<p>Since 6th grade I've been interested in going into musical theatre as a career. I'm now a junior in high school and of course have started looking at colleges. But my mom keeps talking to me about the practicality of going into musical theatre, which i know is very important to think about. She makes the good point that I could get a stable job and still be able to pursue my passion through community theatre, the only problem is that I have no idea what I would like to do as much as musical theatre. What is your opinion on this, and any insight or advice would be greatly welcomed. Thanks :)</p>
<p>I get this kind of reaction from people all the time. I think what it comes down to is really a personal decision. It takes a certain kind of personality and attitude to actually pursue a career in the arts; you have to be willing to accept rejection on a daily basis and be okay with the idea of not having a “steady job”. Going into this business takes an incredible amount of hope and a whole lotta heart. That being said, I personally believe that people who choose financial comfort over pursuing their passion are really just afraid of confronting their fears. I certainly don’t want to be someone who ends up in a job that is unsatisfying just because I didn’t want to risk being “poor”. For me, being able to wake up and do what I love everyday is worth living from paycheck to paycheck and on a low salary. Many people would disagree, and to each their own. But there are so many people today who are strongly advising us to go into a “practical” profession, especially because it is nearly impossible for actors to find work with this economy right now. But I really, truly, honestly believe that whatever is meant to be will work itself out, even if it means I have to work however many odd jobs on the side. It really is a personal preference, along with a decision you have to make with your family. If you are willing to make the sacrifices it takes, and really truly KNOW that there is nothing you’d rather do, then go for it!!</p>
<p>If you can do anything else. Do it. But if you cannot imagine yourself outside of theatre (notice I did not say performing!) then go to college and study theatre. Become an artist. It is a high calling indeed. Show your mother this. Cheesy site, but the information is dead on: [What</a> Theatre Majors Learn. What can you “do” with a theatre major? Plenty!!](<a href=“http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/majorslearn.html]What”>http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/majorslearn.html)</p>
<p>legalyblonde87 makes several very good points, not the least of which is her last comment about “really truly know[ing] there is nothing you’d rather do”. Most students who decide to major in MT have spent most of their lives actively involved in theatre with increasing commitments of time taking voice lessons, dance classes, acting classes, auditioning and performing in shows, choral groups and the like as they have progressed through junior and senior high. It is the focal point of their lives outside of their academic responsibilities. If at this point in your life you know there is nothing you would rather do than major in MT and you have spent the last several years of your life preparing to do so with singular focus, then by all means pursue it. Even if you have not, however, even if you have approached theatre more as an avocational extracurricular activity, you have options that will enable you to fully explore where your interests in theatre will take you.</p>
<p>First, it’s important for your mom to understand that a college theatre program provides a legitimate college education and degree. Lots of times, people get hung up on the notion that majoring in theatre is somehow “less than” a real college experience. That’s simply not the case. In any theatre program you are going to work hard, apply yourself and develop the skill and ability to navigate a demanding program, all of which will serve you well in your future directions, whatever they turn out to be. You will read and analyze dramatic literature, write papers, engage in studies of history and art in addition to performance based classes. Moreover, when you think about it, most liberal arts undergrad degrees do not prepare a student to enter the work world at any level other than the most basic entry level jobs. A degree in theatre is certainly no less a credential to do so generally and, if you end up pursuing performing, provides you with specialized training that provides you with the tools and knowledge to pursue a specialized track.</p>
<p>In addition, people frequently color all theatre programs with a very broad brush and perceive them all to be stereotypical conservatories without distinguishing between BFA programs and BA programs, audition based programs and those that are not, programs where you can double major or minor, those that are housed in full blown universities and colleges and those that are housed in arts universities. There is a great deal of diversity among theatre programs. There are BFA programs that lean towards a true conservatory model, BFA programs that require liberal arts, some at which you can minor in another subject and even a few where you might be able to double major. And then there are BA programs (most frequently not requiring an audition) where liberal arts outside of the theatre program play a very significant role in the degree requirements and a student can readily major in theatre performance as well as a more traditional academic area. The key is to find the right program that fits your needs, desires and goals. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that there is no one right path to pursuing a career as a performer. Some go to BFA programs, others obtain BA degrees in theatre. Some get a degree in another major and then pursue a MFA. Some get advanced training at studio programs after college. You have many options to explore and if your heart tells you to major in theatre, go for it. Do the research about different schools and programs and find the ones that are right for you.</p>
<p>Just saw what kjgc posted. Excellent link about the value of a theatre degree!</p>
<p>do what makes YOU happy. its your life, pursue your dreams</p>
<p>It’s important to face your fears and pursue your passions, but your mom also makes the important point that you may only get one crack at a college education so it’s wise to make the most of it. </p>
<p>I read somewhere that 60% of all undergrads switch majors during college. While that # might be lower for those committed enough to pursue degrees in theatre (often against the advice of many adults in their lives), I know firsthand that even kids admitted to the tippy-top MT programs sometimes change their minds during college, and if they’re pursuing a BFA or are at a conservatory they may have to start from scratch on a different degree (I myself did this years ago), so it is worth giving it serious thought. The transient theatre lifestyle can seem romantic when you’re young, but may seem less so as you get older and want to own a home or raise a family.</p>
<p>We know many extremely talented MT performers who have opted for straight academic degrees while still pursuing performance on the side, as well as many who have opted to forgo college and get outside training while they perform professionally, so it’s worth considering if those alternatives are appealing to you.</p>
<p>There is no one right answer, and family choices about how to spend limited education dollars are very personal. Obviously most of us here have chosen to pursue (or to enable our kids to pursue) theatre degrees, so we are probably a bit biased. </p>
<p>Good luck in your decision, and do keep in mind that if you are a tall, handsome, talented male your odds of working are FAR better than those of my D. ;-D</p>