The Advantages of a Theatre Arts Major

Notre Dame de Namur University’s recent decision to cut several graduate and undergraduate programs appears targeted towards liberal arts and humanities, especially theatre arts. In my opinion, that is sad, painful and incredibly short-sighted.

We live in the heart of high tech, and are surrounded by vast amounts of wealth. These famous individuals and companies wield tremendous global power and influence. Their employees receive salaries and benefits that far exceed what most people earn. I’m sure it is as difficult for educators, as well as residents, to not be excessively influenced, impressed, and persuaded by a worldview that encapsulates technology and its associated earnings as representative of our highest values.

It is not my purpose here to argue why the liberal arts and humanities are more important than ever to our society, culture, education and decision making.

However, to those who think you must only pursue technology, to “get a good job,” I am going to shock you by recommending a degree in theatre arts.

“What?” you say. Success as an actor is as difficult as becoming a supermodel or athlete. And let’s face it, teachers don’t make much money.

But stop and think about it. There isn’t much in our culture, including our business environment that isn’t based on some type of entertainment – whether that is a multimedia platform, video, marketing, advertising, sales, presentations, or mobile. We are even instructed that as individuals we must “brand” ourselves – on Linked In, Facebook, for job interviews, accessing capital, and becoming successful executives and entrepreneurs. Those that have studied theatre arts are much more accomplished in these activities. Some have highly paid positions in sales, public relations, advertising, content for media (television, internet, movies, videos, etc.) and as professional communicators now required for every field and business imaginable.

What are some of the other advantages for business?

· Creativity and problem solving skills. “Innovation” is a much overused word today, but innovation requires both creativity and problem solving skills. Every aspect of theatre arts requires these abilities.

· Teamwork and collaboration are highly valued by business, as are motivation, commitment, reasoning, judgment, completing projects correctly, and respecting deadlines. There is nothing like opening a theatre production that is more representative of these qualities.

· Leadership qualities. The ability to work under pressure, be adaptable and flexible, react to the unforeseen, be goal oriented, and have excellent communication skills are all required to be successful in theatre. I can’t think of any other discipline that requires so many leadership skills – whether directing, stage managing, or designing sets and lighting.

· Empathy and ability to understand other disciplines with deeper meaning. Anyone considered a true actor (not the same as a “celebrity”) has spent considerable time analyzing his/her character both psychologically and physically. Even costuming and make-up require astute awareness of that character’s inner being and motivations.

Sadly, the liberal arts and humanities are under attack at the same time as our society increasingly demonstrates a lack of critical thinking and discernment. And yes, there is a difference between receiving a diploma and receiving an education. But I will leave that argument to others. However, for those who are only concerned with “getting a good job,” don’t be so quick to dismiss a degree in theatre arts. In an era where visual media and message are primary, theatre arts majors have a distinct advantage.