There are two split ideals that are prevalent when deciding a life path: the first being: a career that will ensure stability, and the second, less common consideration being: what will lead you to personal satisfaction. These two beliefs do not always go hand in hand with one another. For someone pursuing a career in theatre many people believe that there is no way to achieve financial stability. Despite there being many different career paths within the theatre world, the general public has constructed the image of a "starving artist." Many visualize future theatre majors waiting tables to make ends meet, while simultaneously auditioning for small time productions. Those that have chosen to live an artistic life style as a career understand that their stability is undetermined. Reinforcing concerns that they have already dealt with internally doesn't enable them to consider different options, it encourages the stigma that actors are not financially independent. Next time someone tells you that they hope to pursue a career in theatre, try to avoid asking these questions in return.
1. "That’s cool! What’s your backup plan though?"
Many people pursuing theatre based interests have skill sets that make them desirable employees. The assumption that we need to acquire an additional set of qualities, through a backup plan, implies that the arts won’t provide a sustainable career.
2. "Cry on command!"
Why is this the only skill that deems whether someone is talented or not? You know what, I can cry on command. However, in a performance that requires tears I really hope that they stem from my strong character development rather than a trick I learned during a staring contest.
3. "Where do you waitress?"
Being a theatre guru is exhaustibly correlated to doubling as a waitress. Yeah, so I might serve some tables from time to time, but who doesn't at the ripe age of twenty? In fact, most of my co-workers are pursuing careers completely unrelated to the arts, and the humanities in general.
4. "I’ve seen [insert generic play everyone that’s been to New York has seen] on Broadway!"
I understand that you’re trying to relate to me. However, your doubt in my chosen profession is not masked by an anecdote of Broadway’s most popular shows.
5. "So do you just like sing and dance in all of your classes?"
Not everyone pursuing an education in theatre wants to be a performer. Therefore, not every course has a curriculum that demands performing. Many theatre lovers major in English, Film, Communications, etc. However, even those classes that do require performance, do so in a structured and educational manor, as any math or science class would.
6. "I was in a show once! In 5th grade!"
You’re comparing my passion, that I spend hours a week perfecting, to an elementary school performance of Peter Pan.
7. "What do your parents think about that?
They think it’s great that I chose my profession based on passion rather than yearly income.
8. "So do you have to memorize a lot of lines?"
Well, yes. However, from an outsiders perspective this may seem like the most difficult task of performance. Anyone can memorize a couple of lines, and a monologue here or there. What makes someone an actor, is how they convey the lines. The most difficult part of performance is decoding the subtext in each line, and allowing the audience to empathize with your character.
9. "Shouldn’t you be in LA or NY for that?"
Theatre exists everywhere. Yes, LA and NY have the most widely renowned respect, but artists exist in the most unheard of towns/states/countries. Where there are artists, there is theatre. Maybe our yearly income won’t be as substantial as someone who has found work in California, but to us it’s not about the money.
10. "Do you want to be on like TV or something?"
Being on TV, Broadway, or starring in movies is not the end all be all for those interested in theatre careers. There are many other options that go behind the scenes of the performance aspect, such as teaching theatre, running publicity for upcoming shows, managing a production, etc.
