After having a near mental breakdown halfway through sophomore year, I decided to make the scary decision to change my major. All of the signs in my life pointed to my current major, Arts Administration, one of the majors in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. If I thought the questions I got as an English major were annoying, they in no way prepared me for just how annoying some of the questions and comments I get now are. I understand that most of these questions come from a good place or are said in a joking manner, but after hearing them for the 27 time, they get very old, very fast. Here are 10 things you shouldn’t say to a performing arts major:
Do you know how hard it is to make it as an actor?
Not everyone pursuing performing arts to learn how to be an actor. Acting is not the only performing at. There is so much more to theater than acting.
You know it’s super expensive to live in New York or Los Angeles.
Oh yes, we are all well aware. We are very much prepared to be broke for a long time, but hey! At least we’ll be doing what we love! Besides, most of us probably won’t end up there anyway.
Well, I could make six figures right out of college with my degree.
That’s great for you! Really, truthfully it is. If the career I wanted to go into did, that would me amazing too. But it doesn’t. We’ve accepted that.
What about a more practical career path?
I am being practical about my career path. Personally, I’m pursuing a path similar to that of a marketing major, just narrowed down into the arts field.
Have fun in your crappy, shoebox -insert synonym for small here- apartment!
We will! We know that it’s not forever, and that’s where saving up is at its utmost importance. Besides, if I’m in an industry I love, in a vibrant city, how much time will I actually spend in it?
There aren’t that many jobs out there, are there?
It’s true, it’s a pretty small field to be going into. But there is so much offered in unexpected places, you have to take what you can and roll with the punches.
How do you even get a job with that degree?
Just like everyone else. Networking and getting experience. This is why I gave up the opportunity to study in London for a semester to intern at a theater company in New York.
Are you sure that’s what you want to spend your college tuition on?
Yes, yes I am very sure. Just like any other major, the money for the education will be well worth it when I land my first job in the industry.
Why don’t you just join the Theater Company, Dance Club, or Choir?
How do you think I found out about my major? Yes, being in a club teaches you so much about performing arts, but studying it opens up so many more doors and opportunities that will actually fit into your schedule.
Wait, we have a theater company, dance club and choir?
Unless you are genuinely interested in these groups, I will not dignify this question with a response.
Yes, we have thought about all of these things, and yet we still have decided to pursue our degrees. We love what we do, and can’t really see yourself in any other line of work. A performing arts major is so much more than performance itself. It’s about learning all aspects of our industries because we want to be part of it. We appreciate the concern, but yes, most of us know what we’re doing.
