I'm going to major in Theater-Acting in college. I was very confident in my decision at the time because I've been wanting to be an actress ever since I was small. My family hasn't had the money to get my acting classes or anything, nor do we know anyone famous that can give me the "hook up". So, I've been relying on school and county plays. My dream school is NYU or maybe SUNY Purchase. But, I'm at another university in the hopes of studying, focusing, and transferring.

My dad told me I don't have to major in it to be in actress and so has other friends and family. I can't think of any other major that would satisfy me. Social Studies and Science have never captured me. Math, yeah, but as far as doing it for the rest of my life no.

I'm afraid of being in my late 20's and 30's and not having money to support me while all my friend's have successful jobs and are making 6 figure salaries. My dad told me that only a few have a job in what they majored in in college.

What do you think?
Should I just do major in it?
Does becoming valedictorian in college guarantee you a job after college?

In acting there is no sure fire way. What you might want to do is take some business and money management classes. That way if money rolls in you can ride it out until the next job comes along. There is no "hook up" to hollywood. If your not liked for whatever reason your not getting the job.

You should talk to guidance counselor if you are in high school to take some kind of interest test to figure out what you are good in and what you are interested in. Also a guidance counselor can help you figure out what type of college degrees to major in.

For example if you are good with numbers accounting could be something you would be good in. Are you good with computers, then Information Technology or Information Systems might be good for you.

You should take a look at what subjects you are good in or what subjects you like and start from there.

In some colleges there are clubs for acting where you can perform in plays.

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Originally Posted by VintageHeart93

Theater Major in college..good or bad?

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Hello VintageHeart:

GOOD!

Don't let ANYBODY sway you from your dreams.

excon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by VintageHeart93

Does becoming valedictorian in college guarantee you a job after college?

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No - unless of course your college is one of the military academies, or if you are enrolled in ROTC. But I suspect a military career is not the type of job you're talking about.

As for majoring in Theatre - once you get into college and start taking classes you'll have a much better idea whether you truly have an aptitude for acting and what you can get from majoring in it. You can always change your mind - plenty of people start majoring in one thing and then switch to another. You really don't have to lock in on your major until your junior year. So enroll in a couple of theater courses and see where it takes you.

You should become qualified to teach, as well. With so many uncertainties in performing arts, an education degree is a sure fire way to find employment; teaching theater may not be your first choice, but it's better than not working in theater at all. You never know, teaching might be your thing.