6 Reasons Why Performing Arts Degrees Are Still Worth It

In today’s crazy world of AI, STEM, and other hard-to-remember sciencey acronyms, it can be hard to think that the arts still matter, especially performing arts. I will readily admit that, even though I got a degree in musical theatre, I am no longer working as an actor. Off-off-off Broadway was the closest I ever got to performing on that famous street. 

However, I AM going to make the argument that it is still worth it to major in performing arts in college. Whether or not a student is able to make a living in the performing arts after college, there are so many benefits to this type of degree that will help students in their future careers and lives. Here are six of the top reasons why:

1. Performing arts jobs DO exist!

Believe it or not, there are lots of performing arts jobs out there. Yes, very few people make it to Broadway, the NY Philharmonic, or American Ballet Theater, but those jobs are just at the very tippy-top. Many actors make a living doing national tours, working at regional theatres or on cruise ships, or starting their own small theatre companies. There is a whole community of freelance dancers of all styles, mostly in LA and NYC. Instrumentalists are always needed for all kinds of performances, including for recordings for albums, films and TV commercials. It takes some hard work to find these opportunities, but a life in the arts is definitely possible.

2. Culture matters.

It is upsetting when people say that a degree in the arts isn’t worth it and then go home and binge Netflix or listen to the newest album from their favorite singer. The arts matter. Culture matters. People use the arts for so many different things in their lives, be it escaping from their 9-5 workday or sharing an experience with their friends. Our society is strong when the arts are supported and appreciated. If no one decides to pursue a life in the arts, the wonderful music, TV, films, and performances that we all love will disappear.

3. Creativity is important for more than just the arts.

One of the most valuable skills that students in performing arts programs develop is creativity. Students will constantly be asked in their arts classes to make something new or to find an original way to do something. This has more real-world applications than just in the arts. Many of the people that I went to college with have started their own businesses in fashion, education, or marketing. Successful performing artists may need to discover other streams of income and have to be creative and flexible in finding or making them. Even if a performing artist has to find a day job, their creative skills will serve them well in solving problems and other daily tasks.

4. Artists possess more skills than just creating art.

OK, so it turns out that a student got a performing arts degree and decides not to be a working artist. Have no fear! Artists can do more than just art. 

No matter what kind of performing artist you are, you have to be able to get up on a stage and perform. It is non-negotiable. This practice creates a comfort with communicating and speaking in all sorts of situations and with all kinds of people. Artists are also skilled at taking criticism. Actors, dancers, singers, and instrumentalists are all constantly getting notes on how to improve their performance. It’s no big deal when, at their day job, their boss tells them to fix something in a written proposal or change how they present themselves to a client. It comes with the territory. And, when it comes to working well with others, performing artists have got it down. Very infrequently are you the only one on stage. Performing artists have to collaborate with other artists to make the best kind of art.

One of the most valuable skills that performing artists possess is a strong work ethic. Being able to sing, dance, act, or play an instrument well does not happen overnight. It takes so much hard work and dedication to their craft to be able to perform at a high level. Students who pursue performing arts degrees need to have years of experience under their belts before they even think of applying and auditioning. This practice hones their work ethic, which can then be applied to any situation. Need to create a polished presentation in two hours? No big deal. Artists are many things, but they are not slackers.

5. It’s better that a kid is passionate about what they are studying than getting a degree they hate.

I understand completely that parents want their kids to be well equipped when entering the workforce. However, I don’t always agree that parents should force their kids to get a “practical” college degree in order to “be successful”. Like I have said previously, getting a performing arts degree gives a student many practical skills. Even more important, though, is if a student is engaged in their college learning or not. If a student is getting a college degree that they don’t really want, they are not going to be happy or determined to do well in their classes. If they are not engaged, they are not learning. To me, getting a degree that some say is impractical is better than getting a more traditional college degree as long as the student is passionate and engaged.

That being said, I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a back-up plan. If a student wants to apply to some colleges for performing arts and some colleges for another major, more power to them. The most important thing is that a student wants to learn whatever they are learning. Yes, all students have to take the basic gen-ed classes, and some of those might be “boring”. Overall, if a student is getting a degree they are excited about, they will have the most success possible.

6. It’s a college degree

At the end of the day, no matter what a student is studying, they will have a college degree. Congratulations to them! Only about 38% of people over the age of 25 in this country have one. Whatever the major, a college degree looks great on a resume.  Employers will know that an applicant with a college degree can handle college level work, including meeting deadlines, communicating well in writing, handling multiple tasks at once, and thinking critically. Sadly, these abilities can be hard to come by today. Your student will automatically have a leg up just because they went to college.

Students have to do what is right for them and their situations. It may not be possible for a student to major in performing arts for many reasons. Getting in requires years of hard work, practice, and many auditions, not to mention the standard, hard-for-anyone college application process. I just don’t think that a student should say no to a performing arts degree because they think it’s not worth it. If a student is talented, driven, and passionate about their art, then they should be able to consider continuing to be a serious artist in college.