I’m considering my future career, and I’m not sure what I want to do. I love musical theatre/music in general, but I’m not sure if that lifestyle (constant auditions, low pay, etc.) is right for me because I want a family someday… I don’t know.
My Q is, do you think I could have a career as a photographer, and do occasional community theatre on the side? Could I do this with a career as a music therapist?
I know I want my career to be in the arts, to be creative. And I want to perform…do you think these careers will allow me time to pursue theatre as a hobby? Thanks!
Oh and also, do you think it’s possible to have a family (or at least a child) WHILE acting on broadway? That’s my only setback…I really want a family, and I don’t know what I’m going to do when I find someone I wanna marry and have kids with, etc.
In all honesty, I would do it as a hobby. I did theatre all through high school and, like pretty much everyone who’s been in plays, I thought it would be great to do it as a career. But, I also kept my good sense about me and stayed realistic, going to college instead of trying to magically become a successful actor. Now I am enjoying doing two or three community theatre productions a year while having a "real" job, and I think it was the best decision. If you try to make theatre your principal career, your facing a whole lot of very big IF’s. It could work IF you have the natural talent, IF you have the commitment to always be bettering yourself, IF you can get an audition, IF you get cast, IF the show is successful, IF you’re willing to go periods when acting isn’t cutting it to pay the bills. I have an uncle who made a career on Broadway, but he went months on end with no steady income because even when he was cast in a show, you never know if it will be a success or flop. It ‘s a large gambit. There are plenty of other jobs you could do that are creative and related to the arts that are more secure. Plus doing shows on the side is tons of fun, even if it is just for fun. Just the fact that you’ve asked this question shows you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and know what the real world is like. Having a "real" job while living your passion for the arts through community theatre and the like is a lot more secure, and it’s the course of action I would recommend.
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If you love the theatre, by all means pursue it. Get training in all aspects of theatre….you don’t have to be on stage all the time….learn all about stage/set design, directing, writing, performing, and get involved with your community theater while you’re learning. Then take the plunge!
You can do it!
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Ok What i would do is if you really enjoy theatre than go for it. Just remember there is a LOT of downtime where you aren’t on the set which also means your not making money. Unless your broadway you don’t make the greatest amount so you’d need a part time job or maybe a full time if you want to keep your home. Good Luck
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An old Teacher of mine in High School
A lot depends on how much uncertainty you can live with. Most actors cannot live on what they make and must take part-time or temporary jobs to make ends meet. Do you love musical theatre enough to live cheap, defer your family for later, accept frequent rejection, and all the other negatives? Only you know the answer to that.
An independent photographer is also iffy in terms of steady income, although there may be times you’d be swamped with weddings, graduation pictures, and such. The few art photographers I know (who sell prints) have other sources of income. Portrait photographers (well, the one I know) have some lean months. Newspaper photographers have steady work and paychecks, but it’s boring.
Music therapy as a career might depend on whether there are full-time jobs. I don’t know much about it, but I know that such jobs exist for art therapists.
I happen to know someone active in community theatre, and his people all have day jobs yet put on wonderfully professional shows several times a year. Some amazing talent is out there, if you live in the right places where theatres exist to tap it.
References :
In all honesty, I would do it as a hobby. I did theatre all through high school and, like pretty much everyone who’s been in plays, I thought it would be great to do it as a career. But, I also kept my good sense about me and stayed realistic, going to college instead of trying to magically become a successful actor. Now I am enjoying doing two or three community theatre productions a year while having a "real" job, and I think it was the best decision. If you try to make theatre your principal career, your facing a whole lot of very big IF’s. It could work IF you have the natural talent, IF you have the commitment to always be bettering yourself, IF you can get an audition, IF you get cast, IF the show is successful, IF you’re willing to go periods when acting isn’t cutting it to pay the bills. I have an uncle who made a career on Broadway, but he went months on end with no steady income because even when he was cast in a show, you never know if it will be a success or flop. It ‘s a large gambit. There are plenty of other jobs you could do that are creative and related to the arts that are more secure. Plus doing shows on the side is tons of fun, even if it is just for fun. Just the fact that you’ve asked this question shows you’ve got a good head on your shoulders and know what the real world is like. Having a "real" job while living your passion for the arts through community theatre and the like is a lot more secure, and it’s the course of action I would recommend.
References :
If you put your mind to it you CAN do anything. Check out all the Pros and cons about the situation. If you can handle the uncertainties then go for it and don’t look back!
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