Post 10

 

If I would give advice to an incoming freshman there are a few things I would tell them. The first thing would be to enjoy there freshman year. This is college so you should enjoy yourself while you can. However make sure you still keep your grades up because once the drop it’s hard to pull them back up. Take your first year in the program to evaluate the different options that are available to you within the department. Make sure that a career in the arts is truly something you want to pursue. If it is truly not for you then don’t be afraid to go out and find what really fits you. I know many people who originally started as Theatre Majors but then later decided to minor in theatre instead. Once you have discovered the area that works best for you then pursue every available opportunity available. There are many opportunities available you to improve your skills in every concentration. Once you begin to improve your skills then you must also consider branching out into other departments. While it is important to gain the skills necessary for your major, it is also very beneficial to gain skills in other areas. The outside skills you pick up can help fund your actual passion.

I would also tell them to make sure they know how to manage their time wisely. It is easy to agree to commit to doing shows both for and outside of class. However it is important not to let them interfere with your course load. You are a student first and we must all remember that. If you don’t have the GPA then you can’t even participate in a main stage show so it is important to stay on top of things. It is also important to know how to deal with criticism. By working in the arts you will encounter bout good and bad criticism. You must remember not to take it all to heart especially if it’s from someone you trust. Listen to what the critic has to say and learn from it. Take the time to improve your skills and continue to build a positive reputation. Personal business and emotions should be left off of the stage. If you plan on working in theatre means being able to collaborate well with others so it is very important to also improve your ability to work well with others. If you cannot collaborate with other designers or actors it will be impossible to get any work done properly. Participate in group projects and learn from each experience. Different groups of people will always collaborate differently. Some projects may come together perfectly while others not so much. Take advantage of all of the opportunities given to you will you are in college but don’t forget to also have fun.