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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

Theatre manager career paths

Key steps to become a theatre manager

  1. Explore theatre manager education requirements

    Most common theatre manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.1 %

    Associate

    18.1 %

    High School Diploma

    8.6 %

  2. Start to develop specific theatre manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    POS55.84%
    Guest Service26.96%
    Safety Regulations3.91%
    Cinema2.07%
    Human Resources2.00%
    Show more

  3. 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.

  4. 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:

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

How did you land your first theatre manager job

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Average theatre manager salary

The average theatre manager salary in the United States is $53,001 per year or $25 per hour. Theatre manager salaries range between $25,000 and $109,000 per year.

Average theatre manager salary
$53,001 Yearly
$25.48 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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