How the Drama Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A degree in drama gives students the formal dramatic training needed for many acting careers. Drama majors will take classes in stage speech and movement, playwriting, directing, and other theatrical elements. Drama students also learn about costumes, theatrical history and the cultural influences that drama has on society. In addition to the educational training, most drama students are required to participate in local or school plays to receive hands-on experience and hone their acting skills. Drama majors also learn to explore other theatrical skills, such as singing, dancing and miming. This collaboration of performance skills helps set students apart and gives them versatility in their current and future acting careers. A drama degree prepares students to enter a number of performance careers and apply the skills they learned while studying theatre and acting in front of a live audience.

Best Career Paths for Drama Majors
Depending on the theatrical work you want to do, drama majors have several choices within performing arts.

• Actor. Being an actor is a drama major's dream come true. Whether they are on stage, on television, or in films, all actors are trained to act out a character role. Actors can also do voiceovers and narration work for animated movies, books and advertisements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many actors struggle to find steady work and will opt for work as extras or help with backstage assignments to stay involved in the industry. The annual earnings for actors is hard to measure because of the varied number of hours worked and length of acting jobs. The BLS states that the median hourly earnings for actors in May 2008 were $16.59. However, actors generally negotiate for a higher salary or more acting parts.
• Producer/Director. Drama majors also have a shot at being a producer or director of a play, film, radio or television show. While producers and directors have different responsibilities, they are both working toward the production of an idea to make it presentable to an audience. Producers are the entrepreneurs who decide on business and financial matters of the production. They choose scripts, brainstorm ideas and determine the production budget. On the other hand, directors are in charge of the creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts, audition cast members, and choose the talent and orchestrate rehearsals, as well as direct cast and crew members. Production sets, costumes, choreography and music are all approved by the director. Directors oversee all production and creative elements, but they follow the lead of the executive producer, who has the final word on all production matters. According to the BLS, producers and directors made medium annual earnings of $64,430 in 2008, with higher salaries for motion picture and film industry workers.

How to Market Your Education Degree
With all of the acting experience, production work, and formal theatrical training you gained in college, you should be able to market your drama degree with ease. The performing arts industry wants to see candidates who have valuable theatrical experience and various skills. Therefore, take pride in your singing, dancing and acting performances, and be willing to talk about the educational skills and training you received while in school.