5 answers
Nathaniel
Student
Riverside, California
1
Question
Updated
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How do I go into college with a positive mindset even though I know the career path I am choosing might not work out for me? How can I cope with knowing that I might need to shift gears at some point in the future? #fall25
I plan to go to school for my passion- theatre. How can I cope with the knowledge that it might not go according to plan?
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5 answers
Donna Paige
Human Resources/Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant/Students entering into the workforce
12
Answers
Hammond, Indiana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hello Nathaniel,
Your major doesn’t lock you into one future. College helps you grow, learn, and open doors, no matter what you study. A theatre degree (or any degree) can matter, but it’s not the only thing that determines your future.
Let me say, it’s completely okay not to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, especially in or after high school. Most adults don't at your age, and many still change careers later on (I did).
What really counts is starting with something you enjoy and staying open to new interests. College is all about exploring, trying new things, and figuring it out as you go. You don't need a lifelong plan right now..
Hope this helps!
Donna
Talk to advisors early. They can check in once or twice a semester to make sure they’re on track and to explore alternatives if interests shift.
Build skills that transfer. Theatre naturally builds communication, teamwork, creativity, and confidence.
Your major doesn’t lock you into one future. College helps you grow, learn, and open doors, no matter what you study. A theatre degree (or any degree) can matter, but it’s not the only thing that determines your future.
Let me say, it’s completely okay not to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, especially in or after high school. Most adults don't at your age, and many still change careers later on (I did).
What really counts is starting with something you enjoy and staying open to new interests. College is all about exploring, trying new things, and figuring it out as you go. You don't need a lifelong plan right now..
Hope this helps!
Donna
Donna recommends the following next steps:
Taryn N.
SAHM, Educator, Communication Professional
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Taryn’s Answer
Hi, Nathaniel!
It is wise of you to follow your passion for theatre. Just know that the expression of your passion can shapeshift over the course of your career— that’s not only okay, but beneficial in life! I majored in journalism with a minor in general music, originally aiming for a career in entertainment journalism. After my first internship at a magazine, I realized that the industry wasn’t the right fit for me. I practiced creative writing and performing as a hobby, while for income I pivoted to marketing, teaching, and nonprofit work.
Theatre provides you with a robust skillset that can be applied to many jobs in the fields of performance art, education, multimedia, entertainment, communication, and beyond. If you don’t find work as an actor, you might still work in related areas such as casting, content creation, entertainment journalism, or drama education. The possibilities are endless! Meanwhile you could continue performing at community centers, open mics, or improv jams, and your day job might enhance your creativity in unexpected ways. Teaching someone a creative skill, practicing as a hobby/self-care routine, or interviewing a professional in the entertainment industry is equally as valuable as your own practice of the craft.
When you are anxious about your career path, try journaling, singing, or a similar grounding technique that works for you. Always remember that you chose theatre for your love of it, not for the money. If acting/performing arts becomes financially sustainable, awesome! If not, you will find a job where you can apply the skills you learned in theatre school and continue engaging with it in your free time. Let your passion guide you, not constrict you.
I wish you luck in your studies, career, and life. Break a leg out there!
It is wise of you to follow your passion for theatre. Just know that the expression of your passion can shapeshift over the course of your career— that’s not only okay, but beneficial in life! I majored in journalism with a minor in general music, originally aiming for a career in entertainment journalism. After my first internship at a magazine, I realized that the industry wasn’t the right fit for me. I practiced creative writing and performing as a hobby, while for income I pivoted to marketing, teaching, and nonprofit work.
Theatre provides you with a robust skillset that can be applied to many jobs in the fields of performance art, education, multimedia, entertainment, communication, and beyond. If you don’t find work as an actor, you might still work in related areas such as casting, content creation, entertainment journalism, or drama education. The possibilities are endless! Meanwhile you could continue performing at community centers, open mics, or improv jams, and your day job might enhance your creativity in unexpected ways. Teaching someone a creative skill, practicing as a hobby/self-care routine, or interviewing a professional in the entertainment industry is equally as valuable as your own practice of the craft.
When you are anxious about your career path, try journaling, singing, or a similar grounding technique that works for you. Always remember that you chose theatre for your love of it, not for the money. If acting/performing arts becomes financially sustainable, awesome! If not, you will find a job where you can apply the skills you learned in theatre school and continue engaging with it in your free time. Let your passion guide you, not constrict you.
I wish you luck in your studies, career, and life. Break a leg out there!
Brian Oliver
Artist/Animator
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Nathaniel,
I graduated from college in 1988. There was, LITERALLY, no career path for a 3d animator/motion graphics/designer/computer animator offered at my small college in KY- or anywhere at that time for that matter... Computer Science or Information Systems was as close as you could get to "computer animation".
When I graduated in 1988, I moved to Los Angeles- my eye on the big prize... 3D animation!!! Fast forward about 35+years, I have had an incredible run at success in Hollywood. Not in film, mind you, but in video games, music videos, AND commercials of all things. Promotional work that fed my family, put my kids through college...
The path is never 1000% clear or obvious or guaranteed.... you juts have to keep your eyes on the prize. If you know where you want to be- you've already answered half the question. Now go grab what you want.
I graduated from college in 1988. There was, LITERALLY, no career path for a 3d animator/motion graphics/designer/computer animator offered at my small college in KY- or anywhere at that time for that matter... Computer Science or Information Systems was as close as you could get to "computer animation".
When I graduated in 1988, I moved to Los Angeles- my eye on the big prize... 3D animation!!! Fast forward about 35+years, I have had an incredible run at success in Hollywood. Not in film, mind you, but in video games, music videos, AND commercials of all things. Promotional work that fed my family, put my kids through college...
The path is never 1000% clear or obvious or guaranteed.... you juts have to keep your eyes on the prize. If you know where you want to be- you've already answered half the question. Now go grab what you want.
Also- being a "Jack of All Trades- Master of None" levels you up a helluva lot more than most people. Don't be afraid to learn something- even if you never use it again.
Brian Oliver
Kevin Andreychak
FWA Sales
3
Answers
Glen Gardner, New Jersey
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Going to college is a lot about the experience. It is about the people you meet and what you learn. I would say go in with an open mind on your future. You always have the availability to change majors.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nathaniel -
I would be happy to give you advice because, even though I had never worried about it before or during college as a theatre major, I lived what you are asking about.
An acting career can go any such way, so there's no use in worrying about it if your passion is true and you enjoy it even if you don't get paid. Sharpening your craft everyday is the best way to forget about worry and to help not write the script for your future. Relax. Enjoy. Live in the moment as this career demands it. We didn't have the worries that young people have today, so I can understand how you may feel in today's society. We just did it and let things unfold. That was many decades ago, however.
How do you know acting "won't work out" for you ? Reality ? No one knows. Overthinking it can be a huge obstacle and opportunities can pass you by. And I'll let you know a secret years in advance: if you transition to a new career other than acting, it will be your choice for your own reasons. The transition will be exciting, too. If that happens for you.
Another inside scoop: once you enter your college theatre program, you are going to be around a lot of theatre people and the energy is strong and going to be very helpful for you with motivation. I advise do NOT major in "musical theatre", rather get the degree in Theatre because that is the actual career connected to acting, tech or administration and you can get jobs in all areas of theatre, even teaching. Musical theatre is a genre and not a strong degree that counts for much in the way of employment. You can always take dance from the P.E. Department and singing at the Music Department and just audition for musicals and you'll learn by being in one. I graduated from Cal State Sacramento and highly recommend it even if it's so many years later. They are very equipped technically and the campus is beautiful. Also, the theatre department is certified by The National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Now for some frank advice: do not plan your acting career. It doesn't work that way. Sure, you can decide which route, stay in L.A. (Riverside is not that far) or move to New York City, NY . . . but do not let ideas rule this career, rather let things happen episodically. This will help to alleviate any anxious feelings or overthinking about it. You are going to be very surprised at the opportunities that come about in the four years at college. I started getting paid gigs after my sophomore year while still a student. You just never can predict what will happen and you'll always be able to get non-acting work when you need it, too. We've all been there.
Speak with the college's Financial Aid office about applying for Financial Aid and Work Study. You can get a Work Study job in the Theatre Department. Be in the theatre department the majority of your time on campus. Making those strong connections will provide you with lots of information, support and opportunity.
Definitely return here with any other questions you may have. Always remember: everyone's career goes differently and never compare yourself to others. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Never give up. You can do it !
I would be happy to give you advice because, even though I had never worried about it before or during college as a theatre major, I lived what you are asking about.
An acting career can go any such way, so there's no use in worrying about it if your passion is true and you enjoy it even if you don't get paid. Sharpening your craft everyday is the best way to forget about worry and to help not write the script for your future. Relax. Enjoy. Live in the moment as this career demands it. We didn't have the worries that young people have today, so I can understand how you may feel in today's society. We just did it and let things unfold. That was many decades ago, however.
How do you know acting "won't work out" for you ? Reality ? No one knows. Overthinking it can be a huge obstacle and opportunities can pass you by. And I'll let you know a secret years in advance: if you transition to a new career other than acting, it will be your choice for your own reasons. The transition will be exciting, too. If that happens for you.
Another inside scoop: once you enter your college theatre program, you are going to be around a lot of theatre people and the energy is strong and going to be very helpful for you with motivation. I advise do NOT major in "musical theatre", rather get the degree in Theatre because that is the actual career connected to acting, tech or administration and you can get jobs in all areas of theatre, even teaching. Musical theatre is a genre and not a strong degree that counts for much in the way of employment. You can always take dance from the P.E. Department and singing at the Music Department and just audition for musicals and you'll learn by being in one. I graduated from Cal State Sacramento and highly recommend it even if it's so many years later. They are very equipped technically and the campus is beautiful. Also, the theatre department is certified by The National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Now for some frank advice: do not plan your acting career. It doesn't work that way. Sure, you can decide which route, stay in L.A. (Riverside is not that far) or move to New York City, NY . . . but do not let ideas rule this career, rather let things happen episodically. This will help to alleviate any anxious feelings or overthinking about it. You are going to be very surprised at the opportunities that come about in the four years at college. I started getting paid gigs after my sophomore year while still a student. You just never can predict what will happen and you'll always be able to get non-acting work when you need it, too. We've all been there.
Speak with the college's Financial Aid office about applying for Financial Aid and Work Study. You can get a Work Study job in the Theatre Department. Be in the theatre department the majority of your time on campus. Making those strong connections will provide you with lots of information, support and opportunity.
Definitely return here with any other questions you may have. Always remember: everyone's career goes differently and never compare yourself to others. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Never give up. You can do it !