Performing Arts & Entertainment

Your stage is waiting.

Performing arts and entertainment programs train the actors, musicians, filmmakers, dancers, writers, and technicians who create the cultural experiences that move us. These careers require talent, training, and resilience — and the right program can make the difference between a passion and a profession.

Majors & Career Paths

Theater

Study acting, directing, stage management, and theatrical design. Theater programs range from conservatory-style training to liberal arts approaches.

Music

Performance, composition, music education, music technology, and music business. Programs available for every instrument, voice type, and genre.

Film Production

Learn the craft of filmmaking: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, and post-production. Film programs range from documentary to narrative to experimental.

Dance

Train in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, or contemporary dance. Dance programs prepare students for performance, choreography, and teaching careers.

Acting

Focused training in the craft of acting for stage, screen, and voice. Conservatory programs offer intensive, immersive experiences.

Screenwriting

Write scripts for film, television, and digital media. Screenwriting programs teach narrative structure, dialogue, and the business of getting scripts produced.

Photography

Master the art and technique of capturing images. Photography careers span fine art, commercial, editorial, and documentary work.

Sound Design

Create the audio landscapes for film, theater, games, and installations. Sound designers combine artistic sensibility with technical expertise.

Career Outlook

Performing arts careers are competitive but rewarding. Many professionals combine multiple income streams: performing, teaching, freelancing, and production work. Film and media production is a growth industry. Sound designers and technical theater professionals have steadier employment than many realize. Median salaries vary widely — from $35,000–$50,000 for early-career performers to $80,000+ for established professionals in film, music production, and technical roles.

Who Is This For?

Students with creative talent who are willing to work hard to develop it. If you come alive on stage, behind a camera, or in a recording studio, the right program can turn that energy into a sustainable career. You should be prepared for a non-linear career path — but that's part of what makes it exciting.

Virtual Fairs Featuring Performing Arts & Entertainment

These fairs are specifically focused on performing arts & entertainment programs. Each one pairs this area of interest with a different U.S. region, so you can find schools in the part of the country that interests you.

• #11 Center Stage: Performing Arts — Oct 12–16, 2026 (Northeast)
• #24 Lights, Camera, Action! — Feb 1–5, 2027 (West)

The Summer Spectacular (#40, Jun 7–11, 2027) also features all 15 areas of interest, including performing arts & entertainment, in a single mega fair.

Browse the full 2026–2027 fair schedule to see all 40 fairs.

Next Steps

1. Pick a fair from the list above that matches your region of interest.
2. Register for free — it takes about two minutes.
3. Explore exhibitor booths during fair week, chat with admissions reps, and request more info from programs that interest you.

Not sure performing arts & entertainment is right for you? That's okay. Browse all 15 areas of interest to see what else is out there. You can attend as many fairs as you want.

This page is part of the College Fairs Online explore hub, helping students discover careers and connect with programs across 15 areas of interest.