When I graduated college with a degree in theater, I was a bit scared of what the real world would have in store for me after being mentioned in so many “Top 5 Worthless Degrees” articles. I got a job in an office where I could still do theater on nights and weekends, but I realized that all the skills I had learned in those four years applied to more in life than I ever imagined (thanks, St. Ambrose University!). Besides having the ability to turn into a show tune jukebox at the mention of one familiar lyric, I also realized that my theater degree prepared me for customer service, management, project development, marketing budgeting, and more. And, not only that, but theater prepared me way more than some of the other degrees I have watched come through our training programs, and there’s a noticeable difference when I see those with theater backgrounds in the business world.
I’m fortunate that I get to still be on a stage from time to time, but I’m also thankful that I got a degree that prepared me for the real world. So, employers, here’s why you should think twice before shutting down that theater degree resume:
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1. They can Improvise
Actors are used to dropped lines on stage, their mic dying, figuring out how to deal with missing props, malfunctioning costumes, unruly hair…and they gracefully sail right through while maintaining focus onstage, never once letting the audience know that something is wrong. They give off the impression that everything is under control even when everything is in flames. They are also great adjusting to any last minute changes. I have seen actors fill in roles and be memorized within days, directors step into various roles, choreographers change up routines, playwrights change the script...and yet the show continues on with the audience never suspecting a thing. In the business world, there is a constant need to persuade others and sell new products or handle situations while addressing all sorts of questions in real-time. Improvisation on and off the stage can be one of the best skills to have.
2. They know how to Work on a Budget
Most plays are done on a shoestring budget--from the rights to the set pieces and everything in between--and, yet, even with hardly any money they can make a set look like a million bucks. They know how to be creative with their resources and master the art of doing more with less. They understand that they don’t need the fancy lights or costumes to catch people’s attention--just like businesses shouldn’t need the latest technology or best systems to provide amazing customer service and get the job done--in fact, all they need are the basics of courtesy, friendliness, empathy.
3. They know how to Deal with People
The world of theater people can be very unique and full of all walks of life--from chic to laid back, socialites to hippies, introverts to extroverts--and everyone knows how to deal with everyone. They know how to work with difficult people. They’ve had some directors who are wonderful and encouraging while some are a bit harder to love… but they work together anyway. Every person has stories of someone in the cast or crew who were absolutely brilliant or were horrible and demoralizing, but the work still got accomplished, and they learned something along the way.
Contrary to popular belief, acting is not about pretending. The good actors learn about the person they portray through observations and introspection (sometimes to a painful extent) because they know that the more they understand the character, the better their performance. Not only do they understand themselves better, which makes them a better employee, but they also can quickly observe others around them and communicate accordingly.
4. They do what needs to be Done
Although I was getting my theater degree because I loved acting, we were also expected to learn light design, sound engineering, directing, producing, marketing, set design, and construction, budgeting, make-up, and costuming. Why? Because you’ll never know where you may need to pitch in. Theater majors are raised with the mindset that when something needs to be done, they’ll figure it out… after all, if you can sing ‘Springtime for Hitler’ or Fosse dance in front of 1500 people, you can do anything. Theater people are not afraid to get their hands dirty, and they can pick up new skills quickly; they can also be some of the most patient, too. Theater requires a lot of patience with tons of standing around and waiting for scene work to get finished or light and sound cues to be finalized--actors will stand where you put them and won’t move until the director says so. If you ever want to witness mind-blowing patience, go to a cue to cue rehearsal. You’ll be amazed.
5. They know how to Manage People and Projects
Theater kids know all about budgeting, but they also know how to be part of a team that’s working together to accomplish a task on time with the hopes of impressing others. They work hard--sometimes spending many sleepless nights and endless days pouring into a production because they know and respect a deadline (after all, opening night is non-negotiable), and they want to make something they will be proud of. They understand that there is no such thing as a small role and that even the best lead actor can be undermined by a poor supporting cast. Every person is important. They also have no problem with working tirelessly on a huge project only to have it presented and end within a weekend. No hard feelings or melancholic days off, they just tear it down and go on to the next one.
6. They’ll give the best Presentations
Working in an office, I know who is a great presenter and who I need to avoid. No one wants to be stuck in a long training session with a monotonous presenter reading off the screen. Theater majors can confidently stand in front of people and not only communicate what they need to, but they do it in a motivating and entertaining way which makes them some of the rarest presenters in the world. They can quickly pick up the vibe of their audience and know how to get their point across. Fun sidenote: our group trainer at my office has a theater degree and no one can grab a manager’s attention for a three-day training workshop like she can. She’s legit. Clearly, it’s because of her degree.
7. They know how to Sell
While business students were busy with their noses in books and taking tests, theater students were out selling an actual product. They know what shows sell tickets, they know their audience and how to schedule their seasons accordingly. They know all about social media marketing, how much to post on which sites at what times as well as make posters look enticing and the power of word of mouth. They know how to talk up a show to someone who’s never heard of it before, and they know how to change up their wording to convince a skeptic. Working with sales trainees, my favorite thing is to pick out the theater kids in the crowd--you can tell by their confidence and demeanor because they've already been doing this for years.
8. They can take and give Criticism
When you are in front of people, you develop a thick skin and learn to tell the difference between good and bad critiques. Theater people know how to process criticism to improve themselves, and they know how to critique others in an effective and professional manner. There were many times when scenes would be performed in front of peers for critique, and they were some of the best learning moments in college because we learned how to not take things personally and know it's for our good. There are still professors I turn to when I need an opinion because I know they will not sugar coat the answer and will make tough, but great suggestions. Businesses need people who are open to critique in order to better themselves and solve problems before they grow bigger--we need more people in the business world who do not let their egos stand in the way of improving.
9. They keep it Professional
Theater people can be some of the most dependable people out there. Even on their worst days, as soon as the lights come up and the music blares--it’s showtime--and nothing else matters in those few hours, no matter how angry they are at their co-star, no matter how much their back hurts from the previous performance, and no matter how badly they have to pee--when it’s showtime, it’s showtime. It is common knowledge to them that sick days do not exist, and that a fever or cold is easily fended off with a ‘mind over matter’ mentality and a bunch of meds. I have seen actors perform in blazing hot conditions wearing unbreathable bodysuits, and I have seen Shakespeare performed in freezing cold conditions with nothing but a flowy dress on. And yet, the show went on and the audience was unaware of it all. They will fake it until they make it; they will count the minutes until they can warm up or cool down, and they will keep that smile on their face until the very end.
