As an incoming college freshman, I’ve gotten used to distant family members, coworkers, and even strangers asking for my major. When I answer with theatre education, the follow-up question is usually, “Well, what’s your backup plan?” And, typically, I give in. I tell them that I’m also planning on getting my English and middle school endorsements. I talk about the connections I’m making through my high school theatre teacher. Even as a theatre education major, where my future career is mentioned in the name of my major, I am asked to justify my decision and told that my goals are unrealistic.
Here's the thing: theatre is not an unrealistic career.
Sure, it may not be the most stable employment at times. It does require a lot of hard work, dedication and connection making, but it is by no means unrealistic.
There are positions on the stage which call for disciplined and well-trained actors and musicians. The same roles can be filled on television or in movies. There are also jobs behind the scenes, creating the world around the actors with spectacular set, lighting, makeup and sound designs. There are educational positions, both for teachers and for theatre professionals. There are even desk jobs for the less vocal, involving business, management, marketing and advocacy.
It’s also not just huge auditions for movies or Broadway shows. There are incredible regional theaters all across the nation who cast locally and hire professional designers.
Long story short, there are options out there for theatre majors. It's just a matter of finding that artistic niche.
People who choose to major in theatre are typically set in their goals. Like any other major, they go into it because they can't see themselves working any other job. They're usually aware that their pay might not be great, but it is a passion that drives them onward into their future career path.
Some claim that theatre is just too competitive to be practical. Yet, other majors like nursing, engineering, pharmacy, and other majors have extremely competitive fields. But students pursuing those majors are never asked about their backup plan. No one asks them to justify their decision to pursue pharmacy. So why is there the double standard with theatre majors?
The reality is that a career in theatre or film is not out of reach. Stop asking for a backup plan and instead start asking, "What about that field interests you?"