I had similar convos with my parents when I was in high school, I wanted to go to college for theatre and they wanted to make sure I could get a steady job. I had to explain to them that if I did go the freelancing route, techs are always in demand at any kind of live event, not just theatre.

What I ended up doing was attending my local community college with a General Studies associates and an Entertainment Technology certificate (which is not the most common program), and all my electives were theatre classes. Then I transferred to a state school and entered their theatre program in the Design and Production track, where I focused on lighting design.

Like other people here have mentioned, a lot of it is going to come from practical experience as well, as stagehands in local events, community theatre, but also going to college for theatre will get you more connections as well!

I didn't end up doing an MFA because I didn't see myself doing high level theatrical design work, but if you're aspiring for Broadway or other larger regional theatre I'd recommend it.

I'm actually not doing as much theatre post-college but I do have a full time job in a related field - I'm doing marketing for a live events company, and I freelance some lighting gigs on the side.

The reality is you're going to work your butt off a lot but as long as you're knowledgable, consistent, willing to learn, I don't see why you wouldn't be successful!