My Major

As of currently, I am still an undecided major, worried about nailing down just one field because I have too many interests. But one program I am almost certain I want to be involved in here at the U of A is the Theatre program. In this post, I will be answering some general questions about the discipline.

johnny_automatic. "at the theater" 9/2/2015 via  openclipart.  Public Domain Dedication 

1. What do students in your program learn how to do?
Theatre majors at the U of A take classes in realism, Chekhov, Shakespeare, commedia dell'arte, Moliere, restoration, screen acting and audition techniques. They also work on voice and movement through studio work, and deeply analyze and perform classical literature, period style and movement skills. They also dabble in dance and stage combat.

2. What do people who get degrees in this field usually go on to do for work?
Typically, theatre majors try their hand in auditioning for Broadway or Off-Broadway productions. If they prefer film, actors usually go to the audition hubs in LA or NYC for "pilot season" to try and get small screen roles. Many also become theater teachers or professors as well

3. What drew you to this field?
Community theatre was a huge part of my life throughout middle school and high school. When I started to win awards and was taken on by a professional representation firm, I finally felt that I had what it took to work in the industry. I know that it sounds like a pipe dream, but I really want to make this field work for me, no matter how much hard work it takes. For a long time I debated giving up theatre to focus solely on more scholarly pursuits, but the prospect of giving up such an intrinsic part of myself made me sad.

4. Who are the leaders/most exciting people involved in your field right now? Why? These could be individual people or specific companies, organizations, businesses or non-profits.
I think that the interesting thing about show business is that the leaders and "biggest names" are ever changing. You rarely see, especially on the Broadway side of things, one actor leading the field. A Broadway actress that stands out to me is Sutton Foster, who has made a name for herself playing outrageous and hilarious characters with a special kind of "spark." Also, Idina Menzel has taken show business by storm with her powerful voice; she's done everything from Broadway to TV shows to recording several solo albums.

5. What are the leading academic/scholarly journals in your field? Where are they published?
The Drama Review (TDR) gives a scholarly view on performances and their social, economic and political contexts. It is published by The MIT Press in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Not to be outdone, Theater has covered contemporary theatre for over 40 years. It is published by Duke University Press in Durham, NC.

Reflection: Upon reading Scott and Charles' blog posts about their future careers, I am struck by the incredible amount of excitement that people have towards their future careers. It is encouraging to me that there are people studying what they are because they love to do it, instead of seeking fame, money, or prestige. Scott and Charles' blogs were science-based, so it was refreshing to read about the career goals that are diametrically different from mine.