So you want to pursue theatre in college...

You're finally an upperclassman in high school, and you spend all of your free time doing theatre whether it is at school, in a community theatre, taking acting, voice or dance classes and your parents ask the question of the year: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Suddenly thoughts flood your mind of waking up everyday and doing what you love everyday, no math, no science, and no more history. But, how do you know that you're really cut out for majoring in a theatre degree? Here are some questions you should ask yourself.

1. Can you imagine yourself doing anything else?
   Picture yourself being a nurse, could that make you happy? Try and imagine yourself being a teacher, could you be happy there? If you can see yourself doing something other than theatre, maybe pursuing theatre isn't the best idea. Why? Being in a theatre career is hard, there is no such thing as a stable job, the money is not great, it is a cut throat industry and in college your major is your life. So if you could see yourself doing something else, save yourself the time and money and try the other non-theatre thing first.
2. Do I have what it takes?
   Most people have will or they have skill. To have what it takes you'll need to have both, the will provides your motivation; to audition, to keep challenging yourself and never stop learning. The skill comes in when you have to get into college theatre programs, it is what sets you apart from the other 2000 kids auditioning. If you, and only you believe that you have both, then you have what it takes.
3. How do I start looking for college theatre programs?
   This is the hard part, there are hundreds of college theatre programs, some have only acting, some have acting and musical theatre and some have specific majors like a contemporary theatre degrees. Some are Bachelor's of Fine Arts, some are certificate programs and some are a Bachelor's degree of arts. What you need to do is research every program, just find out what the school's offerings are.

These are just the beginning questions of starting the long process. If you have any questions comment or find us on Twitter at @TheActorProbs.

Rock on.

Alie

@Campbellalie