Theatre Majors

[BabyPiglet]

I have a question for all the theatre majors out there. What made you decide to major in theatre, and had you had any experience acting before college? Also, how extensive are the dance courses? I know it varies from school to school, but just how important are the dance classes/your ability to dance?

 

[DisneyLover0526]

I have a question for all the theatre majors out there. What made you decide to major in theatre, and had you had any experience acting before college? Also, how extensive are the dance courses? I know it varies from school to school, but just how important are the dance classes/your ability to dance?

I chose to be in Theater because I have always been in school plays and what-not. My first school play (i had the leading role) was when I was 4. I started dancing when I was 6. Growing up, I was always acting in various school plays, and when I hit high school, started doing Drama competitions. In 2006, I won second place in teh Shakespeare Competition. I don't know....I just had the passion for it, i guess. I haven't taken any dance classes yet, so I don't know about that.

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I'm a theatre arts and history double major. I have been involved in theatre ever since 5th grade and always loved it. I originally was just going to be a minor, but I realized I had enough time in my schedule to fit the major, plus I loved the department.
I used to just act, but now I have fallen in love with directing and stage managing and other backstage work.
But I know many people who had never acted before in their lives who have become heavily involved in our theatre program.
And our dance program is non-existant. lol. We have a dance history course, but no performance-based class. So I can't help you there.
Theatre in college is amazing though!!

 

[SweaterInJune]

I hold my BFA in theatre, Cum Laude... I learned a lot, and had a great BUSY time. Now, 3 years out, with a crap economy, and $30,000 in debt. I wish I had chosen wiser. I can't afford to live anywhere where having a theatre degree is particularly useful (I studied design/stage management, as well as performance/directing, and I'm a professional magician). I have connections, but I just can't afford it. In fact, I can't even find a decent-paying job at all. Most employers write you off immediately, not caring about what amazing skills you may possess... My advice is, do so if you wish, but at least double major! Choose wisely, friends!

 

[MickeyGurl]

theatre is a passion that drives us. I was a theatre major. I kind still am. I am studying journalism. i am hoping to be a theatre or film critic. If I could do anything it would be theatre! But you also should have another thing to fall back on. As a writer at least I'll know I can get paid for my pieces in newspapers or magazines and possible books. A lot of people know I have the drive and talent to perform for the rest of my crazy life, but I won't always have that shot, like I do when I write. But what I also say to them is do what your heart tells you to do. You'll have adventures to tell your children... if you want any! haha That's why i am doing the DCP... it's an adventure!

 

[theatergal]

I choose theater because it's been my life since I was in elementary school. I had been in school plays and choirs and stuff all thoroughout middle and high school. When I got to my senior year of high school, I was also interested in journalism (I was the editor and cheif of the paper) and originally applied to all my schools as a journalism major. I found out, though, that when I was stressed or upset, I found refuge in the theater shows I was doing. I figured that if I was already annoyed and not liking journalism as a senior in high school, how could I do it the rest of my life? Unlike most parents, my Mom knew how much I loved theater and told me to go for it, I won't be happy doing anything else.

There is a saying that you should do theater only if you can't see yourself doing anything else. If there is something else you're interested, do that. I don't think I necessarily agree with this statement, but one thing to keep in mind is that being a theater major is a lot of work. I feel that's one thing people take for granted, they're like "Oh, I'm going to be a theater major, this is going to be easy!" But it's just as much work as any other major. You really need to love theater, or your education is a waste. Also, you need to make oppurtunities for yourself. Don't let the four years slip by without doing what you're really interested in.