BWW Blog: Back to School - Get Involved...But Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin

After making the big decision of which college you are going to, you are bombarded with even more decisions after you enter college. Which classes should you take? What clubs should you join? And as a theatre major, what shows should you audition for or get involved with? All these choices can be very overwhelming while also trying to adjust to a completely new life away from home. So while I highly encourage all freshman to get involved in their campus life right away, specifically the theatre scene, don't spread yourself too thin first semester. I encourage you to choose wisely which activities and groups you want to get involved with based on what you are looking to get out of the experience and your goals for first semester. Go the activity fair and get a chance to meet with student representatives from different groups! Attend lots of meetings to get a feel for where you feel you would fit best and then after exploring your options make the decision of what is right for you.

Most campuses usually have multiple theatre groups that you can become a part of, so find the group where you feel you can thrive most. Ask lots of questions and most importantly find out what shows and events each group is running so you can select your activities based on your passions for certain productions! You may feel obligated to audition for certain groups because you think that group will "look better on a resume", but as a freshman what I think is most important is that you follow your interests, because ultimately you will be happier.

If the student run theatre group is doing a production you've wanted to be involved in your whole life but you feel obligated to audition for a show you feel less passionately about with your school's department, audition for the show you feel passionately about! Don't stress about which production groups to get involved with your first semester because you have your whole college career to explore all the options.

I think what is most important in your first semester is finding something that will excite you and introduce you to new friends. You don't want to be stressed out participating in a production you have no interest in, because that may give you a false sense of negativity towards your school's theatre program. I believe that if you follow your passion, you won't experience this because you will be trusting your instincts and doing what makes you happy, not what others tell you you should be doing.

Also, it is so important to get involved on campus but don't overload your schedule! This can make the initial adjustment to college much harder. Like I said there is no rush: you have plenty of time to explore all the different groups and activities your school has to offer. It can often be very difficult but try to find a balance of schoolwork, activities and socializing that works and feels best for who you are as a person.