Life during/after high school theatre?
I just had a quick conversation with someone about college / acting studio theatre programs.
"OK. So this acting thing is fun. Now what?"First thought: Come back for some more BHS theatre stuff, back or on stage. Seriously consider the Post-secondary Acting class (Acting I in Fall 2006, Acting II in Spring 2007) offered by CLC. See Mrs. Albrecht soon if you're interested, and you'll want to talk to your guidance counselor at BHS as well. It's mentioned in an earlier post on this blog. Also mentioned, the BHS/CLC Directing Class/Acting Lab opportunity.
Of course, even if you love theatre but don't plan to try earning a living in it, you can always SUPPORT THE ARTS! Go see live shows. Attend local high school and college performances. Feed starving artists.
I took a few minutes and did a bit of searching. Keep in mind this list isn't complete or even meant to be, but if you're interested in pursuing theatre in some form, maybe it's a starting place.
Read on:
In Minnesota... The U of M has a partnership with the Guthrie and offers internships. It's a big and respected program.
UMD (Duluth) has a program that is pretty well-respected. Some talented kids have gone there, including BHS theatrefreak alumni. I have a scholarship app from them posted on my classroom bulletin board right now.
Concordia (my alma mater) offers a solid liberal arts program and true hands-on student involvment. Plus you don't actually have to be a Theatre major to audition for shows. Their conservatory music program (especially choir) is phenomenal -- if you wanted to combine the two, this might be a strong consideration.
Moorhead State also at least used to have a solid drama programs. (I haven't seen anything there recently, so I can't comment on now). It's very affordable, they've got a summer rep program, and many of their alumni are working in theatre around the country.
Watch my classroom bulletin board for upcoming shows from schools close to us... Attend one and see what you think of their program.
I did a quick google search. Here's a national directory. One of the finest programs in the nation has to be the Yale School of Drama, although Julliard usually gets the nod as the best place. Look for a quality program that allows hands on experience -- the big name places are great, but if you spend three years waiting in line to get on stage, then you're not getting the regular experiences that you need. If you go to a quality smaller school for your undergraduate work (BA, BFA degrees) you can always go further and get your graduate degree MFA (Master of Fine Arts) at one of the big name schools.
Some of the most exciting regional theatre areas right now are in our own back yard. Minneapolis/St. Paul has a thriving actor's scene. Some Chicago theatres send new productions to Broadway, and have given New York theatres a run for their money. The place I spent a summer, the Steppenwolf Theatre, was the launching pad for actors John Mahoney (Frazer), Laurie Metcalf (of Roseanne), John Malkovich, Frank Galati, Gary Sinise, Joan Allen (she was Mrs. Proctor in The Crucible)... they still consider themselves "active members" of the theatre company, and "come home" to perform in between stage, movie and TV schedules. You might want to check out their website to get a feel for the different kinds of actors that can make a living... not everybody has to be Brad Pitt or Jake G to be a working actor. (On the other hand, I do have a friend whose biggest claim to fame is a "hair care for men" infomercial... and I wouldn't say he feels very fulfilled in his career!)
There are also places in Minnesota that offer summer or weekend young actor studio courses. (Summer camps, the Children's Theatre and Guthrie theatre in MPLS, etc....)
BUT, especially if you think about doing something now, read the link I put on our GREEN ROOM blog on scams (written by the Federal Trade Commission) They'll say "you've got talent, we'll be your agent and get you jobs, but first you need to take our super-high priced acting and/or modeling lessons," or "but first you need to get your resume and headshots professionally done through us; it'll only cost a zillion dollars." Programs like this have recruited kids in our area. Not all of them are dodgy, and even over-priced scams offer some form of coaching and theatre games. If something seems way overpriced or is presented in a high-pressured way that suggests doing their program can get you experience or work, it's probably not a good deal. No respectable studio or agency offers you work or opportunities to work in exchange for classes you must pay for or photo headshot services. At least be aware of the pickup lines.
Happy searching!
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