Student Blog: More Than an Actor - The Power of Being a Multi-Hyphenate

Actors are sold a lie: their entire lives must center around their craft, and exploring other professional interests signals a lack of commitment to acting. I am writing today to call out this misconception. As a self-proclaimed multi-hyphenate, I am living proof of the power in branching out within entertainment and theatre specifically.

One of the main reasons I chose Hofstra University was that it’s one of the rare schools that explicitly offers studying theatre alongside another major. I’ve done theatre since I was three years old; performing is one of my biggest passions, and I could never imagine giving it up. In all likelihood, I would have pursued a traditional BFA path for college if it weren’t for COVID. Watching Broadway shut down for over a year and seeing so many talented actors out of work forced me to rethink what I wanted from my education and future career.

I firmly believe it’s crucial to study something you’re genuinely passionate about. Choosing a major solely for financial payoff can be a mistake, especially in today’s unpredictable job market, but it’s equally important to pursue something that provides tangible opportunities. Many college students (myself included) are investing significant money into their education, hoping to gain skills that translate into employment. Theatre absolutely builds valuable soft skills, but when choosing my path, I knew my strengths extended beyond acting alone. I’ve always been interested in the business side of entertainment, particularly promotions and publicity, which led me to double major in Drama and Public Relations.

I didn’t fully understand what public relations meant when I first started my studies, but I’ve truly fallen in love with it over the past four years. I’ve gained invaluable experience, including an internship at a theatrical press agency that works with Broadway, off-Broadway and institutional clients. Expanding my horizons into something unfamiliar has ultimately given me more options and confidence as I enter the professional world.

At the same time, my experience in Hofstra’s theatre department has been complex. While the program offers incredible opportunities and talented faculty, I sometimes felt that the hierarchical structure didn’t fully support students pursuing multiple academic interests. As a double major from the beginning, there were moments when I felt overlooked or that my commitment to acting was questioned because I had professional goals outside of performance.

That said, these experiences ultimately strengthened my perspective. They pushed me to advocate for myself and reaffirm my dedication to both of my passions. My time interning in a professional theatre environment further reinforced how valuable versatility truly is. Having a diverse skill set doesn’t make you unfocused – it makes you adaptable, which is essential in today’s industry.

I also gained a broader understanding of how the theatre world operates through my internship. While actors are often the most visible part of a production, theatre is deeply collaborative. There are countless roles, creative and administrative, that are equally vital to bringing a show to life. The more experience and skills you have across different areas, the more opportunities you create for yourself to contribute meaningfully and build lasting professional relationships.

The transition after graduation can feel overwhelming for many theatre students. In school, you’re part of a relatively small, familiar community. In the professional world, you’re entering a much larger, more competitive space. While auditions remain a constant, success often requires more than just showing up; you have to take initiative, create opportunities and actively build your network.

So let me say this clearly: having passions outside of acting does not make you any less of an actor. In fact, those additional experiences can strengthen your work. Acting already equips you with so many transferable skills: public speaking, storytelling, adaptability, collaboration, and self-promotion, to name a few. My earliest professional experiences as an actor directly contributed to my success in PR.

Stay curious. Stay versatile. And most importantly, trust in the full range of what you bring to the table.