At the College of Arts and Sciences, we recognize that behind every degree lies a unique and inspiring career path. Our Arts and Sciences at Work series highlights alumni who have forged their own professional journeys, demonstrating how their academic experiences shaped their success. Below, Don Shandler  writes about his unexpected yet deeply rewarding transition from a PhD in theater to senior leadership roles in academia.

“I don’t get it! You studied theater and found a career in leadership?”

This is a question I encountered numerous times throughout my career. It's not always easy to understand how a PhD in Theatre and experience in directing productions could lead to senior leadership roles in academia. I found this path because I allowed myself to see the potential in my abilities and learned to embrace unexpected paths and opportunities. However, the connection between theatre and leadership is stronger than most realize. My journey—spanning roles as a professor, university administrator, and leadership consultant—has shown me firsthand how theater cultivates critical leadership competencies.

Theater is more than a performing art. It is a training ground for essential leadership skills in a setting that commands creativity, communication, and collaboration. In addition, theatre hones all the critical traits of effective leaders from confidence to self-awareness to emotional intelligence. Throughout my career, I have recognized how my theater experience instilled in me a set of leadership competencies that have been instrumental in my professional growth. Some of the most significant include:

• Conflict Resolution – Navigating creative differences in productions prepared me for handling workplace disputes.
• Building Relationships – Theater is inherently collaborative, requiring trust and strong interpersonal skills.
• Decision-Making – Directing a production involves making critical creative and logistical decisions under pressure.
• Communication – Effective storytelling in theater translates to clear and persuasive leadership communication.
• Problem Solving – Unexpected challenges during rehearsals mirror the problem-solving demands of leadership.
• Teamwork and Delegation – Leading a cast and crew is akin to managing a diverse team in any professional setting.

Over the years, I have observed individuals with backgrounds in the performing arts excel in leadership roles because their ability to think on their feet, adapt to change, and inspire others sets them apart. 

As higher education increasingly prioritizes employment-centric curriculums, the college’s new undergraduate Leadership Program stands as a testament to the value of a multidisciplinary education. Whether in academic majors or minors, student organizations, internships, or class projects, I encourage students to look for opportunities to practice leadership in real-world settings. The new leadership major in the College of Arts and Sciences has the potential to provide students with an even greater opportunity to cultivate the leadership skills necessary for a successful career path. 

My theater experience at Ohio State laid the foundation for my leadership journey and I am grateful for the classmates and faculty members whose support and mentorships made a lasting impact on my journey.  I encourage every student to find joy in stepping out of their comfort zone and to embrace new opportunities as they arise. This journey is all yours, and you owe it to yourself to dream big and to make the most of every experience.

For more questions about Don's experiences and career journey, please contact him at donalddshandler@gmail.com.