As a theatre teacher, one of your key responsibilities is to help prepare your students for the next phase of their academic journey. For many aspiring young actors, this means applying to college theatre programs. Here are some tips to help your students prepare for and ultimately succeed in their pursuit of admission to the college theatre program of their dreams.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING ROLES – Theatre programs look for students who have taken on challenging roles and have a range of performance experiences. Encourage your students to audition for a variety of roles, including those that may be outside their comfort zone. This will help them build a diverse and impressive resume that showcases their talent and versatility.
DEVELOP THEIR AUDITION SKILLS – Auditioning can be nerve-wracking for even the most seasoned actors. Help your students develop their audition skills by offering mock auditions and feedback sessions. Encourage them to research the theatre program they are interested in and tailor their audition pieces accordingly. This will show the admissions committee that they have done their research and are serious about attending their program.
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION – Theatre is a collaborative art form, and admissions committees want to see that applicants can work well with others. Provide opportunities for your students to work together on projects, whether it be a play or a creative exercise. This will help them develop important teamwork and communication skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.
EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMICS – College theatre programs want students who are not only talented but also academically capable. Encourage your students to prioritize their studies and maintain good grades. Emphasize the importance of taking challenging courses, such as advanced English and history classes, which will help them develop critical thinking skills that are crucial to success in college.
CONNECT THEM WITH ALUMNI AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS – Networking is key in the theatre industry, and having connections can be a major advantage when it comes to getting accepted into a college theatre program. Connect your students with alumni from the theatre programs they are interested in, as well as industry professionals such as casting directors and agents. This will give them valuable insights into what the admissions committees are looking for and help them build relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
FOSTER A LOVE OF THE CRAFT – Above all, the most important thing you can do as a theatre educator is to foster a love of the craft in your students. Help them understand that theatre is not just a means to an end, but a lifelong passion. Encourage them to attend plays and performances, read plays and books about theatre, and continue to hone their skills even outside of the classroom. This will not only make them better actors but will also make them more attractive candidates to college theatre programs.
Helping your students prepare for college theatre programs requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses not only their talent but also their academic and collaborative skills. By following these tips, you can help your students stand out from the crowd and achieve their dreams of attending the college theatre program of their choice.
