How To Become A Theatre Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a theatre manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted Expert

Erin Dougherty

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a theatre manager. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.48 an hour? That's $53,001 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 12% and produce 159,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a Theatre Manager?

Erin Dougherty

Associate Professor of Costume Design Costume Director, Catawba College

Be persistent. As everyone is aware, this is a difficult time to be emerging into the industry. Think outside the box and take opportunities when then come—commercials, advertisements, maybe window displays or things that don’t necessarily scream theatre. At the same time, don’t be afraid to say no if something isn’t right for you, doesn’t provide any kind of incentive or value to you, or if you’re too overwhelmed and can’t give it your best effort. It’s great to be employed and great to be busy, but serves no one, least of all you, if the end product is not your best effort. I also like to remind people, as there can be a lot of rejection, that art is a part of you but you are not just your art. Build a support team who will be happy for you and cheer you on.

ScoreTheatre ManagerUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $53,001

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 7.04%

Black or African American 8.05%

Hispanic or Latino 13.55%

Unknown 4.74%

White 65.97%

Gender

female 36.39%

male 63.61%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Complexity Level

1.8

Complexity Level is simple

7 - challenging

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Key steps to become a theatre manager

Explore theatre manager education requirements

Most common theatre manager degrees

Bachelor's

62.1 %

Associate

18.1 %

High School Diploma

8.6 %

Start to develop specific theatre manager skills

Skills	Percentages
POS	55.84%
Guest Service	26.96%
Safety Regulations	3.91%
Cinema	2.07%
Human Resources	2.00%

Research theatre manager duties and responsibilities

Manage and maintain on-site computer system and POS and inventory system.
Manage Excel/ SharePoint reporting and communicate project status to stakeholders.
Train staff to use the cinema projector.
Supervise and train theatre staff on auxiliary POS programs.

Apply for theatre manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a theatre manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do theatre managers rate their job?