Theatre professionsPart 2

Lighting Designer

Job Description: Visualizing the lighting for a theatrical production. Determining necessary equipment, charting light boards and mapping out placement.

Median Salary: $46,000 per year

Skills and Training: Knowledge of theatre, lighting effects, use of color, use of lighting for mood, creativity, electrical knowledge, ability to be flexible and work under pressure.

Sound Designer

Job Description: Designs music and sound effects needed for a production. Determines sound mix, levels, and blending. Determines equipment needed for actors and sound crew.

Median Salary: $45,000

Skills and Training: Understanding of acoustics, knowledge of electronics, use of sound for effect, sound mixing and balancing skills a must. Needs to work well under pressure and be flexible with hours needed for a production.

Costume Designer

Job Description: Developing and creating costume designs for clothing worn in theatrical productions.

Median Salary: $64,000 yearly income

Skills and Training: College degree preferred, but not required. Knowledge of fashion, colors, fabrics, and fashion history. Drawing skills, creativity, and sewing skills are a must.

Make up Designer

Job Description: Creating the design of the actor’s appearance through the use of make up.

Median Salary: $12,000 - $65,000 a year

Skills and Training: Drawing skills for design is a must. Cosmetology skills needed. Knowledge of lighting, staging and costume design. Knowledge of materials and how they affect the actor.

Property Master

Job Description: Locating and creating the necessary props for a theatrical production. Keeping props ready and in place for actors on stage. Reset props daily.

Median Salary: $250 - $950 per week

Skills and Training: Creativity, crafting ability, handiness with tools, good organizational skills.

Critic

Job Description: View theatrical productions and write reviews for publication.

Median Salary: $11,000 - $1 million

Skills and Training: Bachelor’s degree in journalism required. Excellent writing skills, objectivity, and interest and knowledge in theatre and performing arts. Knowledge of acting and technical theatre is helpful.

Playwright

Job Description: Writing scripts for theatrical production.

Median Salary: $65,000 yearly

Skills and Training: Excellent writing skills. Knowledge of theatre is helpful.

Choreographer

Job Description: Developing dances, routines and movements for a theatrical production. Auditions and teaches dance routines to performers.

Median Salary: $35,000 yearly

Skills and Training: Extensive training in dance. Ability to teach, technical dance expertise, vision and creativity.