<p>Anyone having the MT college program vs. trying to work professionally discussion with their child. My D is being advised both ways by her various teachers/directors. I'd love to hear advice and opinions on this topic. Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't think "college" per se is as important as getting quality training somewhere if you're going to go ahead and try to work. There are a lot of people coming straight out of h/s who might be "perfect" for some particular ingenue role, but what happens later when he/she ages out of that and the roles become more complex? Better build some chops somewhere if you're in it for life.</p>
<p>I understand why a student or teacher would favor diving into the profession - especially if there were some immediate opportunity available. In the long run, I agree with fishbowl - good training beyond highschool will leave one better prepared for a LIFE in the theatre. Beyong that, there is so much more learning that happens relative to one's own personal growth as a human being while attending college. It really is a matter of immediate gratification vs. a long-term investment in your life - shortcuts sometimes get you where you want to go, however, in this case, they very often lead to dead ends.</p>
<p>The only time I would recommend that a student do this is if they have been offered a professional role. Is that the case with your D? If not, I think that her teachers who are recommending that she forego college, or some sort of equivalent training, are not being very responsible. What reasons are they giving her for believing that this is the best route?</p>
<p>A student of mine, John, has chosen to take the professional route. He has been able to work professionally -- three jobs in a year, and has acquired his Equity card. On the other hand, many directors/casting agents have questioned why he is not in school and receiving further training. He has also lost out on many jobs because, although he is enormously talented, the casting people felt he was simply too young and inexperienced. </p>
<p>In addition, he has been the youngest person in all three casts. It has sometimes been difficult for him to socialize with the other actors -- often after rehearsals or shows cast members will go out late to eat/drink; he's not 21 yet. So John goes back to his hotel room by himself. On top of that, he doesn't have the maturity to take good care of his health or finances, so he's often been sick and broke!</p>
<p>When I graduated from college (many years ago), I sometimes wished I had gone directly to NYC to work, because many people my age had done that. I don't think that's the case any more. Directors and casting agents EXPECT that young people will seek more training before they begin their professional lives. That's what I recommend to all my students -- John chose to ignore me! He has had some success -- but it hasn't been easy.</p>
<p>I recall reading, and it makes sense to me, that an MT performer coming straight out of high school might not have the stamina to do 8 shows a week and take care of their voice, and that's why they might not be attractive to a casting person. That's a generalization, and we can all come up with a list of performers who disprove that. But the most my D has ever done was 7 shows in 5 days, followed by many days off, and she was fried! I am hoping that college will teach her how to manage her voice and her strength for the long haul.</p>
<p>As with everything else, it depends on the kid - their experience at this point in their life, their maturity, etc. I did not encourage my daughter to jump into the arena right away because she is not at that point yet where she is ready. On the other hand, another kid I know and have mentored went straight to NY and he is next in line for the Lead of the national tour of MOVING OUT. He was ready. It's a case by case thing and something that garnering many opinions on is not really helpful. You have to know the kid.</p>
<p>I was thinking about going right to work, and "know people who know people who know people,etc., etc.," so I knew I would have a job--so I talked to my uncle who is in a heavy metal band and went to college first, and he said College Definitely. Maybe if you are someone who knows how to cook, clean, do laundry, budget bills and shop while attending school and doing shows you will be fine, but for most kids--those 4 years are needed to get the basics down. The entertainment business is 2 businesses in one, you know--A) learning and marketing etc., and B) performing.</p>
<p>I think this is very personal, and there is no "right or wrong answer". My D has been "told she is ready to go to work" by some well meaning instructors and directors. However, she will be going to college in the fall and be dedicated to being a college kid the next few years. Crazy? I admit that some of the offers have been tempting, and led to some "mini-family meetings", but in the end, our family simply believes in the ultimate value of education, the college experience, and the "extra 3 1/2 yrs of being a kid".</p>
<p>My D was also told that she was ready for NYC by casting directors and others in the business. She chose to intensify her training by pursuing a BFA and is not sorry as she finishes her freshman year. Caveat Emptor: Being ready for work and getting work are 2 different animals.. AND getting the second job when the first one ends is not necessarily a given; plenty of professionals have downtime bw gigs. My D says one of the most important things she has learned this year is that her "JOB" is continuous training and practicing and keeping in shape and going on auditions; her "playtime" is when she is hired for gigs!!!</p>
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Maybe if you are someone who knows how to cook, clean, do laundry, budget bills and shop while attending school and doing shows you will be fine, but for most kids--those 4 years are needed to get the basics down.
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Coming from a background where becoming very independent very early was a matter of survival, I hadn't even considered that! Come to think of it, it is pretty amazing how many drama and MT kids I've known who have never even held a job. It tends to show in their acting, too, but that's a different discussion ...</p>
<p>fish - I sure hope that my D's "4 years" at NYU will not just be a training ground for learning how to cook, clean & do laundry, seems a bit expensive :D. I have embraced the concept of 'cheap home schooling' in this regard by simply refusing to clean her room every day, and doing the laundry for every piece of clothing that lands on the floor. It is amazing how independent and adept D has become at organizing this part of her life, so I guess she has a head start in "mad survival skills"...</p>
<p>ttmom - the offers that led to family meetings, did involve contracts with actual $$$ amounts, that would surely have been a nice addition to her piggy bank, but it was that potential "downtime" you also refer to, that downright scared us. </p>
<p>And yes, I do realize that "risk of downtime" will be an intricate part of her life, but my 'wildly' conservative side prompted me to recommend to her to at least have finished college before that "potential downtime" kicks in :). Needless to say I was quite thrilled to find out that she was in total agreement for once. Some who may have read my older posts will know that "my idea of a cute college (campus)" is not exactly aligned with my D's preferences :D, and since she is the one going to college, ultimately it is about what she wants, not so much about what I want.</p>
<p>Disney Director is SO right, it depends on the kid, no one who doesn't know your kid can really advise. For some the ingenue/juvenile years are the best for them, type-wise, but then they have to transition to leading man/lady. Some are ready at 18, some not. I'm involved with coaching/mentoring and am an actor for many years-right now I have one girl who isn't going to college-and shouldn't go. She hates school and is quite ready, she's a natural with a great work ethic and a mature singing voice. She will of course work hard taking serious acting classes and dance and voice. Another girl is going to college, and should. She's incredibly talented, great dramatic chops, but her best time will be after the age of 30, and she needs to mature. It's very individual, nothing about this business applies to everyone in general.</p>
<p>Unless school and academics are enormously difficult for you, college first. You will receive intense training, competition, instruction and experience. But the most wonderful part will be the growth of your personal self, such as patience, tolerance, acceptance, and the friendships for life that you will develop, finally the time in college for your soul to grow and strengthen. Most of us adults say it was 4 years we wouldn't necessarily want to do over, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. Very cool time in your life....huge responsibilities will come soon enough. Enjoy your youth.</p>