My dad's views on theater?

Question

Does anyone else out there have a parent like mine?
My dad says that Theater isn't really a profession. He believes that a profession is a 9-5 job where you work your butt off to get a couple hundred dollars an hour.
He just assumes that if I go into Theater I want to be on the big screen. But lo and behold I DON'T! I don't need all that publicity. I just want to act! If I get to make a living off of it to... cool! But it isn't needed. He said to me earlier concerning an article talking about theater students and getting jobs right out of college, "Is that a real job? or just the local theater?"
Am I alone?

Answer 1

i said the same thing! it doesnt have to be a profession- no its not a 9-5 but real jobs arent. did picasso work 9-5? did shakespeare? NO! yeah, get a "job" so you can live- but your career, your life is theatre so go do it! its you dont you'll regret it and end up hating your father.

Answer 2

My Dad died when I was 5 years old. But - I think had he been living - he would have had the same attitude as your father.

My Mom is wonderful - and always told me to do whatever made me happy. BUT - she also expected me to pay my own bills and make my own way in the world.

When I was in high school and college - theatre was what I really wanted to do. Slowly but surely - I realized that I was not driven or dedicated enough to actually make a living at it. I did love it though.

I have been working 9-5 most of my life. I still act - but have always made sure to feed, clothe and shelter myself first.

It's your choice. I don't know a lot of actors who are wealthy. The exception, of course, is "the stars" - and chances of that for you (or anyone!) are slim. If you are willing to live in a small apartment (shared), drive an old car (or use public transit), eat cheap, and have used furniture - most of it made out of pressed particle board and such - then go and be an actor. If performing is what makes you happy - DO IT!!! But statistics show that actors don't make the big bucks - so your chances of that happening are not too good.

Know too - that if you try it for awhile - and it doesn't work out - you'll be kind of behind in the work world. I chose it as my major in college - and after realizing I wasn't driven/dedicated enough - I kind of had to start all over.

Whatever you do - break a leg!!!

Answer 3

A lot of people feel that way. Realistically acting is a difficult job. Very few people make it big. Most actors have to have second jobs. When you do have an acting job, however, you are working days that are just as long and just as difficult as other people. Just because the hours aren't 9-5 doesn't mean it isn't a real job.

Answer 4

Let me tell you a story.

When I was teaching at a BFA program, we used to sponsor a yearly event at which we hosted area High School kids interested in studying theatre. The kids would show up at our big auditorium with their parents, and we'd give them a tour of our facilities, conduct workshops with them (so that they could get a taste of our teaching styles), etc.

At one point in the proceedings, we'd dismiss the students for a bit, and we (the faculty) would do a Q & A session with just the parents. And, let me tell you, opinions like your dad's were RAMPANT. "What kind of a JOB can my kid get if he graduates with a theatre degree?" It was more of a challenge than a question, really.

I'll tell you what I told them. Students who take undergraduate degrees in Theatre do exactly what 90% of ALL students do when they graduate: they get JOBS. Not necessarily jobs as actors, and not necessarily jobs in the theatre.

Think about it. Math majors don't necessarily go on to become Mathematicians, nor do History majors necessarily go on to become Historians. An Acting major may or may not find a career in the performing arts, but there's no guarantee...just as there's no guarantee of post-university employment in MOST fields.

An undergraduate degree in theatre, particularly one with an acting emphasis, trains students how to PRESENT themselves effectively. Because, when you get right down to it, that's what actors do. We teach PEOPLE skills and COMMUNICATION skills. Who do you think is going to make a better impression at a job interview?

Whether you become a successful working actor is up to you; it requires ability, perseverance, and a fair amount of luck. But, your theatre degree is certainly NOT going to hinder you in your quest for the "day job" that will sustain you while you're chasing your real dream.

Answer 5

Nope, you're not alone. My father had the same attitude as your dad when I changed my major to theatre in college years ago. After 30 years of working as a professional actor and singer, he still feels the same way but I never let his opinion stop me. When its in your blood to act, you've got to go for it because there's nothing better than living your passion. Maybe one day your dad will change his mind, who knows. I hope you will be able to follow your dreams and work the stage until you're 100!

Answer 6

Mom and me but im not a parent.