Is a Backup Plan Really Taboo?
Anyone who is an artist knows the struggle is real when we constantly get asked, “But what’s your REAL job” like being an artist doesn’t count or something??? This can most definitely take a toll on our confidence in our desired career path and could potentially alter the way we feel about our industry as a whole.
I think the above statement is valid and true, but I do think there is more to it that we just don’t explore all the time. When I was a Senior in high school, one of the best tips I received was if I were to get a “backup plan” major in the arts, then it really wouldn’t be a backup plan. If I chose something that allowed me to be a part of the industry I love, then I am not taking a “backup plan” degree, I am enhancing my chances of being a part of a community that I adore.
First of all, let’s dissect what a backup plan really means. It is common belief in the arts world that if you major in Musical Theatre, Acting, etc that a backup plan is taboo. The word backup makes it seem like this is something that you will inevitably fall back on to ensure a stable life and happy prospects, never reaching your goal of living sustainably as a performer. To many artists, this is not desired. But in fact, what backup really means is to “help and support.” My question is, why is something that is supposed to be used to help and support so awful?
I decided to answer this question for myself in my sophomore year of college and really began to take the advice I received as a senior to heart. I considered all the options of something that could support me, and I realized I could be in the arts all my life, even if I took that dreaded second, or even third, degree. My real job could always be my preferred job. No matter what. I just had to set myself up for success.
Therefore, I decided to change my Arts Management minor to a major in my Junior year of college. This changed the trajectory of my college career and my future drastically. I opened myself up to a world of possibilities of having a lasting career in the arts community. I was thrilled, and still am.
As I have travelled down this journey, I have come to realize a few things that my Arts Management major has given to me:
I can now market myself with much more ease. I know the basics of arts marketing and can therefore market myself as an artist and arts administrator much more confidently.
I understand the many moving parts of a production / organization and can easily fall into place in whatever task is necessary.
I have other assets beyond performance that can be used to fit the organization’s needs. I have made myself indispensable.
I know what it takes to fundraise. We see Gofundme’s all the time now, right? Well now, I can easily fundraise for myself as well as an organization using grassroots campaigns and simple crowdfunding techniques.
Most importantly, what I am learning in my BFA transfers directly to my BA and vice versa. The information from both are invaluable assets that I can apply to anything.
As you can see, I have gained so much from this plan. This all worked out so wonderfully for me that I decided to take on a Professional Communications major as well. This will allow me to be fully prepared to function between corporate work and non-profit work as an artist, arts administrator and public relations professional. This is a bit of a different approach, but after experiencing all of the wonderful things that could enhance my learning from adding an additional major, I thought another one wouldn’t hurt.
My goal at the end of my college career is to be confident in any path that life has set out for me. In order to have this confidence, I need to prepare myself the best way I see fit. If your goal is to be on Broadway, go and do it! If your goal is to be only an arts administrator, more power to ya! I’m not saying this is the best and ONLY way to be a confident, competent person at the end of your university experience. There are many different routes and capacities you can take to prepare yourself for the best career possible.
What I am saying is if you are a performer and are afraid to take that minor or second major (or even third) because it is a backup plan, take it! Take that backup plan with pride and all the assurance in the world knowing that it will support and help you stay in the arts even if you aren’t performing all the time. It was a large step for me, and I assume it will be a large step for most of you. If you aren’t ready or don’t want to take it, then at least consider what assets you can work to obtain in your time at university in order to prepare yourself for the best career success possible.
So the answer is no, a backup plan is not taboo. In fact, a backup plan can be used to ensure that you do have success in the arts.
I wish all the young university students out there the best of success and fulfillment as we head into uncharted territory in higher education. Consider what the industry is projected to look like in five to seven years and find a way to mesh yourself into it! Focus on your goals, aspirations, mental and physical health and above all, take nothing for granted. Nothing is promised and enjoying every little bit of our education is important.
