Theatre Artist
Enacts, rehearses, writes, directs or stages plays performed live before an audience.
Overview
A Theatre Artist is someone who is involved in the process of enacting, rehearsing, conceptualizing, assisting in rehearsing, penning down, directing and staging a play. They usually use the stage for their performance, based on a real or fictional story, which takes place before a live audience.
Where they work
- Theatre groups
- Theatre companies
- Production houses
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You will need to work with others. Travelling is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Working hours may be flexible. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are a creative person
- You like to lead
- You want to join a course in Fine Arts
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Acting/Theatre Arts
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's and then pursue a Master's in Acting/Theatre Arts
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Diploma in Acting, Dramatic Arts, Direction, Screenwriting etc.
Alternative route 4
- 1Complete a certificate course in subjects such as Voice Modulation, Body Language, Sound, Cinemascope, Acting Exercises, Diction Exercises, Lip Sync etc.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The various relevant courses are offered by the Department of Fine Arts. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Andhra University College of Arts and Commerce, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak, Haryana
- Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- North Lakhimpur College, Lakhimpur, Assam
- National School of Drama, New Delhi
- Film and Television Institute of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida and New Delhi
- Shardabai Pawar Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Pune, Maharashtra
- Wilson College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Venkateshwara Open University, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Artist
- 2Artist
- 3Master Artist/Director of Plays
Expected income
₹7,000 – ₹83,333 per month and more
The card's source is an Actor/Actress salary page rather than a theatre-specific one. These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Actor
Performs in films, television, theatre and other performing arts, bringing a character to life.
Choreographer
Creates original dance movements and routines for performances and productions.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Basharat Hussain — A theatre actor besides being a Paper Mache Artisan, Painter, Teacher, and Set designer. He got his first break in the play 'Shuhul Naar' in 1998 that was staged in Budgam. At that time, he was pursuing his B.A. in Applied Arts from Institute of Fine Arts. He is now the head of the Fine Arts department at Burn Hall School, Srinagar.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 179 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Actor_%2F_Actress/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.