Advice From a First Year Theater Student

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<p>Hello Everyone,</p>

<p>For those who don't know me, which is probably most of you, my name is Chase. I am a Freshman BA Theatre student who is pursuing a BFA in Acting hopefully in the near future. Personally, I wish there were more students sharing their experiences in their college theater department with others. It gives future students a realistic point-of-view of things to come, and what to expect. I feel it essential to receive a first hand look into the freshman year experience for those wanting to pursue a BA/BFA in theater.</p>

<p>What was the application process like?</p>

<p>The application process was very stressful. I did not go to the unified auditions due to finances, which limited me, but I definitely felt the stress. I applied to 13 schools, and 5 of them required essays. This, in my opinion, was the absolute worst part. Auditions vary depending on where you want to audition. From my own experience, there is nothing worse than being unprepared. Don't wait until 2 weeks before an audition to start memorizing pieces. Of course you can memorize a piece in 2 weeks. You can probably memorize a piece overnight if you had to, but they notice. Those judges know when you haven't read the play, and when you don't understand your character. During the application process, you learn what true preparation is. Don't slack. Best advice ever.</p>

<p>Also, I feel that so many future students are fixated on top-tier schools. It's wonderful that you have reaches, or that you have a dream school. I genuinely hope everyone gets into their first choice program. With that being said, don't limit yourself. Don't be a name snob! Kidding, kidding, but really. Don't say "I refuse to go to Blank University, because it's not in the top." I'm not blaming! I was EXACTLY like that. It's natural for us to want the best. Apply to schools like NYU Tisch, SUNY Purchase, Carnegie Mellon, and other wonderful top-tier programs. Also apply to school that aren't as well-known, and maybe not as difficult to get into. You will be VERY surprised to find that some of these less known schools are very reputable and have excellent alumni. You must remember that top-tier schools can have extremely low acceptance rates, and even schools that aren't top tier can fall between 25-30%. In general, especially with BFA programs, no audition program is a safety.</p>

<p>Why did I go BA, and not BFA?</p>

<p>Well, first of all, last year I had LOTS of questions. I wanted to be an actor, but I also wanted to teach, direct, and write. I was very confused, and honestly, couldn't commit. The college that I am currently at accepts most freshman into their BA program, but allows them to audition come December for BFA Acting, Musical Theatre, or Stage Management. Honestly, this was a blessing for me. Now I know exactly what I want to do. It was as if I was given the BFA course load, but had time to consider whether or not I truly wanted to commit to this lifestyle. </p>

<p>Another thing, BA's are GREAT if you want freedom. From my personal experiences last year, so many people down played BA programs. I'm here to tell you no. They're wonderful. The question I received a lot, and asked quite a bit as well was, "How can I be an actor if I'm competing against all these BFA graduates?" Okay, this is my opinion, but at least at my school, you are receiving the same education. You can take the same classes as all the BFA majors, and you can audition for all the same shows. The difference is as a BFA you don't have to have a minor, and you are REQUIRED to take more classes in theater. That doesn't mean as a BA that you can't take the same amount of theater course load as a BFA, but you are allowed to expand out of the department. Personally, I love BFA programs. That's me though. Ask yourself what you want to do with your degree, and then figure it out.</p>

<p>What were your first few months of college like?</p>

<p>My first few months were stressful, yet extremely fun. Honestly, everything was pretty chilled class-wise for the first week, but we had multiple theater meetings. In these meetings we learned everything, and it was an overflow of information. As freshman, we were required to take Intro to Theatre and Dance our first term. That class was at 4pm every Wednesday, and honestly, was a hassle to get to. On the other hand, I met some wonderful people in this field of work. We had guest speakers almost every week. </p>

<p>Opportunities? More than I could audition for. There are lots of opportunities for actors, dancers, and those interested in tech. I auditioned for KTA (Kentucky Theater Association) through my college, got passed on, and now I get to go and audition for SETC (Southeastern Theatre Conference), and after that hopefully I will get to audition at SETC for Summer Stock. I am also in Alice in Wonderland, which is our freshman show. I also worked as an actor at a haunted house. Advice? Take every role you can get. It's worth it to get your face out there.</p>

<p>I also learned how to step out of my comfort zone. All freshman take Stagecraft and Stagecraft Lab. I will admit, I thought it'd be an easy class. Wrong. I have gained SO MUCH respect for those who do tech in the theater, because I truly am not very talented in that area. I did help create the set for 2 shows so far, which was rewarding, and I have expanded my knowledge.</p>

<p>Number 1 rule, BE ON TIME. This should be a duh rule, but you'd be surprised of how many people don't follow it. Being constantly late is the number one way to not earn respect from your professors, which can ruin you. Your professors want to help you, believe it or not. If you show passion, and are willing to work, and are always ON TIME, you'll be okay. </p>

<p>Also, don't be a snob. Don't go into a program thinking you are the best of the best. I'm sure you're good. I'm glad you're good. The thing you will learn very quickly in college is that most everyone has talent. If they didn't have talent, they wouldn't be in the program. Be nice to everyone. You never know where your classmates will be in the future, or when you'll need their help.</p>

<p>Do I have time for other things?</p>

<p>Absolutely! I'm in a sorority, which keeps me very involved on campus. I would suggest at least being involved in one club or organization on campus. You don't want to be the person who is asked, "What are you good at?" and respond, "Uhhh... Theater." Be well-rounded. Expand your horizons. You can be great in the theater, but you don't want that to be all you do. College is a time to explore, and have fun! Don't go crazy, but get involved.</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>Anyway, I wish everyone the best of luck in their journey. Enjoy the audition process. You'll learn so much. As long as you go in with an open mind, preparation, and a positive attitude, you all will do great. Please private message if you need any advice, or would like to discuss the schools you are applying to. I'd love to give you any advice I can.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Chase</p>

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<p>Nice post, Chase! Very helpful to current seniors, and as someone who followed your story last year, I’m glad to know that you ended up in a good spot! Thanks for posting. :)</p>

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<p>Well said!</p>

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<p>I enjoyed your post, too. Where did you end up Chase?</p>

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<p>I am at Northern Kentucky University :)</p>

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<p>Chase, thank you so much. I will have my kid look this over. I believe your school is near Cincinnati?</p>

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<p>The essays are driving my kid nuts too. He can write, that’s not the issue. Just juggling them in with high school work and his social life is aggravating. He is doing well this year but since he is a senior, his teachers are wanting him to take more responsibility with work and he has more long term projects than in the past. So he is making those adjustments too. Although I am thrilled he is getting this experience at his school since these classes are more like college classes than high school so this is great early transitional work, I wish high schools would allow the juniors and seniors to spend some of their class time on college apps too. Esp English could be used to work on college essays and for schools that have drama programs, kids could work on their auditions, read plays, etc. while in class. I just think this sort of flexibility in classwork for college bound kids would be very helpful, esp this semester. He like you is going for a BA program and is not 100 percent settled on theatre but will likely major in theatre. At a minimum, he plans to spend as much time acting in college as his schedule will permit.</p>

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<p>100% agree ctl! My S is literally falling apart at the seems. He came in last night and looked like death. He is taking VERY tough classes this year, and with his essays and crunching to get everything together for his ED school, it is insane. He wrote his CA essay and his English teacher told him that he needed to start over form scratch…UGH!! It’s not like he doesn’t like to write, he does, but there is just no time to really focus on it. I know everything will get done, and all will work out, but OMG, this is stressful!!</p>

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<p>It is indeed 5 boys :/</p>

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<p>Can I suggest a movie night watching “Risky Business” and in particular paying attention to the scene where Joel gets advice from his best friend regarding, “sometimes you’ve just got to say……” I’d provide the YouTube link (as I am watching it now and chuckling) but I don’t want to offend anyone.</p>

<p>Triage on the amount of sweat applied to essays maybe with the exception of the common app essay if you get strong advice that you have missed the mark. Otherwise, really? Is your kid going to be in or out simply because of a missing comma? Or if you hire a tutor to squeeze one more point out of the ACT? At some point you just have to say (insert Risky Business reference) and hit “send.”</p>

<p>Following my own advice in our house. Son hit send on the fourth of four EA apps and yes… the essays could have been more perfect, and maybe he could have not just taken the ACT in April of last year and rolled with it… but they are gone and now in the hands of the admission gods.</p>

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<p>Congrats halflokum! Pour a glass of wine and celebrate!</p>

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<p>Totally agree with Halflokum on this; and if you think about it, doesn’t an over-edited, 100% flawless essay kind of reek of “my mom, my guidance counselor, and a hired-gun consultant helped me edit this essay”? At some point you gotta let 'em be themselves. Their essays should reflect care and effort and the real, genuine student, too. Good luck, all!</p>

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<p>For us, it is not so much of a missing comma as finding and taking the time to write a good essay not to mention getting all the supplemental info to schools in time for merit aid deadlines, which are coming up very fast… Kid has other issues too which play a role in this but I feel like he intercepted a football on his 2 yard line, ran for 94 yards, and stopped while he pondered who he actually wants to play football for in college. When a kid is that close, i’m screaming inside please run the 4 more yards… and when another 1 to 3 points on the ACT can cut the college costs by over $10000(and around $30000 in some cases), it becomes more important that you may think. That being said, all of his college choices are good ones, we know things will work out, and he does have some apps in. So if he does not get all the apps in, he still has good options.</p>

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<p>Don’t people just write ONE really good essay, and then customize it for each school? As in "Okay, for THIS school, I have to change these references, and that whole paragraph doesn’t apply so I’ll cut it, but I have to add a new paragraph about . . . "</p>

<p>Surely kids don’t have to write a brand new essay from scratch every time?</p>

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<p>they don’t need a new essay every time but if they are disorganized to begin with, even getting one really good essay that ties into the Common app essay topics completed combined with a busy high school schedule can be a pain. For the super orgainized kids, it works out better for them to complete things but they will stress themselves out wanting the essay to be perfect. But for disorganized kids and/or kids who are too busy enjoying life to take the time to do this work well, issues can come up in getting everything done.</p>

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<p>Actually, many of the schools ask a slightly different question that does require several different essays. The Common App essay is more of a creative writing sample which is often required in addition to the “Why do you want to go to a theatre program” variation of an essay which is required in addition to the Common App type essay. Last year my D had to write about 8 different essays and then a dozen little paragraphs answering other specific questions. Wish it was so simple Realkvp. In addition, your method assumes that you can tell a 17/18 yr old exactly what they should write to get into college and expect them to actually listen to you. Getting many of these kids to write that initial Common App essay, which for many kids is also a Junior or Senior year English assignment, is a major feat in and of itself. There are very few kids that will actually take the suggestion that you have come up with from reading educated posts and write the essay you would like them to write which would be easily mendable to the various prompts.</p>

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<p>Thanks mom2 gals for the comments and moral support</p>

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<p>The hardest question for my D to answer was Why ______ college/University?</p>

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<p>mommabear48, you hit it on the nose:

</p>

<p>I keep telling our DD that EVERY single essay for EVERY single school doesn’t have to be an A++ essay! The Common App essay (which goes to 3/4 of the schools she’s applying to): yes, take the time and make it as great as you can. The required essay for the state school with an 85% acceptance rate, where your stats are in the top 10%: not so critical!</p>

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<p>Mine wants to go to college although if a really good door opens up they will take time off from school to walk through door. Not assuming a door will open but we are on same page on that issue. We have had talks that a degree is not essential for this field but they are excited to go to college. And he has opted against applying to some of the extremely academic schools in part so he can balance college work with acting.</p>