"...and so what is your backup plan?"

I cannot tell you the number of times I have been asked this question since deciding to pursue my degree in Musical Theatre. It is amazing to me that even today with actors making huge salaries in movies, television shows, commercials and stage work that Theatre and Musical Theatre majors (including you wonderful, wonderful techies) are still looked upon as people with no to very little future ahead of them. The truth is that pursuing and obtaining a degree in Theatre (in any form) actually helps to produce some of the most efficient, prolific and versatile people that bring new and unique perspectives to both business and life.

(There is more to us than great posture and the ability to look good in a solid gold outfit, but those are definitely perks)

The problem that continues to exist today is that unless you are currently performing on Broadway (a reality MANY successful actors never achieve or achieve much later in life) or immediately move to a big city to constantly audition, people can't see the value in a Theatre, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre degree. They refuse to look past what is right in front of them to be able to see a greater value outside of an auditorium or cattle call. The truth is that a theatre degree grants a variety of skills that go far beyond what an "outsider" may recognize.

(If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills that make me able to adapt to a lot of situations, solve problems and work with a variety of people. Plus I have a great double pirouette)

We know how to work with people.

Actors, directors, stage managers, technical directors and backstage hands come in a variety of personalities. Of course actors get a bad rap for being self-absorbed divas, but in reality the majority of people who have pursued the theatrical arts are the kindest, most empathetic people you will meet. We have honed our ability to see things from the perspectives of different types of people, including people that in real life we would want nothing to do with. We understand that not everybody is easy to work with, but as long as we can be easy to work with, we know we will be appreciated and allowed to flourish in any field. Plus our training has made us pretty thick-skinned, so we can handle being told the truth especially if we are given constructive criticism on how to improve. Not only that, we have a work ethic that is second to none. Besides rehearsing into the late hours of the night, taking classes to sharpen our skills and potentially working on creative projects on our own, theatre majors are able to handle (and stick to) a schedule that would drive many other people insane. As the old saying goes, "If you're early, you're on time, if you're on time, you're late, and if you're late, you're lost."

(Actors and techies make incredible friends, business partners, and confidantes)

We have amazing adaptability.

In live theatre, anything can happen. That is part of the joy of seeing a performance live because you know that this is the only performance of its kind and that no two performances are alike. That said, we understand that things won't always go according to plan and we know how to cover for it seamlessly. I remember once when I hid behind a bar during the opening number of Act Two of "Crazy for You" with a pair of scissors undoing hot glue that the props crew had put over the cork of a bottle our lead character was supposed to drink out of. At the end of the song, I popped out from behind the bar for the final button, bottle in hand ready to be given to our "Bobby Child." This same ability to stay calm and fix situations when they arise make theatre people valuable friends and employees.

(Oh, Plan A didn't work? That's fine, here are eight other solutions that will fit your needs perfectly)

Our skill set is unmatched.

My college education included courses in finance (business of theatre), kinesthesiology (dance and movement courses), psychology (acting and character work), music (vocal and dance), management (stage management and directing), electronics (lighting), construction (through building sets and using power tools), beauty (makeup), history (history and styles of acting), health and fitness (gotta have that "Broadway Body") and design (through lighting work, set design and painting). We are incredibly versatile, able to pick up on new information and put it to good use quickly. As such, theatre majors are wonderful assets to virtually any job that can be offered. There is more to theatre than just singing or acting on a stage and we aren't afraid to show you what we are capable of if given the opportunity.

(Q: Which one of these is the Theatre Major? A: Any one of them!)

So the next time that you meet somebody who is studying theatre in any capacity, at any level, congratulate them. Tell them how impressed you are that they are working to be successful in a field that many people still refuse to see the true value of. Remind them that they have people who are rooting for them to succeed in any future endeavors they may undertake, even if it isn't on what most non-thespians would consider a "traditional" path. Keep in mind what you have read above and use that to your advantage both in and out of the work place. Most importantly, keep encouraging young people to pursue their passions, whatever they may be, without trying to scare the fear of an "unstable" or "financially insecure" life into them. Many times we don't study the arts for the money that we hope to make, we study the arts because that is what is in our soul.

(Nothing makes us happier than knowing that what we love is appreciated and viewed with respect. That and a great stage picture)