Dame Judy Dench, Sandra Bullock, Samuel L Jackson and Denzel Washington are among the drama major graduates who went on to become Academy Award-winning actors. While many students who pursue a major in drama hope to eventually become a professional performer, within such a competitive industry not all will realize this dream. Writing is another avenue that students who've completed a major in drama can pursue, with job options as a playwright, script or screenwriter, editor, and copywriter.
By completing courses in the technical and production aspects of the performing arts, graduates with a major in drama will develop the skills to pursue a variety of production-related careers. Directing, producing, choreographing and managing a stage or studio are examples of some of the career paths students with a drama major could consider. More technical employment options that may be attractive to drama graduates include lighting and electrical technician, camera operator, sound or special effects technician, or broadcaster.
Drama major graduates who prefer to purse hands-on, behind-the-scenes roles should consider channeling their creative talents into one of the many design-related roles in the performing arts. Some of these roles relate directly to the performers, such as those of costume designers, wardrobe managers, and hair and makeup artists. Other career options involve creating the environments in which the production takes place, such as designing stages or sets, furniture, lighting and props. Graphic designers are also involved in production marketing.
Drama majors can teach others performance skills by pursuing jobs as teachers, instructors or tutors. They may help other performers secure work or manage their careers by becoming agents, personal managers or booking managers, or take jobs that help bring productions to audiences, such as fundraising, sales, marketing and promotions. Other career options drama majors may consider pursuing are as arts administrators, production consultants, casting directors or theatre critics.