<p>I'd appreciate thoughts and experiences on the range of things aspiring actors do on a gap year. As explained in another thread, after acceptances in three BA programs, my D now wishes she's applied to BFA programs, and so we're talking about taking a gap year. Naturally, she's talked about using the time enrolling in one of the for-profit acting academies in NY or LA (AADA, Stella Adler, etc.), which I suppose would be fine if I felt more confident these schools offer serious training and opportunity (i.e., not clouded by allegations of scam-ery). At the same time, I'd also be interested in hearing from those with experience at these sorts of schools, as well as those who've made a productive year out of doing other things to promote their interest in drama and qualifications for acceptance into a great BFA program. For example, I've been told that Santa Monica College has an excellent theatre program from which it's not unusual for students to transfer into prestigious BFA programs. Anyone tried a route like that and can speak to its pros and cons? Thanks.</p>
<p>Hey Capedad!
I’m currently in the middle of my gap year. Im from Minneapolis, MN and after not getting into a program that I wanted to be in I decided to move to Chicago and do improvisation and try out the underground theatre world and world of sketch comedy. Though more traditional theatre is my final goal this year of comedic training has been the best year of my life, and so far the best decision I have ever made. I have changed in so many ways and learned lessons that I would not have learned in college and I am a much better and more determined person for it.<br>
I suppose the only downside is the lack of structure with a gap year, you really need to be able to control yourself and discipline yourself to make it work. But with that in mind, I think that if everyone took a gap year it would really benefit all colleges, performanced based or otherwise.</p>
<p>During my gap year I have volunteered at a local Youth Theatre Workshop where I’ve been teaching younger children about drama, acting and directing. Now I’m actually directing their show in May for their parents. It really has been a great experience so far.</p>
<p>I am doing something similar to ohhaicollege actually… but I went to school for a year at my backup school where I was getting a BA in Theatre and then dropped out before moving to Chicago to get improv training and dabble in the theatre scene. For me this has been more of an exploratory year… not so much building up my resume but figuring out what I want to accomplish with my life and who I want to be… and also largely figuring out how to take care of myself and learning the value of a dollar. I know schools probably feel like a huge deal to your daughter but the reality is that a school isn’t a guarantee of anything nor will it mean you like it there or it will benefit you just because it is prestigious. A surprising number of people at the top top programs leave. And there are a ton of working actors in Chicago and I know in LA without theatre degrees. I think the best thing you can do for yourself in a gap year is figure out a what you are and why you want to act… not build up your resume for a training program. Just my two cents!</p>
<p>CapeDad-- I have searched in vain on the MT forum to find a post I read earlier with gap year suggestions, which I thought were brilliant. Maybe someone else can find it. But it was pretty simple-- get to New York, (or Chicago) find the best voice teacher, acting coach, and dance studio training you can, and immerse yourself. Cheaper than a year of college, and more to the point.</p>
<p>Gwen, I think I found the post you’re looking for. It’s in the MT forum, the title of the thread is WORRIED and it was posted on Feb. 10 by VoiceTeacher. I don’t know how to post a link.</p>
<p>I found it by the date because I remembered which audition we were driving home from as I read it aloud!</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1287417-worried.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1287417-worried.html</a> << click here for great gap year advice</p>
<p>Thankyou FrancescaBennett!!! I knew it was Voice Teacher’s post-- he or she is so helpful and it was a great post!</p>