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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:

  1. Oral communication skills
  2. creative problem-solving abilities
  3. Self motivation
  4. A willingness to work cooperatively
  5. The ability to work independently
  6. Time-budgeting skills
  7. Personal initiative
  8. Promptness & respect for deadlines
  9. Acceptance of rules
  10. The ability to learn quickly
  11. Respect for colleagues
  12. Adaptability and flexibility
  13. Ability to work under pressure
  14. A healthy self-image
  15. Acceptance of disappointment
  16. Self-discipline
  17. A goal-oriented approach to work
  18. Concentration
  19. Dedication and commitment
  20. A willingness to accept responsibility
  21. Leadership skills
  22. Self-confidence
  23. 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