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Careers and a major or minor in theatre arts What will you do with a major or minor in theatre arts? "Theater is a notoriously difficult field in which to make a living, but the people I know who have studied theater as undergraduates have done extremely well in their chosen careers," says David Hlavsa, who chairs the theatre arts program at the University. "Many are still involved in theater -- either professionally or as an avocation. But even those who no longer do shows constantly find themselves using skills they developed as undergraduates in theater. Communication, both written and interpersonal, aesthetic discernment, emotional understanding, teamwork, organizational ability -- in what career would you NOT use these skills every day. "As a wealthy industrialist once told me, if you want to be in business, go get your MBA -- that'll get you a job. But first get your undergraduate degree in theatre -- that'll get you promoted." "Many of our students do wish to go on into theater as a profession, and I try to give them the tools, the basics, so they can. They might pursue the connections they make here with local theater artists or they might go on to graduate school or, if they're getting their certification in drama for the education program, they may go on to teach theater in elementary or secondary schools. But frankly, I'm less concerned about how people will finally earn their bread than with the overall quality of their lives -- and I am committed to our students living magnificent lives."
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