<p>Hi, im a senior in high school and i have a question. Next year im planning on double majoring in political science and theater, i do not have aspirations of becoming a professional performer, theater is just something i have always been interested in and would love to study. I do however have aspirations of going to law school. Over the last few years i have gotten lead parts in my schools musicals, i have drama class once a week, and am a member of the drama club and currently working on three one act preformances, however i have recently gotten the idea into my head that every one in the theater major will be these amazingly talented actors and I have recently become anxious that perhaps taking a theater major will jeopardize my chances of getting into law school if i do not preform well in them. So in a round about kind of way i am asking if this is a legitimate concern, and how much of the major and grades in will recieve in classes will be based on natural talent, which im still not exactly sure how much i have though people tell me i have it, and how much will be based on a strong work ethic and the ability to put plenty of time into my studies, which i most definitely have.</p>
<p>Hi, there! I think your plan of double majoring in poli sci and theater is an excellent one. I'm a court reporter, and I'll tell you that the attorneys I see in the courtroom who are the most persuasive, ask the clearest and best questions, and--most importantly--are best at addressing the judge and jury, are those who have some theater background. Think about it: you want to be able to present yourself with assurance, be convincing, articulate, and be able to sway a jury. What better background than theater?
Don't worry about how you're going to "perform" in your theater classes. Just get in there and do it. You don't have to be the absolute best in the class; you're there to learn, improve your skills, and incorporate all that you learn into yourself to become a whole, educated person. Take it one step at a time, okay?<br>
Best of luck!</p>
<p>I think this is a very interesting question and I'm anxious to see the responses posted. Basically they are asking is your grade dependent on your level of talent or the fact that you completed the work and gave it your all. Since there is the potential for subjectivity this could be a concern since getting into the most competitive law schools will require a high GPA. </p>
<p>Someone might be a natural, never have to practice and have the expertise of a Tom Hanks or Spencer Tracy - do they get an "A"? And another person might practice 20 hrs a week and never have that level of ability to act so do they get a C or an A for the effort? </p>
<p>I agree that the acting will enhance a legal career. Actually law schools have so many political science majors apply that you are at a distinct advantage if you stay away from that major.</p>
<p>My fiance has had in his courtroom recently 3 district attorneys with arts backgrounds. Specifically, one had a BFA in dance (don't recall from where, sorry!), one had a BM (trumpet performance) from UArts, and another had a BFA in theater from U Mich. These people evidently had no problem getting into law schools with what might be considered "unconventional" undergraduate degrees.</p>
<p>PS: I realize I am not answering the questions that opened this thread, I just think it is fascinating to see where arts people wind up!</p>
<p>thanks for the input, anyone else?</p>
<p>I would think you would be fine, given that you say you love theater and want to study it. I will say that depending on the classes you take, theater can involve more than "book learning". For example you might end up having to sew stuff for grades in a costume class. Supposedly my D is going to have to do some welding before her course work is finished. I am looking forward to that!</p>