Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Key Insights
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $23137, and with an average debt of $23247, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 1.0—so it’s smart to plan ahead financially.
This program sees about 16853 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other (CIP 50.0599) is a comprehensive performing arts field focused on the creation, production, and technical realization of live performance experiences that fall outside narrowly defined acting or theater tracks. This classification includes interdisciplinary, experimental, technical, and behind-the-scenes theatre programs that blend performance, design, production, and storytelling. It reflects how modern theatre is a collaborative system where art, technology, and logistics come together to create immersive live experiences.
For a degree search site, Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other represents collaboration, creativity, and real-world production skills. Theatre is not only about actors on stage—it relies on designers, technicians, managers, and creative problem-solvers who bring stories to life. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, creative career in performance and live entertainment without limiting themselves to acting alone.
What Is a Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Degree?
A Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other degree is a performance- and production-focused program that prepares students for diverse roles within theatre and live performance. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize interdisciplinary theatre, experimental performance, technical theatre, stagecraft, or integrated production studies rather than a single specialization.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Theatre production and stagecraft fundamentals
- Performance, design, and technical collaboration
- Storytelling through live performance
- Stage management and production coordination
- Creative and technical problem-solving
Colleges, universities, conservatories, and arts programs offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for careers in theatre and live entertainment
- Support technical and backstage theatre professions
- Encourage interdisciplinary performance creation
- Train adaptable professionals for evolving performance industries
Theatre programs emphasize collaboration, rehearsal, and experiential learning.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how live performances are conceived, designed, rehearsed, and executed. You’ll study how scripts, movement, lighting, sound, sets, costumes, and stage management work together to support storytelling.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on participation in productions. Students rotate through performance and production roles, learning how each contributes to the final show. Because theatre operates on deadlines and live execution, programs stress responsibility, communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Students also gain exposure to theatre history and theory to understand how performance traditions shape modern practice.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Stagecraft and technical theatre fundamentals—tools and systems
- Live performance collaboration—working in ensembles
- Production planning and execution—from rehearsal to opening night
- Stage management and coordination—scheduling and cueing
- Set, lighting, sound, or costume support—visual and technical design
- Script and performance analysis—story structure and intent
- Problem-solving under time pressure—live production challenges
- Professional rehearsal and backstage etiquette—industry standards
These skills are transferable across theatre, live events, and entertainment industries.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:
- Introduction to Theatre and Stagecraft: production basics
- Acting, Movement, or Performance Studies: expressive techniques
- Technical Theatre Fundamentals: lighting, sound, and scenery
- Stage Management and Production Coordination: workflow control
- Set, Costume, or Prop Design: visual storytelling
- Theatre History and Dramatic Literature: cultural context
- Directing or Devising Performance: creative leadership
- Live Event or Performance Production: applied experience
- Capstone Production or Portfolio: professional showcase
Programs often encourage students to explore multiple theatre roles before specializing.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other degree prepares students for performance, technical, and production roles across live entertainment. Career paths are flexible and often project-based.
Common career paths include:
- Theatre Technician or Stagehand: backstage and technical support
- Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager: production coordination
- Production Assistant or Coordinator: live event support
- Set, Lighting, Sound, or Costume Assistant: design implementation
- Performing Artist: acting or movement-based roles
- Arts Administrator or Company Assistant: organizational support
- Long-Term Path: technical director, designer, producer, or educator
Many professionals work across theatre, concerts, festivals, and live events.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments that produce live performance and entertainment:
- Theatre companies and performing arts organizations
- Live entertainment and event production companies
- Concert venues and touring productions
- Film, television, and media production support
- Educational and community arts organizations
- Theme parks, festivals, and cultural events
- Independent or freelance creative projects
Theatre skills are widely applicable across live and recorded media.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on role, location, and employment structure.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level theatre or stagecraft roles: often $30,000–$45,000
- Experienced technicians, stage managers, or designers: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Senior production professionals or managers: can reach $75,000–$100,000+
Union positions, touring work, and specialized technical skills can increase pay.
Is This Degree Hard?
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other is considered time-intensive and collaboration-heavy. While academic coursework is manageable, students must commit long hours to rehearsals, builds, and performances. Live production environments demand flexibility, reliability, and emotional resilience.
The challenge lies in balancing creativity with technical precision and teamwork.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Love live performance and collaborative creation
- Enjoy working behind the scenes as much as on stage
- Thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
- Prefer hands-on, project-based learning
- Want a creative career rooted in teamwork and storytelling
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a theatre and stagecraft program:
- Take theatre, drama, technical theatre, or music courses
- Participate in school plays, stage crew, or live events
- Develop strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills
- Learn basic lighting, sound, or set construction concepts if available
- Watch and analyze live performances and productions
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other (CIP 50.0599) is an ideal degree for students who want to help bring stories to life through live performance. It offers creative fulfillment, collaborative work, and adaptable skills that extend far beyond the stage. For those drawn to storytelling, teamwork, and the energy of live production, this degree provides a dynamic and expressive pathway into theatre and the broader world of performance and entertainment.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor