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| What people typically think of when having a theatre degree Source: The Prospect |
"Is it worth the expense?"
"Do you need a degree to get a job as an actor?"
During my time being involved in theatre and productions, these questions have surfaced time and time again.
My own personal opinion pertaining to these questions is: "No, you don't NEED a degree in theatre. That is, if you have tons of talent, amazing work ethic, lots of experience, AND luck, then no, you don't NEED a degree in theatre."
However, going to school to exercise your skills and discover other careers in theatre couldn't hurt your chances.
Before attending the University of Texas at Austin as a Public Relations student, I was once a perspective theatre major, searching for what the University's Theatre and Dance department could provide for me. A lot apparently.
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| The University of Texas at Austin Source: The University's Webpage |
Attending a university or an observatory that is well known for their theatre departments could very well set you a part from the rest of the crowd.
Having a degree will give you more experience, more diversity, and more knowledge of all things pertaining to theatre.
I talked with the College of Fine Arts career coach, Sophia Sherman, to get a professional's perspective on the matter. Not only does having a degree teach you theatre based skills, but also skills applicable to any career.
"Students develop writing skills, communication skills, team collaboration, leadership, all from the classes the college offers," said Sherman.
Most colleges will also provide services to help students enter the professional world with a leg-up, such as the Fine Arts Career Services. The Fine Arts Career Services provides students with career guides for specific majors and cater to the student's career plan. The coaches will work with students on their resumes, cover letters and even work on auditions.
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| Every girl would nail her audition if Ryan Gosling was her career coach Source: Quick Meme Website |
Students using university career services will also lead them to a variety of internships, connections students outside of a university might not get.
Sherman says, "We encourage students to apply for internships and jobs with an open mind. Any internship, even it is not specifically what you are interested in, can be useful."
The main goal when applying for an internship is getting experience and hands-on learning. The benefits of applying for an internship as a theatre and dance major, is that any internship you apply for you will be working with passion, created people like yourself!
Another advantage to being a theatre and dance student are vast array of career paths students can take. Career titles range from Director to Audience Relations Specialist to Lightening Designer. Students may never get the opportunity to immerse themselves in the different aspects of theatre to the extent if they chose not to go to school.
Having a degree in theatre will not only give an advantage in the professional world, but going to a university will also expose students to different career paths having a theatre degree can lead to.
If you're seriously considering entering the industry as a profession, I would highly recommend going to school. It also gives you some time to have fun before entering the real world.
Any further questions you may having regarding what school to go to or career opportunities theatre majors provide, please take a look at the following articles:
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