7 answers
Julia
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
6
Questions
Updated
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Will a career in Theatre and Music work out for me?
I am a junior in high school and am considering going to college to get a degree of theater or music or a mix of both. I am wondering what kind of jobs I could get with of combination of these degrees and how hard it would be to get these degrees? Is the pay good? Are these jobs hard or fun or unstable and difficult to acquire? Is there a good job market in this field? I am looking for advice to see if this path would be able to support my life and is even attainable.
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7 answers
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
16
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Julia,
A career in theatre and music, especially when you’re passionate about it, can work out, but it helps to understand what it looks like in real life.
With theatre and music degrees, you can do more than perform on stage. People work as performers, teachers, directors, stage managers, sound or lighting designers, arts administrators, or content creators. Many combine performing with teaching or other creative work to have a steadier income. Although these degrees require commitment and you will spend a lot of time practicing, rehearsing, and performing, if you enjoy it, the work can be fun and rewarding. It can feel busy or stressful at times, especially during shows, but I think it’s manageable.
Pay and job stability vary. Some jobs are stable, like teaching or arts administration. Performing jobs can be less stable at first and may involve freelance or contract work. Many people build stability by doing multiple types of work.
The job market is competitive, but opportunities exist for people who are flexible and willing to keep learning. Talking to teachers, college advisors, and students in these programs can help you decide. This path is attainable, especially if you plan and stay open to different opportunities.
A career in theatre and music, especially when you’re passionate about it, can work out, but it helps to understand what it looks like in real life.
With theatre and music degrees, you can do more than perform on stage. People work as performers, teachers, directors, stage managers, sound or lighting designers, arts administrators, or content creators. Many combine performing with teaching or other creative work to have a steadier income. Although these degrees require commitment and you will spend a lot of time practicing, rehearsing, and performing, if you enjoy it, the work can be fun and rewarding. It can feel busy or stressful at times, especially during shows, but I think it’s manageable.
Pay and job stability vary. Some jobs are stable, like teaching or arts administration. Performing jobs can be less stable at first and may involve freelance or contract work. Many people build stability by doing multiple types of work.
The job market is competitive, but opportunities exist for people who are flexible and willing to keep learning. Talking to teachers, college advisors, and students in these programs can help you decide. This path is attainable, especially if you plan and stay open to different opportunities.
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
95
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's completely natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves when you're looking at a future in the arts, but your passion for theatre and music is a fantastic foundation to build upon. Pursuing a degree in these fields is definitely a challenging journey that requires a lot of discipline and late-night rehearsals, but the payoff of spending your days being creative is something many people find deeply rewarding. While the traditional path of a performer is what most people think of, a combined background in theatre and music actually opens doors to diverse roles like arts administration, sound design, music therapy, talent management, or even corporate communications where your public speaking and collaborative skills are highly valued. The job market can be competitive and pay varies significantly depending on your specific niche, so it's often helpful to think of yourself as a creative entrepreneur who might balance a few different projects at once. It's a path that requires resilience and flexibility, but it's absolutely attainable if you're willing to put in the work and network within the industry. You've got the drive to even ask these important questions, which shows you're already thinking ahead. Stay true to your creative spirit and you'll find a way to make it work for you. Best of luck.
Hector Morales Rivera M.A.
IT
3
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Hector’s Answer
I understand your concern, specially as a Liberal Arts mayor.
It its very important to understand that, when selecting a mayor, you need to have in mind the market. I know that this is something that could be a bummer, but it's something that I will tell to any young person that wants to pursue a college education. Specially if there's debt attached to a diploma. Stephen Colbert said something that resonates with what I am trying to say, and I will paraphrase: "The important thing is to be in the Theater, even if its not in the position you want to be". If you are happy engaging in any type of work on that field, even if its not THE POSITION you want, then pursue the diploma if it's what you wish. A lot of the musicians and artist I know work odd jobs, or even multiple jobs, to earn a decent living, while also working on their art. I can tell you for example that at Apple, my experience was that 90% of everyone I met were artist and were just happy that they had a good job and salary with that company. Also have in mind that you might need to move to a place where the expense of living could be high, like New York and California. This could also complicate things, specially if a debt will be attached to that diploma.
You should also have in mind that in today's world, you can start developing your experience in this industry without a diploma. There are apps where you can see if you can get an audition (Backstage) or something as simple as creating videos on YouTube and sharing them on any social media platform.
It its very important to understand that, when selecting a mayor, you need to have in mind the market. I know that this is something that could be a bummer, but it's something that I will tell to any young person that wants to pursue a college education. Specially if there's debt attached to a diploma. Stephen Colbert said something that resonates with what I am trying to say, and I will paraphrase: "The important thing is to be in the Theater, even if its not in the position you want to be". If you are happy engaging in any type of work on that field, even if its not THE POSITION you want, then pursue the diploma if it's what you wish. A lot of the musicians and artist I know work odd jobs, or even multiple jobs, to earn a decent living, while also working on their art. I can tell you for example that at Apple, my experience was that 90% of everyone I met were artist and were just happy that they had a good job and salary with that company. Also have in mind that you might need to move to a place where the expense of living could be high, like New York and California. This could also complicate things, specially if a debt will be attached to that diploma.
You should also have in mind that in today's world, you can start developing your experience in this industry without a diploma. There are apps where you can see if you can get an audition (Backstage) or something as simple as creating videos on YouTube and sharing them on any social media platform.
Bryan Johnson
Musician and Composer
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Hi Julia,
I love your question. You might be surprised to know that many actors and actresses sing, dance and act. Which one of these do you think is your greatest passion or strength? If acting is your passion, then you should major in theater with a minor in music. Start now with voice lessons and piano before you get to college. If singing/performing is your passion, start with a major in music and take a few acting classes as an elective.
If you do what you love and educate yourself formally or informally, the sky is the limit as far as career opportunities. As a singer/performer, you can compose, write, record your music, perform in small or large venues, be a background vocalist, musical director, studio singer, producer and band leader.
Acting jobs include theater, commercials, voice-overs, movies, television, which can evolve into you being a screenwriter, director and film producer. I can tell you, as a creator of the arts, you have to do it because you love it first and the money will come. Many artists, musicians and actors, actresses, start off with minimal or no pay depending on the situation, but they continue developing and financial reward eventually comes.
Some have nine to five jobs during the day, and they do their creative work in the evening. There is no wrong or right answer or path in this journey.
If you love it, do it now. Good luck!!
Bryan Johnson
I love your question. You might be surprised to know that many actors and actresses sing, dance and act. Which one of these do you think is your greatest passion or strength? If acting is your passion, then you should major in theater with a minor in music. Start now with voice lessons and piano before you get to college. If singing/performing is your passion, start with a major in music and take a few acting classes as an elective.
If you do what you love and educate yourself formally or informally, the sky is the limit as far as career opportunities. As a singer/performer, you can compose, write, record your music, perform in small or large venues, be a background vocalist, musical director, studio singer, producer and band leader.
Acting jobs include theater, commercials, voice-overs, movies, television, which can evolve into you being a screenwriter, director and film producer. I can tell you, as a creator of the arts, you have to do it because you love it first and the money will come. Many artists, musicians and actors, actresses, start off with minimal or no pay depending on the situation, but they continue developing and financial reward eventually comes.
Some have nine to five jobs during the day, and they do their creative work in the evening. There is no wrong or right answer or path in this journey.
If you love it, do it now. Good luck!!
Bryan Johnson
Matthew Bearor
Stage Manager/ Light Tech
7
Answers
Blue Island, Illinois
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
You do not need a degree to have a career in the arts. Find your local IATSE hall. They have all sorts of programs to help out young people. There are apprenticeship programs for every discipline. If if musical performance is really your passion, seek out AFM. If acting or Stage management is your thing, seek out Equity. IATSE and AFM and Equity are the union's servicing the theatre industry.
Also, if you're having trouble getting experience, try seeking out your local community theatre they're always looking for people, and it's a great way it's to dip your toes into the business. I got a lot out of my community Theatre experience that still helps me today. I learned how to work on a shoestring budget and to improvise when the best materials weren't available.
If I had it to do over again, I would skip college and go straight to the union.
Also, if you're having trouble getting experience, try seeking out your local community theatre they're always looking for people, and it's a great way it's to dip your toes into the business. I got a lot out of my community Theatre experience that still helps me today. I learned how to work on a shoestring budget and to improvise when the best materials weren't available.
If I had it to do over again, I would skip college and go straight to the union.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
232
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
It is a tough career choice. Must end up in education, which isnt bad. Id consider it as a minor. Learn all aspect of theatre. Set design, dancing, singing, stage management. It offers alot of opportunities if you are open to all options. Work hard on audition skills. That is what will get you to the next step.
Jill Cotton
Communications and Change leader
6
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Working in the arts can be incredibly fulfilling and it's an industry that is full of people who are passionate about what they are doing.
A degree is great but don't overlook the power of work experience/volunteering as this is a sector where you often need to get stuck in to learn the ropes.
In terms of pay, it won't reach the levels of a more corporate environment such as finance, but not all careers are about money. Being happy in what you are doing every day can often be more important.
Building a network is also crucial for the arts as roles are often not advertised in a traditional way.
A degree is great but don't overlook the power of work experience/volunteering as this is a sector where you often need to get stuck in to learn the ropes.
In terms of pay, it won't reach the levels of a more corporate environment such as finance, but not all careers are about money. Being happy in what you are doing every day can often be more important.
Building a network is also crucial for the arts as roles are often not advertised in a traditional way.