Careers in Theatre: More Than Just Acting
When you picture a career in theatre, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the dazzling spotlight, the roar of the crowd, and the actor taking a final bow. While acting is certainly a vital and visible part of our world, the magic you see on stage is the result of a massive, passionate team working together behind the scenes! Here at Forestburgh Playhouse, we know that the theatre is a vibrant ecosystem of diverse and exciting professions. It takes a village to bring a show to life, from the first stitch on a costume to the final lighting cue.
This world is bursting with opportunities for creative, technical, and administrative minds. If you have a passion for storytelling, a knack for organization, or a love for building things with your hands, there is a place for you in the theatre. We want to pull back the curtain and show you some of the incredible career paths that make the magic happen every single night. Let’s explore the dynamic world of theatre careers that extend far beyond the stage!
The Creative Visionaries: Directors, Designers, and Choreographers
Behind every unforgettable theatrical production is a team of creative visionaries who shape the entire experience from concept to curtain call. At the helm is the Director, the artistic leader who develops the central vision for the show. The director interprets the script, guides the actors in their performances, and collaborates with every single department to ensure a cohesive and compelling final product. They are the ultimate storyteller, weaving together the script, design, and performances to create a unified world on stage. It's a role that requires immense creativity, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of human emotion and dramatic structure.
Working hand-in-hand with the director is a team of talented Designers. The Scenic Designer dreams up and designs the physical world of the play, from towering sets to intimate room settings. The Costume Designer tells stories through clothing, researching historical periods, and creating garments that define characters. The Lighting Designer paints with light, sculpting the stage, creating mood, and directing the audience's focus with every shift in color and intensity. And let's not forget the Sound Designer, who builds the auditory landscape of the show, from subtle background noises to powerful musical underscoring. These designers are artists whose canvases are the stage itself, and their work is essential in transporting the audience to another time and place. For musicals, the Choreographer is another key visionary, creating the language of dance that can express joy, conflict, and every emotion in between. They don't just teach dance steps; they craft movement that advances the plot and develops the characters.
The Technical Wizards: Production and Stage Management
If the creative team dreams up the vision, the technical teams are the wizards who make that vision a reality. This is where artistry meets engineering, and ideas are transformed into tangible, working elements of a show. The Technical Director (TD) is the master problem-solver, overseeing the construction of the set, managing the scene shop, and ensuring that everything is built safely and to the designers' specifications. The TD leads a team of skilled Carpenters, Welders, and Scenic Artists who bring the scenic designer's drawings to life. It’s a world of sawdust, steel, and incredible craftsmanship.
Once the show moves from the shop to the stage, the Stage Management team takes command. Led by the Stage Manager (SM), this team is the central nervous system of the entire production. During rehearsals, they are the director's right hand, meticulously documenting every blocking note, prop placement, and lighting cue. During the performance, the SM calls every single cue—from the lights to the sound to the scene changes—ensuring the show runs smoothly and exactly as rehearsed, night after night. They are the unsung heroes of live theatre in the Sullivan Catskills, maintaining the artistic integrity of the production and ensuring the safety of everyone on and off the stage. This team also includes Run Crew, the skilled technicians who execute scene shifts, manage props, and operate lighting and sound equipment backstage during the show, making the on-stage magic appear seamless.
The Administrative Backbone: Keeping the Theatre Running
A theatre is more than just a place where plays are performed; it's a business, a community hub, and a non-profit organization. The administrative team is the backbone that supports every other department, ensuring the institution thrives. The General Manager or Managing Director oversees the theatre's financial health, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning. They work to ensure the organization is sustainable and can continue producing great art for years to come. The Company Manager is responsible for the well-being of the actors and creative teams, handling everything from travel and housing to payroll and daily needs.
No theatre can survive without an audience, and that's where the Marketing and Development departments come in! The Marketing Director is responsible for selling tickets and promoting the theatre's brand. They craft advertising campaigns, manage social media, and find creative ways to let the community know about all the amazing things happening at the playhouse. The Development Director focuses on fundraising, building relationships with donors, writing grants, and securing the financial support necessary to fund the theatre’s artistic and educational missions. These roles are perfect for people who are passionate about the arts and also possess strong business, communication, and organizational skills. From the Box Office Staff, who are the friendly first point of contact for our patrons, to the Education Director who runs our wonderful arts programming, these administrative roles are essential to our success.
Your Future in the Footlights (or Backstage!)
The world of theatre is vast, collaborative, and incredibly rewarding. Whether your passion lies in art, technology, management, or community engagement, there is a path for you. Every single role, from the star actor to the marketing intern, plays a crucial part in the creation of live performance. We believe that theatre has the power to inspire, entertain, and bring people together, and that happens because of the dedicated professionals in every corner of the building. If you've ever felt the pull of the theatre, we encourage you to look beyond the stage and discover the incredible array of careers that make it all possible. The next act of your professional life could be waiting in the wings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers in Theatre
What kind of education or training do I need for a behind-the-scenes theatre career?
The path varies greatly depending on the role! Many technical and design positions, like lighting or scenic design, benefit from a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from a university with a strong theatre program. These programs offer hands-on training and portfolio-building opportunities. However, a formal degree isn't the only route! Many successful theatre professionals get their start through internships, apprenticeships, or by volunteering at community theatres like ours. For roles like stage management, organization, and people skills are just as important as technical knowledge. The best thing you can do is start getting experience, learning from professionals, and building your skills in any way you can.
Are theatre careers only available in big cities like New York?
Absolutely not! While cities like New York and Chicago are major hubs, professional theatre is thriving in towns and cities all across the country. Regional theatres, like the Forestburgh Playhouse right here in the Sullivan Catskills, are cornerstones of their communities. We hire professional actors, designers, directors, and technicians for our seasons. There are also summer stock theatres, touring productions, cruise ship entertainment departments, and even theme parks that employ a huge number of theatre professionals. A passion for theatre can lead to a fulfilling career in so many wonderful and unexpected places!
At Forestburgh Playhouse, we are passionate about bringing the magic of live entertainment to our community and nurturing the next generation of theatre artists. From spectacular musicals and plays to our year-round arts education programs, we are proud to be a home for the arts in the Sullivan Catskills. To learn more about our work or how you can get involved, please contact us!