4 answers
Ragan
Student
Visalia, California
1
Question
Asked
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As an incoming college freshman planning to double major in Theater and Education, what are one or two specific things you wish you had done earlier in college to prepare for a career that blends creativity with teaching?
I'm passionate about using the performing arts, especially theater, as a tool for education and social impact. I’m interested in careers like teaching drama, educational program design, or working in youth development through the arts. I’d love advice on experiences I should seek out (like internships, volunteering, or specific classes), connections I should try to make, or even mistakes to avoid. I want to be intentional with my time from the very beginning.
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4 answers
Cliff Beach
Music and marketing
9
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
If I could rewind the clock to my freshman year, here’s what I’d tell myself:
First, start documenting your journey early—every performance, every project, every time you tutor or teach. I didn’t realize how powerful a creative portfolio or reel could be until later on. Whether it's video, audio, or writing, keep track of your growth. Those moments become your digital resume in ways a piece of paper never could.
Second, I’d say build relationships with your professors and mentors intentionally. Not just for recommendations, but because those folks often sit at the intersection of art and education themselves. Ask them how they blend the two, shadow them if you can, and take on projects that let you teach creatively or create while teaching—even if it’s just starting a campus workshop or directing a scene with freshmen. It all adds up.
You're setting yourself up for a path that shapes minds and hearts—walk it boldly. Good luck!
First, start documenting your journey early—every performance, every project, every time you tutor or teach. I didn’t realize how powerful a creative portfolio or reel could be until later on. Whether it's video, audio, or writing, keep track of your growth. Those moments become your digital resume in ways a piece of paper never could.
Second, I’d say build relationships with your professors and mentors intentionally. Not just for recommendations, but because those folks often sit at the intersection of art and education themselves. Ask them how they blend the two, shadow them if you can, and take on projects that let you teach creatively or create while teaching—even if it’s just starting a campus workshop or directing a scene with freshmen. It all adds up.
You're setting yourself up for a path that shapes minds and hearts—walk it boldly. Good luck!
Logan Hadley
Music Composer, Arranger, Pianist
1
Answer
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Hey Ragan!
I love the fact that you love combining your skills in theater to have a positive impact on the modern world! Double majoring will be challenging, but very rewarding, as teaching younger students in the facility is a gift! However, do have some suggestions about your potential future as a performing arts major.
First, understand that in the performing arts industry, connections are everything. Networking with people will also open doors for you in the arts industry. The fact that you're already looking into internships being a double major is just a bonus! Second, always let the doors open for you. If you try to open a door in the industry, it may be locked, but that leaves more room for better opportunities that are more widespread/diverse throughout the arts.
That's the best advice I have for you, Ragan. Good luck with your journey!
- Logan
I love the fact that you love combining your skills in theater to have a positive impact on the modern world! Double majoring will be challenging, but very rewarding, as teaching younger students in the facility is a gift! However, do have some suggestions about your potential future as a performing arts major.
First, understand that in the performing arts industry, connections are everything. Networking with people will also open doors for you in the arts industry. The fact that you're already looking into internships being a double major is just a bonus! Second, always let the doors open for you. If you try to open a door in the industry, it may be locked, but that leaves more room for better opportunities that are more widespread/diverse throughout the arts.
That's the best advice I have for you, Ragan. Good luck with your journey!
- Logan
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Ragan!
I like that you’re planning to combine theater and education! It’s such a unique and powerful mix. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to really get your feet wet with hands-on experience early on. Whether that’s volunteering at local youth theaters, working as a teaching assistant in drama classes, or getting involved with community organizations that focus on arts education, those practical experiences are gold. The sooner you can see how your creative skills apply in real-world teaching settings, the better. Plus, they’ll help you build a network of people who could be key in your career.
Another thing I’d recommend is trying to find courses or workshops that focus specifically on theater in education. There’s a lot of potential to blend both of your passions, and getting a deep dive into educational program design or curriculum building could be a game changer for you.
One thing I wish I had done more of was building connections with people who are already working in that intersection of arts and education. Look for professors, professionals, or even alumni who are doing what you want to do, and ask if they’d be open to chatting.
Even just one or two strong connections can open doors for internships or project collaborations.
You're already thinking ahead, which is awesome, so just keep that momentum going!
Good luck!
Saint
I like that you’re planning to combine theater and education! It’s such a unique and powerful mix. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to really get your feet wet with hands-on experience early on. Whether that’s volunteering at local youth theaters, working as a teaching assistant in drama classes, or getting involved with community organizations that focus on arts education, those practical experiences are gold. The sooner you can see how your creative skills apply in real-world teaching settings, the better. Plus, they’ll help you build a network of people who could be key in your career.
Another thing I’d recommend is trying to find courses or workshops that focus specifically on theater in education. There’s a lot of potential to blend both of your passions, and getting a deep dive into educational program design or curriculum building could be a game changer for you.
One thing I wish I had done more of was building connections with people who are already working in that intersection of arts and education. Look for professors, professionals, or even alumni who are doing what you want to do, and ask if they’d be open to chatting.
Even just one or two strong connections can open doors for internships or project collaborations.
You're already thinking ahead, which is awesome, so just keep that momentum going!
Good luck!
Saint
Valerie C
Communications and Community Impact
3
Answers
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Hey Ragan -
Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you. While my main job is in communications, I also direct at my high school alma mater. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
1. Connect with people. I like to call them informational interviews. Ask about their career paths and the advice they have to offer. It's like this forum, but face-to-face. You'll learn a lot and build valuable connections.
2. Look for internships or jobs where you can learn from others. Watching how others teach theatre will show you what you want to do and what you don't.
3. Reflect on your own experiences. Think about who inspired you to choose this career and what they did that made a difference to you.
4. Don't hesitate to ask for opportunities. The worst that can happen is someone says no, but you'll never know unless you try.
5. Welcome feedback. Remember, it's not personal. It may feel that way sometimes, but the aim is to grow and improve. Listen, think it over, and apply what fits your vision as a leader.
Good luck!
Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you. While my main job is in communications, I also direct at my high school alma mater. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
1. Connect with people. I like to call them informational interviews. Ask about their career paths and the advice they have to offer. It's like this forum, but face-to-face. You'll learn a lot and build valuable connections.
2. Look for internships or jobs where you can learn from others. Watching how others teach theatre will show you what you want to do and what you don't.
3. Reflect on your own experiences. Think about who inspired you to choose this career and what they did that made a difference to you.
4. Don't hesitate to ask for opportunities. The worst that can happen is someone says no, but you'll never know unless you try.
5. Welcome feedback. Remember, it's not personal. It may feel that way sometimes, but the aim is to grow and improve. Listen, think it over, and apply what fits your vision as a leader.
Good luck!