BWW BLOG: What I Learned From High School Theatre

Jess here. As some of you may know, I just graduated from a performing arts high school. Now that I'm on summer vacation I've taken some time to reflect upon my experiences in the high school theatre world. I thought I'd share some observations/insight with my fellow thespians, and attempt to shed a little light on topics that remain a mystery.

Number One: Stop comparing yourself to others.

I know this is a cliché, but it seems like everyone continually does it, myself included. I can honestly say that there were points of misery in high school because I made myself feel like I was less than the students who I thought were "better than me." That's not to say that I don't still do it, but I'm trying my best to stop because that mindset is destructive and unhealthy. Just because someone can do something better than you doesn't mean they're superior to you. Everyone is an individual with strengths and weaknesses that vary based on the task at hand. If someone is constantly telling you that another actor/singer/dancer is better than you, what good is that? Stating an opinion based on comparison rather than offering constructive criticism provides no solution. When an issue is brought to your attention, you work hard to remedy it. You do it for yourself and your passion for the craft, not to be better than someone else.

Number Two: Taste is subjective.

We've all had that one director who doesn't seem to appreciate your talent. BY NO MEANS does this mean that you're untalented, it's usually just that the director may not see you in a specific role or show. There are plenty of other directors who are looking for someone just like you, and when you find each other you'll both know that it's a perfect fit. Imagine it like genres in music. One person may love bluegrass country, but another person may think that hip hop is the best music of all time. This doesn't mean that country is bad or hip hop is bad, it just means that people have different tastes. I know it's hard, especially since your directors are probably also your teachers (that you'll have for four years) but once you let go of the need to be appreciated by every director, you can focus more on improving yourself rather than trying to change to fit someone else's image.

Number Three: Get educated.

This can translate into anything; whether you want to master a skill, expand your knowledge of shows, or learn the history of the business. If you become educated, it's fairly difficult not to be a step ahead. If you're scared of dance, practice until you feel confident. If you want more material, go online and find new shows. Education doesn't have to occur in a classroom; in fact, some of the best things for you to learn are readily available in your own neighborhood, or even at your fingertips. The internet hosts anything and everything, so why not take the initiative to educate yourself first, rather than waiting to be taught? Theatre is fast paced and hard to break into, so don't be afraid to bring something new to the table.

Number Four: Love it.

This is not me saying that you're required to love Theatre if you don't. If you find something you enjoy more, then go do it! This is me saying that if you can't see yourself doing anything but performing, then you've got to know that this is what you want. If you're going to dedicate time and energy to something as rigorous as Theatre, then why not enjoy it? Theatre is supposed to be fulfilling, so don't be afraid to love it. There is nothing wrong with being a Theatre geek and knowing all the words to every song that plays on the Broadway station. Enjoy the ride. This also applies to being proud of your passion. Being performers, we are no strangers to people belittling our art. My advice to you is to remind the naysayers that without theatre, acting and singing, chances are their favorite song, movie, TV show or fairytale wouldn't exist. Theatre is the art of story-telling, and if they can't appreciate what you love most, then maybe you can help them to expand their interpretation of entertainment.

High school is not forever, and I hope that these years are full of incredible experiences and growth for all. Never forget where you came from, and never stop pushing to make your dreams become reality.

"The art of making art." -Stephen Sondheim