<p>Hi everyone,
I'm a recent high school graduate and I decided to take a gap year before going to college. In the fall I'm going to be in South Africa teaching theater at a primary school, and in the winter I'll be submitting my college applications and auditioning for programs. However, once I'm done with all my auditions, I'm having trouble finding things to do with myself. I've looked into a few internship positions at professional theater companies, but so far, none have panned out. I'd really love to be in an acting training program, but also definitely see the value in doing anything in the world of theater before going into intensive acting training in college. If anyone has any advice/suggestions they'd be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and best of luck in everyone's search!</p>
<p>Not an expert by any means, but having just gone through this w/DS, I’ll give you my opinion, since you asked. While going to South Africa for the fall is entirely admirable and would be a wonderful experience, I’m not sure the timing would be ideal if you’re really serious about auditioning. Depends on when you would return to the U.S. But last fall was a very critical time during the process for my son. In many cases, he needed to submit his completed application by Dec. 1st. In fact, he submitted all of his apps by Oct/Nov regardless of the deadlines, so that he could schedule his auditions and focus on the most critical aspect of the audition process: monologues and vocals. Monologue and vocal selection was quite time consuming, but even more so was rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing the pieces with his vocal and acting coaches to make sure he knew them inside out, upside down and backwards He had to have them perfected early, as he had some EA auditions in November and December. </p>
<p>I can’t imagine how he could have been successful without that prep time in the fall! Not to mention that for you, the fall would be an excellent time to contact regional theatre groups to volunteer your efforts for the Spring time. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Many college applications go “live” in July or August – if you are sure where you want to apply, you can get them in early (and that also allows you more opportunities to get the later audition dates you would need…as the winter ones tend to fill up). Will you have internet access while in South Africa? Much of the application work can be done online. I would use this summer to make sure you’ve got all transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc that you need for apps in place before you go. Also have your material ready to go, resumes/headshots done and printed…head out to your teaching gig (very cool) ready to come home to scheduled auditions and apps that were done at the end of summer. </p>
<p>As far as things to do in the spring – is there local community theatre you could audition for on your return? Those programs often are in need of more help in tech/behind the scenes work – might be unpaid, but would keep your feet wet, and be a good experience.</p>
<p>Good luck to you as you plan an exciting year. But truly, whether you are leaving the country, taking a gap year or not…get your applications done EARLY!!! My daughter sent her final one off (applied to 9 schools) last year September 10…and it was one of the best things she could have done…she got every audition date she wanted, was able to be set for more of the early rounds of academic merit scholarships, and heard from some of the academic admissions early in the process.</p>