<p>But what about $200,000 for an undedrgrad degree in psych, english, history, sociology, religion, cultural studies, a myriad of other liberal arts majors, or even many of the “hard” sciences? By themselves, without advanced degrees or other certifications, they don’t really give you the credentials to obtain a job with viable sustainable income, whether it’s in your major or some other field. As KatMT commented, undergrad degrees in general are most often simply the launch pad for obtaining grad degrees that lead to meaningful job opportunities in specialized areas of study. And in this regard, as KatMT correctly observes, an undergrad degree in MT or theatre, whether a BFA or BA, provides those very same opportunities. Why shouldn’t a student then be encouraged to pursue an area of study for which the student has passion, which will be approached with the dedication, discipline and self investment needed not only to achieve educational growth and excellence but also to achieve the personal growth and development as a maturing young adult that is part of the college experience. The point that many posters are making is not focused on disputing the odds of whether a student will or will not make it as a performer but, instead, is directed at the skewed notion that for some reason a degree in theatre or MT is not as much a legitimate undergrad educational experience as an undergrad degree in any other area. What the student then does with that degree is a life choice, just as any college student makes a life choice about their post undergrad plans. The fact that the degree is in MT does not, in of itself, materially limit those choices. It is the type of choice that is made that really counts - and even that is not etched in stone.</p>
<p>Take the waitstaff at Ellen’s that you reference. They are among a group of MT/performing arts graduates who have concluded that for some period of their lives they are going to try to “make it” as a performer in NYC. That is a choice and there are certain realities, consequences and a risk/benefit analysis that goes into that choice. Others with the same degrees and training make other choices including the pursuit of regional performing, touring, employment in theatre or other performing arts but not as a performer, performing work outside of theatre; they may seek employment in jobs outside of performing arts that value the creative and other skills that a performing degree develops. They may return for further degrees and certifications in areas unrelated to theatre just like most other undergrads do. All of these are life choices. Having a degree in MT does not disenfranchise a student from making these choices. </p>
<p>The bottom line is that for a student that has a passion for MT or any aspect of theatre, pursuing a BFA or BA in a theatre program couples a meaningful college level education with the kind of personal growth to adulthood that comes from commitment, dedication, hard work and self-discipline. Later down the road, the student will need to engage in some honest and well thought through reflection about what post grad plans make the most sense for him or her, but isn’t that what any college student should be doing anyway?</p>