Although many majors have unique experiences attached to them, theatre majors have some of the strangest. I may only be halfway through my first semester, but if I had a dollar for every time someone said one of these to me, I could've paid off my tuition bills already.
1. "That's so cool!"
I mean, you're not wrong. I get to do something I'm in love with for the rest of my life. In fact, everyone should do something they're in love with for the rest of their life. That's just my opinion, though.
2. "So, what are you going to do with that?"
ANYTHING I WANT. But really, theatre majors are way more employable than you probably think. This former theatre major recounts his time as a theatre major and how that prepared him for his current career (which, by the way, is not directly related to theatre). In fact, a well-rounded theatre education teaches way more than just how to act convincingly or how to put a set together. My program ensures that students are prepared for "the real world" by requiring that students take classes in a wide range of theatre categories. The classes don't even just teach theatrical concepts and ideas, but are applicable for all kinds of long-term career goals. Although you can very likely get a job working in the widespread theatre industry, you don't have to.
3. "When can I come see you in a show?"
As a design major...um, probably never. Thanks for asking though!
4. "Why would your parents let you major in that?"
First of all, see #2. But really, my parents and I had some very serious questions about my long-term goals in regards to my theatre major. From my actual dad: "We looked into it, and there are a lot of legitimate career opportunities [in the arts]. People who do the degree get jobs, and they're pursuing a career in field about which they're passionate and engaged."
5. "Oh my gosh, I did theatre in high school!"
Honestly, this is my favorite response. It means you probably appreciate the kind of art that theatre is, the community-type feel that it has, and the weirdness of it in general. I love when people tell me they did theatre in high school...unless it's in the vein of "but I decided to get a real job". Even if you don't realize it, that's not a compliment, it's a put down.
