Author Topic: Should I switch from journalism to theatre major halfway through college?  (Read 2795 times)

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robinyoungyi

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Hi everyone!
I'm currently a sophomore studying Broadcast Journalism at the University of Missouri. I recently realized my passion lies in the theatrical field, even though I do not have any experience in the field (unfortunately). I want to study stage management/directing and basically want to have a career in performing arts productions in the future. I did some research on my own and found out that most good schools offer BFA programs, which require applicants to submit a resume and a portfolio based on their previous theatrical experience and knowledge.
I'm facing two options now:
First, I can continue pursue a degree in journalism with a minor in theatre at my school. This is the safest bet because I'm already halfway through college, and I will also get some experience in theatre through my minor so that I can apply for MFA programs in grad school. But the problem with this option is that I'm honestly not sure if I can continue studying hard for journalism for the rest of two years when I already know my interest lies elsewhere. Moreover, Mizzou is the No.1 journalism school, and I'm left with all the hardcore journalism courses -- I'm not confident if I can survive through the classes when I don't have passion in it.
Second, I can drop out of my school by the end of this semester to prepare for another school. I may take an year off to go gain some hands on experience in theatre and create good resume and portfolio. If successful, I will be admitted to a college with a good BFA program, which might require me to spend another 3-4 years there to complete the degree. But I think it will be worth the extra years I need to spend in college because I heard BFA is an intense program that prepares students to jump right into the field for a career after graduation.
I know it ultimately depends on my decision, but I just want some realistic advice from those who're currently studying the major or working in the field. I also want to ask what are some possible things I can do within a year if I decide to take an year off: Should I self-study stage management with a book? Are there any good programs designed to give some hands on experience for those without any experience in theatre? Any academies where I can actually "learn" the basics of stage management? For now, I absolutely have no idea what kind of portfolio schools are expecting and it does frustrate me because I don't know where to start.

Thank you in advance!
much much love,

Robin
« Last Edit: Feb 26, 2013, 12:58 am by PSMKay »

MatthewShiner

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Re: Help & advice needed -- Urgent (Please read!)
« Reply #1 on: Feb 25, 2013, 11:16 pm »
I don't quite understand how you know now your interest (and I assume passion) is in a theatrical career when you have no experience.

Learning stage management by a book is like learning how to kayak by a book - sure you will "learn the basics", but at the end you sort of need to be in the water.


I would strongly suggest adding a minor at this point, get your feet wet, and move forward on your other degree.  You have changed you mind once, you may find that theater is a passion and love, but perhaps not the best career choice.  (I know a lot of people who love theater, have a calling to be a stage manager, yet, struggle for years trying to make it a career.)  See if you can find a summer internship at a summer theater - doing ANYTHING - and get to know the whole world of production.  You may make zero money, but you will learn what about the theater really excites you.

Contact someone at KCRep and ask if you can do an observation of a show being run or called or teched - and start absorbing the process - who does what when.    (This is from their web page . . . )

Quote
Arts Management Volunteer Opportunities are designed for college-age candidates who intend to make arts administration their profession. Schedules are negotiable, but would typically fall between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday- Friday.  These opportunities are unpaid but students are encouraged to apply for college credit through their respective universities.

All student volunteers will be provided with hands-on, real world experience in a professional theatre environment. Student volunteers will be full members of their departments, requiring them to attend appropriate departmental and staff meetings. The KC Rep Theatre’s staff will provide each student volunteer with training, guidance, and professional knowledge. In addition, student volunteers receive free admission to Rep productions and the opportunity to visit and tour other local arts organizations. To apply, please contact 816.235.2707 or educate@kcrep.org.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Job Shadowing Program gives local high school and college-aged students an opportunity to shadow a member of KC Rep’s professional staff for a day or an event as a slice-of-work life view into a career in the theatre or arts administration. Interested students need to be recommended by a member of their  teaching staff and signed parental permission is required. To apply, please contact 816.235.2707 or educate@kcrep.org.

Stage Managing and Directing are wildly different fields - try be able to do a little of each - there are two very different paths to a career in each of these.  But the more you learn about the life of a show, and how shows are produced - you may find your calling somewhere in there - and help get focus.  Once you get focus on where you want to go - there maybe an obvious path to get there.

Also, you don't a degree in theater to do theater - we are wildly diverse group of people with wildly different backgrounds (I was a psych / pre-divinity major - no snickering for those that know me).

But, who knows you may be able to combine your love for theater and journalism down the line.
« Last Edit: Feb 25, 2013, 11:18 pm by MatthewShiner »
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KMC

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I'd stick with your current plan and add a minor.  By having a journalism degree you're not locking yourself into journalism, and you don't need a degree in theatre to do theatre.  Following that, just because someone has a degree in theatre doesn't mean they're guaranteed to do theatre (by their own choice or, more often, a lack of paying work). 

It's quite a romantic notion to sit in the audience of a show and watch the curtain go up or be regaled by friends' war stories of how the show went on despite the longest of odds, but if you've got no experience I would second Matthew's question of how do you know this is what you want?

I can speak from a bit of experience on your situation - I didn't go in to school with Stage Management as my declared major.  It wasn't until after I did a professional internship that I realized I wanted to stage manage for the rest of my life.  I was good at it, and I loved doing it.  I was certain it was the career for me.  I switched into the SM program, completed it, and worked professionally.  That internship was 11 years ago this summer, and guess what - I'm no longer stage managing. 

Can you handle long hours for extremely low pay - possibly into your 30s? 
Can you handle sacrificing your nights/weeks consistently and everything that goes with it?  Your social life is wildly different from anyone outside of theatre due to the hours, relationships with folks in 9-5 industries are challenging, you'll miss holidays with loved ones, important family events, weddings, funerals, etc...
Can you handle not being appreciated for the work you do?
The list goes on...

You've changed your mind once, it's likely you will again - maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next year - but it's likely you will.  That's not to say don't follow your dreams or don't pursue your passions, but proceed with a bit of caution.  We must crawl before we can walk.  Get your feet wet and see if it's really for you. 
« Last Edit: Feb 26, 2013, 08:38 am by kmc307 »
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BARussell

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Unlike the other guys I did go to college already knowing I was going to get my BFA in Stage Management, BUT, and this is a huge but, I wouldn't say that was my best decision ever, nor is it necessarily the path to go especially not if it involves more years of schooling.

Before you make any decision I would do a bit more research. You will find a lot on these boards and they may help you to fully realize what comes with this career field. Shadow a few stage managers so you get the chance to really see what they do. Interview a few about their lives, is this the type of life you want to have? Experience an internship or apprenticeship. Read these boards you will see some great stories and a lot of all too common horror stories. Check out some job postings on Backstagejobs, Playbill, Artsearch, look at what is or isn't offered would these be the types of jobs you want to take how do these stack up to your dreams, cause you will have to wade through a lot of that to get there. Ask students in the program to tell you about it, but not at an open house, do it at a party or in the dining hall you will get real candid answers. Consider why you want to do this, if it's not because you love stage managing/directing (which you have never done) and cant see yourself doing anything else, you should really reconsider.

Now if you get through all of that and decide you still want to pursue it, don't waste time adding more years of school. I would say if you really feel like you have to, then get a minor. But I really wouldn't bother with it, gain experience, start working and making connections and building a resume.
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