On August 26 I head off to college...who's got advice for the newbie? I'm just wondering what you guys have learned about breaking into already established departments, making yourself known, wining and dining department heads, working up the ladder?
I figure it'll be a big change for me, going from being lead designer and carp to sweeping the floor and sorting screws while the upperclassmen get all the fun.
There has been some good advice posted, and I have had to think about what to say.
First of all, I don't think that you should be looking to "
break in" to the department. It isn't like high school where in most school the people who work backstage are like an exclusive club. You don't need to suck-up to people or "wine and dine" them, you just need to prove that you are a competent technician and student. They want to see that you are learning something and applying it, and they want to see you make progress.
Sure, it is a big change going from the top of the HS food chain to the bottom of the pecking order at college, but that is life. You will find that many freshman technicians in college have a case of the "big fish in a small pond" syndrome. Generally the first year
theatre courses at colleges are designed to make sure that everyone is on the same plane in their knowledge. So you may take classes on things that you already know, while the kid next to you doesn't. Then you might go to your next class, which is on something that you don't really know a lot about, but that kid next to you does. While some of those classes may seem boring to you, pay attention, because you will inevitably learn something new.
As every
theatre program is run differently, everyone come from places with different expectations. Some people are working productions for credit, some not,
etc. The biggest thing that you want to do is learn all you can. ASK QUESTIONS!! Don't just do what you are told because you are told to, or because that is how you were taught to in class. Find out why. Find out why you use XYZ fastener to built one type of set piece but not another. As the LD why he chose that funky color. This extends beyond the faculty, ask the other students why they do things the way they do. Sometimes you might not get a good answer, and you will learn which students are more apt to teach, but usually they are willing to help out.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. That is what college is for. It is ok to try out some idea and have it totally fail (the faculty will (well should) make sure that nothing is unsafe). Along the same lines, don't be afraid to ask for help! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of maturity. Sometimes we just get overwhelmed by work, or we just don't know how to
tackle a project, and asking for help is very important. Hopefully the faculty and upperclassmen are willing to give you some time when you need help.
Don't forget about your classwork. While
theatre is a very hands on field, you have to remember that your classes are the most important thing when you are at school. Sure, your production assignment (the shows you work on) are important, but that is only one aspect of your college career. Also, chances are if your grades suffer you won't get the positions you want on shows or you may not even be allowed to work shows.
On the flip side of that, if you find that you have free time, volunteer. If people see that you are willing to come in and help out on shows that you are not assigned to, it makes you look good. However, it can be a double edged sword in that you don't want to get so involved that other aspects of your college career or just your life in general suffer.
Do something outside of
theatre! It doesn't matter what, just find something that gets you out of the department. Join the ultimate frisbee team, go swim, take that photography class you always wanted to take, take music lessons, just do something. College is a great time to get into things that you like to do, or study things that interest you. If you have always been fascinated by something, find a course on it. You are paying a lot of money to be at school, make it worth it!
Don't be afraid to change your mind, or don't go in with a fixed mindset. What I mean here, is don't go into school thinking that you want to be a
lighting designer (or whatever). If you take a class on costuming and you find you like it, take an advanced class, don't write it off because you think that you don't want to do it. I know many people who came into school thinking they want to be X, but found out that they really wanted to be Y. So don't tie yourself down, leave your options open, and explore them, find what turns you on.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN! College should be a fun time, sure it is hard work, but you should enjoy it. If you aren't enjoying what you are doing you should find something you do enjoy. College is an expensive investment, so if you are not enjoying what you are doing then you are just throwing money away.
Hope that helps a little.
