Title: Why Studying Theatre Isn’t a Waste
Some people think you should go to school, pick a lucrative field, get married, and stay that way for life. The idea of studying less traditional subjects like Theatre or French Literature scares them. They think these degrees lead to too few job opportunities. I recently got a comment on my blog from a worried parent emphasizing practical degrees that secure well-paid jobs.
Her words struck me deeply. They made me realize how grateful I am for parents who allowed me to follow my dreams. It made me wonder about the dreary life I might have had if my love for theatre was snuffed out.
It was funny because the reader’s comment came under a blog where I mentioned my struggle to find a job right after college. I graduated with a double major in Literature and Theatre, but my job search only lasted 3 weeks. Ironically, most of my friends who chose ‘practical’ majors weren’t as fortunate. The job I secured kick-started my career, providing me with five incredible years of travelling the world and stage managing.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy having money. When I accumulated student debt, I almost freaked out because of the huge commitment. However, being financially conscious doesn’t mean giving up on what you love. Surely, I wouldn’t have pursued these fields if they led to starvation. But, these degrees are more versatile than you’d think.
Often, when people hear you have a theatre degree, they assume you aim to be an actor or director. Little do they know the range of roles a theatre graduate can fit into, such as lighting design, sound design, costume design, stage management, and many more.
Graduating with a supposedly “useless” degree might seem daunting. You might not land your dream theatre job right away, but your diverse coursework equips you with multiple skills. It prepares you for other jobs like graphic design, sales, HR, community affairs, event planning, and more. This extends your opportunities well beyond performing arts.
People tend to think pursuing a creative field means you have grand, unrealistic dreams of becoming a superstar. But it’s not about that. I pay bills, have health benefits, a retirement plan, and even dental and vision coverage. When I travel internationally, I proudly write “stage manager” as my profession. If I’d listened to the doubters, I probably would’ve ended up as a miserable high school English teacher.
Yes, Broadway is part of my dreams, and it’s okay to have dreams. Is a college professor a failure if they’re not teaching at Princeton? Or a software engineer not working at Microsoft or Apple? I’m as successful as any other working citizen in this country, following my dreams and progressing towards my ideal job. Are you?
You need to choose your major wisely, understand its challenges, and not just for the money. The most crucial point is you shouldn’t let others dictate your decisions. If parents pressure you to pick a ‘sensible’ major, remind them that you’re the one who needs to live with your choice for the next 40 years. It should be your passion and your dream.
Remember, there’s more to life than just being a teacher, a carpenter, a lawyer, or their choice of profession for you. Your life, your dream!