4 answers
Xander
Student
Norton, Virginia
5
Questions
Asked
985 views
What is the best option?
I think I've decided I want to do some form of art with my life; leaning more towards theatre. My options in my mind right now are
1) go to a community college and pursue theatre education. Become a drama teacher
2) go to a close-ish college and pursue fine arts education; become an art teacher
3) go to AMDA (on the other side of the country) and try for Broadway or some other Performance arts place
I would love to do AMDA, but I'm worried it won't be worth it. It's so far away, but I would be happy. The art college is closer, meaning it would cost less, and I'd still be happy. Theatre and art are what have gotten me this far in life. They are what have made me happy and brought me out of my shell of anxiety.
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4 answers
Zanny Steffgen
Freelance writer
4
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Zanny’s Answer
I want to preface this answer by saying that I am in no way an expert on the theater world, nor do I know your personal situation well enough to tell you which option to choose. My advice is solely based on my own years pursuing an artistic career, and I hope it as valuable as such.
For myself as well as other creatives I know, the greatest asset we have is an interesting life. Let me explain. Personally, I don't think that I would have attained so much success in my freelance writing career had I planned it out as a young adult. It was the life experience I pursued (working in restaurants, traveling the world, moving to Cambodia) totally by accident, plus the conversations and situations I stumbled upon that have informed my work and allowed me to get to the point where I can make a living by doing what I love. Many of the artists I know feel the same way--it was by putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations, following our intuitions, seeking out like-minded people, and wandering around totally lost for a while that we discovered a well of creativity within ourselves.
Now, my point is not to discourage you from following any of the steps you've laid out here--in fact, it's just the opposite. My point is don't limit yourself by thinking that you have to choose one of these options and that they will necessarily lead you to the careers you've outlined with them. If theater is something you love and want to pursue, you will find a way to make that happen no matter what you choose, and hopefully have some adventures along the way that will inform your art. You may not necessarily go from Step A to Step B to end up at Said Career--chances are your path through life will have a lot more twists and turns than that and that's okay.
So here is my advice: stop thinking about each of these options as a destination (meaning "become an art teacher," "become a drama teacher.") Start thinking of them as experiences and ask yourself which experience suits you best as the person you are right now. Which of these options will allow you to have the day-to-day life you want for the next few years? Then, once you make a commitment and start your education, you'll probably discover something about yourself and art that helps you know what steps to take next. Maybe you'll end up miserable in theater and find another kind of art that suits you better, or will meet someone at one of these schools who shapes your path forward into a career.
Do some reflecting. What do you want your daily life to look like in the next few years?
Consult your intuition. Which of these options gets you the most excited and why?
Think about your overall well-being. Which of these options will allow you to take the best care of yourself?
Make a decision and commit. Whatever you choose will end up being the right decision when you look back on it from the future!
For myself as well as other creatives I know, the greatest asset we have is an interesting life. Let me explain. Personally, I don't think that I would have attained so much success in my freelance writing career had I planned it out as a young adult. It was the life experience I pursued (working in restaurants, traveling the world, moving to Cambodia) totally by accident, plus the conversations and situations I stumbled upon that have informed my work and allowed me to get to the point where I can make a living by doing what I love. Many of the artists I know feel the same way--it was by putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations, following our intuitions, seeking out like-minded people, and wandering around totally lost for a while that we discovered a well of creativity within ourselves.
Now, my point is not to discourage you from following any of the steps you've laid out here--in fact, it's just the opposite. My point is don't limit yourself by thinking that you have to choose one of these options and that they will necessarily lead you to the careers you've outlined with them. If theater is something you love and want to pursue, you will find a way to make that happen no matter what you choose, and hopefully have some adventures along the way that will inform your art. You may not necessarily go from Step A to Step B to end up at Said Career--chances are your path through life will have a lot more twists and turns than that and that's okay.
So here is my advice: stop thinking about each of these options as a destination (meaning "become an art teacher," "become a drama teacher.") Start thinking of them as experiences and ask yourself which experience suits you best as the person you are right now. Which of these options will allow you to have the day-to-day life you want for the next few years? Then, once you make a commitment and start your education, you'll probably discover something about yourself and art that helps you know what steps to take next. Maybe you'll end up miserable in theater and find another kind of art that suits you better, or will meet someone at one of these schools who shapes your path forward into a career.
Zanny recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Xander !
This is a good and important question and I would be really happy to give you advice about this.
Did you know that the AMDA has a campus near Lincoln Center in New York City ? Not that New York City isn't a few hundred miles away, but's it's closer for you than the L.A. campus. It's also really expensive like more than $44,000.00 a year for tuition plus the dorms are over $14,000.00. Everything else in New York City is very expensive as is Los Angeles. I will give you some professional advice and you can do whatever you choose, but I will hopefully give you doable and manageable advice that can help you with your plans.
You may want to go to a community college for an Associates Degree in theatre and then transfer to the University of Virginia which has a very highly rated acting/theater program. You can minor in anything of your choice and take dance classes to fulfill general education requirements as well as singing courses, too. Going in state and starting with a less expensive college will help you make this doable. To be an acting/theater professor at a college, you will need your Masters in Acting and a teaching credential. To teach private acting lessons as a side job, you can do it any time you feel you have the ability to do it. I did it between my sophomore and junior year not yet having my Bachelors Degree. Colleges like to hire acting professors that have already had an extensive professional background in acting.
You can minor in Art or you can easily do art in your free time. You may also decide to start at the University of Virginia for Theatre and network with the artist community on campus also (although theater is going to keep you very busy). I left a link to the University of Virginia website below.
I wouldn't recommend relying on being cast in Broadway shows - the industry has changed so much and it's drastically limited compared to how it was many years ago. Many are cast out of state and tour. Many shows are like concert reviews. There are some actual what we know to be musicals, but the market really isn't all that big and you'd have to join Equity and pay a large entrance fee plus dues even if you don't get work. Where there have been some weak changes, there have been some good changes, too.
Theatre is the absolute best foundation to learn acting, however, my prediction based on knowing the industry is that your cash cow is going to be in television, video and film as well as internet user created content. Register at casting companies online as soon as you feel ready. There are notices for gigs in Virginia, too. As a matter of fact, other places are growing for acting possibilities like Orlando and Nashville. I think you should follow your dream if it is doable because there's no satisfaction in moving so far away, adjusting and not having the social support and seeing that it's hard to afford things in either New York City or L.A. You know the old saying, bloom where you are planted, and in today's industry, that may just be the best thing to do. It's your choice. I have left some links to casting companies that are aligned with Virginia. They have notices for all various states and cities.
I hope this is insightful and please return if you have any other questions about the business. Get a lot of feedback for this and then make a decision that you think will work for you each step of the way. Don't give up - keep going and know that your unique experience as an actor will be a fulfilling one !
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA https://drama.virginia.edu/
CASTING VIRGINIA (WOW THEIR WEBSITE IS OUTSTANDING) https://castingva.com/
CARLYN DAVIS CASTING https://carlyndaviscasting.com/
ANNE CHAPMAN CASTING https://www.annechapmancasting.com/
BACKSTAGE FOR CASTING NOTICES https://www.backstage.com/
This is a good and important question and I would be really happy to give you advice about this.
Did you know that the AMDA has a campus near Lincoln Center in New York City ? Not that New York City isn't a few hundred miles away, but's it's closer for you than the L.A. campus. It's also really expensive like more than $44,000.00 a year for tuition plus the dorms are over $14,000.00. Everything else in New York City is very expensive as is Los Angeles. I will give you some professional advice and you can do whatever you choose, but I will hopefully give you doable and manageable advice that can help you with your plans.
You may want to go to a community college for an Associates Degree in theatre and then transfer to the University of Virginia which has a very highly rated acting/theater program. You can minor in anything of your choice and take dance classes to fulfill general education requirements as well as singing courses, too. Going in state and starting with a less expensive college will help you make this doable. To be an acting/theater professor at a college, you will need your Masters in Acting and a teaching credential. To teach private acting lessons as a side job, you can do it any time you feel you have the ability to do it. I did it between my sophomore and junior year not yet having my Bachelors Degree. Colleges like to hire acting professors that have already had an extensive professional background in acting.
You can minor in Art or you can easily do art in your free time. You may also decide to start at the University of Virginia for Theatre and network with the artist community on campus also (although theater is going to keep you very busy). I left a link to the University of Virginia website below.
I wouldn't recommend relying on being cast in Broadway shows - the industry has changed so much and it's drastically limited compared to how it was many years ago. Many are cast out of state and tour. Many shows are like concert reviews. There are some actual what we know to be musicals, but the market really isn't all that big and you'd have to join Equity and pay a large entrance fee plus dues even if you don't get work. Where there have been some weak changes, there have been some good changes, too.
Theatre is the absolute best foundation to learn acting, however, my prediction based on knowing the industry is that your cash cow is going to be in television, video and film as well as internet user created content. Register at casting companies online as soon as you feel ready. There are notices for gigs in Virginia, too. As a matter of fact, other places are growing for acting possibilities like Orlando and Nashville. I think you should follow your dream if it is doable because there's no satisfaction in moving so far away, adjusting and not having the social support and seeing that it's hard to afford things in either New York City or L.A. You know the old saying, bloom where you are planted, and in today's industry, that may just be the best thing to do. It's your choice. I have left some links to casting companies that are aligned with Virginia. They have notices for all various states and cities.
I hope this is insightful and please return if you have any other questions about the business. Get a lot of feedback for this and then make a decision that you think will work for you each step of the way. Don't give up - keep going and know that your unique experience as an actor will be a fulfilling one !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Linda Mire
Interior Design
137
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Xander the only true and real advice I can offer you thru my own experience is this: Life is short and we spend the majority of it in pursuit of what other people tell us will make us happy when the only one on the planet who knows that truth is you. You should run not walk but run towards your passion and do not let any thing get in your way, not money, not people, not indecision or lack of confidence, not disappointment or failure. I know because I have been driven in my journey and learned I am the only one who can stop me if I believe I can't do something I can't only because I believe it to be true but I would be wrong because the human spirit is unstoppable. I was and determined no matter what other people told me I just worked harder than anyone I knew and didn't follow in anyone's footsteps I made my own way. You may have heard the saying I did it my way, well there is such a thing and it means being true to yourself. You are the one person in life you are going to spend the most time with so you should not concern your efforts to others opinions. I don't and never have, one less thing. I have succeeded beyond my dreams because I knew if I wanted to I could. So if it is acting which is a very competitive career but so is anything worth aiming for and no one not even you can know the impact your talent and courosity and hard work will have on the universe but not trying or giving up is a much harder reality to live with. Your efforts and experiences will teach you as you move thru your life to a happy life spent the ultimate goal. Be happy.
Danuta Chapin, MA
Designer and Art Director
5
Answers
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Updated
Danuta’s Answer
Dear Xander
Please follow your heart, work hard, and you'll love college and it's all worth it, it will open the doors. Both careers are rewarding and offer the opportunity to inspire and shape creative talents. If you have a passion for art or theater and enjoy teaching, either path could be a great fit for you! Please remember after choosing one or the other you can pivot and make changes, working with the school canceler/adviser to help you navigate all the offerings at the institution. Work with your parents to be cost conscious and realistic.
Please start by attending virtual or onsite tours of the campus and departments you are interested in. Watch YouTube videos about your selected universities. This step may trigger additional suggested schools that may become of interest to you. Schedule a meeting with the adviser, and talk about your concerns and desires and please be open to the possibility. Apply to a few and see if any institution offers you some incentives. My daughter will start in the fall and with the help of a university adviser, she's changing the direction to a new dual degree. It is so difficult to decide on a single path for your entire future, so please remember, we always can make changes, it may take longer, but in the end, it is important to follow your dreams, and not suffer doing something you do not like. Talk with your loved ones, seek advisers, and network.
Any journey would involve several steps:
Build your online artwork portfolio you'll need with the art application, including free online portfolios (like Canva, WIX, and many more) or attached Pdf.
Earn a Bachelor’s or Master's Degree: Most art/theater teachers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in art education, fine arts, theater, or a related field. Some colleges offer accelerated Master's Degrees, (most employers require a Master's degree for teachers).
During your degree program, you’ll need to complete a student teaching internship, important to expose you to a real-life story.
After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass your state’s tests for teachers, and now you can apply for your teaching certificate, and you can start applying for teacher jobs. YAY!
It’s important to continue your professional development: by attending workshops, taking additional courses, and staying updated on the latest art education techniques.
Teachers play a vital role in helping students express their creativity and develop their artistic skills. If you have a passion for art and teaching, this could be a fulfilling career path for you!
Best of luck, follow your heart, and nurture your talents!
If you like, please check this article to explain the process of getting there:
Dive Into Drama With This Guide to Becoming a Performing Arts Teacher https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-be-a-drama-teacher-77018/
Please follow your heart, work hard, and you'll love college and it's all worth it, it will open the doors. Both careers are rewarding and offer the opportunity to inspire and shape creative talents. If you have a passion for art or theater and enjoy teaching, either path could be a great fit for you! Please remember after choosing one or the other you can pivot and make changes, working with the school canceler/adviser to help you navigate all the offerings at the institution. Work with your parents to be cost conscious and realistic.
Please start by attending virtual or onsite tours of the campus and departments you are interested in. Watch YouTube videos about your selected universities. This step may trigger additional suggested schools that may become of interest to you. Schedule a meeting with the adviser, and talk about your concerns and desires and please be open to the possibility. Apply to a few and see if any institution offers you some incentives. My daughter will start in the fall and with the help of a university adviser, she's changing the direction to a new dual degree. It is so difficult to decide on a single path for your entire future, so please remember, we always can make changes, it may take longer, but in the end, it is important to follow your dreams, and not suffer doing something you do not like. Talk with your loved ones, seek advisers, and network.
Any journey would involve several steps:
Build your online artwork portfolio you'll need with the art application, including free online portfolios (like Canva, WIX, and many more) or attached Pdf.
Earn a Bachelor’s or Master's Degree: Most art/theater teachers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in art education, fine arts, theater, or a related field. Some colleges offer accelerated Master's Degrees, (most employers require a Master's degree for teachers).
During your degree program, you’ll need to complete a student teaching internship, important to expose you to a real-life story.
After completing your degree, you’ll need to pass your state’s tests for teachers, and now you can apply for your teaching certificate, and you can start applying for teacher jobs. YAY!
It’s important to continue your professional development: by attending workshops, taking additional courses, and staying updated on the latest art education techniques.
Teachers play a vital role in helping students express their creativity and develop their artistic skills. If you have a passion for art and teaching, this could be a fulfilling career path for you!
Best of luck, follow your heart, and nurture your talents!
If you like, please check this article to explain the process of getting there:
Dive Into Drama With This Guide to Becoming a Performing Arts Teacher https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-be-a-drama-teacher-77018/