What Skills Can I Gain From a Performing Arts degree?
A degree in the performing arts not only trains you in a specialized field (acting, musical theater, design, directing). This degree also equips a student with skills that can be used in professions outside of performing arts as well, preparing each student to use their creativity in whatever way they choose after graduation. The skills below are obtained through a performing arts degree.
Budgeting
Students learn to budget and create theater while keeping costs in mind through assigned college productions, class models, outside theater projects, business classes.
Students learn to budget and create theater while keeping costs in mind through assigned college productions, class models, outside theater projects, business classes.
Public Speaking
Auditions and interviews are the main way performing artists find work. Public speaking, speaking up for your ideas, and being able to see yourself as an artist and worker is essential to the performing arts and any job. This is a skill taught and practiced in college.
Work Ethic
A degree in performing arts can be rigorous, teaching students how to organize and make the most of their time. A strong work ethic is shaped throughout your four years at college, teaching a student that a strong work ethic is essential for any job they pursue.
Curiosity
Most importantly, a performing arts degree allows a student to learn about and question the world around them, push past what they think is possible, and look to the future.
Problem Solving
Students learn to overcome obstacles and problem solve by designing sets/costumes/wigs for different shows and spaces, learning to perform on different size/ shaped stages, working on a show with a specific budget.
Understanding Oneself
Students learn through auditions, job interviews, production and project presentations, how they present themselves, what kind of art they enjoy working on, and the kind of person they want to be as an artist and member of society.
Communication/Teamwork
Students learn that the performing arts, like many jobs, is a team sport. One learns how to communicate with others, share ideas, and collaborate. This skill goes beyond theater and makes a performing arts major an asset in any field.
Scheduling/Organization
Due to the strong work ethic necessary to study theater arts, this degree teaches a student the importance of organization, scheduling, and responsibility as an employee, a member of a team, and a representative of a school and theater.