<p>do-what: No, you didn’t say that :). I was merely adding our thought process about MT and working as an actor. Sorry if I offended.</p>
<p>walker1194 - no offense taken 
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<p>We have had the same conversations with our two BFA MT kids. And I think one of the key advantages of a good BFA theatre programis that it prepares you not only for a performing career on whatever stage you may be cast, but also for a life long career as a theatre artist.</p>
<p>I tell them because my daughter is more confident and outgoing as their kid and she’s not afraid to takes chances and go for her dreams!!!</p>
<p>This may be late, but my parents are constantly asking about the benefits and how my insurance will be covered. Or a steady income.
I really do not know how to answer her for this because anything I say, she will null as void.</p>
<p>She is very Chinese and doesn’t know anyone in this profession to ask, as most her friend’s daughters and sons are very successful in math, science, engineering, law, business, and really does not understand me.</p>
<p>I do not know what to tell her. She is really blowing things out of proportion, and I do not know what to say.</p>
<p>Hatsukoi - I have family (not my parents, but other family members) who badger me about the same questions. I don’t know the answer either, but I always remind them that I will never regret pursuing my passion. I’m a firm believer that if you follow your heart, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. I think it’s more important to be happy than it is to plan absolutely everything right now down to insurance.
I don’t know if that helped, but that’s what I always say to my family.</p>
<p>@Hatsukoi - Just to provide a bit of parent-perspective…</p>
<p>While I wholeheartedly support our D’s passion for MT I am also a firm believer in financial literacy and honesty, so I do at times remind D that after college she will need to become self-sufficient, and she knows she needs to plan in advance how she will make that work even as an artist. </p>
<p>Keep in mind your parents probably only ask you about insurance because they love you and always want you to be well cared for, and know they can’t always be there to do that for you. :)</p>
<p>Probably the more you can help them understand your goals and plans, and maybe even let them help you formulate them, including how you are preparing for a backup job while you start out auditioning after college, the more comfortable they may become.</p>
<p>Funny - just had a discussion with someone studying MT and they spend 30 minutes justifying why!</p>
<p>I have to admit, sometimes when this thread pops up I think it’s called “Venting: anyone else tired of MT?” and before realizing my mistake I often think… Yes!! :)</p>
<p>ya know, I never have felt the need to justify MT as a major; we live in kind of an artsy community and most have been very supportive of my daughter’s choice. What I HAVE had to justify is the time/effort I put in to help her through the application/audition process. Nobody and I mean NOBODY outside of MT gets it. People kept telling me that I should “just let her do it all” but, honestly, she never would have had the time to do all that she does, AND organize the overwhelmingly daunting application/audition process, too. I know there are some kids that do it and all I can say is that, if they have talent, they should get full scholarships. They are exceptional.</p>
<p>I totally agree with Calliene. For up and coming parents - don’t hesitate to step in and help your student. This is really challenging work to get it all in focus and set up. Your student should stay focused on getting applications in early so that you can get audition spots set up. But they need help as it can be really overwhelming. Good luck to all!</p>
<p>Besides all the extra work these kids have to do in order to get ready for auditions, they are usually still involved in a show, their clubs and keeping their grades up. When they leave at 7 in the morning and on most nights get home between 9-11:30pm they just don’t have any extra time. I thought nothing of filling out the tedious applications as far as name, address, parents names, etc. When kids are applying to a dozen schools and they are not all common app it can be quite time consuming. My D did an activitiy sheet early on so we had that handy and she would look up what the essays were so she could do those. The other monotonous stuff I had no problem filling out. I know there will be some that “did it all” but I can’t imagine those students whose parents have not helped them in any way. I feel bad for the kids who do not have supportive parents.</p>
<p>Just spending my time moving around the forums and this thread is interesting. My parents would probably disown me if I would go down this path, fortunately I am not but I do spend some of time catching up on TV shows like Seinfeld and TBBT. MT is only a good path for those who are really talented but for other people… </p>
<p>There needs to be a balance in society so it’s good that people are going in to MT and other such areas like it, after all not everyone should join the STEM craze that politicians throw out there.</p>
<p>The first thing people ask me when college comes up is “what is your top school?” or “which program would be ideal for you?” And I’m just shocked that anyone would think like that, even if you aren’t in MT or arts, because it’s just so unpredictable and having your heart set on a specific school, likely a difficult one to get into, will benefit no one. I can’t have a top school. I have some ideas, and that is plenty for…until I’ve (knock on wood) been accepted.</p>
<p>That is a good attitude, abigail. You are approaching things realistically and it will pay off for you.</p>
<p>abigailmorris great mindset. Plus as you go through the process you may find that your ideal program changes. You certainly see the differences in programs and learn things you like better. Once you get your acceptances you can then go through them and see what fits best.</p>
<p>Thanks! I am actually so excited about starting this process…weirdly enough, it sounds really fun to me :P</p>
<p>To jeffandann - In an earlier post you mentioned that your daughter would like to work for Disney some day. Is she aware of the Disney College Program? It’s a paid internship for all types of jobs but there are auditions for performers. My daughter interned during her Sophomore year of college and continued as a seasonal employee during summers and breaks until she graduated last Spring. She is now permanently living in Orlando and is loving her life as a Disney performer.</p>
<p>OH, she is more than aware of that program. We are somewhat of Disneyholic family so she has already looked into that.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if you have to do the college semester there in order to work there in the summers? I think with many BFA programs it might be hard to take the summer off.</p>
<p>Anyone can audition for Disney seasonal work as a performer but I suspect it’s easier to be offered a performance job if you began in the College Program.</p>