It’s tough being a theater kid. Things like "Glee" and "High School Musical" paint this idealized picture of what it's likes to pursue a career in the arts, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What no one tells you about being a theater major is that you are going to need a lot of one thing: patience. There’s nothing more tedious than having to explain to people what you do over and over again, but it’s time to shut those assumptions down once and for all. These are questions that on behalf of all my fellow theater majors, we are tired of hearing.
1. What are you planning on doing with your major?
The real question is what am I not planning on doing with my major? I can act, sing, write and even teach if I want to. Majoring in theater also helps you build skills that are valuable in any workplace like public speaking, collaboration and writing, so I’m gaining positive skills all around!
2. Don’t you guys just run around and do weird voice and movement exercises all day?
We are theater intellectuals who engage in in-depth conversations about plays, playwrights and the value of art itself; how it awakens society to ponder the questions that demand to be asked. And, you also left out back rubs and screaming at the top of our lungs.
3. Do you ever sleep?
The answer is always no. Caffeine may as well be renamed Jessica Lange because it is our queen.
4. Don’t you realize you’re going to be waiting tables for the rest of your life?
Maybe so, but what’s wrong with that? There’s no harm in doing it to pay for college, or to help start to become self-sufficient. And it may be hard to believe, but there are many working theater professionals whose sole job is in the theater and only theater. It’s not so unheard of.
5. So you want to be on Broadway?
I’m actually not the biggest fan of commercial theater with a few exceptions (yes, I’ve been blasting the "Hamilton" soundtrack nonstop for the past two weeks, just like you). I prefer the little theaters doing new and experimental work, but being on Broadway isn’t the ultimate goal. It’s about the work; the perks are just a bonus if you’re lucky.
6. Is it spelled "theatre" or "theater"?
I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten this question. "Theatre" refers to the subject; "theater" is the building in which a production takes place in, case closed.
7. What is a dramaturg anyway?
It saddens me that this is the 21st century and we’re still unaware of what a dramaturg is. A dramaturg is essentially a consultant on a theatrical production who studies and questions in order to better grasp the world of the play. Basically, you want them on your team and as a friend. They’re good people and great for dinner parties. Who else is gonna be able to tell you about how "Twenty One Pilots" got their name from an Arthur Miller play?
8. Do you ever get super depressed and existential because you’re an artist?
All. The. Damn. Time.
9. Are you sure you want to do this for the rest of your life?
Who’s to say if I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life? Can you say with absolute certainty that you know what you want to do for the entire rest of your life? Of course not. You can only hope for the best. And if you’re anything like me, you plan on doing a lot of things, not just one. But yes, I hope to always have theater be a major part of my life and know I will because it always keeps me coming back for more. I couldn’t stay away even if I tried.
10. But really, why?
Theater is home, that’s why. And I will not walk away from my chance to help make a difference in the world.
