It’s not just the degree
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.
You can read Part I, Part II, and Part III, or just start here.
Outside of the program itself, there are many other factors to consider for your post-high school years.
First, would you be better served by taking a gap year or attending a certificate program, instead of a college or university program? Some folks just need a little time to figure themselves out; I’m glad to see the gap year has jumped the pond and is becoming more accepted here in the U.S. Other folks may not be college material but want to do some advanced study. There are acting schools that offer certificates, similar to an Associates Degree, though not called such.
If you are college-bound, consider a few other things, besides the reputation of the program.
Cost: Unlike some other professions, theatre does not guarantee any minimum salary upon graduation, provided you get a job within that industry. Consequently, you’ll need to decide what your financing options for college are. This is a decision to undertake with the various interested parties in your life, i.e. your parental figures.
Comfort: How does the campus feel? How do the other students seem? Can you picture yourself living here and being happy, flourishing in this space with these people? Is it too far/close to home?
Networking: Your college classmates will be your first professional network. Do the other students in the program seem to be wanting the same kind of theatre career as you? These will be the people that you’ll call on, and be called by, for those early projects that don’t pay, or pay very little. These will be the people that you’ll build a project just because you all want to do something, and you want to do it together. And eventually, those people will become Artistic Directors or Casting Directors or Fight Choreographers or Production Managers – and you’ll be on the top of their mind and already on speed dial for those jobs they have to give, the ones that pay enough to allow you to buy a house.
I’ve got one more tidbit to share to wrap up our college discussion series. Come back next week to learn what I’d do if I could time travel.
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.