Equal-Opportunity Program?

[gafftaped]

I'm a senior in high school going to be interviewing for colleges soon, and I was wondering if my high school's style of choosing stage managers could be a hindrance to me.

We are only allowed to SM one show a year (can ASM multiple, though) so everyone can have a chance. This means that last year, my director reserved me to SM our musical, as is also the case this year. However, at the time of my interviews, I will only have one show on my resume where I am listed as the stage manager (several more, however, where I have ASMed).

Any feedback on how this could impact my acceptance, as well as how I can play it off? I have already had a show outside of school where I was a part of the general crew, then they interviewed for SM and ASMs, and my lack of actual stage management experience prevented me from getting the position I wanted.

[missliz]

Explain it to them. The fact that you've only SMed one show isn't from lack of initiative, it's just a timing/scheduling thing. (The fact that a director is reserving you for shows definitely looks good too!) You're clearly still motivated to find places you can get experience (ASMing, crew on outside productions) so I don't think it'll hurt you.

[lsears]

I agree with Missliz, just explain it to them.  There are many reasons why a college applicant may be short of shows on their resume - sometimes people come to an interest in stage management late in high school and only do one show, sometimes their schools only do one production a year.  The interview and how you conduct yourself are more important than a list of shows.

[hbelden]

Agreed.  Undergrad is not the same as graduate school.  More important than specifically-SM credits are a proven commitment to theatre, in any contribution.  The purpose of undergrad is to teach the craft to you, not to hire the most qualified SM for their productions.

[MatthewShiner]

Well, wait, Heath. . . if one is applying to a BFA program, there might be a higher standard or expectation . . . I think that a MFA has a higher expectations then a BFA, but a BFA would most likely have higher expectations then a BA.

BUT, I think there are ways to sell and package yourself to make up for the lack of credits on your resume - and there is time to add other credits.

[hbelden]

That's a good caveat, Matt, but still, we're talking about stage managers.  How many high schools out there know that SMs even exist, let alone how to train them?

I guess it really depends on how fierce the competition is for admission to the college.  Back in the early nineties, when I was an actor in a BFA program, we just used un-cast actors as the stage managers in any given semester.  I know SMs have come a long way in academia since then, but still, I stand by my statement that a wide range of theatrical experience is more helpful in college admissions than a long list of SM credits.

[Gil Miciak]

I am in a BFA program now that has taken and will take people that have little stage management experience. What they look for is ability to work with others and most of all, a demonstration that a person knows what they are getting into (i.e. an understanding of what the job is). Of course, the best way to know what the job is, is to do it, but being an ASM still means that you have that understanding.

I know my program has rejected applicants for a lack of experience, but I don't think you would fall into that category. Keep adding credits where you can and you should be just fine.

[MatthewShiner]

There are some top tier BFA programs (like North Carolina and DePaul for example) where there is a bit more expectation.

As much as I am opposed to 17 years old picking stage management as a career goal based on their high school experience and expectations, and pumping up to 120,000.00 into BFA program, there is some stiff competition for these top tier programs.

It really depends on the program, but a good program will look for potential - but it depends on the program. 

[BARussell]

That's why I think the interview process is so important, having met with some of the students at UNCSA, and going to a pretty tough program myself, it's really not  all about experience, although that is important, it is about attitude, personality, and commitment.  I had "fake" stage managed once in high school, before applying. Turns out I knew nothing about SMing but ended up liking it nonetheless, so I am happy I made that decision at 17 otherwise I would be three years behind in experience, and nowhere near building a career.