A |
| Costume Attendants 39-3092 | $54,810 | $33,610 - $115,240 | 6,290 | $26.35 |
| Actors 27-2011 | N/A | N/A | 38,800 | $23.33 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other 27-2099 | N/A | N/A | 15,040 | $20.99 |
Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,677 in South Carolina to $102,857 in California—a 103% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 303,290 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Theatre Arts and Stagecraft by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 48 institutions offering Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Theatre Arts and Stagecraft is found at American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) (87 graduates), Full Sail University (46 graduates), American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), New York (27 graduates), Emerson College (24 graduates), and Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 437 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
87 | New York, New York | Private | amda.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
46 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) |
Other Award
|
27 | New York, New York | Private | aada.edu |
| Emerson College |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emerson.edu |
| Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
23 | New York City, New York | Private | neighborhoodplayhouse.org |
| Mary Baldwin University (MBU) |
Master's
|
23 | Staunton, Virginia | Private | marybaldwin.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
|
15 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
15 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts (NCDA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
11 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | theconservatory.org |
| Webster University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Universidad del Sagrado Corazon |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Santurce, Puerto Rico | Private | sagrado.edu |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Norton, Massachusetts | Private | wheatoncollege.edu |
| Macalester College |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | macalester.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| Drake University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | drake.edu |
| Lindenwood University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Saint Charles, Missouri | Private | lindenwood.edu |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PUCPR) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | pucpr.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Master's
|
7 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Columbia College Chicago (CCC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | colum.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Adams State University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Alamosa, Colorado | Public | adams.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | New York, New York | Private | mmm.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Elon University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Elon, North Carolina | Private | elon.edu |
| Lee University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Meredith College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Private | meredith.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Evansville (UE) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Evansville, Indiana | Private | evansville.edu |
| Indiana University (IUSB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | South Bend, Indiana | Public | iusb.edu |
| Benedictine College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Atchison, Kansas | Private | benedictine.edu |
| Fayetteville State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | uncfsu.edu |
| Gardner-Webb University (GWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Boiling Springs, North Carolina | Private | gardner-webb.edu |
| Seton Hill University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Saint Leo University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Leo, Florida | Private | saintleo.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Residency
|
1 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Flint, Michigan | Public | umflint.edu |
| Hastings College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hastings, Nebraska | Private | hastings.edu |
| Greensboro College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Private | greensboro.edu |
| Pacific University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Forest Grove, Oregon | Private | pacificu.edu |
| Southern Virginia University (SVU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Buena Vista, Virginia | Private | svu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs
How much can I earn with a Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degree?
Salaries for Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 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 $102,857 compared to $50,677 in South Carolina. Approximately 303,290 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Theatre Arts and Stagecraft programs?
Currently 48 accredited institutions offer Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) (87 graduates), Full Sail University (46 graduates), and American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), New York (27 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Theatre Arts and Stagecraft growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 847 in 2010 to a peak of 1,260 in 2020, before declining slightly to 437 in 2023-24. This represents a 48% 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.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Theatre Arts and Stagecraft degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Producers and Directors, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, and Costume Attendants. Related occupations employ approximately 303,290 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.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Arts Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Arts field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Music Technology
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge...
Brass Instruments
A program that prepares individuals to master a brass instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing...
Woodwind Instruments
A program that prepares individuals to master a woodwind instrument and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing...
Percussion Instruments
A program that prepares individuals to master percussion instruments and performing art for a variety of musical settings, including orchestral, solo, chamber, commercial,...
Sound Arts
A program that focuses on sound as a form of cultural expression, and its relationship to other disciplines such as computer programming, performance,...
Music
Any instructional program in music not listed above.