I can't remember the amount of times I have had people ask me questions about my major that are rude and inconsiderate, and frankly, I am tired of hearing them. I could talk for hours about why I picked my major or what my concentration is, since most people I talk to are actually interested in knowing, but some people just do not understand how important art majors are and how an art major can actually do something with their respective degrees. Here are just 7 of the many questions I receive on a regular basis:
1. "What can you do with a theatre degree?"
Many things, actually. A theatre degree is quite broad and has many different concentrations to focus on. Some concentrations include costume design, scenic design, lighting design, acting, musical theatre, playwriting, directing, stage management, dramaturgy, etc. There are so many different things one can do with a theatre degree.
2. "Why don't you get a real degree?"
When did a theatre degree become lesser than any other degree? Just because I am not going into a field like nursing or psychology doesn't make my degree any less than anyone else's.
3. "How will you make money doing that?"
There are always jobs open in theatre, just like in any other field. For example, designers are always wanted in the theatre world. They always need more people making costumes, constructing sets, configuring lights, etc. Although acting is a popular choice for concentration (my current concentration, actually), an actor can still make money being an actor. You just have to be open minded and open to the hard work it takes to make it in the theatre world.
4. "Why are you just taking the easy way out?"
This major is not easy at all. Although we don't take many tests and whatnot, most of our work is hands on and doing it over and over until we understand. We don't operate on a Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm day. We operate on Tuesday through Sunday 8 am to 10 pm, or later, depending on rehearsals, Tech Week, work calls, etc. Our work isn't easier because we don't take tests; we make up for it in all of the extra hours we have to put in.
5. "Aren't acting classes just theatre games?"
Acting classes begin with theatre games to warm up the body and voice. These games help us get to know one another and become comfortable with one another. Acting is a very exposing and intimate form of self expression, so it is important that everyone is comfortable and safe.
6. "So, you're just doing this to move to New York?"
Yes, I may be tired of Louisiana's awful humidity, but no, that is not why I want to eventually move to New York. Theatre is everywhere; a theatre major doesn't have to go to New York for work. That is just where my dreams are taking me. I am not a theatre major for a free ride to New York. This is not free, and it is certainly not easy.
7. "What's your backup plan?"
Why don't we ask this question to nursing majors or education majors or literally any other major? My major is the same as any other major. Any major can have problems with finding jobs. I don't need a backup plan when I love what I do, and I am passionate about it.
PSA: Theatre majors are the same as any other major: passionate about what they love. When people speak badly about my major or ask inconsiderate questions, it just makes me fall in love with my major even more. I love my major, and I am very tired of people questioning me about what I love.
