A College Degree in Not-Theatre
Do I seem like a traitor simply for suggesting this? Hear me out.
All this month we will be exploring questions, concerns, and recommendations for high school juniors and seniors looking down the runway at high school graduation and all that lies beyond.
Have you read the posts about pursuing a B.F.A. and a B.A.?
This is the path I took. Truthfully, it was not the path I wanted to take, but it was the path I was advised and strongly encouraged to take. Eighteeen year old Clara was not confident enough to defy such advice and claim what she really wanted, so she agreed to go the Not-Theatre Degree route. Consequently, I have a lot of compassion for people who find themselves in a situation where pursuing a theatre degree is just not part of what the future holds for them, despite their most earnest yearnings. And I’m here to tell you – you’ll be okay. I promise.
Side note: each year I’ve made at least a portion of my income from my work in theatre. Take that, doubters!
There are advantages to this path. It is one that has been trod by household names, in fact. Natalie Portman, Danai Gurira, and Mayim Bialik got Not-Theatre college degrees. And I’m in good company with my English degree, with Bradley Cooper.
What I can appreciate now, that I couldn’t then, is how much the work on how to think would help me as an actor. Just ask any director or stage manager who’s worked with me – I have a fully realized backstory for each character that is wholly grounded in textual clues. Honestly, I’ll admit that my background work can get ridiculous, but it’s fun and easy and it’s part of my process. All those English classes dissecting one work of literature after another was actually teaching me how to be a whipsmart actor.
It also has allowed me to position myself outside the industry when finances necessitated it. We all have to eat and keep a roof over our heads, and acting jobs can sometimes dry up for a period. It happens to everyone. Everyone. This is not to say that all those theatre degree chumps are left to starve if they leave the business, but it does put me in an advantageous position.
Let’s face it, I would have loved nothing more than to have graduated with a B.A. or a B.F.A. But I’m still here, in the business. Showing up, and showing up again, and showing up again is what’s really required. If you can just show up, you’ll find your way.
I have so many thoughts about some of the other aspects of your college decision, so check back next week for some more food for college thought.
Need help getting your college audition package together? I offer private coaching for actors auditioning for advanced programs, such as college/university or summer programs that require an audition for admission. Contact me to schedule your sessions today.