Is it worth going to college/university for drama/theatre?

Question

I recently finished high school, and was wondering if having a post secondary education in theatre is worth it. I know alot of people who don't have a degree in drama or theatre, but are still performing and they take some acting classes/courses on the side. Right now I'm entering university doing my BA in something completely different. My reasoning is that I'd want something solid to fall back on - just in case 4 years down the road and I realize that acting isn't as what I'd thought it would be. You don't need a degree to act, but you need one for a whole lot of other careers. I have a sneaking suspision however that my fate lies in a theatre and I'd have this eternal itch if I don't try it.

Answer 1

Can't you minor in theatre? It's definitely smart to get your degree regardless of whether it's in theatre or not. When you're in the entertainment business, it's just that... a business. There are many skills that some into play besides your talent. Marketing, Business Management, Accounting, History, English, etc. Anything that you take education-wise adds to your life experience therefore adding to your repertoire as an actor. It gives you somewhere else to pull experience and emotion from so it can never be bad to have a degree in something. Do you need a degree specifically in theatre? I don't think so. Are some agents and others impressed by it? Absolutely. But that's not reason enough for you to base your whole college career around it. Do what you feel you must as far as college is concerned but I would absolutely keep theatre in there somewhere :-)

I'm willing to bet you make a great decision.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

I say you're right on the money. Get a degree in something else. You can take some of the acting classes as electives. I say you'll need a lot more training after college anyway if you want to get really good and have a shot at a career. Also it's important as an actor to bring your life experiences to your work. I have a feeling you are one of us. You sound sharp and I think you'll make the right decision for yourself. And you're right about something. You'll regret it if you don't try. I don't regret anything I've ever done. Only what I HAVEN'T.
I command you to take some classes!

Answer 3

I grew up in Santa Barbara with Eric Stoltz, Anthony Edwards (Emmy Award Winner), and Cady Huffman (Tony Award Nominee). They were in the Santa Barbara Youth Theater Group, and back then it was popular for casting directors, agents, and entertainment industry people to come up from LA and see the productions. They also were driving down to LA doing commercials and the "ABC After School Specials", and getting good grades in school all at the same time!

Cady skipped college and went directly to New York and ended up starring on Broadway. Eric and Anthony went to USC to major in Theater.They both dropped out of college the first year. Then they both studied acting with the late Peggy Fury. Look where they are now. I'm not saying that anyone should avoid or drop out of college, but to become a professional actor, the best thing to do is to be in LA or NY, and study acting with a great teacher.

You must decide for yourself if you want the insurance of a college degree. You could get a degree and then teach acting, or get work in other areas of the theater profession. But if you want to maximize your immediate opportunities to obtain acting jobs, then you want to study with a fantastic coach or academy. The decision must be your own, and it is not an easy choice.