Title: A Theatre Degree: More Useful Than You Think
Recently, one of my blog readers shared their perspective on curriculum choices, advising youngsters to opt for majors promising high-income jobs as opposed to studying subjects like French literature or theatre. While I understand the concern for financial security, this viewpoint made me feel a bit melancholy. It’s quite disheartening to imagine a world where passion-driven choices are disapproved of.
I don’t disregard money, but neither do I consider a high-paying job as the ultimate success indicator. Yes, I struggled to find employment immediately after graduating with a double major in Literature and Theatre, but this phase lasted just three weeks. Interestingly, most of my peers who majored in more conventional fields like business and law didn’t have the same luck.
A common misconception exists that a theatre degree only leads to acting or, at best, directing, but there exist many more roles: lighting designer, sound designer, costume designer, set designer, puppeteer, playwright, choreographer, etc. Even if you don’t land a job in your dream role right after graduation, your varied coursework equips you with skills suitable for roles in media, public relations, graphic design, human resources, talent management, writing, event planning, etc.
I love what I do. Though I started stage managing smaller productions, I now manage significant shows. Yet people often ask when I plan to get a “real job”. What they fail to realize is that I pay my bills, benefit from health insurance, contribute to my retirement fund, and love my work. Conversations about Broadway are frequent, but surely not every software engineer aspires to work at Microsoft or Apple, or every academic to work at Princeton. Success is subjective, and in my books, I’m successful and fortunate to be living my dream. Are you?
Parents and students alike need to remember that career choices shouldn’t be dictated solely by financial considerations or other people’s expectations. If your heart yearns for a specific path, follow it, because ultimately, you’re the one who will be living that dream for the next 40 years, not them.
I leave you with a thought: picking a major is a pivotal decision, requiring thorough research and understanding. While financial security is important, it shouldn’t overshadow your passions, strengths, or the way you wish to shape your life.