BWW Blog: Patti Meadors - Why Suggesting a 'Back Up Plan' May Hurt Young Performers

Ever since a young age, I've known that I wanted to be a performer in musical theatre. My parents have been incredibly supportive of me and have helped me pursue my dreams, which are becoming increasingly real as I apply and begin to audition for college musical theatre programs. Unfortunately, some kids do not have the support I have received.

In school, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say "I'm gonna be on Broadway". As I grew older, the supportive teachers and their loving answers were left in grade school. I had several middle school teachers ask me what I really was going to do. When I inquired what they meant, they pushed to see what my "back up plan" was. This made me believe that I could never be successful as a performer, and that my "Plan B" was actually my "Plan A" in disguise.

I asked my theatre friends if they experienced the same thing, and they all recounted stories of teachers or other adults telling them they needed a realistic job. Many of us felt discouraged by this.

Now, I know that when parents, guardians and others ask about a back up plan, they have the best intentions. They simply want their kids to be happy, something society has defined with being successful. Almost all, if not every kid I've met who performs in theatre and is serious about it as a profession does it because it makes them happy.

I don't expect an entire phrase to be erased from the vocabulary of those associated with aspiring theatre performers. I suggest an alternative phrase to start integrating into the language. When a young person responds with the infamous "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with a performer of any kind, tell them that you are proud or happy about them following their dreams, and ask if they have researched colleges and degrees. Showing genuine interest in their dreams fosters a positive learning environment for their future, and also creates a space where they feel comfortable to change their mind if they desire a different path.

Overall, showing support for your performing loved ones is the most important thing you can do for young minds. If they are serious about performing, they often have thought about the profession and their future, and how they can be successful. And most importantly, doing what you love and being happy with it is the greatest achievement of all.

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