Marketing/Communications

Most professional theatres have marketing and communications professionals on staff. Jobs range from publicists who work with the media to get people talking about the show to graphic designers who create images and marketing material for productions to social media managers who develop fun, interactive content. Many people who work in marketing/communications at a theatre company have a background in theatre as well as their area of the field.

About the Video: Garrett Collins, Senior Marketing Manager

I do math every day, says Center Theatre Group Senior Marketing Manager Garrett Collins in explaining why a love of data and numbers is a prerequisite for his job, which includes forecasting ticket sales and keeping track of spending on marketing campaigns and advertising. But he's a people person, too, and teamwork—collaborating with everyone from the box office to fundraisers—is key to getting the job done. Collins talks about how an internship at LA Opera led to his big break and why making friends can be a crucial aspect of advancing your career in the arts.

About the Video: Kristi Avila, Junior Publicist

Kristi Avila connects journalists and artists in order to get the public through the doors of the theatre. As Junior Publicist at Center Theatre Group, her job is to get compelling stories about the art onstage out into the world. Avila discusses how she promotes a show—both the day-to-day duties of a publicist and the highlights of the job—and how majoring in theatre arts and minoring in public relations in college prepared her for the gig.

About the Video: Javier Vasquez, Graphic Designer

Javier Vasquez may be the person who introduced you to your new favorite show. After all, before you buy your tickets or even read a review, you've probably seen some kind of graphic—whether it’s a newspaper or digital advertisement, a street pole banner, or show art in a brochure. Vasquez explains how he went from studying architecture to a career in graphic design, the collaboration and people skills the job requires, and why seeing people pose in front of a step-and-repeat banner at the theatre makes him happy.

Resources & More Information:

  • Explore free resources and information about theatrical marketing from the National Arts Marketing Project.
  • Check out the Graphic Artists Guild, an organization devoted to equipping graphic and interactive designers, illustrators, animators, web programmers, and developers (and those studying these disciplines) with the skills and support needed to compete more effectively in an ever-changing field.
  • Take a short (anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours), free video tutorial to learn graphic design skills like hand-lettering, logo design, and Photoshop basics at Skillshare.
  • Consider joining the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter on your college campus.
  • The Public Relations Society of America also offers a variety of career resources, including résumé and cover letter help and networking advice.