Studying Theatre in College
Interested in studying Theatre, Musical Theatre, Production Design, or Dance in college?
Not sure where to start? Set up a time to meet with me and I can help you navigate through these questions.
Think of it as a Two Step College Application process - your regular college application PLUS your audition/portfolio review. You MUST think ahead and plan!
What major are you interested in?
Theatre (Acting)
Theatre (Production based - lights, sound, stage management, sets, costumes)
Theatre (General)
Musical Theatre
Dance
Theatre Education
Dance Education
Other possibilities
Arts for Children
Music Business
Music Engineering
Public Relations
Business
What can I do with a BA in Theatre? Will I be able to get a job?
An education in Theatre actually gives you a great foundation and a wide variety of skills that you won't get from studying other majors!
Communication
Teamwork (and leadership if you take advantage of those opportunities)
Working toward a goal with a specific deadline (project management)
Thinking on your feet/problem solving
Ability to accept (and give) constructive feedback
Interpersonal skills - acting makes you empathetic
Presentation skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills (yes, you will need to write quite a bit as a theatre major!)
Listening skills (do not underestimate this one!)
Self-discipline
Article: 10 Ways Being a Theatre Major Prepared Me For Success
It's all about how you market yourself and your education! Think about someone who majors in English, Math, Communications, Business...really anything that doesn't have a specific career path (such as Education, Nursing, etc.). What kind of job could they get? You could get that job too...the advantage you'll have as a Theatre major is that you will know and understand how to sell yourself!
What kind of job could I have other than a performer?
LOTS...most people do not get the chance to perform professionally! You could work in the theatre world:
Directing
Teaching
Stage Management
Company Management (organizing travel, accommodations, making sure everyone has what they need at a venue)
Box Office/Audience Development
Marketing/Sales/Publicity
Technical Theatre (set painting, electrics, costumes, makeup, wigs, etc. etc. etc.!)
Drama Therapy
Audience Development/Fundraising
What kind of jobs could someone with a theatre degree get that aren't specifically in the theatre business?
Sales and Marketing
Fundraising and Development
Promotions/Public Relations/Event Planning
Some other skill that you have PLUS your communication skills makes you excellent at customer service (for example: Do you have skills related to computer hardware and technology? You could work in an IT Department being the customer facing employee because of your great interpersonal communication skills!)
What is the difference between a BA, BFA, BS, AA, AS?
AA and AS are granted at two-year programs.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and is granted at a four-year program.
generally more liberal arts focused
BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts and is granted at a four year program.
generally more "professional" focused...as in when you leave this program you want to be a working artist in your field
Each school is different (some have a BS too). Read and ask questions!
Is an audition or portfolio review requied?
No! Not every program requires an audition - especially for Theatre majors. However, Musical Theatre and Dance almost always require an audition.
Every school and every program is different. It is very important to PLAN AHEAD. Research your school and program online. Visit in person (make an appointment to meet a professor, current student, someone in the department...do not rely on a general tour and info offered by Admissions) and ASK QUESTIONS!
Some auditions require a pre-screen before you are even granted the opportunity to register for an audition.
Some auditions have a fee associated - audition application fee in addition to the college app fee PLUS an accompanist fee.
If you have financial hardship, when you visit the school ask if any of the fees can be waived.
Audition requirements vary at every school. Read carefully, call with questions, and be mindful of deadlines.
Sample questions to ask when you visit a Performing Arts department/program at a college:
Ask to see an example of a typical student's schedule (course load) over the 2 or 4 years there.
How many productions does the department produce per year?
Are guest artists brought in to work with students?
Can freshman audition for productions?
Can non-majors audition and if so, is casting preference given to majors?
Is double majoring allowed?
How many people audition for and are accepted to the program each year?
Be realistic. Some of the top programs in the country are more competitive than Harvard admissions.
Is there another audition or screening process that happens at another point during the program?
How do you help students with the next steps after graduation?
Showcase for performers in a big city?
Networking opportunities for Stage Managers/production technicians?
A course about learning about "the business of theatre" (headshots, resumes, agents, learning about auditions etc)
Alumni connections?
If there is something you are specifically interested in, be sure to ask (student directing opportunities? tech work requirements? work study employment opportunities in the scene shop? playwriting?)
When should I start thinking about all of this?
As early as possible! If you think you might be interested in pursuing this in college - start researching and planning now.
Junior Year - brainstorm and start a list of colleges and programs.
Junior Year - spring and summer before Senior Year - set up appointments to visit the schools and meet with someone in the department.
Senior Year August - narrow down your list to where you are actually applying/auditioning.
Create a spreadsheet to track important deadlines! Double check Pre-screen and Audition dates!
Senior Year Fall - apply to the colleges using the regular college application process, register to audition, you may be able to get some of the auditions done in November and December!
Audition Season is generally November through March (go early to avoid bad winter weather)!
What else should I consider?
If you are considering a path in performance, take a hard look at your skills. This can be very tough to do, but necessary.
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What does your performance resume look like? Have you taken advantage of community theatre? Summer programs?
Do I need more training?
Would you be happier doing anything else?
If yes, research this too. You can find a way to keep theatre in your life without majoring in it.
What would your life look like in 5, 10, 20 years?
Talk to people who work in the theatre business. Is this the lifestyle for you?
hat can I do to get ready for all of this?
Take classes, private lessons, audition for community theatre, volunteer for community theatre on crew.
Always say "Yes" to opportunities.
Grow a thick skin...you will hear way more "no"s than "yes"s in your lifetime.
Realize that this is not about comparing yourself to others...it's about knowing your own strength and weaknesses.
Get obsessed - see live theatre whenever possible and TALK ABOUT IT, analyze it, critique it. If you can't see something live then dig into YouTube and Netflix
What about the actual audition or portfolio review?
Schedule a meeting with me and we can discuss ways you can prepare this material
Where do I even begin to look for programs?!
A great resource (with clickable links) to all of the programs offered in SUNY schools.
Not sure if you want to MAJOR in Theatre?! Don't rule out finding a school where you could still be involved on stage or backstage and NOT be a theatre major! Lots of opportunities to continue to do something you love and to "find your people" at college!
Not sure if you are planning to attend college? Theatre and the performing arts can still be a part of your life. Get involved with local community theatre, volunteer to come back and build sets or work on costumes with us! You can still have theatre in your life without pursuing it formally.