If you did not make it on Broadway, what is your backup career?

[bwaybabe2]

They posed this question in the Today show (wanted to add that it had a Bway connection...they were talking about how dancers' bodies went through so much, and they had a short window of time to make it) and I thought it would be interesting to hear the answears, here, and perhaps educating.
First, I think "failure is not an option" is the way you should approach ANY career, especially Broadway or show business...
But, I also think it is a wise thing to have something else in ANY career as a plan B. Sometimes, even after you "make it', life "happens" and we are stirred away from our original dream...

What would you do?

[Weez]

My life plan is to make it as a working stiff actor for as long as it's viable, then either sneak backstage into production, or do like so many of my friends and become a teacher.

It's... not going well so far. XD

[bwaybabe2]

ummmm...well Weez, teaching does seem to be a popular solution in MANY careers (those who can do, those who can't, teach...) so you are on the right track...:)

[TheActr97J]

Not an option.

But I also enjoy directing, stage managing, dialect coaching, writing, and teaching, so I feel pretty good.

[sing_dance_love]

Well, clearly I'll be making it...

but anyway, I've always secretly wanted to be a TV weatherman. Like seriously.

I don't know why.

[Taryn]

Probably a career in theatre NOT on Broadway.

[musicalmaster703]

Well
I spend my life accounting
With figures and such

To what is my life amounting
It figures, not much
I have a secret desire
Hiding deep in my soul
It sets my heart afire
To see me in this role
I wanna be a producer
With a hit show on Broadway
I wanna be a producer
Lunch at Sardi's every day
I wanna be a producer
Sport a top hat and a cane
I wanna be a producer
And drive those chorus girls insane!
I wanna be a producer
And sleep until half-past two
I wanna be a producer
And say, "You, you, you, not you"
I wanna be a producer
Wear a tux on op'ning nights!
I wanna be a producer
And see my name "Musicalmaster" in lights!

[SirNotAppearing]

I always thought about being a hotel maid named Maria.
Hahahahahahahaha

[LizzieCurry]

I never planned to make it in Broadway. Much less on Broadway. So I don't have a backup career.

[jaystarr]

Stripper!

[Calvin]

Broadway IS my backup career in case my current one doesn't work out.

[broadwayfan7]

Very cute musicalmaster703.

I know MANY people who double major in college, just in case theatre/musical theatre doesn't work out.

[Zeitoujo]

Theater Critic

[Chrysanthemum62001]

I've come to learn about myself that i don't care so much about Broadway. I want to do great theater, wherever that may be. I want to create, inspire, and challenge myself and others. I haven't got a fall back. I just spent years getting a degree in musical theater and now the reality is I have a diploma that will absolutely help me get no jobs. It's scary, but I know others have done it too.
I used to think of myself as never wanting to teach, but by watching my mentor inspire young people and share his passion for theater, I have grown to respect his choice. And who knows what lies ahead, but I want to be willing to take risks.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

My goal is just to be a working actor and if that means Broadway or Off-Off-Broadway or commercials or industrial films then I'll be happy. I've heard sooo many of my teachers say "If you have a solid plan B then you will fail in making it in the business. Having a backup plan allows you the option to fail. If you don't have a backup then you know you NEED to do everything possible to make it, beacuse you don't have a safety net."

[SporkGoddess]

Didn't Carolee Carmello go to business school?

Anyway, I'm not planning to be in the theatre biz, though incidentally my hopefully future career is ridiculously competitive, as well.

[broadwayfan3]

Either being a voice/acting teacher, critic, director or stage manager

or if I want to completly get out of the theater (which I will not want to) I would be a therapist.

[philly03]

"Didn't Carolee Carmello go to business school? "

I believe she did...and if I'm not mistaken she went to the same school as Robert Cuciolli. Maybe I'm wrong or mixing names though.

Rob Evan (Jekyll & HYDE, Tarzan, etc.) I believe went to school for business, and was a varsity collegiate football player!

[SporkGoddess]

I wouldn't plan being a therapist as a backup career. You have to have dedication to even get into a program. They can sense when your heart's not fully in it.

[LizzieCurry]

Or you could be a physical therapist for performing artists. My sister wanted to be a professional dancer until the whole "unstable career/retire at 26" thing dawned on her while she was in middle school. She decided to become a physical therapist for dancers, and, as far as I know, really enjoys it -- although right now she's mostly working with the elderly, not performers. (She's only 26.)

[withoutlovewithoutU]

I actually would be perfectly happy with being a high school drama teacher... I am still gonna give acting a shot though!

[into_the_woods2]

um...i would train intensively in voice and become an opera singer. and if THAT didn't work out...house wife!!!

[Boq101]

I'd love just being involved. I'd want to stage manage or even usher. Maybe work backstage. I just like the idea of putting on a show.

At this point Oprah is supposed to give me a hug and her crowd has to cheer like crazy.

[Select a Member Name]

I'm one of those "failure is not an option" people. If this doesn't work out, I'll die trying.

[Bwayfan4]

Sorry to threadjack, but bwaybabe2, Id watch the use of the "those who can't...teach" quote. It's a quote that easily offends those of us who already teach!