This article is a great reminder that it’s not only MT Majors who either can’t or choose not to find work in their field of study. I just met a mom in line at a bakery whose MT grad (Syracuse but could have been ANY program) had never auditioned even once post college. For now our D is working steadily as a paid MT, but I’ll be neither surprised nor disappointed if she ever decides to try something else. Life is short!
Do we think this number is even a bit lower for all MT grads?
I’ve heard this type of info before from other sources and I believe it is probably pretty accurate. That’s why I always recommend people to study what they love unless they want a career in something that requires a particular degree (architect, engineer, etc).
@raellis123 - probably reasonable advice that many MT parents share. I’m guessing having observed this tendency for older friends and relations to periodically switch careers may lead others toward more generalized undergrad degrees, but of course there’s not any single “best” approach. I miss the olden days when regular people could actually afford to go back for subsequent degrees as their interests evolved, but given today’s higher ed costs few of our kids will be able to afford that.
The article reminded me of the prior discussion of “What Future are our MTs Training For?”. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1318265-what-future-are-our-mts-training-for-p1.html
All I know is that it’s exciting to watch the MT classes of 2015 graduating all around the country and heading off to make their way in the world. Oh the (varied) places they’ll go!!
I also think its good to be reminded of statistics like this. Choosing a music \ theater \ dance \ art degree isn’t any more or less preparation for a a job in general than one in history, English, Sociology or Psychology. And as the head of the MT and Opera program at my d’ s school pointed out, the entertainment industry is huge- lots of options there in addition to straight performance.
I’m one who doesn’t think that a college major defines what you can or cannot do for a career so much, at least at the undergraduate level.
Anyway, it so happens that the following link crossed my professional work path this week, that is not as serious as the original link on this thread… but is on the same topic…
http://distractify.com/Myka-Fox/the-major-project/?ts_pid=2&ts_pid=2
@soozievt - Haha… I’d seen that earlier and agree it ties in nicely here. It was good to finally see what qualifications the King of the World has as it explains a lot about how it’s being (mis)managed. 
I don’t find it unusual at all if the 27% number is accurate. The difference with theatre degrees, however, is that students are training for a specific career, while many other college students with other majors are not.
That is a good point, @alwaysamom especially as it relates to those in BFA degree programs.
It would be interesting (though virtually impossible) to know if the number is higher than 27% for folks with MT BFAs, since they’ve intentionally chosen such a specialized education, or even lower since they’re attempting such a competitive and (usually) economically unrewarding career path.
I think it depends on what your interpretation of work is. Many of my D’s friends who graduated about 3 years ago consider themselves working actors. But very few of them are supporting themselves through the work they do as actors. A few do, but the majority are working at other jobs to pay their rent. They don’t consider these jobs their career, but a way to support themselves while still allowing them to have time to audition.
So they are still seeking a career in their major, but are also working out of their field.
@uskoolfish great point! My older D is a pro dancer and there are many jobs she takes for free because they are good networking opportunities, because they are helping a friend choreographer, because she just wants to dance.And she has also done paid international tours, music videos, been an extraon several tv shows etc…It is important to remember, if dance or MT is your dream and you get to do it whether unpaid or low pay or high pay, you are working and improving your craft and in my eyes a success. It is also important to remember that if you base success on Broadway or whatever your measure is , you may always feel like a failure or just not enjoy the journey… success is the show at the tiny theater or the one for free in the park etc… My humble opinion of course!