Student Blog: How to Be a Leader in Your Acting Program

Having the opportunity to study Acting is such an amazing thing. So how can we make the most of our experience?

Becoming a leader in your program, and at your school, helps you stand out to your professors, helps you inspire other students, and encourages you to do your absolute best.

In such a competitive world, this may seem impossible. But here are a few easy things I did to help me become a leader among my classmates!

1. Help create the space you want to work in

You have the power to make your rehearsal & learning space a positive one!

 Just by doing simple things, like saying hi to everyone when they walk through the door, starting conversations, or complimenting someone on a performance, you can set the precedent that your classroom environment is a positive & supportive place to learn and break out of your shell. Doing this will cause others to start to do the same! 

The idea that people in the Theater world need to tear each other down to get to the top is so harmful and, quite frankly, ridiculous. First of all, being kind, friendly, and good to work with, will only open doors for you and help you form connections. But, even then, it’s important to be supportive and celebrate your classmate’s triumphs. Someone else’s success does not equal your own failure!

Your training spaces are not a competition. Everyone has something they are great at, and also something they’re working on. And, if anything, your professor will notice if you are helping to make the room a more collaborative and safe space! That will stand out to any director or professor far more than being “perfect” ever will.

I am so grateful that my class is so supportive and friendly to one another. And I like to think I had a role in making it that way. I learn so much more when I feel lifted up by my peers, and safe to try new things, rather than judged by them. Not to mention it’s so much more fun!

2. Lead by example

Showing up early, always having your lines / scenes prepared, being willing to go first (when you feel comfortable), and raising your hand to answer questions… All of these things are simple, small acts, but they go a long way. I was told last year by one of my classmates that seeing me, and how dedicated and prepared I was, inspired them to do the same. (How sweet is that, by the way?)

But it’s true! Being a leader to your classmates can simply mean doing your best work. Others will notice this, and want to follow in your footsteps (your professors will notice as well). And if everyone does, if more people are on time and prepared, it will benefit the entire group! 

3. Go the extra mile

Go out of your way to help out where you can! One of the main ways I did this last year was by volunteering to show new or prospective students around campus, and answer their questions. 

Before I went to college, one of the main things that helped me through that stressful time was a senior I had met while on my tour. She was so kind, and gave me her number so I could ask her any of my (many) questions. And having at least one familiar face when I started in a brand new place was such a comforting feeling! I knew I wanted to be that presence for someone else. (And, even better? That senior is now one of my closest friends.)

But I quickly became the go-to person for the directors of my program to send new students to! And I love it! I expressed my interest, and they gladly accepted my help. And not only did this help me stick out to the people in charge at my school, I also get to help out the students who are just starting! It’s a win-win!

Being there for someone who might be scared or nervous at the new opportunity may help them more than you know. Even if you aren’t giving tours, be a friendly face for them! Say hi to new students when you see them around campus! Go to their shows and support them! Like I said before, we’re all in this together.

And put your name out there! Send an email to your administrators offering your help with whatever they need! Email your professors at the end of semesters and thank them for their work! Make yourself known to those in charge, and help where you can. Trust me, even small things will be noticed and appreciated.

Let’s make the most of this next school year. Above all, be the absolute best you can be, and help create a safe environment for others to do the same.

Take care of yourselves,

K

(Instagram: katiesgleason ; TikTok: starksnova)