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Green Elephant · Jan 8, 2009, 01:52 PM

Does getting a Theater degree really help with an acting career, or is it based mostly upon who you know?

ZoeMarie · Jan 8, 2009, 01:55 PM

I would imagine it does a great deal, because if you have done the work to get a Theater degree you're preparing yourself for an acting career. You could know the right people, but if you don't know how to act, well that's not going to get you into that field. If you're interested in acting go for it. You'll have fun!

HistorianChick · Jan 8, 2009, 02:09 PM

Depends on if you have talent. I've worked with people that have no talent whatsoever, but have a degree - and the flip side, those that don't have a degree, but are amazing, leading part actors!

It also depends upon what you want to do. If you want to go into stage acting for a career, it definitely beefs out the resume. Doesn't really do much for community acting, or even semi-professional... at least in my experience.

Clough · Jan 20, 2009, 04:27 AM

Hi, Green Elephant!

Acting as a profession is one of the hardest areas to break into in order to make a successful living at it.

If you have a degree in it, then that's good! But, just having the degree won't get you the jobs.

Having the degree is okay, and it can help. But, getting experience acting and being able to put what you have done in acting on a resume is probably most important.

Who you know, does make a difference, too...

Thanks!

trmpldonagn · Feb 1, 2009, 12:54 AM

True to a point. It's not what you do. It's who you do. It is definitely good to have connections but you should have some talent for sure and I'll bet you do. I'm sure you can think of an actor/actress who was a nobody but because they knew someone, they went a long way. I have seen many many extras in TV sitcoms and movies that have really blossomed in their careers because they proved themselves with their talent and nothing else. It is refreshing to see and hear that once in a while but the truth is, whether it's Hollywood or New York, it's a pretty tough jungle. I have a degree in Dance and I always knew that a piece of paper would not be enough. I had to be good. Really really good to make it. But this is about you and I don't think you will fail because you have talent, right? You can act, correct? Networking of course is always good but just go for it and I hope you realize that rejection is part of the game. Do you know how many times James Dean was rejected before he made it big after finally passing an audition? I want to say 262 or 267 but I could be off by a few. If I stand corrected, let me know because I just cheated and tried to find it through Google. Can't find the exact #. Best to you!