Beyond the Spotlight: Why Theater Majors Deserve More Credit
By Maryn Small, LTVN Reporter
As Generation Z increasingly gravitates towards business and STEM fields, enrollment in creative disciplines like theater is declining. Despite a common perception of impracticality, a theater education cultivates a surprisingly robust skillset with real-world applications.
The stereotype of the “useless” major frequently enough surfaces when theater students introduce themselves, frequently met with skepticism. In fact, some financial experts have labeled theater as one of the “least valuable” majors, contrasting it with the perceived stability and higher earning potential of fields like business, science, technology, and medicine. This societal view frequently enough frames theater as a creative pursuit rather than a viable professional path.
Though, dismissing theater as an easy undertaking is a meaningful oversimplification. Every academic discipline presents unique challenges and demands dedication. Theater requires intensive practice, script memorization, compelling stage presence, and a willingness to embrace emotional vulnerability – a commitment comparable to the rigor of laboratory work, essay writing, or examinations in other fields. As one observer notes, “You define your hard,” highlighting that difficulty is subjective and dependent on individual strengths. A student thriving in a theater setting might struggle with a biology lab, while a science enthusiast might find public performance daunting.
In reality, a theater education provides a wealth of transferable skills highly valued by employers. These include enhanced public speaking abilities, collaborative teamwork skills, and innovative problem-solving techniques. Forbes has even reported on how a theater background can provide an “unfair advantage” in the tech world.
the benefits extend beyond career preparation. Even a single theater class can instill confidence in presentations, foster creative cooperation, and build adaptability – skills applicable to daily life and professional settings. As one student shared,skills learned in a theater class are readily implemented in the workplace.
Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the value of a theater degree and, as one source suggests, “give it a try.” The practical skills gained may surprise you.
