After the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the theatre world in 2020, the future of the historic art form was uncertain. For a business whose revenue is primarily generated by in-person, live performances, there weren’t any straightforward ways to sustain the industry through an extended stoppage.
Broadway and theatre districts around the world have cautiously begun the process of reopening. However, the job market remains packed with challenges. The market is especially unforgiving for recent graduates of theatre programs, those with performing arts degrees and lacking work experience. Ironically, the pandemic may have introduced new opportunities that could buoy theatre as it progresses towards normalcy.
As creatives sought new ways to make shows more accessible and bring in income, they embraced the internet in ways the performing arts industry has notoriously resisted in the past. Companies and playhouses put on digital theatre productions and streamed them online, actors took to local communities in mobile theatres, and playwrights channeled their storytelling through audioplays.
Reimagining the theatrical experience for the internet has opened up more affordable access points for a younger, more diverse audience. The growth potential presented by digital media has led to new job creation outside of performance opportunities, and there’s a renewed outlook on existing ones. Whether you have some theatre education, a theatre degree, or you’re jumping right into the industry, here are a few performing arts jobs to keep in mind when updating your resume.
Audioplay Producer
Audioplays aren’t a new entertainment medium; they’re actually throwbacks to the radio drama era of the 1920s. But old trends often return, and audioplays are a natural combination of theatre and the growing podcast market.
An Audioplay Producer develops and oversees the creative process of the audioplay. They have a hand in creating the overarching narrative and supervising the cast and crew. Audioplay Producers also assist in recording and editing and usually manage the distribution of episodic content.
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer is responsible for the sound quality of an audioplay, live stream, or recording. Like a sound designer in theatre production, Audio Engineers ensure the overall playback, effects, and music are as clear and dynamic as possible. In addition, they edit and mix the final version of audioplay episodes, videos, and musical theatre productions. As a rule of thumb, they are well versed in sound design technology.
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Managers are responsible for raising awareness and visibility for productions online. They work in companies and theatres, developing marketing plans and advertising campaigns. They may play a dual role as a social media manager, overseeing social platforms and managing community engagement. With Gen Zers showing an increased interest in streamed productions, Digital Marketing Managers are more important to theatre than ever.
Set Designers
In technical theatre, Set Designers create the scenery for stage productions. They design the sets and backdrops meant to immerse an audience in an arena or auditorium. However, the job requires more versatility post-pandemic. Set Designers have to create a visual experience that can translate on screen for streaming and capture an audience in the same manner it would in person. They also need the handiness to build compact sets suitable for a mobile theatre or pop-up outdoor production.
Videographer
Post covid, Videographers working in theatre have to wear different hats. Part cinematographer, part director, part stage manager, they are responsible for capturing high-quality footage to be used in visual media. In a conventional setting, theatre actors have the benefit of a live audience.
The Videographer guides talent as they reinterpret their stage performance skills to fit a medium without instant reaction. They may work on a live stream or a recording. When working on recorded projects, Videographers may also edit in post-production.
If you’re interested in any of the performing arts jobs above or other careers in the industry, check out Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Performing Arts Career Guide.
