Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
It's easy to look at Hollywood types and think life as an actor/director/comedian is a cake walk. They've got a mansion in LA and a vacation home on an island to boot. In fact, some even own the island.
If we step back and look at big picture though, life usually isn't making a string of movies with million-dollar payouts for most performing arts majors. Sure, that's the goal, but the reality is that the only a fraction of these grads with high hopes and Hollywood dreams ever make it there. Sorry, we had to have some real talk for a second.
Here's the good news, though: There are other ways of "making it" in the field that don't involve shooting movies on location and doing magazine covers every year. In fact, many performing arts majors find work in theaters or behind the camera to support themselves. Some even swear off Hollywood all together.
It's just one of those industries that's known for being like a coconut. Tough to crack into without help…but oh, the delicious tropical drinks you can have when you do.
Common Career Fields
Actor. Everyone dreams of being the next Julia Roberts or Tom Hanks, but the reality is that few make it to mega-star status. Most working actors work in regional theaters or doing bit-parts in TV shows and movies before getting a star on the walk of fame. They spend years playing small roles before becoming stars, if they find consistent work at all. Every now and again though, one lucky actor lands the role of a lifetime and makes it. Alan Rickman (or Severus Snape, for all you Harry Potter fans) didn't get his first big movie role until he was in his thirties.
Comedian. Amy Poehler, Louis C.K., Kathy Griffin, and Jerry Seinfeld all got their start as stand-up comedians. Before heading off to SNL or super-successful comedies, these funny guys and gals just told jokes. Lots of jokes. PA majors have already gotten over their stage fright in college, and they know how to make audiences happy. Let's face it. Isn't that the whole gig as comedians? Making audiences laugh is their whole job, so it's a natural fit for our Performing Arts grads.
Dancer. Before becoming a dancer, you'd better learn the necessary steps to take. See what we did there? Right? Okay, we'll stop. Maybe. After you bag a PA degree, you'll want to put your moves to work by signing up for some freelance competitions and getting your work out there on a blog or website. You'll probably start out working as a back-up dancer for some time before hitting it big, but stick with it. PA grads have the knowledge and flexibility to become professional dancers, but they've got to keep at it, even when it's a pain in a butt. Literally.
Filmmaker. While your friends head off to the theater, you'll be hanging out at the movies. Not just watching the latest blockbuster, of course, but actually studying it. No wait, blockbusters? What are we thinking? You're watching that indie film no one else has even heard of, aren't you? You'll need to learn all about cinematography, lighting, and storytelling to work as a filmmaker. Luckily, your major will help you learn the ins and outs of acting and narrative. You'll be well-versed in ways to tell the audience what's happening without actually saying it. You'll also have to focus on pacing, styles, and fading. Then, the world is your oyster. The great thing about film-making is that it can happen literally anywhere.
Lighting Technician. Behind the scenes of any theater production or movie, a crew of lighting technicians quietly works to get the temperature just right for the actors and director. It's not as simple as changing the thermostat. These techs have to be training in rigging and operating lights for visual effect. They use spotlights, warm and cold lights, and colored lights to set the mood of a scene. These techs also know the best way to light actors—below, behind, in front—to achieve the tone the director is going for. Specialized training on lighting is key. Have you ever seen that goofy job title in movie credits, "gaffer"? They deal with lighting.
Set Designer. Unless you're working for a big-budget movie that films scenes on location in Europe, you'll most likely need to call a set designer. These production designers create a world out of little more than wood and paint. They turn building materials into a different location for movies and the theater. That brick wall? Wood. That window? Wood. That beautiful sunset sinking into the sea? …Wood. It helps to have a MFA (Master of Fine Arts) for working as a set designer in the big leagues, but experience can get you there as well. Flexibility, a carpentry or construction background, and a big imagination are all helpful.
Acting Teacher. (Requires a Master's degree or Ph.D.) Those who can't do, teach. A lot of PA majors choose to head off into education instead of Hollywood. Why? The work is more consistent (and so is the pay), the hours aren't as random, and who can say no to those benefits? By teaching the stuff, they get to keep a hand in the drama and life of the stage every day, without the real-life drama of wondering where your next paycheck will come from. Plus, when you teach, you have to spend less time auditioning for parts. Faffing about while hoping for praise from others. Now you choose when to dish out the praise. Oh, the power.
As a professor, you get to design your own course and pick the plays and performance pieces you like to read and talk about. Pretty sweet, huh?
Current unemployment of the major
7%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
23%Stats obtained from this source.