Theatre Major

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:03pm

Hey guys. First let me say I am sorry if this should really belong on the student or off topic board. Second, if you aren't going to give helpful, serious, thoughtful advice then don't bother.

Tonight I went to go register for college classes and before I had to register for classes I had to pick my major before I could even get to the classes screen. I went to go click "Theatre" and I hesitated. I thought to myself "Am I sure I want to do this?"

I've known for a while that I want to perform or at least perform for a while and settle down being a drama teacher. I've told people this for years. So here is my question, is it a bad thing that I hesitated? Does that mean that I really don’t want to? If I don’t pick theatre I don’t know what I could possibly do. I think I more scared of “not having a constant paycheck” as I’ve been told most actors go through.

If I really wanted it shouldn't I have not had a problem with clicking it? Is this my gut feeling saying to pick something else or just the college jitters? Don't get me wrong...I love theatre. I love all the aspects of it. I just feel uncertain.

[jake6970]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:10pm

Well right away this tells me that you didn't audition for a BFA program if you had to choose which major to select after you were already admitted. Was there a reason you didn't want to audition for any colleges? You might want to look back to why you didn't in the first place. Since you can choose if you want to major in theatre, I'm assuming it is a BA program. If you do major in theatre, I'm assuming there will still be a lot of academic courses you will take. Having a degree in theatre doesn't necessarily mean no money. You could continue with grad school after college or go into teaching or do any number of things.

[sgv123]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:12pm

I am a theatre major, and I understand where you are coming from. It is a big step, so i know that you want to do what is best. I can honestly say that I was a little nervous/uncertain when picking my major as well, but now I am happy with my decision. Just remember that you can change your major if you are not happy with it. hope that helped.
Updated On: 11/9/08 at 11:12 PM

[Paul W. Thompson]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:15pm

Do it. Do it now. You can always go into some other field if it doesn't work out for you, but I think it is very hard to go into theater once you've been trained and worked in something else for any length of time.

They always say that if you can imagine doing something else, then you should do it and not go into the arts. But hesitating is different than imaging another career. You have your eyes wide open--you know it is rough. That's why you hesitated. But what other options appeal to you? Nothing else? That's what I thought.

There is time for Plan B later. Get on with Plan A. With both feet. With chin and head held high. For as far as you can see, this is where you belong.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/9/08 at 11:35pm

Thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it. To answer the auditioning for a BFA question. I always knew that I wanted to do theatre but I didn't know about theatre till going into my junior year of highschool. I didn't know about auditioning,equity,etc. So the past two years have been learning years. My goal is for the two years I'm in college is to really build up my craft,take alot of classes and go from there. I eventually want to audition for FSU and get my BFA through them. (Since I'm starting at a community college).

[Liza + Jesus = Patti]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 12:48am

Well...

being a "drama teacher" and a PERFORMER are two entirely different things.

in today's times, there is a major for that called Theatre Education. FSU doesn't have it but there are many Liberal Arts colleges that do.

If you're a "drama teacher", you have a much better chance of a steady constant paycheck over a performer.

[withoutyou08]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 1:04am

ucjrdude902 your story is almost identical to mine. i live in new jersey and just this past year...my senior year actually..i got into theater. after i graduated school i decided to take a year off(by time for school ill have 2 years of experience like you)and thats what im doing now working to pay for college and i'm going to a community college first but i have doubts as to weather i should go into theater or not but i think its such a great field to go into but i think you should not be worried at all. and yes if for some reason you dont like it you can change your major but if your really dedicated to it i bet it works out great for you im hoping the same for myself! trying to stay positive! lol

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 1:21am

There's no shame in being in a BA Theatre Program. There are so many schools across the country the country that have excellent BA programs in theatre.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 7:41am

Just remember, if you really want to teach at any level you are going to need a teaching certificate, so my advice would be to get that and either take a lot of theatre courses for your electives or double major in theatre and education.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 8:21am

In my opinion, I don't know if I'd pursue a degree in theatre if I felt that I was already good enough on my own. But at the same time, if this is something you really want - go for it.

If you work at it, you could find work with your degree. Perhaps you can work at a marketing agency specializing in theatrical entertainment, for example. I am not saying give up on performing and auditioning - you could always do that as well. Can you minor in something, such as business or education? Something that can supplement your theatre degree that may give you access to different types of theatre-related jobs (in the event you are going through difficult audition periods). A minor can be helpful across all majors if you are looking to work in a certain area. Do you have any other interests?

I think you are uncertain because performers don't always have the highest job security. It is hard to find jobs, and when you finally get a role, you will be let go from the show when it closes. Be prepared for the challenges that will face you, and if this is something you really want to do - go for it!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:17am

I think it's a very smart idea that you are doing two years at a community college. You can take some of your general classes and also focus on theatre classes or be in shows. My friend when to a community college for his first year and was in 12 shows. How great is it to have an extra 12 credits on your resume!

See how it goes with your two years at community college and if you need to only declare your major as General Studies. After the two years, see how your passion for theatre is, and then decide from there. My advice is perform in as many shows as possible within those two years and build up your resume as best you can! Good luck with everything!

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/10/08 at 10:32am

Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the help! My poor mom tries to help but she's an RN so she doesn't know much about theatre. I want to get my BFA maybe do a few tours etc then settle down with a "teaching gig" because in the state of Florida its quite, actually VERY easy to get your teaching certificate as long as you have a degree. I think you literally just take a test after some studying.

Once again, thanks for ALL the help. And hopefully in 2 years I'll be at FSU and say "Thank God I got help from the ppl at BWW."