The theater business

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OK, so I'm 8th grade but I'm going to highschool next year. I found there is a whole set of electives dedicated to theater. There is 3 different acting courses, and 2 revolving around play production and directing. I am very into theater and am definitely considering taking these classes in high school. Like most people, I want to be successful when I grow up. But I'm wondering, is theater a good business to go into? Its definitely something I'd love doing, but I'm not sure about it financially. I mean, I'd have to be constantly searching for shows to audition for and it'd definitely be a hassle. I'm not sure. Does anyone have any knowledge on the subject? Is theater a good business to try taking part in?

definately...if you have a passion for something, definately try for it.

as well as the theatre classes you could also think about training for another type of job as a back-up for if you're out of acting work. qualifications are always useful.

it's not good to get stuck doing something you are not interested in just because you thought it'd keep you employed. that might not work anyway...i usually work in accounts, which is a very stable job, but i'm finding it hard to get a job at the moment. there's no guarentees in life, so there is no point ruling a job out just because it's competitive.

My advise: Keep your options open. Don't focus on one set of skills. Theatre sounds great, and there are ways of getting involved with it, but consider the idea that famous actors are most likely employed like 20% of the time (although they get paid pretty good). For those who are not as famous, they pretty much starve for their passions.

What I would suggest, for high school, go into it with three or four options to consider (in my case, I thought about Electronics and Accounting). Then narrow your selections as you go by. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover that Theatre isn't right, but something else works better.

Also, consider the idea that Theatre type stuff could be a hobby.

Just an idea to consider, of course.

I think if you are interested, you should take the theater classes, see how it goes and decide if you are interested in pursuing it professionally. Best to try it out, then decide.

I was a professional dancer, which was a difficult career but it was my special interest and nobody was going to stop me. Although it was hard, I´m glad I did it, and wouldn´t trade my experience for anything else. I am now a dance teacher in musical theater schools, as well as a choreographer; I have also directed several musicals. So I am in the theater business myself. The most important things are talent and dedication- (though this would be true for anything, I would think). It does mean going to auditions, but many of my students work very consistently. The more abilities you have- acting, singing, dancing- the easier it may be to find many jobs, but you may want to specialize, which may also work.

But I would recommend giving it a go, if you have the drive. I think it´s a good life for Aspies. Theater people tend to be more quirky and accepting than regular people, at least this has been my experience.