Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 11/23/2007

Question
Mr. Plonkey,
     I am currently in my second year as a health science student. I have been doing theatre on the side for 11 years and its truly my passion and I am greatly considering making it my career.

I was thinking of majoring in theatre and possibly getting my masters to allow me to teach at a college, if for some reason my attempts at acting fail. My question is, is it more diffcult then I think it is to get a job teaching theatre at a college?

Also, is it in your beliefs that degrees in theatre do not provide any help in the student's performance?

Any help and information would be really appreciated. Thanks so much, hope to hear from you soon.

Ben

Answer
Hi Ben, Yeah, I think it might be more difficult to get a job teaching at a college than you think.  I know a lot of PhD's who are just teaching part-time because budgets are tight.  It would take an MFA or PhD to get a good job.  I found being a professor was the perfect job to have while doing professional work.  I was usually free to attend auditions and interviews and could take off a day or two or several when needed for a filming.  I usually had a supportive dean which really helped.  It is a long way around to get get two or three degrees before trying to become an actor.  Degrees in theatre have no bearing what so ever on improving an actor's performance.  Being in plays does. So try out for the plays at college. It would  help me to know the extent of your "on the side" theatrical activity.  Send me a list of the shows you were in and the roles and who produced them high school, whatever to my aol address, kencosp@aol.com and I can evaluate your case further.  Doc