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Theatre Professor Complains That There Are Too Many Theatre Majors

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May 28, 2025

There are too many theatre majors, theatre professor says

by Matt Lamb - Associate Editor
TheCollegeFix.com

Market has been intentionally flooded with bachelor of fine arts programs, professor suggests

Universities have created bachelor of fine arts programs because they see the degrees as a “cash cow,” according to a professional actor and musical theatre professor.

California State University Professor Josh Grisetti made the allegations recently on TikTok. He has acted in a variety of plays and TV shows.

Though he did not name the university, Grisetti said he knows of at least one school that specifically doubled its enrollment of BFA majors to make more money. He said it is not an “isolated example,” in his opinion, and the possible trend is “breaking the industry.”

He said the growth of theatre majors has led to long lines of “non-union” actors waiting to get their shot during an audition.

Grisetti specifically said there are “too many young actors in New York who are not good…because there are too many BFA programs.”

He argues programs should ensure students actually perform in shows and gain skills to help them get onto Broadway, though not all programs do.

As Inside Higher Ed reports:

Seniors in Grisetti’s program, on the flip side, spend an all-expenses-paid week in New York as part of their showcase, during which they also see a slew of Broadway shows, participate in dance workshops and master classes, and perform at 54 Below, a cabaret venue located under Studio 54, the historic nightclub turned Broadway theater. Cal State Fullerton also requires students to participate in two shows over the course of their degree, which Grisetti said “does not seem like a huge task”—unless a program has an enormous number of students in each class.
Some pushed back on Grisetti’s assertions, according to Inside Higher Ed:
Though Grisetti’s video was met with wide agreement, some argued the problems that exist within the theater industry—namely the lack of stable employment—shouldn’t mean that there should be fewer B.F.A. programs and, thus, fewer people given the opportunity to study theater. Others argued that B.F.A. programs should prepare students for the possibility that they may not make it as a performer by providing them education in aspects of the theater industry besides acting, singing and dancing.
Kiplinger has previously reported on the low earning potential for theatre majors. “Actors earn a median income of about $32,011 a year, with nary a Tony nomination in sight,” a 2019 article stated. “And while demand for players is high—positions for actors is expected to grow by 14.7% over the next decade—competition for every bit part can be fierce.”

Research from the Foundation for Research Equal Opportunity also found theatre and fine arts degrees tend to have a minimal to negative return on investment.

http://www.thecollegefix.com/there-are-too-many-theatre-majors-theatre-professor-says/

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