As a theater major in college, I have had to defend my academic pursuit too many times. Theater is often perceived as the easy or fun major. Too often are creative studies dismissed as a waste of time. However, a creative education is equally as important as an analytical one! Here are five reasons you should major in theater.
1. Studying theater teaches you history through a sociological lens instead of a factual one.
It helps us find the emotional connections between our past and present, ultimately giving us a deeper understanding of our society's identity.
2. Studying theater teaches you to advocate for yourself.
You need to put yourself out there, or you will be invisible. People want you to do well, but most people are too occupied with their own job to take the time to help you with yours. This forces you to exercise your independence and take fate into your own hands. No one is going to discover your talent if you don't put yourself in certain situations, and create opportunities to showcase your skills.
3. Studying theater teaches you time management.
As a double major in economics and theater, I can say with 100 percent confidence that theater demands just as much if not more time than my economics major. Whereas I can do my economics homework when it is most convenient, theater rehearsals are not flexible. There's no moving a rehearsal time for another day so that you can study for tomorrow's stats test. You need to learn to adapt your work habits to fit your rehearsal schedule. Thus, it teaches you how to smartly structure and effectively use your time.
4. Studying theater teaches you to be in the present.
Theater is a mental and emotional workout that requires commitment and focus. No matter what your job is for the production, your mind has to be 100 percent in tune to the present scene in order to create good theater.
5. Studying theater teaches you collaboration.
There are so many aspects and parts that go into creating theater: you have your actors, the director, the stage manager, the props crew head, the publicity manager, the producer, the sound designer, the light board op, the run crew, the costume designer -- the list goes on and on. Everyone must be in constant communication in order to create a polished piece of work that captures the playwright's intent!
So, even though theater is often found on "the most useless major lists," it teaches you versatile skills that can be applicable to any job or moment in life. Don't be afraid of that theater major! The worse that happens is you "break a leg."
