A theater program helps students learn about topics such as dramaturgy, theater history, set design, costume design, technical theater, directing, and creative writing. At a liberal arts university, such as Barton College, these topics are paired with a thorough grounding in traditional academics.
If you think that sounds like the perfect plan, you may be faced with an all-too-common question for theater program students: What can you do with that? The truth is that you can do more than you’d expect by joining a theater program, and the benefits go beyond your career.
Development of Skills
Whether you’re onstage or working behind the scenes, studying theater will help you develop skills that will serve you in all parts of your life. You have to work with many people when preparing for a show, and that requires flexibility and knowledge. Here are just some of the skills you can expect to hone:
- Communication
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Self-confidence
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Effective collaboration
The performing arts may bring joy and fun into people’s lives, but that doesn’t mean the work is easy to produce. Like any worthwhile goal, this career requires you to build important skills that will serve you in unexpected ways.
Opportunities to Network
A theater program does more than introduce you to important concepts. It can also be an opportunity to meet fascinating people who can help you advance your career goals. Instructors often present opportunities to meet professionals working in the field. They may bring in experts to do workshops or guest presentations in class. Especially in a smaller college like Barton College, instructors can help students build important connections.
Take notice of the relationships you’ll make with your fellow students. Performing arts programs tend to be on the smaller side, and participants often build close relationships that continue into their professional lives.
Personal Growth
Pursuing something that brings you joy will challenge you in unexpected ways. On top of the solid skills listed above, you will grow in other, less tangible ways. As your determination and self-confidence strengthen, so will your sense of self and purpose. Performing requires you to face your fears and grapple with failure. As hard as this is, it will help you develop determination and resilience.
Career Prospects
Back to the original question: what can you do with that?
Having a background in the arts can open up many unexpected doors. You don’t have to see your name in lights to have a fulfilling career in the performing arts, and having the right degree will help you find the perfect job for you.
Theatre Action Guild
Ready to step into the spotlight? With Broadway and regional talent backing this program, the stars are the limit, and you will hit the ground running upon arrival. Your first year at Barton is not about easing into the scene; it’s about propelling yourself into the spotlight.
You’ll dive into an environment that fosters creativity, encourages innovation, and shapes your future in theatre. Imagine learning the art of performance with insights from the best in the business. Theatre at Barton is more than just a major; it’s an immersive experience that bridges the gap between academia and the electrifying world of professional theatre.
What better way to get started in your theatre experience than with Theatre Action Guild (TAG), our Pathway program for those who love theatre. TAG creates an easy way for new students (freshmen and transfers) to bond quickly with others who share their passion for theatre, and to do so in a way that is fun and engaging. TAG meetings are typically held monthly, and require no homework, no papers, and no tests!
Imagine knowing, even before you get here, that you will have an instant set of new friends (current and new students) who share your interest. TAG is led by Barton Theatre faculty who also share that passion, and it provides a fast-track to getting involved in theatre productions at Barton, on stage and behind the scenes. In addition, TAG students get to take advantage of Barton’s regional and professional connections to see outstanding performances, engage in workshops with technicians, be introduced to the business of theatre, and begin building an important network of theatre professionals. TAG is designed for both theatre majors AND for students in other majors who love theatre and want to be involved. Come join us for some great fun and some spectacular performances!
Performing Arts in North Carolina
At Barton College, we’re proud of our theater program and how we help our students pursue their dreams. We are committed to helping all our students achieve their goals and succeed in their careers. Our smaller size enables us to make personal connections with students so we can support them during their college careers and prepare them for the future. If you’re interested in hearing more about our theater program and all we have to offer, we invite you to contact us today!
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