What Are Some Similarities and Differences of Being in a Professional Theater Discourse Community and Being a Mass Communications Major?

Sahneiya Jones-Campbell

Dr. Mark Branson

English 111-06

February 20, 2017

              What are some similarities and differences of being in a professional theater discourse community and being a mass communications major?

      Theater models for us the kind of public discourse community that brings people together. It’s a sophisticated expression of a basic human need. Theater is simply a way of seeing life. Being a mass communications major you’ll learn about the media history and laws. The two differ in many ways because one is a major, and you have different courses that you are taking for that major. In a professional theater discourse you’re main focus is theater. They could relate in a way because you experience life lessons throughout both.

      Some shared public goals for being a Mass communications major are going to all your classes. If you’re attending all of your classes you are learning and gaining the experience that you will need for your future job. The goal is to receive all the knowledge that you can from both discourse communities. When you’re in a professional theater, your goal is to focus on your character, How would they react, or how would you feel as if it were you in a certain situation. When you develop those certain emotions you will present your character true and the audience will feel either empathy or sympathy towards the person in the scene.

    Mechanisms that you will have to go through first, would be preparation and motivation to take the next step. You would have to focus on your shared public goals so you can know where and when to start. During the process you will have to study and stay consistent. Staying positive and committed to your goal will help you to succeed in both discourse communities.

     Great feedback for being successful in the two would be referring back to paragraphs 2 & 3 which are to continue to focus on your main goal, what one is trying to achieve. Second, would be to differentiate yourself from the rest of the crowd look at other things that you would seem to enjoy and gain experience in that field as well. Always have a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned.         Be flexible; recognize that there are several others who work behind the scenes. Expect things to change, the industry for both changes rapidly. Adaptability isn’t just an asset, it’s a job requirement.  

    Different fields and operations for mass communication students would be writing for mass media, visual communication, TV & film production, and design for PR and advertising just to name a few. Some fields for professional theater are advertising, television, film, recreation, education, and management. They all operate using media.

    How much do I know personally about theater and mass communications?  I know that the professional theater discourse community that I was involved in we had to work hard and commit to our character. I had to sacrifice time and sleep. I know that being involved in this discourse you have to make sacrifices. I know the basics of theater as for my major I’m still learning the different fields and basics.

      I asked the question; as a mass com major, what courses did you have to complete throughout the semester? The required elective courses that you would have to take are advertising, economics, History, Journalism, Law, Psychology, and Public Relations.  When you complete these courses you will have some knowledge in each one that will help you in the long run. It may not be what you want to take but you will be glad that you did just in case one doesn’t work out in that particular field.

        A problem that you would have to face in a professional theater discourse is making a living out of it. There are 100,000 actors competing off of limited spots. You will have to have some other form of financial support such as waiting tables. Second, your success is based off your ability to network. If you don’t know people that will help you it may be tough trying to get one’s attention. Sometimes you will face rejection again and again but the casting decisions may have nothing to do with you. Finally, the entertainment industry is an easy place to get scammed for those who do not know what they are doing.