Hi! So, I’m a currently a Junior in a STEM-focused highschool with a huge passion for the arts and want to be a Musical Theatre major (and possibly double major in Biology). I realized I wanted to be a theatre major this year, but now I feel like I’m too late?
I know it’s not too late to pursue acting, for I’m not even 18 yet, but I feel like that ain’t enough for BFA programs. I have experience with musical theatre (I’ve been doing school plays since elementary school), which is great because if I had JUST started I think the odds would probably not be in my favor.
My worry is that because I only have school theatre experience and haven’t done any fancy programs, voice lessons, or acting classes, I’ll be at a disadvantage. I never hear about people that get into really good schools just from doing school plays, they’re always doing something lowkey professional. I feel like BFA programs expect me to have made my broadway debut while I was in the womb and have won at least three Tony’s by now in order to be qualified no matter how many times they claim that not having experience won’t hurt me.😭
I’m trying to hustle around by auditioning for a summer program (which I’m scared I won’t get into), trying to see any community theatres I can join, and even finding voice acting gigs that some friends are doing.
Sorry you had to go through my whining almost; I’m practically exaggerating a lot of what I’m saying, but what I’m trying to say is: am I at a disadvantage for not having crazy experience? As long as I show that I am actively trying to get experience and tell a meaningful story, will that be good enough for colleges? I just want to inspire my younger friends who are now realizing they want to do theatre in the same STEM-focused school that I’m in to follow their heart. I don’t want them to go through the same personal hell I went through. I just would love some advice to soothe the overthinking part of me. If you’ve read all of this, I greatly appreciate it! ♥️