For those of you haven't guessed, I am a 2014 graduate who has spent several years in his high school theatre
all of the tech rehearsals, fast food, and long hours of rehearsals have come to an end.
the questions start to become
Is the theatre is in good hands?
What are you going to do after you graduate?
Is this the end of your theatre career?
Will they remember me?
But I am here to tell you IT'S OKAY.
When you take your last bow on that stage, it isn't just you there are other students who have been through that journey with you, they have shown dedication to this program and are more than likely willing to fight for it. They will support it no matter what, whether if they have 1 audience member or a full house, the theatre is in good hands.
After you graduate, there are a plethora of options to choose from. You could:
--- Become an EdTA pre-professional member and enjoy the benefits that the Association has which you can find here: http://schooltheatre.org/membership/memberbenefits
--- Do community theatre and take college classes.
---Do community theatre and take on a job
---Find an internship at a theatre/production company and get your foot in the door
---Go to college and ask to help out with productions with your old high school or other high school theatre programs
--- Do community theatre
--- Audition for professional theatre companies and work your way towards Actors Equity
In short, there are many options out there for you, the above list was just naming a few off the top of my head...
If you need help, here is a list of community theaters around the United States
http://www.dmoz.org/Arts/Performing_Arts/Theatre/Community_Theatre/United_States/
If you start to believe that it's the end of your theatre career, you're wrong. Your theatre career ends when you want it to end. There are so many opportunities that people seem to neglect, you just need to go and find it.
You are NEVER forgotten. You have had an impact, no matter how big or small on everyone who has been in the theatre while you've been there. You have been apart of their journey. (My theatre teacher taught me this lesson). So if you ever wonder, if you will be remembered, just remember that you were apart of their journey.
I know its hard leaving your high school theatre program, and you're not alone. I was devastated when I took my last bow, knowing that that was the last time i would bow on this stage.
But, the journey is not over, it's just beginning.
As for what I did, I decided to pursue Theatre Education and continue to shape the minds of young students. Plus, I took an extra step... ;)
