@sackblake Based on your interests, there are, indeed, many ways in which you could help. In fact, I think that perhaps music theory likely is far from the best way for you to work with young artists and help them grow. If you are a strong performer or composer, you could get into music teaching via one of the routes that @compmom describes. Your idea of going the route of studio tech is also a really good possibility.
Indeed, once you step away from a purely academic route via music theory, the opportunities expand pretty widely.
However, while I am familiar with academia, my knowledge of non-academic work in the music industry, and even of performance-based academic work (rather than research-based work) is not as wide or deep, so I will leave the advice to other who are more knowledgeable.
I’ll just comment that your ability to think of alternative ways to achieve your goals, and to actually listen to advice (and do so critically) are some of the best skills that one can have. So I think that you will do well.
Good luck!!