Yesterday, I discussed my hateful and disturbing statement of “Or Not.” Today I explore my second more annoying statement, “That Says Something Interesting About You.” At this time of year one of the most resonating questions I hear from my actors is centered on whether they should go to college, pursue theatre in college, be part of a BA program, or audition for a BFA program in Acting. With the most caring and sincere of intentions they dog me down for my answer – (as if I did, indeed, have an answer). To help them find some resolution, I ask them to look at the evidence – – evidence from their own world.
If you have been a student to do all you can to miss classes, skip class, and wish classes away with your word and deed – then perhaps the universe is questioning whether you should be pursuing college. Your class skipping ways do NOT need to punished or even reprimanded; they need to be heard. They are the most valuable clues you will ever have. Why would you want to go on to MORE school when you didn’t like the SCHOOL you have been at? That does say something interesting about you!
Then the theatre question: Should I major in theatre in college. My response: well, let’s look over your recent summer – – how much of it was spent in the world of theatre? Were you doing theatre, watching theatre, or dreaming theatre? And if there was no theatre around you, did you find yourself reading plays? If you did, I think a BA in Theatre may be in your future. But, if you didn’t read a handful of plays last year that were NOT ASSIGNED and NOT given grade credit, then you should not head this way in college. Why go so far to feed a hunger that you don’t even have? Don’t feel bad about not reading plays – but respect this choice as a clue for your future. No evidence of reading plays in your free time? That says something interesting about you!
Now the big BFA question: Is the highly risky, costly and gamble of an education – the BFA – the best choice for you. Look at what gave you pride and enthusiasm in high school. Were you most alive and proud when you were on stage in front of an audience? Was that the sweet nectar you got drunk on? Then I say NO. NO NO NO You are NOT meant to pursue the BFA. But, if your sweetest, most alive theatre moments happened in the theatre classrooms, movement classes, dance classes, late night character analysis sessions and monologue preparations – then you, my friend, are being given clues that the BFA might be in your best interest.
No one needs to tell you your college path. Your high school path has been sending you clue after clue in high school. Never trust what you say – it is far to easy to be flattered and lie. Trust what you have done. Trust your choices – – THAT and THAT alone will say the most interesting things about you.!