Recently, I had a conversation with a more than pissed off girl after my first show at Simpson Theatre. I'm a first year and auditioned for all four of the plays, but didn't receive a role until the last play of the year.
However, I wasn't upset or anything when I didn't get a role because I'm a first year still learning the ropes of theatre at Simpson. I've learned so much just being a stage hand, set builder and costumer and I've really enjoyed it.
After the first show, I was talking to one of my friends about how he should get involved with theatre next year. He talked about how he was really considering it. Then this angry girl jumped into the conversation, yelling about how she had auditioned four times for the plays at Simpson and never got anything. She told me that she had worked really hard on her audition pieces, but still didn't get anything. My response was maybe not what she wanted to hear, but I nicely told her, "Well, that's kind of what theatre is all about."
Rejection is something everyone has to learn how to deal with, especially in the arts. This conversation got me thinking about all the other things I learned from being involved in the arts and how some of them can relate to the "real world."
With that being said, here are 15 things I have learned being involved in the arts.
1. Don't throw the towel in yet.
There have been plenty of times I wanted to quit theatre (like most people involved in the arts.) When I came to college and their theatre department was completely different than my high school department, I was quick to judge even though I didn't really try to get to know any of them at all.
I was so close to quitting, but I didn't. I kept with it. Even when you want to walk away because you feel so out of place and inferior, keep going if it's something you truly love.
2. Sometimes it's not about how good you are, it's about who you know.
As much as I wished this wasn't true, it sadly is. Too many times I've seen directors pick favorites and choose who their comfortable with casting instead of giving the just-as-talented person a shot.
Don't be bitter about it; get better from it. Don't take it personally, don't drink because of it or throw a fit seeing the cast list (like the characters depicted below).
3. You're going to work with crazy directors.
But the reason they are crazy is because they are very passionate about their work and how it is portrayed by you. They might look at you like this, but they care way more than you think.
4. However, you're going work with great directors.
Shout out to Dennis Tamblyn, Kristé Johnson, Michael Chaffin, Danny Dunning and Cheryl Even. You have shaped my life and are some of my role models and mentors.
5. Give it your all, especially in those small roles.
Someone will notice. I remember working so hard to get cast in the lead role and getting so close, only to come up short with a very small part in our production. I was so close to quitting, but instead I used that negative energy towards giving it my all in my small role.
After our final show, I remember my director telling me how very impressed she was and how I proved her wrong. So give it your all, even in those small roles.
6. There is always going to be someone better than you.
This happens especially when you go to college because there are a lot of students who are also passionate about the arts; that's why they're majoring or participating in college arts. But don't let that scare or discourage you because you're there too.
7. Rejection is inevitable.
But trust the process, learn from the criticism and don't take it personality.
8. You're going to have to work with people you don't like.
It's inevitable. Not just in the arts, but in life. So get over it, pissed off Emily. Better to learn now.
9. Smile and keep going.
No one will notice that messed up line or dance step if you keep going.
10. When you think you've got enough hairspray and bobby pins, add more.
Enough said.
11. No sane people do theatre.
As the Mad Hatter once said, "We're all mad here." This is a very true statement in theatre. So embrace it.
12. Don't be embarrassed about what you love.
I used to be kind of embarrassed and wouldn't really tell people I was involved in music and theatre because I didn't want to be viewed as a music or theatre geek. I really just hate labels to this day. But I've learned that most people are going to find it really cool that you are so passionate about the arts.
13. Don't ever compare yourself to others.
I am so guilty of this because I've worked with so many talented individuals. But remember focus on your own talents and what you can do to develop them.
14. Live in the moment.
Because you're probably going to look back and miss that show.
15. You will find your family in the arts.
...and make lasting memories with them.
If it wasn't for my mom putting me in theatre 11 years ago, I would have never found my niche. I am so grateful that my mom supported me, told me "the show must go on" when I skinned my knee right before a show and having her see literally every one of my performances.
I would have never found my love for the arts, made the greatest friends and memories and learned all these important lessons about the arts and life in general.
So here's a thank you to all of the people that have supported me throughout my endeavors in the arts. You are what has shaped me and my life.
