How to Become a Theater Professor: Is It the Right Career for You?

Theater Professor Career Video

Introduction

A career as a theater professor can be both rewarding and challenging. It combines the art of teaching with the passion for theater, enabling individuals to mentor aspiring actors, directors, and playwrights. This guide explores what it takes to become a theater professor, including the required education, responsibilities, salary, and more.

What Does a Theater Professor Do?

Teaching Responsibilities

Theater professors play a pivotal role in educating students across various theatrical disciplines. They design and teach courses covering acting techniques, directing styles, stagecraft, theater history, and dramatic literature. Their responsibilities include developing detailed lesson plans that align with the course’s objectives, preparing lectures, and conducting in-depth discussions. In addition to traditional lectures, they lead interactive, performance-based activities, such as scene study sessions, monologue workshops, and improvisational exercises, to help students refine their acting skills. Technical instruction is also a key part of their role, where they might teach aspects of theater production, such as set design, lighting, sound, and costume creation, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of the art form. Additionally, they may incorporate experiential learning through hands-on projects, encouraging students to apply theory into practice.

Mentorship and Advising

In addition to formal teaching, theater professors mentor their students, guiding them through academic and professional growth. They provide individual attention, offering feedback on students’ performances, assisting with auditions, and helping them refine their portfolios. Professors advise students on potential career paths within the theater industry, from acting and directing to technical theater and theater management roles. They also play an integral part in fostering a supportive community, offering advice on networking opportunities, internships, and career-building strategies. Beyond academics, theater professors often oversee student theater clubs and productions, providing hands-on guidance and creating a nurturing environment where students can explore their artistic and professional aspirations.

Creative and Scholarly Work

Many theater professors are educators and active contributors to the theater field. They often maintain creative practices, such as directing professional productions, writing and producing plays, or engaging in performance art. This ongoing involvement in the theatrical world allows them to bring fresh, real-world experience into their teaching. Professors may also focus on scholarly research, publishing articles, essays, or books on theater history, theory, and practice. They may attend or present at academic conferences, collaborating with other professionals to explore the evolving nature of the theater. By balancing creative and scholarly pursuits with teaching, theater professors remain at the forefront of the discipline, ensuring that students receive both contemporary and theoretical knowledge. This also strengthens their credibility and helps them stay relevant within the dynamic landscape of the theater arts.

Administrative Duties

While most theater professors’ roles center on teaching and mentoring, they also take on the administrative side of academic life. Professors attend departmental meetings, collaborating with colleagues to develop and update curriculum, ensuring that courses reflect the latest trends and techniques in theater. They also help set academic policies and assist in student assessment and evaluation processes. Theater professors are frequently called upon to contribute to university-wide committees, which may influence decisions on university performances, faculty recruitment, and resource allocation. Professors often take leadership roles in organizing departmental events, such as theatrical productions, masterclasses, workshops, and guest speaker engagements. These events enrich students’ educational experiences by offering direct exposure to working professionals and new developments in the field. Additionally, professors may oversee the management of theater facilities, ensuring that students have access to well-equipped spaces for practice and performance. This blend of academic, creative, and administrative duties helps shape the department’s vision and provides students with a comprehensive education.

What Is the Working Environment for a Theater Professor?

Theater professors typically work in colleges, universities, or performing arts schools. Their work environment includes:

  • Classrooms and Studios: Teaching spaces equipped with performance areas and technical equipment.
  • Theaters: On-campus theaters for rehearsals and productions.
  • Offices: Spaces for planning lessons, meeting with students, and conducting research.

Work hours often extend beyond the typical 9-to-5 schedule, especially during rehearsals and performances. Professors must balance teaching, administrative tasks, and creative work.

How Do You Become a Theater Professor?

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

Start with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater or a related field. Focus on developing foundational skills in acting, directing, or technical theater.

Step 2: Pursue a Master’s Degree

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is the standard terminal degree for theater professors. Specialize in an area such as acting, directing, playwriting, or design. Programs often include teaching practicums and providing hands-on experience in the classroom.

Step 3: Gain Teaching Experience

Many aspiring theater professors begin as teaching assistants during graduate school. Gaining experience as an adjunct instructor or working with youth theater programs can also be valuable.

Step 4: Build a Professional Portfolio

Develop a portfolio showcasing your theatrical work, including performances, directing credits, or design projects. This demonstrates your expertise in hiring committees.

Step 5: Earn a Doctoral Degree (Optional)

Some institutions may prefer or require a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theater or Performance Studies, particularly for tenure-track positions. This degree emphasizes research and academic scholarship.

Learn more about theater professor qualifications on ONET.

What Is the Salary of a Theater Professor?

The average salary for theater professors in the United States is approximately $76,000 per year, according to Salary.com. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000, while experienced professors at prestigious institutions can earn over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing salary include location, institution type, and professional experience.

What Is the Labor Market for a Theater Professor?

The job market for theater professors is competitive due to the specialized nature of the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for postsecondary teachers is projected to grow by 12% through 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Opportunities are strongest for those with an MFA or PhD and a robust portfolio of creative work.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Theater Professor?

Pros

  • Opportunity to inspire and mentor future theater professionals.
  • Creative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
  • Opportunities to pursue personal artistic projects.
  • Access to academic resources and professional networks.

Cons

  • Highly competitive job market.
  • Irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Balancing teaching, administrative tasks, and creative work can be demanding.
  • Limited positions are available in some geographic regions.

What Are Related Jobs for a Theater Professor?

  • Actor: Perform roles in theater, film, television, or other productions.
  • Director: Oversee the artistic vision and execution of theatrical productions.
  • Playwright: Write scripts for stage performances, including original works and adaptations.
  • Stage Manager: Coordinate all aspects of a production, from rehearsals to performances.
  • Drama Therapist: Use theater techniques to support mental health and personal development.
  • Set Designer: Create scenic designs for theater productions, including sets and props.

What Types of Jobs Can a Theater Professor Pursue?

In addition to teaching, theater professors may pursue roles as:

  • Guest lecturers or workshop facilitators.
  • Directors or producers in community or professional theater.
  • Consultants for theater companies or educational institutions.
  • Writers or researchers in theater studies.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Theater Professor Jobs?

  • HigherEdJobs: A leading job board for academic positions.
  • ChronicleVitae: Career resources and job postings for higher education.
  • AcademicJobsOnline: Listings for academic careers worldwide.
  • Playbill: Theater-specific job postings, including academic opportunities.

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Theater Professor?

Take a Career Aptitude Test

Assessing your suitability as a theater professor is an essential first step in your decision-making process. The Free Career Fit Test™ offers three detailed assessments that provide valuable insight into whether this career aligns with your skills, interests, and personality:

  • Career Test: This test helps you match your interests with potential careers, giving you a clearer picture of your passion for teaching and theater. It can guide you in understanding whether your genuine interests align with the demands of a theater professor.
  • Career Aptitude Assessment: This assessment evaluates your strengths and skills, identifying qualities and abilities most relevant to a theater professor’s role. You may discover whether your communication, creativity, problem-solving, or organizational talents align with the profession’s demands.
  • Personality Trait Quiz: Theater professors need creativity, patience, and leadership. This quiz helps you identify if these traits resonate with you, as they are key characteristics that contribute to effective teaching and mentoring in the theater world.

The test also includes a Holland Code, which helps you understand that your personality matches common career types. The typical Holland Code for theater professors might be Artistic, Social, and Enterprising. You can compare your interests and personality with this profile by analyzing your results to evaluate if teaching theater aligns with your strengths.

The Premium Report and Skills Map™ are invaluable tools for discovering your strengths. They can pinpoint your best career fits and guide you on cultivating the skills necessary for a fulfilling career in academia and theater.

Conduct Informational Interviews

One of the best ways to understand if being a theater professor is the right path for you is by learning directly from those in the field. Conducting informational interviews with current theater professors offers information that cannot be found in job descriptions alone. These conversations allow you to ask specific, real-world questions about what it’s like to teach theater at the collegiate level.

During an informational interview, consider asking:

  • What teaching methods do you use, and how do you engage students in theoretical and practical theater aspects?
  • What challenges do you face in your role, such as workload, student expectations, or institutional demands?
  • How do you balance your academic responsibilities with creative pursuits, such as directing plays or conducting research?
  • What do you enjoy most about being a theater professor, and how does it compare to your initial expectations?

This firsthand insight will help you assess whether the day-to-day realities of the job align with your aspirations. It also clarifies the educational paths and professional networks you may need to develop to succeed in the field.

Additionally, these conversations may provide valuable networking opportunities, potentially connecting you with mentors or colleagues who can offer further guidance as you explore this career. By gathering information from those already established in the field, you can make a more informed and confident decision about whether becoming a theater professor is the right choice for you.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Theater Professor?

Conclusion

Becoming a theater professor is a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about teaching and the performing arts. By leveraging tools like the Free Career Fit Test™ to assess your aptitude and explore related careers, you can determine whether this path is right for you. With dedication and the right qualifications, you can inspire the next generation of theater artists while pursuing your creative endeavors.