Clueless:
High School
Theatre is worthwhile and widely accepted. If people are frustrating you, don't sweat it, and work with what you have with the knowledge that it will all change in a short amount of time. As per college expectations, get in touch with technical directors, designers, and professors at colleges you are interested in, and simply ask them what they look for, and what their expectations are. To get a
theatre scholarship, you'll probably have to show proof of your work, and show general interest in the program. You'll find people can be very helpful and encouraging in the
theatre world. Oh yeah, actors are more likely to get theatre-specific scholarships in a lot of places, so be aware.
Your perspective on outside
theatre is correct, for if nobody knows you or what you are capable of, then you'll not have any say. Not an issue. As time moves on, you'll learn your strengths, and you'll begin to make professional connections. I'd suggest working hard to get academic scholarships, and still majoring in
theatre. Talk to as many people as you can, and find out what the different levels of
theatre undergraduate degrees are.
My biggest setback was that I was a BS in Communication/Arts...not a BFA, and a BS won't go as far. Look into degree requirements. As for getting involved in college
theatre, my undergrad was like most others - if you are interested, just show up. Believe me, people want those that are interested to be involved. I had only done high school and
community theatre before college, and I had no clue what was next. It wasn't until college that I touched a light, and I now hold my MFA in Lighting Design - and believe me when I say that the doors are open beyond my expectations, and I'm meeting new people every day.
Don't sweat the frustrations of high school - it'll be done before you know it.
Hope this helps,
Nic