BWW Blog: Back to School - Five Things I Wish I Knew Before College

It's back to school season all around the country and for most, that means returning to school to continue working towards that degree. However, there are some just beginning their college experience and for those in theatre programs especially, it can be a very exciting, challenging, and confusing time. You're trying to navigate an entirely new school (maybe even a new city or state), you're trying to establish connections and make friends, and you're also trying to take the first steps into independent adulthood for the first time. There's a lot going on and let's be honest, at this point we're all winging it. Going into my fourth year in a theatre program, I've learned a lot about how to make this process easier. I'm sharing some of my biggest tips and suggestions to help get you through your first semester in your new college theatre program.

Don't Be Afraid to Talk to People

It doesn't matter how big or small your program is, you will be working closely with your peers. These people will become your family. So while waiting for orientation to start, socialize a bit! You probably don't know anybody at your new school. Well neither do they! Start talking to the students around you. Easier said than done, right? If you're stuck and unsure how to start a conversation, my go-to is to drop a compliment. It will make them feel great and give them a good first impression of you. If you're already waiting on your first class to begin, why not chat with the people around you? You're going to see these people often, so might as well be friendly. Kindness goes such a long way.

Leave the Ego Behind

I've had my fair share of run-ins with people who are stuck in the glory days of high school. This is an entirely new place with entirely new people. It's time to start fresh. If you played the lead in every high school production you did, that's great! Be proud of your accomplishments! But that's the case for a lot of other people around you, too. (I promise you there are at least five other girls who also played Elle Woods their junior year in your program.) Everyone at your school went through the same process as you. You all auditioned and you all got in. Some people get caught up in the idea that they are better performers than everyone else around them. Here's the thing: you are all in an educational theatre program. Everyone is there to learn and prepare themselves for a career in the theatre industry. Having a diva attitude won't get you anywhere. However, being humble will. So talk about past shows you've done when it's appropriate, but don't let yourself feel superior to others because you played Pippin and they were King Charlemagne.

See All the Theatre You Can

Nothing is more educational than seeing theatre. Don't pass up any opportunity to see a show when you can! Whether it's a local high school production, a show your college is working on, or a professional tour, go see it! You can learn a lot from seeing how other people interpret shows. And don't just see musicals, go see plays, too! The more obscure and unknown, the better. A big part of your education will be reading scripts and learning about playwrights and pieces considered to be in the canon. But there is SO much more out there besides Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. There is always a way to get cheap tickets, too. You just have to do your research. Also, even if you aren't cast or chosen to stage manage your school's mainstage, go support your friends anyway. They'll appreciate your presence so much! Plus, it's always fun to watch someone you know kill it on the stage.

Let it Go

It's time to take some advice from Ice Queen Elsa herself and know when it's time to let it go. It sucks not being cast. We all know this. Everyone who's ever auditioned for anything knows that pain when the cast list comes out and your name is nowhere to be found. This industry is all about rejection. The faster you come to that realization, the better off you will be. This doesn't mean you shouldn't continue with your career or give up your dreams! When I get another no, I follow a simple process to prevent me from lingering in the sadness.

First things first, when you find out about not getting cast, be professional. If you're at a callboard and a list is posted, it's not the best place for a freak-out. It could affect your future auditions at your school if a director sees you having a negative attitude towards not being cast. When you're alone or with a trusted friend, you're allowed to feel what you feel! Go ahead and cry it out or scream into a pillow. There are a lot of emotions attached to auditioning. Especially if you got a callback. But set a time limit for yourself. Don't throw a pity party for a week. Personally, I give myself five minutes for a cry fest. You may want more time! It's perfectly fine to take an hour alone in your room to readjust. But once your time is up, your time is up. The next step is to make a plan of action. Determine what you're going to do next. What could you have done better? How are you going to better prepare yourself for next time? If there are auditions in a month, maybe start working on your audition pieces now. It's never too early to prepare. Focus on your plan of action. This will benefit you tremendously. Working towards a goal will help get your mind off of it and also help you get ready for the next thing.

Say Yes

This is something I didn't start doing until my second year of college and I wish I had done it sooner. We've all had those moments where a friend invites you to do something spontaneous and last minute. Introverts, I know your heart just started pounding, but hear me out. Start saying yes. My real college experience started one night at 10 PM after I had showered and gotten in bed (I know that's early, but it was a Wednesday, okay?) and I received a text from one of my friends. She asked me to come over to hang out. Despite the fact I never said yes to anything unless it was a week in advance, I agreed. I threw on some jeans, caught a cab, and I was there by 10:15. That night, we went to Wendy's at 1 AM with a couple of other girls and it was genuinely one of the best nights of my life. (Something about laughing hysterically in public obscenely late is great for bonding.) From then on, I said yes to things I never would've said yes to. I went to concerts for artists I didn't know that well, I joined clubs, went out dancing on a whim, helped my friends shop for dates, stopped for drinks when I was on my way home. Sure, these things don't sound outrageous, but it was unexplored territory. It also made me a better friend. When they call me at midnight crying about a boy, I'm the one who hops on the subway or in the cab to pick them up for a spontaneous sleepover and I know they would do the same for me. Saying yes to all of these opportunities has brought me the best and closest friends I could've ever imagined. Those friends are an absolute necessity to get me through this crazy college program.

So incoming freshmen, congratulations on making it to college! You are in for an incredible ride. Focus on your studies, but don't forget to have fun and schedule time for yourself. I challenge you to talk to people you don't know, drop the ego, experience as much theatre as possible, don't let rejection get you down, and say yes to every opportunity you can. Keep these things in mind as you go through your first semester and beyond because I promise it will bring you some of the most magical moments you'll never forget. Good luck!