LD/ME/other LX pros, what did you major in?

[photoatdv]

That pretty much sums up the question. I'm going to post one for audio professionals also, so let's keep votes to lighting (or at least partially lighting) professionals. I'm curious because of the recent thread about what to major in. I'm going to try to make the poll anonymous, and then if anyone cares to share more details please post too...

Thanks everyone!

[MrsFooter]

I essentially majored in dance, with some acting thrown in. It wasn't until my Junior year of college that I discovered how much fun it was to plug things in.

[shiben]

Can we also have posted what your primary occupation is somehow? Not sure where to go with that, but I think it would be interesting to see if there is a correlation.

[thatactorguy]

Wouldn't so much say that I'm a pro, as my experience is limited still to 30+ years of community theatre and some university work, but I'm an English major/Theatre minor, and my job as a rural mail carrier is what pays the bills, lol...

[thatactorguy]

Originally Posted by shiben

Can we also have posted what your primary occupation is somehow? Not sure where to go with that, but I think it would be interesting to see if there is a correlation.

shiben, I must've been reading your mind!

[NevilleLighting]

I thought I was a rare species because I knew in high school that I wanted to be a lighting designer. I guess I was just rare around this area. It's fun to get on here and see the high school kids that are so devoted, and quite knowledgeable, in their craft.

I got my BFA from the University of Kansas and then went on to an internship with USA (United Scenic Artists) which worked into a full USA membership. I soon tired of the NYC scene and then moved around the country free lancing with many regional theatres. Mostly LD, some ALD and some touring as ME. Yes Footer, I was an ME. Sad and maybe somewhat scary.

For the last 3 and a half years I've been in the world of academia, for better or worse. I've always wanted to teach but ****, do they have to have so many meetings? Anyway, I have debates with one of my colleagues about the validity of a BFA verses a BA. I'll start another thread on that one but I'd love to hear about other people's journeys through this business. What was your education? What are your goals? I think all goals and all paths of life are of equal value. The important thing, that I see here in abundance, is a dedication to your craft.

[photoatdv]

Shiben-- Not really sure how to do two polls on one thread... I wanted to do that. If anyone knows how please add the second or let me know how.

[len]

I have a degree in restaurant management, and got into event production through my dj business. If you are leaning towards running your own business, learn about business management, accounting, sales, etc.

[jxgriffi]

I majored in "School of Hard Knocks".....

That's right...been doing this for 25 years...no degree.

[Sony]

My school doesn't offer a degree specifically in Technical Theatre, so I got a general Theatre degree, although I never acted even once at my school and I took pretty much ALL technical courses, so I mght as well have gotten a technical theatre degree.