As a college student, there is one question I hear more than any other: "What's your major?" I hate that question. I hate it with a passion. It's not that I don't like telling people what my major is. The problem is what happens after I say it.
"I'm a theatre major."
From there, the conversation can go so many ways. Almost all of those ways are terrible.
You know, the theatre industry is really competitive.
Oh thanks. I had no idea. I've done no prior research.
There's not a lot of money in theatre.
Well I'd rather be happy and poor than rich and miserable.
I could go on forever.
I have been told things like this by so many people. In fact, a woman on a tour of my college recently asked me what my major was. I told her that I was a theatre major. She proceeded to laugh and say "Good luck." That's a true story!
Despite the many family members, friends and complete strangers telling me that theatre is not a smart choice, I chose it anyway, and I could not be happier about the decision I made.
I became involved with theatre when I was 12 years old. This was a time in my life where all the boys my age were playing sports. Because of that, I thought I was supposed to play sports too. I almost joined the school football team (people who know me personally will find that hilarious). One day, a friend of mine told me that I should come audition for the school musical. Call it fate, divine intervention, or whatever you believe it to be - I auditioned for the musical. I had 12 lines and couldn't have been more terrified of learning them. Don't worry, I survived.
That was a turning point in my life. I am lucky enough to have been a part of 15 theatrical productions over the course of the last six years. This article shouldn't be called "Why I Chose Theatre," because I honestly have no idea why I chose it. But I do know why I stuck with it. Since I joined the theatrical community, I have met some incredible people who I hope to have in my life for a very long time. I think most theatre people will agree with me. Yes, performing in front of an audience is so thrilling. The feeling of taking a bow at curtain call and having complete strangers cheer for you is a feeling that cannot be matched. But the people you will meet in the theatre are the most wonderful people in the world. These are the people who are just as crazy as you are. These are the people who are just as obsessed with Hamilton as you are. These are the people who will support you when you're just having a bad day.
I intend on pursuing theatre as a career and that is so exciting to me. Like many 10 year old girls, I dream of being on Broadway. I dream of the flowers filling my dressing room on opening night. I dread the day I come to work and see the closing notice. I dream of walking into an audition room to start the process all over again.
If you want to have a job in the theatre industry, people will constantly tell you why you shouldn't do it. In some cases, these people have a point. Theatre is unpredictable. It is an unreliable source of income. If you can picture yourself being happy doing anything else as a career, do that. But if theatre is truly the thing you want to be a part of, then welcome to the family.
