theater

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Backstage Jobs in Theater

Behind the Curtain: Exploring Backstage Theater Careers

When people think about theater, they often picture the actors captivating audiences on stage or the directors orchestrating the production. However, behind every successful theatrical performance is an equally impressive team of backstage professionals, tirelessly working to bring the show to life. These unsung heroes possess unique skills and talents that are vital to ensuring every detail runs smoothly—whether in collegiate settings, community theaters, or professional companies. Let’s take a closer look into key backstage roles, their responsibilities, and the paths that often lead individuals to these rewarding careers.

Stage Management: The Heart of Coordination

Stage managers are the nerve center of any production. From orchestrating rehearsals and fostering communication across departments to calling critical cues during live performances, their role demands exceptional organization and composure. If you thrive on multitasking, staying cool under pressure, and ensuring seamless execution of complex projects, stage management might resonate with you.

Individuals drawn to this role often have prior experience in leadership or project coordination, a detail-oriented nature, and an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep productions running.

Career Tip: Aspiring stage managers often start as assistant stage managers or production assistants, learning the ropes of communication, scheduling, and technical know-how.

Set Designers and Builders: Visionaries of Space

The world of a theatrical production begins with set designers and builders who create the visual landscapes that bring stories to life. Their work requires a blend of creative vision and technical expertise, crafting everything from minimalist backdrops to elaborate, moving sets. If you have a passion for visual arts, an interest in carpentry, or a talent for spatial design, this could be your calling.

Many in this field have a background in art, architecture, or hands-on crafting. Those with a knack for material manipulation and a flair for imaginative problem-solving will find this role particularly fulfilling.

Career Tip: Internships and work in scene shops provide valuable experience, as does studying technical theater or design.

Lighting and Sound Technicians: Shaping Atmosphere and Impact

Lighting and sound technicians are essential for creating the ambiance and auditory elements that captivate audiences. Lighting technicians design setups to highlight the drama, while sound technicians ensure crisp audio mixing, manage microphones, and add impactful sound effects. If you’re drawn to technology and enjoy working under pressure to deliver flawless effects, this dynamic role may suit you.

Individuals interested in these areas often have experience tinkering with equipment or a fascination with how lighting and sound influence storytelling. Problem-solving and staying calm under tight deadlines are key traits for success.

Career Tip: Many technicians begin as assistants or study technical theater to develop their expertise in operating equipment and programming systems.

Costume Designers and Wardrobe Crew: Weaving Character Through Clothing

Costume designers and wardrobe crew members help tell the story through fabric, creating outfits that reflect the characters’ personalities, settings, and time periods. Designers conceive the ideas, while the wardrobe crew ensures costumes are managed and maintained throughout the show. If you have a flair for fashion, sewing skills, or a passion for historical styles, this role might inspire you.

Prior interests in fashion design, textiles, or historical clothing often pave the way for individuals to enter this field. Creativity combined with practical sewing knowledge is essential.

Career Tip: Pursue internships or apprenticeships with costume designers, or enroll in degree programs focused on fashion or costume design.

Props Masters: Masters of Details

Props masters specialize in finding, creating, and maintaining the objects actors interact with during performances. From crafting realistic props to sourcing unique items, their meticulous work brings authenticity to the stage. If you’re resourceful, enjoy hands-on crafting, and love adding the finishing touches, this role could be the perfect fit.

Many props masters have backgrounds in art, crafting, or scavenging for treasures—whether online or in physical stores. Their creativity and practicality make them invaluable in creating believable worlds.

Career Tip: Hone your crafting skills and work alongside production teams to gain insights into sourcing and managing props effectively.

Fly Crew and Rigging Specialists: Masters of Motion

The fly crew operates the ropes, pulleys, and counterweights that move scenic elements and even performers safely and seamlessly. These specialists ensure the magical transformations of scenery and effects occur precisely as intended. If you have mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and an eye for safety, this role may be up your alley.

Many individuals interested in rigging start with on-the-job training or enroll in specialized stage rigging programs. Physical endurance and attention to detail are key attributes for success.

Career Tip: Seek apprenticeships in rigging and familiarize yourself with safety standards and mechanisms used in modern productions.


Finding Your Path

Backstage theater careers are as diverse as they are rewarding, offering opportunities for individuals with a variety of interests and talents. Whether your passion lies in design, technical operations, coordination, or crafting, there’s a backstage role tailored to your skills. Exploring these roles, gaining hands-on experience, and aligning your strengths with the demands of each position can open doors to fulfilling opportunities in local theaters or even Broadway.

So, which of these roles calls to you—the meticulous stage manager, the creative set designer, the technical wizard of lighting and sound, or the hands-on props master? The backstage world awaits!

Grad school degree options for artists of all types

For those interested in the Visual & Performing Arts, graduate school may be something to consider. Whether you are pursuing studio art, film, theater or music there are two main degree programs you can think about considering; The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Master of Arts (MA). Whereas with music, one often pursues a Master of Music (MM). Each degree can be further categorized depending on your area of interest. For example, if you’re pursuing Film you can pursue an MFA or MA in Filmmaking, Visual Arts can receive a MFA or MA in Visual Arts, Music Education can receive an MM in Music Education, etc. However, what are the big differences between these degree programs? 

Let’s start with the Master of Fine Arts. The MFA is often more rigorous than the MA program since it offers much more hands-on course work. This is because the MFA program is often thought of as terminal, or as the last degree someone earns for their career. The MFA often takes 2-3 years to complete. 

The Master of Arts on the other hand is a little less rigorous when it comes to hands-on course work. The degree program can be completed in 2 years, and often features more seminars and is much more academic in design. Unlike the MFA, the MA is often not terminal. This means it is used as a stepping-stone to achieve high degrees, such as a Doctorate.  

The Master of Music is the main Masters degree for those studying Music Education, Performance, Composition etc. There are of course MA programs for those interested in pursuing music as well, but it is often designed to have a broad overlook of the topic of music rather than specializing in just one area like the MM programs. 

Want to know more about an MFA, MA, of MM in your career path? Check out these sources below:  

By Marissa Lake ’22. I am a sophomore Vocal Performance major. I am also the curator for the #ECE and #VPA Career Communities. I love performing as well as music education, and I hope to one day become an established vocalist.

Voice Acting

Voice acting is a unique and exciting career that allows individuals to use their vocal talents to bring characters to life. Voice actors are in demand in a variety of industries, including film, television, video games, commercials, podcasts and more.

People become voice actors for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn to the creative nature of the work and the opportunity to bring characters to life through their voices. Others appreciate the flexibility of the profession, which allows for remote work and freelance opportunities. Salaries for voice actors can vary widely depending on factors such as experience level and the type of project they are working on. Top voice actors earn six-figure salaries.

To get started in voice acting, many begin by freelancing. There are several freelance websites where voice actors can find work. Some popular options include Voices, Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Guru, and Peopleperhour. These sites offer a range of opportunities for voice actors at different experience levels and price ranges.

To become a voice actor, one should have experience in acting methods and vocal techniques. Some important techniques include warming up and performing vocal exercises before any voice-acting session. This can include full body stretching, facial stretches, and airflow exercises. Voice actors should also be skilled at character-driven performances, using their vocal tone to convey emotion. Mastering accents and dialects is another important skill for voice actors. Analyzing and interpreting scripts is also crucial for voice actors, as it allows them to understand the character they are portraying and deliver a convincing performance. Experimenting with vocal tones and emotions can help voice actors develop their range and versatility. Continuously honing their acting skills and embracing feedback from others can also help voice actors improve their craft.

Many voice actors begin their careers by learning to act on stage or in films. A bachelor’s degree in acting or theater arts can provide valuable experience in performing and knowledge of fundamental acting principles. Acting classes and workshops can also help individuals improve their abilities by learning from experts with proficiency in techniques like characterization, vocalization, and interpretation.

Voice actors should also have technical knowledge of audio equipment, sound recording techniques and audio software like Adobe Audition, Audacity and Apple GarageBand. These are just a few of the software packages used by voice talent.

There are many famous voice actors who have brought beloved characters to life through their vocal talents. Some examples include Mel Blanc, who voiced nearly every character on Looney Tunes, and Tara Strong, who has starred in animations like The Fairly OddParents, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, as well as the Final Fantasy video game series. Actor James Earl Jones, known for saying “This is CNN” is best known as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. A Generation X hero is Peter Cullen, known for his vocal portrayal of Optimus Prime through several generations of the Transformers franchise. Interestingly, Optimus Prime’s nemesis, Megatron is often voiced by actor Frank Welker, who is believed to have more vocal acting credits than anyone else, with nearly 900 film, television, and video game roles.  Although most people have never heard of him, with a total worldwide box-office gross of $17.4 billion, Frank Welker is the third highest-grossing actor of all time!

WORKS CITED:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_acting

https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voice-actor-requirements-advice-75466/

https://www.mymajors.com/career/voice-actor/education/

https://cloudlancer.com/best-voice-over-software-for-voice-actors/

https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-voiceover-websites/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/09/frank-welker