<p>I am currently a high school senior going to college. I have been in the U.S. for two years, but have only been taking Acting at my school this year. That said, my siblings and parents always said I had a knack for acting; that's why I was interested in taking the class at my school (besides, it was a requirement to graduate).</p>
<p>I really enjoy it; I felt great after my first performance. It was actually really short, but after I was done I felt like all the rehearsal with my partner was worth it and that all my fear and anxiety didn't bother me in stage. In other words, I loved it (:</p>
<p>This inspired me to pursue a career as an actor even further; however, I am afraid that I will be one of the few pursuing the Theatre & Dance major who has so little experience in acting - I won't even have actually performed in a school play by the time I get to college.</p>
<p>My question is: is that okay? And if I really wanna get into the showbiz, am I too old to start learning and acting? I see these child actors and stuff - and even the kids at my school, who have been performing since their freshman year - and it's kinda daunting. I feel like I am too behind.</p>
<p>The thing is: I am less afraid of majoring in Theatre because I got a scholarship that's gonna pay for the most part of my college education. I was also thinking in minoring in Creative Writing (but I guess this would stretch way too far out of the range of this forum).</p>
<p>So, what do you actors/parents/teachers have to say?</p>
<p>A. Yes. Everyone starts somewhere and 17 is a perfectly sensible time. </p>
<p>but B. I’d suggest a BA, one with an acting concentration so you can spend time on acting but try other things too. A BFA is an immense commitment-- often with very little time left in the day to pursue any other studies, social life, etc. You might, with talent and luck, be able to get into one, but it would be like going for an Engineering degree after having enjoyed building a lego project once-- stressful!</p>
<p>I am also a Theatre major/Creative Writing minor and I wouldn’t change it for the world. If this is what you are thinking about doing, then talk about it: to your parents, guidance counselor, college advisers, whomever. Find a program that you feel suits you and you would be dedicated to. If you are still unsure if you should, why not try minoring in theatre first and switch to a major at the end of the first semester or year once you are sure?</p>
<p>I agree. No one here is questioning anyone’s love for theatre (or anything else). I have been involved, quite passionately, in many arts all of my life, but I have made various choices on how to study them, and how intensively. The field is literally wide open.</p>
<p>The choice to study any subject in college really does depend on how much time and intensity you want to put into all of the most in-depth details. And to get a BFA does take that issue even further. It can tax even the most enthusiastic arts lover. Also, it requires sacrificing many other interests, perhaps even to an unnatural extent. </p>
<p>Fortunately a BA in theatre both has enormous merit of its own and excellent career possibilities. In fact, majoring in something else and continuing an active and passionate extracurricular involvement in theatre is a great choice as well, including for someone who hopes for an acting career.</p>
<p>Sorry, failed to stalk you properly at first! Carlisle, PA = Dickinson, right? What a great school, congratulations! You probably don’t even have to declare a major right away, (though you may need to, to be sure you get the theater courses you need). Have a wonderful four years!</p>
<p>Why not try? Take a look at the catalog at Dickenson and see what courses are required for the theatre major and CR minor. Do you think you’d like to spend your four years taking them? There is a lot more to a theatre BA than just acting, but it’s all wonderful if you truly love it.</p>
<p>You’ll have lots of resources at college (professors, advisors, mentors) to guide you and, should you decide it’s not right for you for any reason, there are many opportunities to change majors or directions. In fact, most kids make these sorts of changes and discover what’s best for them even later than you are!</p>
If this is what you are thinking about doing, then talk about it: to your parents, guidance counselor, college advisers, whomever. Find a program that you feel suits you and you would be dedicated to. If you are still unsure if you should, why not try minoring in theatre first and switch to a major at the end of the first semester or year once you are sure?</p>