Studying Acting and Theater has many hidden benefits beyond just being part of a fun activity. Many students find that theatre helps them develop the confidence essential to speaking clearly, lucidly, and thoughtfully. Acting onstage teaches you how to be comfortable speaking in front of large audiences. Most people expect theatre students to exhibit creativity in acting, design, playwrighting, or directing. Still, employers are not always aware that theatre experience also helps you learn creative problem-solving techniques that are applicable to many jobs.
Acting is a particularly good way to learn how to think on your feet, identify problems, evaluate a range of possible solutions, and figure out what to do. Most major companies believe that a creative problem-solver will become a good employee. Being involved in theatre productions and classes demands commitment and motivation.
Many theatre students learn to transfer that attribute from theatre to other activities such as classes and jobs. For employers, that a positive attitude is essential. Your work in theatre companies teaches you how to work effectively with different types of people. Theatre demands that participants work together cooperatively for the production to succeed. In theatre, it is crucial that each individual supports the others involved. Employers will be pleased to know that you understand how to be a team player.
Whether they're memorizing lines or learning the technical aspects of a production, theatre students must have the ability to absorb a vast quantity of material quickly and accurately. Your work in theatre will show that you can grasp complex matters in a short time, a highly-valued trait to employers. Note that part of this ability is another significant trait: knowing how to listen. If you don't listen, you're likely to make some considerable error that will damage the production. Listening is a skill for any job, and an employer will respect your ability to listen and comprehend.
Theatre students must be adaptable and flexible. It would help if you were willing to try new ideas, accept new challenges, and have the ability to adapt to constantly changing situations and conditions. A versatile and flexible worker is highly valued to most employers; both traits prove that you are able and willing to learn new things.
Theatre training teaches you confidence in yourself. Your theatre accomplishments show you that you can handle a variety of jobs, pressures, difficulties, and responsibilities. You develop a "Yes, I can!" attitude. Of course, an employer will treasure that.