Theater students have advantages, learn human behavior and emotions - Vanidah Imran

Graduates of theater programs often struggle to find stable employment in their field due to limited opportunities and inconsistent production schedules, according to actress and lecturer Vanidah Imran.

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When you study film, acting, theater, or dance, what you gain is self-discipline, the ability to work in a team, and the capacity to accept direction. All these values are crucial in any field of work.

Vanidah, who previously taught at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), understands the challenges faced by theater students, many of whom initially choose the major as a last resort. She encourages them to be proud of their accomplishment, emphasizing that a theater education cultivates essential life skills.

"When you study film, acting, theater, or dance, what you gain is self-discipline, the ability to work in a team, and the capacity to accept direction. All these values are crucial in any field of work," she said.

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After graduation, you don't necessarily have to work in the field you studied. Many people out there study one thing but work in a different field. What's important is how you present yourself during an interview.

Currently teaching at Multimedia University (MMU), Vanidah notes that theater graduates often build successful careers in unrelated fields because their understanding of human behavior and empathy becomes a valuable asset. "After graduation, you don't necessarily have to work in the field you studied. Many people out there study one thing but work in a different field. What's important is how you present yourself during an interview."

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Theater students learn about human behavior, emotions, and empathy. When they enter the workforce, they possess an advantage that individuals without an arts background may lack.

She cited an example of a former student now in Corporate Communications at Petronas, whose film background enabled effective media handling. "Theater students learn about human behavior, emotions, and empathy. When they enter the workforce, they possess an advantage that individuals without an arts background may lack. They also have communication skills, vocal control, and self-confidence. Never think, 'I'm not a doctor or an engineer.' All these skills will help you navigate anywhere. Don't limit your scope of thinking. Think bigger," she advised.

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Don't limit your scope of thinking. Think bigger.