I am about to graduate from high school, and want to go into theater. I don't know if that means playwriting, critique, directing, acting, ect., but i want to have something to do with it. My question is, what do i...major in? Do i simply major in 'theater' or does it have to be specific like 'playwriting'? In addition, what are some jobs in the theater that i can get a degree for (like the ones i mentioned earlier)?
2006-12-11 16:22:24 · 11 answers · asked by itsenoughtomakeyougocrazy 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
In some theater programs you'll be able to choose an emphasis (theater technology or management, for example). If not, most all theater programs will require you to take at least some production courses anyway to familiarize you with behind-the-scenes stuff like set and lighting and sound design. One great area in which to get a master's degree is arts administration (this includes things like how to own and run a theater or performance company).
Anyway, you'll get a well-rounded experience as a theater major at any school; rarely will you be stuck just acting or just making sets or just stage managing in any undergrad program.
2006-12-11 16:39:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It entirely depends on where you go to school. For example, I have a BAH in Theatre - it is a general liberal arts education, so I was able to take classes in Production, Performance, Playwrighting, Directing, Design....everything.
Most universities will hold auditions for seperate degrees. You can choose a degree in Design, Acting, Technical, etc. Either way, all your degrees will be under the heading of Theatre.
My strongest suggestion is to look for an open liberal arts degree, that does not rely on auditioning or portfolio for acceptance. There are many schools that offer this. Try to stick with University as opposed to College - colleges tend to have much more specific degrees, where Universities tend to lean towards more electives, etc.
I am not sure where you are from, but I went to Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. I have a four-year degree (majouring in Theatre), and am trained in every aspect of theatre production and performance, and am currently a Production & Stage Manager - but I have also designed, performed, directed, produced, etc. At the very least you may be able to call the Drama Department for some suggestions for schools in your area. This is a good time to check in with your Guidance Counsellor as well at your high school - they have access to all this information and can put together a great list for you.
With a theatre degree, you can apply and train for just about every kind of theatre job you may want to explore. You will probably narrow your interest during the course of your university experiences and lean towards accepting work and contracts that spark your interest.
Overall, stick with a Theatre degree, and stay away from schools that either label you "tech" or "performer." Theatre is an open playground and it is vitally important that you have a hand in every area so you can decide what skills you have and where they best apply.
2006-12-12 01:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by BigM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several areas of theatre you can major in. You can a performance major, which is obviously acting/ musical theatre. You can major in Directing, Design, Stage management, Theatre management, Playwrighting, Dramturgy, or Technical theatre. All of these are important for any theatre to operate. As far as colleges go regardless of what specialization you add to a major of theatre you will get at least some experience in the other areas. College theatre department try to turn out graduates the not only have a good grasp on their specialization but also have some knowledge and appreciation for all other departments involved in the production process.
2006-12-11 18:22:38 · answer #3 · answered by Silver phoenix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many other options for you besides acting. If you want to do theatre but end up with a sort of 9 to 5 type job after graduation, consider a career in theatre management. Basically administrative theatre. There are many positions within this catagory, House manager, box office manager, stage manager. If you like to write then dramatic writing or screenplay as a major might work. Stage management is a good place to go or do you like to draw, design clothes or sets, lights or sound? There is also something called Drama Therapy it's like a combo of theatre and psychology major.
2006-12-11 17:04:29 · answer #4 · answered by Cat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without knowing where you are, many Universities offer "Theater Technology" programs, and some are two year deals.
My initial contact with Theater was through such a program, initially, at NYU.
I think it's a valid bit of education even for Actors, as it aids in relating to the total experience behind a production.
Any long time Crew member will tell you however, that once you graduate a program, you can likely throw away the big gray book, because LIFE, as it relates to theater is far better learned "IN IT"
Steven Wolf
2006-12-11 16:56:29 · answer #5 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good theatre programs will offer degrees in several theatre-related fields: technical theatre (costume design, lighting, scenic design, etc.), theatre/stage management, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, etc.
Most schools will expect you to begin as a "general" theatre major, and you'll spend a year or two taking a broad range of courses intended to expose you to all the various aspects of the craft. In your last couple of years, you choose your area of specialization (you should know pretty well what it's going to be by then), and complete your training accordingly.
2006-12-12 08:46:35 · answer #6 · answered by shkspr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can get degrees in "Theatre Arts", but specialize in something such as acting, directing, playwriting, scenic design, costume design, lighting design, arts administration, theatre history, theatre education.... It all just depends on the school you go to.
As for jobs, you've got two job fields I can see... Practice or Education.... You can go out and use the practical knowledge you've gained from school to be in commercials, design sets for companies, manage a theatre, etc. Or, you can help contribute to the future of tomorrow by teaching the youth of today what they need to know about theatre. Either field is valuable and contributes to the cycle necessary to keep theatre alive!
BEST WISHES!!!
2006-12-11 16:41:06 · answer #7 · answered by jacie dawn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, a degree in theater will be in acting. Depending on the school, however, this can include writing and directing, aswell.
There are Dramatic Writing majors, and also directing majors.
2006-12-11 16:33:40 · answer #8 · answered by Sean C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
although I do comprehend the place you're coming from, i wouldn't in any respect have had the appreciation for the techies that I even have now if, as an actor, I hadn't been required to do techie artwork. Plus, it incredibly is beneficial to have another skill to fall back on, in smaller theatres (alongside with community theatres) human beings have a tendency to have dissimilar roles interior the theatre. i think of the requirement ought to purely be for one 12 months, nevertheless. My college required appearing majors to accomplish a little style of tech/team artwork the full 4 years, and it replaced into beginning off to get tiring whilst i replaced into doing such huge appearing by using the 2d 12 months. My appreciation for the in the back of the scenes team/tech by using the 2d 12 months replaced into already honed besides.
2016-10-05 05:07:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many other alternatives. there is stage management, direction, stage combat, stage design, stage construction, technical direction etc. Write to the League of Professional Theater Training Schools or e-mail them and look throught their various offerings.
2006-12-12 19:44:49 · answer #10 · answered by rossini 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋