Senior year of high school arrived, and everyone at your school starts deciding what they want to major in for college and what they want to do with their lives. When asked what your major is the common response back is, "Oh, wow, that'll be great." No one ever thinks they will hear, "Oh, really? Do you have a backup plan?" No. No, I do not have a backup plan, but thank you for asking. Did you have a backup plan when you went to college? It does not matter what a person's major is or how much it surprises you that someone is actually majoring in it. Always be supportive of a person. A person is not going to major in something if they do not feel confident enough in that field.
Deciding I was going to major in theatre was a pretty simple decision for me. After being in theatre for all four years of high school, I realised I did not know what I would do if I did not choose it. For some people it's a tougher decision. Many people face the struggle of telling their parents they want to major in theatre because their parents think they should choose a field that they might actually get a job in. I am very blessed to have a family who supports me no matter how weird or crazy my dreams are.
I claimed my major in theatre five semesters ago, and I have not regretted it once. There have been many times where I have gotten burnt out during and between productions but still not one regret. I have met some of the greatest people and friends while doing theatre. I am not only studying theatre at school but because I decided to pursue what I am passionate about, I have actually worked professionally in the field two summers in a row. Everyone talks about how hard it is to get a job and that it's just not worth it when you are having to constantly search for employment, which is why people are always surprised when a person talks about their future in theatre post-college.
I am here to tell you that if you want to work in theatre as a career, then do it! Do not let anyone scare you out of it. Is it easy? No it's not. It is actually pretty hard, but it will be worth it if you actually want it and it will be one of the best decisions you make during college that effect the rest of your life.
