Recently, I was in my college's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was, to put it bluntly, incredible. I played the coveted role of the Wall. You think I'm joking? I'm not. I'm a wall. Just want to stress that, I spent many long hours preparing to be a wall. But I'm a freshman, and as a freshman I'd like to give some perspective for what to expect from a college show, and how it's different than most high school shows. Because most high schools have small theater budgets and, let's be honest, even smaller actors. So here are a few things you can expect getting into your first college show.
First off, expect to memorize your lines, and fast. In college, you have less time to get a show prepared, and as such the director will expect more from you. Plus, the sooner you memorize your lines, the sooner you can focus more on the physicality and the actual "acting" in the performance.
Secondly, expect this to take up about half your life. During tech week, you could spend practically the whole day going through scenes or sitting around waiting for cues. Make sure you bring your homework on those weeks, or at the very least your phone.
Thirdly, expect to hear the ukulele all the time. And I mean aaaalllllllllllllllllll the time. It's only stereotypical because it's true. Calling you out, Arthur, hope you're reading this.
Fourthly (quarterly? nah), try to get to know your fellow actors. When you spend so many hours together, it's like you're a family. I was really lucky because my cast was awesome and they're the best people ever, but I recognize not everyone is quite so lucky. If someone in the cast tries to start drama of the not-fun variety, don't give them the light of day. But try to make friends. In the worst of circumstances, lives can fall apart, but if you work hard and make the best of things, strong bonds can be formed.
Fifthly, expect your costume and set designs to be some next level stuff. I thought I was going to have to get my own outfit- not so! The costume choices are more cohesive in college and ultimately add to make the show a more immersive experience.
Sixthly, expect there not to be so many people on weekdays, even if it's opening night. Same rules for matinees/closing nights. Also, audiences vary WIDELY from night to night, so try to read the room, and try to stay positive no matter what. They're probably loving it even if it's not very loud. Probably. Maybe.
And seventhly (probably should've made this a list, but eh, too late now), expect strange inside jokes that make little to no sense, even when you do know the context. CG. CO-CO-NUT GUNS!
That's all the time I have for you today folks. Remember, act your heart out, and I hope here is a play fitted!
