<p>i've always been interested in acting and the theater arts, but when i didn't get accepted into a high school improv group, i convinced myself that acting was too competitive and that i would be better off doing something else. however, i always regretted it, and constantly thought of acting. along the way, i picked up other interests (creative writing), and i'm actually very interested in being a playwright/screenwriter/some creative person involved in theater. this is my last year in college. i ended up majoring in creative writing and philosophy. but my interests are constantly steering myself toward the theater! i'm doing an internship with a local theater doing backstage work for them. i can't imagine what kinds of jobs i can get, since i don't have too much experience. but i'm considering getting an MFA in something. possibly play writing? (such a dream if i could get accepted into yale's play writing program!) but i've always been a pretty open minded person with many interests. another option for me is to get an MPA (masters in public administration), or do Americorp, or economics, or join the FBI. so many possibilities! i need more than a lifetime to explore all my interests. (this is probably the reason i like theater so much.. you can be so many things at once!) but the problem is there are too many things out there. i do want to work with artists and writers though. should i consider doing something else before jumping straight into a grad program? will i be at a disadvantage because i didn't major in theater? should i go and learn some acting before i go out in the real world? so many things to do, but not sure what to do next..</p>
<p>It is exciting that you have interests and gifts in so many creative areas. Because of this I would suggest that you take a few years to explore your interests with internships, work opportunities, community organizations, etc... before applying to graduate school.</p>
<p>Graduate School is very focused (and not always fun :( ... although almost always highly rewarding!). I advise any of my current students who have the slightest doubt about graduate school, or about what they might want to study in graduate school, to hold off... work, further explore opportunities... and then apply. Many schools offer significant financial aid, tuition remission, and assistantships, particularly to students who enter after a year or two of post undergrad experience. </p>
<p>I personally waited 6 years between finishing undergrad and starting graduate school. I graduated with a BFA in performance and ended up going to graduate school for an MFA in directing. If I had gone right out of undergrad I would have gone for an MFA in acting. It was only through working professionally as a performer for 5 years that I discovered I didn't like it enough to spend the rest of my life doing it, and that I would rather pursue directing. If I had gone to graduate school for acting I may have then decided I wanted to go back again for directing, spending even MORE money (even with assistantships...). </p>
<p>A few years outside of the school environment can help you to learn you a lot about what you are looking for in a graduate program. You have been in school since you were 5 years old... that is a HUGE portion of your life... the time away can be really good for obtaining focus. </p>
<p>This is just my opinion based on my experience (which is why I shared it :)), and the experiences of many of my friends. If you feel really focused on a specific area,and have a portfolio of work to show graduate programs, you may want to give your dream schools a go and see what happens! Best of Luck!!</p>