I'm a Professional Writing major thinking of minoring in theatre?

Question

I want to be a writer, preferrably in magazine or newspaper journalism but also have an interest in acting. Does anyone know how a theatre minor could somehow be tied in with a writing major? I also wouldn't mind writing scripts for plays/movies. Theatre interests me all around, but I'm not sure how I'd (career wise) work it in with a writing major.

Answer 1

It sure would be nice to have a theatre critic that knows what he or she is talking about. A critic in my hometown gave a glowing review to a production of Mame that was so full of mistakes that most of the audience there were entire production numbers missing! The scripts and plays are nice too, but it seems that rather than blithely suggesting that everyone go see this play -- "I laughed; I cried; the best thing since Cats!" -- that smeone should be able to talk knowledgeably about the form and the art.

Answer 2

Journalism and theatre are definitely intertwined. I know you're talking writing, but broadcasting and telejournalism are obvious applications. Theatre is also something that gives you increased confidence/boldness, an essential part of journalism, where you need to be somewhat aggressive in getting the story.

I wouldn't worry too much about career ties and just go for what you like. I started off in journalism, which here means I did my major in English. I was going to do my minor in drama as well, but I switched to theology and then wound up with no minor at all. It didn't matter in the least -- people are more concerned with your degree itself and your skills than your minor in most cases.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Congrats to actormyk... looks like we're finally getting better answerers around here :-) Best answer, right up there!

What he said is true, the more you know about the arts about which you write, the better. How better to know then experience? Even though you may not always or ever be a critic, just by knowing the arts, you will have more art appreciation in your writing, maybe making it more poetic than some of the boring slobs writing articles now... :-)

Good luck!!!