So this is a theatrical blog. Or is it a random blog of daily thoughts? Well lately for the past 3 weeks it has been a silent blog and I apologize for that, but there is a reason. Ive been busy :-). Recently I accepted the job of an Admissions Counselor at my alma mater Jacksonville University, and between a new job and traveling , my time has been limited. But that is changing or at least I am telling my self to make more time.
As actors we come to learn that you can work and work and never get anywhere or you can try and try and never get work. So when that phone call comes sometimes when you are most in need you start to believe the universe is trying to tell you something... and you jump. When I was a student at JU, I was an ambassador for the university; which is a student liaison to show prospective students about what the school has to offer, and I enjoyed it very much. Now to be a counselor and travel to other school and see students to tell the about the school, it is fulfilling as well.
People have asked me, "but you aren't acting, why are you doing this?" I could answer a number of reasons but sometimes it is simple. To be able to examine where you are in your life and where you want to go sometimes you need to take a step back from what you know and do something else you enjoy to take a clear look at the whole picture. So that is what I am doing, and that is not to say there isn't a daily aspect of performing involved anyway. Who knows what the timeline is on the decisions we make in our lives, how long these periods last for or why we do them in the first place. But it is important to remember one thing if I have learned anything in my 25 years. DO NOT do what makes you unhappy it is NOT worth it. Even if it makes you poor. Do what makes you smile every day, do what makes you wake up and just smell the air versus start with a frown. Believe me... its worth it.
V
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Education for Performance Careers? Yes or No?
This subject has been one that I have been personally dealing with for ages now. Do we as performers need training in our craft to succeed? Short answers yes. Long answer...well that has to do with what type of training. We all know there are those diamond in the roughs (who we secretly wish will fall and sprain an ankle...or not) who just are simply and amazingly a talent without any thought at 8:00 in the morning. Then there are those who are talented but need to hone their craft. Or the final ones that have talent but it is hidden deeeeeeeeeep within and just needs the push to come out. But no matter which of these three examples, some type of training is necessary.
There has been discussions over many years the benefits to a masters program in theatre or music on whether is it beneficial to a performance career. There is no doubt that is it a necessity if you plan on a future in the university educational system as the terminal degrees are mostly required to teach. As for the price it costs to get a master's degree theses days, do those who do not intend to teach need to get a masters before jumping into their careers? From my research I feel the answer is dependent on the person. Do they still need more training? Are they just about there but need that last push? Do they shine in one talent but not the other?
The only person that can really answer this question is the actor themselves. In my humble opinion I feel that a BFA is a necessity at the least to round of your training in all aspects of singing, acting and dancing to make you the triple threat that is needed these days to compete with the competition. But if you don't intend to go onto teach then maybe a masters isn't something you feel will help you. We as actors have to remember that we shape out own future, no one else. I have had the hardest time staying true to that motto, and I have plenty more where it came from. The simple fact is that no matter what the world throws at you in your career as an actor or singer, you and only you can figure out how to swing the bat to hit the home run. So take a breath, prep the swing, and hit your future out of the park.
V
There has been discussions over many years the benefits to a masters program in theatre or music on whether is it beneficial to a performance career. There is no doubt that is it a necessity if you plan on a future in the university educational system as the terminal degrees are mostly required to teach. As for the price it costs to get a master's degree theses days, do those who do not intend to teach need to get a masters before jumping into their careers? From my research I feel the answer is dependent on the person. Do they still need more training? Are they just about there but need that last push? Do they shine in one talent but not the other?
The only person that can really answer this question is the actor themselves. In my humble opinion I feel that a BFA is a necessity at the least to round of your training in all aspects of singing, acting and dancing to make you the triple threat that is needed these days to compete with the competition. But if you don't intend to go onto teach then maybe a masters isn't something you feel will help you. We as actors have to remember that we shape out own future, no one else. I have had the hardest time staying true to that motto, and I have plenty more where it came from. The simple fact is that no matter what the world throws at you in your career as an actor or singer, you and only you can figure out how to swing the bat to hit the home run. So take a breath, prep the swing, and hit your future out of the park.
V
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