What Theater Majors Learn
(From an article by Louis E. Catron, California Educational News, 1995)
23 skills and traits usually well developed in students who complete a 4 year undergraduate, liberal arts theatre degree:
- Oral communication skills
- creative problem-solving abilities
- Self motivation
- A willingness to work cooperatively
- The ability to work independently
- Time-budgeting skills
- Personal initiative
- Promptness & respect for deadlines
- Acceptance of rules
- The ability to learn quickly
- Respect for colleagues
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Ability to work under pressure
- A healthy self-image
- Acceptance of disappointment
- Self-discipline
- A goal-oriented approach to work
- Concentration
- Dedication and commitment
- A willingness to accept responsibility
- Leadership skills
- Self-confidence
- Respect for authority
Qualities in Theatre Majors valued by business executives:
- Self-discipline
- Loyalty & Dependability
- Leadership skills and experience
- Energy & Enthusiasm
- Ability to work under pressure
- Polished communication skills
- Team-work skills and experience
- Self-confidence
- experience meeting challenges
- Experience learning complicated, hands-on tasks
- Imagination and creativity
- Problem solving skills
- Reasoning and sound judgment
- Ability to work on intellectual and physical problems