Introduction

Read the article linked here: 9 Ways a Theatre Degree Trumps a Business Degree https://changeagent.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/9-ways-a-theatre-degree-trumps-a-business-degree/

***Disclaimer: I am not trying to make everyone a theatre major, nor am I claiming that a degree in theatre is inherently superior to a degree in business, or any other degree. Don’t be side-tracked by the headline, the content of the article is helpful.

The Assignment

After reading the article, create a thread that responds to the following questions:

Of the 9 points the writer makes about how a theatre background is a strength, not a weakness, which 2 or 3 do you think will be most beneficial to you in the career field you plan to pursue?
Would you add anything to this list? Would you remove anything from this list? Explain your answer.
Respond to at least three (3) other classmates’ posts, discussing the perspective they shared in their threads. Make sure your responses are thoughtful and respectful; we do not have to agree on everything, but we do have to keep our discussions civil and respectful of other people’s perspectives.

Grading Criteria

In 150 words or more, respond to the prompt above. Post your opening response early in the assignment period so that others have time to respond to you. Make sure to use appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation,

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

This discussion prompt asks you to reflect on an article comparing theatre and business degrees, and apply its ideas to your own career goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize your thoughts and write a strong, thoughtful response.

✅ Step 1: Read the Article Thoroughly

Link: 9 Ways a Theatre Degree Trumps a Business Degree

Make sure to read beyond the headline and understand the writer’s real message: theatre teaches valuable life and workplace skills. Take notes on which points resonate with you.

✅ Step 2: Identify 2–3 Points That Apply to Your Career

In your response, pick two or three of the author’s nine arguments that would help you in the career field you plan to pursue. For each point:

Name the point (e.g., “Comfort with Public Speaking” or “Creative Problem Solving”).
Explain why it’s relevant to your future career.
Give an example of how that skill might show up in your work.

Example:
One point I found particularly relevant is “Ability to Perform Under Pressure.” I’m pursuing a career in healthcare, where quick decision-making in high-stakes situations is common. Theatre teaches you to stay focused and think fast on your feet—skills that translate well to emergency care or patient interactions.

✅ Step 3: Suggest Changes to the List (Optional)

Now reflect on whether the list is complete:

Would you add a skill you think theatre majors develop that wasn’t mentioned?
Would you remove a point you didn’t find useful or applicable?

Be sure to justify your reasoning.

Example:
I would add “Collaboration Across Disciplines” to the list. Theatre productions involve designers, actors, directors, and technicians working together toward a shared goal—just like in project teams in business or tech.

✅ Step 4: Write Your Post (150+ Words)

Use this structure:

Intro sentence: Mention the article and what it argues.
Body paragraph(s): Discuss the 2–3 points you chose and why they apply to your career.
Reflection: Suggest any additions or deletions to the list.
Closing: Briefly restate your view on the value of these transferable skills.

Keep your tone respectful, thoughtful, and clear. Proofread before posting.

✅ Step 5: Respond to 3 Classmates

Read their posts carefully.
Mention specific ideas they wrote.
Share your own perspective in response—agree, build on, or respectfully offer a different view.
Each response should be a few thoughtful sentences—not just “I agree.”

Example:
I liked how you connected “Adaptability” to working in marketing. I hadn’t thought of how theatre’s improvisation could translate to quickly adjusting campaign strategies—it makes total sense!

By following this structure, you’ll write a compelling and well-organized post that meets all the assignment criteria. Have you picked your top two or three points from the article yet?

Theatre Skills in the Real World: Applying Performance-Based Strengths to My Future Career