Musical Theatre careers- not just performing

Ok, I'm sorry if this has been posted before, but I searched and found related material but not what I was looking for.
I'm going to be a senior in high school and since the whole college thing has been coming up recently I have some questions for those of you who may already be finishing or out of college and employed in the theatre world. Are there A DECENT AMOUNT of jobs in musical theatre besides performing? Like, if you get a BFA musical theatre, can you seriously be considered for any other jobs besides a performer? I was thinking of majoring in music education minoring in theatre, but in reality I don't think I want to teach, I'd rather be in shows while I'm younger and then be like a casting director or something. I'm not really into the technical aspect or directing either, so I don't know of any careers related to MT that I could have after.

The thing that worries me the most is job security, because I don't want to major in MT and then if I'm unable to get a performing job be stuck unemployed. And I know people will probably say "oh, you'll get a job somewhere acting" or something, but that's not good enough. I don't think I would feel comfortable making my parents spend $$ to send me to school for a MT degree without knowing I could get a job and not have to come back home and live with them until my 40's or something
[I'm considering Ithaca, U of Michigan, and Syracuse(any info on those?) and I have a 1280 SAT and a 29 ACT]

Also, are Music Business or Arts Administration anything anyone here is involved in? And how much does it pay, what is the job security/availability, and do you find it relates to theatre and is enjoyable?

Thanks!

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Updated On: 6/29/05 at 11:17 AM

As a mom, I am insisting that my MT kid minors in education.

Have you considered majoring in something more on the business side - communications, etc.? Stay involved in the theatre on your own (take your dance classes, I always say!). With that background, you can perhaps get a job as a theatre publicist, a theatre critic, a journalist, a graphic designer (someone needs to put those marketing materials togther), a teacher...

MT is a business, so there are definitely business-like jobs to be had in the theatre. Think of any job you could have in business, and apply it to a theatre setting. There are lots of options! Public relations is a big deal in theatre - think of event planning, perhaps (all those B'way community benefit concerts).

There are jobs, you just need to be persistent and creative with your approach. Note, that the arts generally pays a bit less than corporate, at least when you are starting out.

Updated On: 6/29/05 at 04:46 PM

Thanks everyone

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