Mass communication and theatre arts: Which is better or lucrative?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In Nigeria, the debate between studying mass communication and theatre arts often comes up when people discuss career paths in the creative and media industries. Both courses offer exciting opportunities, but if I were to pick a side, I’d say theatre arts has more depth and potential, especially when you consider the skill sets, the job market, and future possibilities. Here’s why.

Understanding the difference between mass communication and theatre arts

Mass Communication focuses on training students in areas like journalism, advertising, public relations, and broadcasting. Graduates often go into media houses, advertising agencies, or communication roles in companies. It’s about sending messages to large audiences using TV, radio, newspapers, and now, social media.

On the other hand, Theatre Arts is more about creativity and expression. It involves acting, directing, scriptwriting, and production. Theatre arts graduates usually go into acting, stage management, filmmaking, and even teaching.

Job market realities among mass communication and theatre arts graduates in Nigeria

When we look at the Nigerian job market, it’s clear that mass communication graduates have more traditional options. There are many media houses, and businesses always need communication experts. But there’s a catch: the media industry in Nigeria is already overcrowded, and many graduates struggle to find jobs. Many who do find jobs often work in low-paying positions for years before climbing up the ladder. This is because the media industry here is heavily concentrated in cities like Lagos and Abuja, making opportunities limited and competitive.

However, in theatre arts, while the job market is also challenging, the skills you gain open more doors for personal growth and innovation. With Nollywood (Nigeria’s film industry) being the second largest in the world, there is a huge demand for actors, directors, and screenwriters. Even though the industry can be tough to break into, once you establish yourself, there’s no limit to how far you can go. Theatre arts graduates aren’t just limited to traditional acting; they can work in TV series, films, stage productions, or even start their own theatre companies.

Let’s do a skills comparison of mass communication and theatre arts

Mass Communication gives you skills like writing, editing, public speaking, and an understanding of media ethics. These are great, but they tend to prepare you for specific roles—either in journalism, PR, or advertising.

Theatre Arts, however, equips you with a wider set of skills that go beyond just acting. You learn about human emotions, storytelling, and how to communicate effectively with audiences. These skills are not only useful in the arts but also in other sectors like advertising, entertainment, and even corporate training. Theatre artists tend to be more versatile, and in today’s world, being versatile is a huge advantage.

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Lucrative careers: Using the Nollywood factor as a case study

In Nigeria, Nollywood is booming, and it’s creating opportunities for theatre arts graduates. Actors and directors like Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele are making waves, not just locally but internationally. The earning potential here is massive, especially for those who gain recognition. Even stage actors and theatre productions are gaining more popularity, especially with festivals like the Lagos Theatre Festival and other cultural events.

Mass communication professionals, on the other hand, may find stable jobs, but the pay is often lower compared to top actors or directors in Nollywood. While journalism and PR can pay well, the reality is that it takes years to get to that level, and even then, the media industry in Nigeria is not known for paying high salaries unless you’re in top management.

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My Opinion: Why Theatre Arts Wins

In my opinion, theatre arts is the better option. While mass communication might seem safer with more traditional job opportunities, theatre arts offers more room for creativity, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. The Nigerian entertainment industry is growing rapidly, and those with theatre backgrounds are benefiting the most. Plus, theatre arts graduates have the ability to create their own opportunities by producing films, starting theatre groups, or even venturing into digital content creation.

In a world where jobs are becoming more flexible and less traditional, theatre arts gives you the skills to adapt, innovate, and stand out. So, while mass communication is a solid choice, I believe theatre arts is the better path for those looking for both creative fulfillment and financial success.