Are you a Performing Arts major? Same.
Let me guess, you get these questions a lot, right?
1. "Is that really what you want to do?"
People seem to have a hard time believing that majoring in performing arts is anything more than a far- fetched dream. Little do they know, it can be aimed for just like any other career choice if given effort and motivation.
2. "Well, I mean, don't you have a back up plan in case it doesn't work out?"
While it's always smart to make yourself as stable as possible after college, an entirely separate "backup plan" is absolutely not necessary for a performing arts major. A performing arts career is not something you try for "x" amount of years, and then ditch if it hasn't given you the income or work you initially expected. It's a constant climb that most performers are willing to make for a lifetime without ever considering taking a completely different career path when times get tough.
3. "Are your classes actually hard?"
While classes associated with performing arts aren't always analytical or based on problem solving, they require a great deal of focus and hard work. In performing arts, understanding the material comes second to how convincing, captivating, and influential you can be towards an audience. Every day is a struggle to get better- and growth is hardly linear. You may feel entirely confident in your work one day, and then terrible about it the next. Needless to say, performing arts classes require a great deal of energy, focus, and humility in and out of the classroom.
4. "What exactly are you going to do with that kind of degree?"
The truth is- hardly anyone knows exactly what they're going to do with a performing arts degree- and they don't really need to. If the goal is to audition after college, having a plan after graduation may be just as effective as not having one at all. Regardless, there are endless opportunities for performing arts majors upon leaving school.
5. "Do you really even need to go to college?"
The answer is YES, we do. While there are people that succeed in performing arts with no college experience- it's rare. It's important for a performer to take a route that allows them to be as prepared and marketable as possible. For a Musical Theatre Major, preparedness means (at least) four years of training in multiple dance styles, an understanding of numerous acting methods, and classical and broadway vocal training. Certification in fight choreography and taking film classes are goals of a performing arts student as well.
6. "How are you going to make money?"
Performing arts majors are going to make money like any other person: we're going to get a job! While the process of seeing employment may be more difficult and ambiguous than most would like, it's still doable. Having a steady income and a performing arts career is probably the biggest struggle of most artists, but those who are truly serious about it will strive to make it work.
7. "Can you perform something for me right now?"
Would you ask a person majoring in general surgery to take out someone's appendix for your entertainment?
