Theater Careers
Goshen College Alumni
Here are current positions held by some theater alumni:
- Actor
- Copywriter/Photographer
- Drama Troupe
- Producer
- Lighting Designer
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Software Developer
- Jeweler
- Linguist
- Director of Operations
- Technical Director
- Writer
- Voiceover Artist
- Women’s Advocate
- Legal Assistant
- Voluntary Service Worker
- Electrical Engineer
- Theatre Instructor
Overview
The theater program at Goshen College has a strong liberal arts emphasis grounded in communication and performance theory. Students explore major historical, philosophical and artistic movements and the specialized areas of theater design, acting, voice, and directing.
The John S. Umble Center is the home for most theater productions. Two major productions and numerous one-acts are offered during the academic year. Musical theater performances are produced during May term in alternate years. The department also holds a biennial peace playwriting contest and produces the winning play.
About the coursework
The theater major offers five concentration options: acting/performance, design/technical, theater arts education, film studies, and generalist. A senior recital and a portfolio or its equivalent are required for graduation.
Possible courses include:
- The Power of Story
- Aesthetics
- Directing
- Playwriting
- History of Theater
- The Expressive Voice
- Arts in London
- Broadcast Media Production
For a full list of requirements and courses, refer to the course catalog.
A secondary teacher education program is available in theater arts for grades 5-12. Please see the education department web site for additional information.
Possible career paths
Theater alumni are working coast to coast in repertory theaters, touring companies, video production, education, business, and Christian ministry.
The list below provides several additional career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.
- Acting Coach
- Actor/Actress
- Advertising Specialist
- Art Director
- Broadcast Journalist
- Casting Director
- Children’s Theatre Director
- Choreographer
- Communications Director
- Community Affairs Liaison
- Costume Designer
- Critic
- Director
- Drama Therapist
- Event Coordinator
- Film Editor
- Graphic Designer
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Lighting Designer
- Make-up Artist
- Marketing Specialist
- Motion-Picture/TV Director
- Non-Profit Arts Manager
- Pastor
- Playwright
- Producer
- Professor
- Public Relations Specialist
- Radio/TV Announcer
- Sales Representative/Manager
- Set Designer
- Sound Designer
- Stage Manager
- Stunt Coordinator
- Teacher
- Technical Director
- Technical Writer
- Theater Arts Advocate
- Vocal Coach
Additional Resources
- Theatre-related Job Descriptions from the American Association of Community Theater
- Duties of a Stage Manager from the Stage Managers Association
- From the Occupational Outlook Handbook: