Top Things Learned Pt 2
Top Things Learned from majoring in Theatre (that aren't about theatre)
- How to work hard beyond the circumstances. Sometimes the circumstances just aren't fun- whether its a gross acting partner, or a role you didn't want, or even a horrible paper that you know you won't do well on. Being a theatre major taught me to think beyond the bad circumstances. I shouldn't work hard just because of the grade. Rather, I should work hard always because my work affects others greatly (like when doing a show). I should also take pride and joy in working hard for myself not because I'm told too or because I have to.
- How to see benefit in something that appears negative. Very similar to the above, but very different at the same time. There is always something positive you can gain from something that seems so bad. When I got stuck in a crew position, I didn't want, I had to find the positive so that I could make it through. During that time I crafted relationships that with people who have become good friends. I also learned new skills that I have been using post-graduation. It was exactly what I needed at that time in my life and I just didn't know it.It is easy to label experiences right from the start, but be patient because you never know what will become positive.
- How to not complain. But really, Tech week is long. Plus school. Plus a social life. Plus life. Yeah... I learned early on that I am my own responsibility. I have a brain and it is my responsibility to use it. It is my own choice to procrastinate on the paper until midnight, even though I have an 8am class the next day followed by a scene I haven't memorized, plus an off-book day. It is my own choice. But it is also my responsibility to realize the consequences and if I'm okay with them. If I choose to accept that I am also choosing to not complain about the choices I made later.
- How to enjoy the moment. There are many times that you sit in the theatre: while directors are talking, while the lights are being fixes, while your offstage, or just while you're onstage and frozen. I had to learn how to enjoy right then and there. Who cares if a queue to queue was taking longer than normal-I was surrounded by people I love and doing what I love. Enjoy the process and moments.
- How to be self disciplined. Arguably this is one of THE most important skills that I have learned being a theatre major. Even more than time management (which is very important). There are many times your professors or directors aren't focused on you. It is easy to slide by. So it is up to you, the actor, to work on yourself. I learned how to work my character even though I was in the ensemble. I learned how to spur myself on to not just memorize lines but commit them fully to my memory and emotions. I learned how to work independently while still working on a team. All thanks to realizing that I needed to push myself.
- How to appreciate each role. No matter the role: the lead actress, the quick-dresser, the stage manager, the set builder, or the person who designs the poster : you are important and play a vital role in the whole process. And it is every person's job to remember that and be respectful of all who are involved.
- How to take risks. This was big. I don't just mean taking risks emotionally onstage. Theatre majors take risks all the time. We take risks in our friendships when we have to put rehearsal before a birthday party. We take risks when we walk into the professors office the first day of class and ask if we can reschedule the exam because there's an audition we want to attend. We take risks when we get up during class to perform a new song in front of our peers and when we stand there listening to them give constructive criticism. We take risks and we are better because of it.
- How to learn quickly. This is a skills that I picked up but didn't realize until right before graduation. Unlike some other majors, theatre majors can learn quickly. We can memorize a sonnet in 20 minutes! We can learn a piece of music in a day or a dance combo in less than an hour. Why? It's our job. We hope one day to get paid to learn a show quickly and accurately. instead of spending time freaking out that we are re-choreographing a whole song fro the musical, or that instead of this play we were supposed to read that play for class the next day, we just do it.
All of these skills are transferable skills. They are things I can take (and have) with me to multiple jobs or places in life that aren't theatre related. I am blessed to have learned what I learned.