Connect with Theatre and Performance Studies PhDs who are working outside of college faculty positions, including K-12 education, publishing/editing, consulting, arts administration, higher education administration, museums, professional theatre, and the technology industry among others.

What is the ATDS Career Connections Program?

The ATDS Career Connections Program matches anyone interested in learning about careers beyond college faculty positions with Theatre and Performance Studies PhDs for an informational interview. Learn more about that profession and strategies for applying for non-faculty positions with a doctorate in Theatre and Performance Studies.

ATDS makes matches three times a year: April, August, and December. We aim to match everyone who signs up once per cycle. ATDS members will be given priority. You may request another match for following cycles after you have completed your first meeting. These meetings are meant to be one time only connections to help people with Theatre and Performance Studies PhDs further develop their understanding of diverse careers and entering the non-academic job market with a doctorate.

Sign Up for a Connection

You can sign up to be matched with a connection by filling out this form. The form is available year-round, but please note that you will only be contacted during the months ATDS makes matches (April, August, December). We will introduce you to your connection and then you will arrange a time for your informational interview over the phone or video call. 

Please familiarize yourself with the information below about preparing for your informational interview before your first meeting. 

Sign Up to Support the Career Connections Program

ATDS welcomes Theatre and Performance Studies PhDs in all careers except college faculty positions to sign up to connect with people exploring diverse career options. The program makes matches to three times a year (April, August, and December) depending on sign-ups and areas of interest. You may sign up by filling out this form. 

For the informational interviews, please come prepared to discuss how you entered your career, the responsibilities of your position, the ways you have positioned or drawn on your PhD training to pursue your career, and offer advice based on the experiences shared by your match.

Preparing for your Informational Interview

Before your informational interview, you should:

  • Review Imagine PhD’s Informational Interview advice, which includes professional expectations for informational interviews and suggested questions. 

  • Be prepared with questions for your meeting and approach it professionally.

  • Respect the parameters of the program – the program is not designed to support extended mentorship relationships. This is a one-time meeting.  

ATDS Career Connections Program