Do you enjoy performing in front of others? Have you ever been a part of a production crew for a play, or perhaps have enjoyed performing with musical ensembles? If you are thinking of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, consider joining a degree program at one of the many accredited performing arts schools. You may have heard that careers in the entertainment and arts industries are difficult to establish.  However, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that jobs in this sector will grow by 25% through 2014. A degree from an accredited performing arts college can give you an advantage. Start your professional entertainment career by using our simple search engine to find the best performing arts schools that meet your career aspirations.

Is a Performing Arts Degree Right for You?

If you have a passion for theater, music, or dance, consider developing your skills by joining a degree program at one of the many performing arts colleges. If you are ready to develop your skills as a performer, see below to find out more information on what a degree can do for you.

Performing Arts schools offer instruction in a variety of specialties, including:

• Music
• Theater
• Dance
• Entertainment Publicity and Promotion
• Stage Management
• Artist Services
• Arts Administration

As you can see, a career in entertainment is not limited to performing onstage or before the cameras!  Because there are so many options to study in this field, it is important to choose the best performing arts schools to join a program that is right for you.  Consider what you would like to do with your career and degree options are available. Start your career today by using our simple search engine to find more information on performing arts universities and degree programs.

Why Get a Degree?

Because the entertainment industry can be highly competitive, individuals with a degree from an accredited performing arts university will have an added advantage when entering the job market. Theater groups, dance companies, and professional musical ensembles are looking for graduates with necessary skills and expertise. A degree ensures that an individual has received quality training and is ready to assume a variety of entry-level positions within the entertainment industry. Most performing arts degrees require four years to complete, incorporating studio classes, directed studies, required participation in performance groups and ensembles, as well as a well-rounded liberal arts education and general education requirements. Upon graduation, you will have received the skills and training needed to successfully audition or begin a career in production, management, direction, and more.

Here are some of the options for degree programs in the performing arts:

• Certificate in performance
• BFA in Music, Dance, or Theatre
• BA in Music, Dance, or Theater
• MA in Music, Dance, or Theater
• MA in Performance Production, or Performing Arts Education

Careers in the Performing Arts

Graduates from performing arts schools are prepared to enter a variety of career options, including:

• Professional ensemble musicians
• Composers
• Studio musicians
• Actors for stage, television, and film
• Professional dancers for stage, television, and film
• Stage Managers
• Production assistants

As you can see, a performing arts degree prepares graduates for a variety of entertainment industry careers. Start your search for top performing arts schools today!