Majoring in Theatre Arts?

[lamby]

For quite some time I've been interested in majoring in Theatre Arts with a basis in acting. My question is...is it really worth my while to do so if I want to pursue a serious career in acting? I've tried to ask around a bit, but I've had varied responses and most of them seem to be "well, my opinion is....but I really don't know anything about it..." So I was hoping, if someone would so kindly help me out and maybe recommend anything? I'm quite desperate! :]

 

[lamby]

Anyone?

 

[mcflyandgemmafan]

I don't have any advice but I'm in the same boat as you. Right now my major is Biology but I truly love to act and would like to pursue that as a profession. I'm not sure what to do either....

 

[Bella_Lass334]

im in the exact same place you're in. i don't know whether i should just major in acting, or double major in that and journalism. im doing it because im enamoured with it, and if i don't, i know ill be settling for something that i wont be happy with. rachel mcadams, i think it was, majored in it, and when she performed for her final or something, an agent, sa her and wanted to represent her. the rest is history. im pretty sure meryl streep majored in it, too.

anyway, if you want to pursue a serious career in acting, its always to your advantage to have some good training on your resume. i dont know whether your looking for stardom or just to get work, but if it's fame your looking for, that's all luck.

 

[jennie]

I'm in a similar position. Next year when I go to college I want to do performing arts, but I also want to take A levels in performing arts, drama and theatre studies, literature and phsychology. The problem with doing A levels is that the perorming arts isn't taught to the same standard and with the same facilities as if I just took a BTEC diploma in it. I asked some of the college staff about it and they told me that if I definitely know that I want a career in performing arts, then just go for that, but if I'm not sure then I should keep my options open and take A levels. So I would say just do what's right for you - if you majored in theatre arts and didn't end up getting much acting work, then would you be equally happy working in another theatre related job, like directing or casting?

 

[mundodabolsa]

I majored in dance, not the same thing as theatre arts but same idea...

I always thought I'd pursue a professional dancing career but instead am now an arts presenter/concert prommoter and work in technical production of dance. I think the fact that I was a dancer makes me 10 times better at my job on the administrative side of the field compared to people who weren't on the artistic side before.

So, my advice is: if your heart is really in it, go for it. However, be sure to take all the chances to learn as broad of skills in the field as possible. If there are chances to student produce productions, do it. Chances to work as a stagehand on a show, do it. Act, direct, do set and/or lighting design work. Be as involved as possible in your program, and you'll get the most out of it, and come out with a background that can get you jobs to pay bills while you pursue the performance aspects.

 

[Bella_Lass334]

^^totally agree with the posts above. it also helps that you choose to go to college in a city where there are a lot of acting opportunities available. also consider what you prefer: film, or theater. i'm studying in austin, something like the third largest movie producing city in the US.

 

[mcflyandgemmafan]

maybe, if it's not too much trouble, you could double major in both theatre arts and something else. the only reason i say this is if for any reason the acting thing doesn't work out, this way you'll have a back-up plan. i agree with Bella though, that a lot of it is based on luck.