I was searching for threads on body image on the forum and came across a closed discussion titled “Article on body shaming / eating disorders in college theatre programs on Howlround” from last year. Healthy body image is something my HS sophomore has struggled with, so much so that I have my doubts that she can handle this industry. I would interested in hearing other experiences and strategies for promoting healthy habits to protect against pressures of the industry.
We have a friend who is dealing with this same issue, as notifcations come in from college. Have you consulted with professionals who assist performers with things such as eating disorders? I’m not sure of where you live…
Be on alert regarding hints about how the program appears to deal with weight or appearance. For example, a school had a question about weight on their audition fact sheet, and to me that was a red flag. There are some schools that have a “reputation” for expectations for their performers, but there are many out there that would never dream of making it an issue. Just research and be proactive. If it’s a serious issue, you can reach out to the program prior to enrolling to let them know to be aware of triggering comments or expectations.
Thanks @carriemc95, the thing I worry about is an environment that works counter to counseling and other efforts to promote health. Definitely something we will be looking at closely.
For sure. You have to be alert and pick up on cues about how things are approached. And honestly, having a conversation with the department is helpful so they are aware of issues and don’t inadvertently cause an issue.
One of my D’s friend is at a program where they are weighed. Not sure the reason for it so it is good to talk with the program your child is considering.
As someone who struggled with an eating disorder for decades who now has a D with body image issues going into this industry, I agree that proactivity is key. Both with the program and with your D. They are not always easy conversations to have, but open lines of communication and a support system are huge.
My worry is they’re teenagers. D is in a nutrition class right now in high school, but at school and left to her own devices during a late night rehearsal or study session I know she’ll take the easy way out and head to the vending machine for Mountain Dew and Cheetos or order a pizza. I think an upper class mentor to serve as a constant reminder is something I would hope for.
@MI3rdClosingAct What is the program where students are weighed? I feel like it’s good to make information like this public, so people can make informed decisions when making college lists.
@NJNYvt 12 years ago, there was a discussion on CC about weighing in. That’s old info and I don’t know anything new
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/cincinnati-college-conservatory-music-mt/345799-weight-issue.html
I think the industry as a whole is becoming more inclusive and accepting of different body types. Having said that, I think the vast majority of roles still go to people who are considered slim or fit. Certain roles call for different body types which is great. And some ensembles are using a wider variety of body types. And some roles can be gender and size fluid. But in particular, if you are a dancer/ensemble track performer - size can be an issue, over or under weight. Some contracts have weight clauses that only allow a certain amount of fluctuation up or down in weight for the length of the contract. This is for costuming purposes. They need your costume to have a consistent fit.
This is always an unpopular subject, but It is what it is. OKCU’s dance performance majors do have to weigh in. This is because most of these majors are training/hoping to be Rockettes and other similar jobs. Like it or not, many of these jobs have size requirements, both height and weight. Amusement park shows and cruise lines also are known to have weight clauses in their contracts. Really all sorts of venues do. At OKCU, the weigh ins are intended to help the students manage their weight with some accountability while in college so that when they get in the real world they have healthy, positive habits that will keep them in their dream job. I certainly would not recommend that route for someone with eating issues of any kind. But for those who are interested in the program, know that the students have many classes on nutrition and taking care of their bodies that go along with the weigh ins.
Also be aware that MTs at OKCU are not subject to the same weight requirements as the dancers, but they do take dance classes together so they are very aware of the weight requirements. But you will find a large variety of sizes and shapes of performers in both the acting and MT groups at OKCU.
I guess I would say that what we are focusing on with my daughter is that the message “be fit” and the message “be thin” are not the same. Focusing on the former can result in being thin, but healthy, focusing on the latter doesnt necessarily result in fitness. Programs that focus on health and fitness are fine, more than fine. We have made it clear that if it is a choice between pursuing this field and health, we will shut her down if wecarent confident in her ability to deal in a healthy manner.
I would also be interested to know about any program that requires an MT to be weighed. My daughter could never be happy at a program that focuses on her appearance instead of her training and talent and she is always promoting body-positivity and has a best friend who has battled severe anorexia for years. I realize that is how the industry works but in this case, (i.e: since it is us choosing a program, we can mitigate this by avoiding it at least for now!)
Please PM me if you are not comfortable naming specific programs here.
Thanks in advance!
I would not characterize programs that do weigh ins as focusing more on appearance than training. Their main and really sole focus is training you to be a professional performer. Or at least at OKCU it is. Their dance school is consistently rated as one of the top if not #1 entertainment dance school in the country. But part of the reality of being in this business is being aware that sometimes, like it or not, size will matter. And learning how to maintain a healthy weight in a healthy way will be an important skill to have in their professional career. I worry more about those who are not taught about this, then sign a contract with a weight clause and resort to unhealthy measures to stay within the parameters of their contract because they weren’t taught about these issues.
I do totally get where everyone is coming from. I hate that it is a subject we have to deal with. However you approach it, these kids need to be made aware, they may not get a part simply because they don’t fit a costume. Or because they are too tall next to a short leading man. Or their skin is the wrong color. Weight is just one of many parts of their appearance on which they will be judged.
This is the article referenced above
My original question, for me, is less about knowing whether a program or its professors emphasize appearance in a potentially unhealthy way — its inarguable that being judged on appearance is fact of life in the entertainment industry — and more about whether the school, recognizing the dangers, devote time and attention to promoting healthy habits among the students and whether my daughter is prepared to and capable of navigating pressures to look better/different/ (real or perceived) healthily.
@PhilipM - I think it’s great that you are concerned and aware of the issue of self-image and body-shaming. I will say that my D is not thin and her MT program has performers of various sizes. She does advanced ballet and has had to struggle with her own concerns about not looking like the “real” dancers. She has recognized that poor body image is something she needs to get over in order to excel and she is actively working through that herself. I think the strength to cope with not meeting the “industry norm” ultimately has to be developed from within by the student.
I think you’re right to want a supportive environment for your D but I also think if you insist on finding a BFA environment where the program teaches healthy habits you might ignore programs where she would flourish. I would let your D set her own priorities. I’m not at all dismissing your concerns but I’d hate to have you sell your daughter’s potential short looking (with the best of intentions) for a “safe” place for her psyche vs. letting her choose a program where she can grow to her full potential. If you already know she’s not very resilient mentally … then than that’s a different issue. In my experience, these kids are tougher than their parents. 
That said - I would have been horrified to find that a school did weigh-ins. I can’t imagine a program justifying that. What is the impact if someone is too heavy at the weigh-in? Pressure on them to lose weight, of course. Anyone saying that’s not body-shaming is lying to themselves.
I think it was either Rider or Montclair that had a checkbox for “body type” (under-weight, normal weight and over-weight) on their audition sheet. That put a lot of people off.
@PhilipM when we toured Penn state, we learned about their new wellness initiatives. The head of the program is in the process of instituting some interesting initiatives, including a counselor who is specifically for the theatre kids (like Penn State’s FB team has), and a snack room that stocks healthy snacks specifically chosen for pre- and post- workouts/dance classes. He has some other ideas that he’s working on too that aren’t quite done. I can’t remember what they are, but he had a multi-year plan about wellness.
Not specifically about weight and body image issues, but Kaitlin Hopkins did a TED talk a few years ago about addressing mental health in performing arts majors, and students in general.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTyvAtauozM
Knowing that this is directly addressed as part of the Texas State program, we specifically asked other programs how they handle and address mental health during our final visits before selecting a program back in 2017. It was not necessarily a deciding factor, but I think it is an important question to ask if for no other reason than to let all performing arts programs know this is something parents and students care about, so these programs should think about it, too.
I know at least one girl auditioning right now who has been diagnosed with anorexia. Family has been told by various sources that it is not wise to go to college for MT with this health issue, but the family doesn’t want to hear it. I think this is difficult enough for any child leaving home to go to college for any major, never mind trying to keep up with the demands of MT with anorexia.