Pains and Gains of Studying Theatre Arts in Nigeria: Ambivalent Voices of Theatre Arts Graduates

Abstract

This study contends that Theatre Arts as a professional discipline in the humanities should be regarded as other disciplines, and its graduates be given equal opportunities as their counterparts from other fields in Nigeria. The study dispels the numerous misconceptions about the discipline. Although the study of Theatre Arts might be quite enjoyable, it has received a lot of scorn in Nigeria. While prior studies have exposed society’s misconceptions about the field, this study presents a nuanced perspective of Theatre Arts graduates on the discipline in Nigeria. The data for this study were collected using mixed research methods. Primary data were derived from a group discussion on a WhatsApp group of Theatre Arts graduates in 2022. Out of the 202 members in the group, 22 participated. The result indicates ambivalence. It is recommended that individuals, companies, and the government optimise the potentials of Theatre Arts graduates in Nigeria by giving them equal opportunities as others.