6 answers
Xander
Student
Norton, Virginia
4
Questions
Asked
770 views
Which Career should I choose Theatre or Marine Biology?
They're completely different, but they are both significant to me. For instance, I love acting, I've been doing it my whole life and can't imagine myself without it! It makes me the happiest I've ever been and brought me out of my shell of anxiety. It's made me who I am. However, I also love the ocean, animals, and swimming. Also, for marine biology, you have to write essays, which I also love doing.
6 answers
Cheryl Gamble
Nurse Anesthesiology
7
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Xander,
I am a nurse and love what I do! I can tell you that if you can do what you love, then you will be quite happy and fulfilled with a career. The hard part is knowing. So, Can you take acting classes to enhance your acting abilities? These may need to be ongoing. I do not know all of the things required, however, many actors also have completed college degrees to perhaps fall back on in case acting as a career just doesn’t pay enough to live on.
Ideally, a college that has both acting and marine biology as subjects or majors would be ideal.
I would continue to explore both options to see which is right for you.
Have fun!!
I am a nurse and love what I do! I can tell you that if you can do what you love, then you will be quite happy and fulfilled with a career. The hard part is knowing. So, Can you take acting classes to enhance your acting abilities? These may need to be ongoing. I do not know all of the things required, however, many actors also have completed college degrees to perhaps fall back on in case acting as a career just doesn’t pay enough to live on.
Ideally, a college that has both acting and marine biology as subjects or majors would be ideal.
I would continue to explore both options to see which is right for you.
Have fun!!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Xander
Luciana Lambert
Actor
6
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Luciana’s Answer
Do both! Why not?
According to SAG-AFTRA (the professional actor's union), 86% of professional actors in the USA do not make more than $23,000 a year from acting.
So, why are they still acting? Because it is a passion!
And how are they making money? From day jobs, second careers, and businesses.
You have two great passions and it is totally possible to manage both!
Best luck in your endeavors.
According to SAG-AFTRA (the professional actor's union), 86% of professional actors in the USA do not make more than $23,000 a year from acting.
So, why are they still acting? Because it is a passion!
And how are they making money? From day jobs, second careers, and businesses.
You have two great passions and it is totally possible to manage both!
Best luck in your endeavors.
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
140
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Xander,
Even though theatre and marine biology seem vastly different they CAN fit together.
Theatre is public speaking and performing- many marine biology places need informal educators to teach the public about marine life and why they should care about the ocean. You will see some job descriptions asking for theatre experience. Look at places like SeaWorld and read their job descriptions for their performers, educators, and other related positions.
Think about Orlando- you could work at SeaWorld or Disney and also still be actively involved in their vast performing arts opportunities. Being from the area myself I know people who do community theatre as well as work full time at Disney. Did you know Disney has an aquarium with rescue animals?
I think you could major in both and follow your passion and love for both areas.
I hope this helps!
Even though theatre and marine biology seem vastly different they CAN fit together.
Theatre is public speaking and performing- many marine biology places need informal educators to teach the public about marine life and why they should care about the ocean. You will see some job descriptions asking for theatre experience. Look at places like SeaWorld and read their job descriptions for their performers, educators, and other related positions.
Think about Orlando- you could work at SeaWorld or Disney and also still be actively involved in their vast performing arts opportunities. Being from the area myself I know people who do community theatre as well as work full time at Disney. Did you know Disney has an aquarium with rescue animals?
I think you could major in both and follow your passion and love for both areas.
I hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3767
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Xander,
Exploring Theatre Careers
The dynamic world of theatre is teeming with a variety of career prospects both on stage and behind the scenes. Opting for a theatre career could see you flourishing as an actor, director, stage manager, set designer, costume designer, or lighting technician, to name a few. Embarking on this path not only allows you to unleash your creativity but also facilitates collaboration with fellow artists, and enables you to bring narratives to life for the audience.
As an actor, you get the chance to embody diverse characters, expand your emotional spectrum, and refine your skills through classes, workshops, and performances. While the acting profession can be fulfilling and rewarding, it demands commitment, resilience, and the ability to handle criticism. The field is highly competitive, and you may encounter rejection and uncertainty. However, if you have a burning passion for acting and are ready to put in the effort, you can achieve success and fulfillment.
Venturing into Marine Biology
Marine biology is an intriguing and significant field that delves into the study of the myriad organisms inhabiting the ocean. As a marine biologist, you could explore the behavior, ecology, physiology, or conservation of marine species. Opportunities abound in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry. The field also necessitates writing essays and research papers to share your discoveries and add to the scientific literature.
If the ocean and its creatures captivate you, a career in marine biology can be immensely rewarding. You get the chance to investigate some of the planet's most intriguing ecosystems and contribute to our understanding of their functioning and preservation. However, marine biology is a demanding field that requires robust math and science skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a readiness to work extended hours under challenging conditions.
Making the Choice
When weighing a career in theatre against marine biology, several factors come into play. Firstly, ponder your passions and interests - what sparks your curiosity and drives you to learn more? Secondly, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses - what are you naturally good at and enjoy doing? Thirdly, contemplate your long-term objectives - what do you aspire to achieve in your career?
Remember, career choices aren't always black and white. Many people find success and satisfaction by following their passions outside their main profession. For instance, if acting enthralls you but marine biology also appeals, you could study marine biology by day and participate in community theatre productions by night. Alternatively, you could build a career in marine biology while attending acting classes or being part of a local theatre group on the side.
In the end, the choice between a theatre or marine biology career is a personal one, hinging on your individual goals, values, and priorities. By thoughtfully considering these aspects and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision that paves the way to success and happiness in your chosen field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Exploring Theatre Careers
The dynamic world of theatre is teeming with a variety of career prospects both on stage and behind the scenes. Opting for a theatre career could see you flourishing as an actor, director, stage manager, set designer, costume designer, or lighting technician, to name a few. Embarking on this path not only allows you to unleash your creativity but also facilitates collaboration with fellow artists, and enables you to bring narratives to life for the audience.
As an actor, you get the chance to embody diverse characters, expand your emotional spectrum, and refine your skills through classes, workshops, and performances. While the acting profession can be fulfilling and rewarding, it demands commitment, resilience, and the ability to handle criticism. The field is highly competitive, and you may encounter rejection and uncertainty. However, if you have a burning passion for acting and are ready to put in the effort, you can achieve success and fulfillment.
Venturing into Marine Biology
Marine biology is an intriguing and significant field that delves into the study of the myriad organisms inhabiting the ocean. As a marine biologist, you could explore the behavior, ecology, physiology, or conservation of marine species. Opportunities abound in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private industry. The field also necessitates writing essays and research papers to share your discoveries and add to the scientific literature.
If the ocean and its creatures captivate you, a career in marine biology can be immensely rewarding. You get the chance to investigate some of the planet's most intriguing ecosystems and contribute to our understanding of their functioning and preservation. However, marine biology is a demanding field that requires robust math and science skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a readiness to work extended hours under challenging conditions.
Making the Choice
When weighing a career in theatre against marine biology, several factors come into play. Firstly, ponder your passions and interests - what sparks your curiosity and drives you to learn more? Secondly, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses - what are you naturally good at and enjoy doing? Thirdly, contemplate your long-term objectives - what do you aspire to achieve in your career?
Remember, career choices aren't always black and white. Many people find success and satisfaction by following their passions outside their main profession. For instance, if acting enthralls you but marine biology also appeals, you could study marine biology by day and participate in community theatre productions by night. Alternatively, you could build a career in marine biology while attending acting classes or being part of a local theatre group on the side.
In the end, the choice between a theatre or marine biology career is a personal one, hinging on your individual goals, values, and priorities. By thoughtfully considering these aspects and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision that paves the way to success and happiness in your chosen field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello. Xander !
It is really great that you've been acting all your life so you probably know the ins and outs of it ! That is fantastic and you will make a choice as to if you would like to continue acting full time or dedicate yourself to a new career at which you would not be available for acting. That is the choice only you could make.
You've asked which career should you get a degree in and that is an easy question - Marine Biology. The reason is that you do not need a degree as an Actor. You would need a degree in Marine Biology. I see some options with this. One, completely immerse yourself as a full time Actor which may mean moving to Los Angeles or New York City. Second option would be to enroll in college to major in Marine Biology and minor in theatre, graduate, give up acting and become a full time Marine Biologist which may require relocating. After many years of that work, go back into acting. We never forget about acting, do we ? And once you are an actor, you are always an actor - you don't lose it !
The excellent news for you is that you do not have to decide now. A suggestion I have for you is that in your first semester of college, take an Intermediate Acting class (either in the theatre or film department) and an introduction course in Marine Biology. You will be able to figure it all out by doing that.
You can also consider getting a degree in something that there are a lot of jobs for as a back up such as Business, Education or Computer related majors. Decide if you want to end at a Bachelors Degree or go further because I believe that for Marine Biology, the best jobs are at a Masters or Doctorate level. You have to decide what will maintain your personal happiness and you don't need to choose right now.
Even while you are in high school, you can always take community acting classes that are very useful in advancing your technique and experiences. Keep auditioning while you are in high school and in college, if you go for Marine Biology, see how your schedule and study load will be before you audition for anything. Your evenings and weekends would be filled with rehearsals and performances if you are cast in something.
As someone who has already been through the acting path in academia, I had a minor in Social Science which was my back up and had a 27 year career in that field. The minute I was available again for acting, which was six years ago, I was back at the agencies and sending out the photos and resumes again. A degree in Theatre or Film could help you in the administrative end of the performing arts, but you do not need it as an actor. So there are many, many ways you can go with all that you are interested in, but give it time and test it while you are in your first semester of college. If you pick a college that has Marine Biology as a major, it is very likely that they would have a course in acting in either the Film or the Theatre department too.
So, rest assured, you don't have to figure it out yet. Read more about what is expected from marine biologists and keep doing the acting. Watch some videos at the link I've left below to see what marine biologists say about the career. Hampton University in your state does have both marine biology and the college does offer acting classes, too. I have left a link to their website for you. Being well informed will also help you decide. Being true to your heart will also help you make a choice !
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best ! Never give up !
MARINE BIOLOGISTS ON BEING A MARINE BIOLOGIST https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=what%27s+it+like+being+a+marine+biologist+%3F
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY https://home.hamptonu.edu/about/
It is really great that you've been acting all your life so you probably know the ins and outs of it ! That is fantastic and you will make a choice as to if you would like to continue acting full time or dedicate yourself to a new career at which you would not be available for acting. That is the choice only you could make.
You've asked which career should you get a degree in and that is an easy question - Marine Biology. The reason is that you do not need a degree as an Actor. You would need a degree in Marine Biology. I see some options with this. One, completely immerse yourself as a full time Actor which may mean moving to Los Angeles or New York City. Second option would be to enroll in college to major in Marine Biology and minor in theatre, graduate, give up acting and become a full time Marine Biologist which may require relocating. After many years of that work, go back into acting. We never forget about acting, do we ? And once you are an actor, you are always an actor - you don't lose it !
The excellent news for you is that you do not have to decide now. A suggestion I have for you is that in your first semester of college, take an Intermediate Acting class (either in the theatre or film department) and an introduction course in Marine Biology. You will be able to figure it all out by doing that.
You can also consider getting a degree in something that there are a lot of jobs for as a back up such as Business, Education or Computer related majors. Decide if you want to end at a Bachelors Degree or go further because I believe that for Marine Biology, the best jobs are at a Masters or Doctorate level. You have to decide what will maintain your personal happiness and you don't need to choose right now.
Even while you are in high school, you can always take community acting classes that are very useful in advancing your technique and experiences. Keep auditioning while you are in high school and in college, if you go for Marine Biology, see how your schedule and study load will be before you audition for anything. Your evenings and weekends would be filled with rehearsals and performances if you are cast in something.
As someone who has already been through the acting path in academia, I had a minor in Social Science which was my back up and had a 27 year career in that field. The minute I was available again for acting, which was six years ago, I was back at the agencies and sending out the photos and resumes again. A degree in Theatre or Film could help you in the administrative end of the performing arts, but you do not need it as an actor. So there are many, many ways you can go with all that you are interested in, but give it time and test it while you are in your first semester of college. If you pick a college that has Marine Biology as a major, it is very likely that they would have a course in acting in either the Film or the Theatre department too.
So, rest assured, you don't have to figure it out yet. Read more about what is expected from marine biologists and keep doing the acting. Watch some videos at the link I've left below to see what marine biologists say about the career. Hampton University in your state does have both marine biology and the college does offer acting classes, too. I have left a link to their website for you. Being well informed will also help you decide. Being true to your heart will also help you make a choice !
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best ! Never give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, this helps a lot!!!
Xander
You are very welcome, Xander !
Michelle M.
Kieran
Video Producer & Visual Designer
12
Answers
Updated
Kieran’s Answer
You don't need to choose one or the other, do both!
Both will teach you to be the most well-rounded person you can be (I mean a biologist and an actor?) As mentioned by other answers, I recommend pursuing a career in Marine Biology but do Theatre on the side. I assume it is easier to break into Theatre with a degree in Marine Biology, rather than breaking into Marine Biology with a degree in Theatre. This way is safer as well. Finding success in acting is hard, and the industry is filled with ambitious and talented people, each wanting to break into Hollywood. There's no job security working as a freelance actor. However, on the other hand, as a marine biologist, you have a safety net of job security and a stable income, which would allow you to pursue your theatrical interests.
Hope this helps.
Both will teach you to be the most well-rounded person you can be (I mean a biologist and an actor?) As mentioned by other answers, I recommend pursuing a career in Marine Biology but do Theatre on the side. I assume it is easier to break into Theatre with a degree in Marine Biology, rather than breaking into Marine Biology with a degree in Theatre. This way is safer as well. Finding success in acting is hard, and the industry is filled with ambitious and talented people, each wanting to break into Hollywood. There's no job security working as a freelance actor. However, on the other hand, as a marine biologist, you have a safety net of job security and a stable income, which would allow you to pursue your theatrical interests.
Hope this helps.
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