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Students and Novice Stage Managers / Should I switch from journalism to theatre major halfway through college?
« on: Feb 25, 2013, 09:29 pm »
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
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