I’m in the process of moving to a new apartment, just three miles away in another Brooklyn neighborhood. But this move feels big—I’ve lived in my current place for 11 years, the longest I’ve lived anywhere. I moved in the same month I started as an editorial assistant at American Theatre magazine. It was my first post-college lease, and like so many other theatre graduates, I felt rudderless after graduation and entirely overwhelmed by the transition to the “real world” in New York City. Before landing at American Theatre, I worked as a hostess, sales associate, and nanny—sometimes all on the same day, running from one side of Manhattan to another to clock into shifts. No theatre program could have prepared me for life as a 22-year-old who needed to pay bills in New York.
That’s why I loved the latest issue of American Theatre magazine, especially the article “Unfinished Business: What Theatre Schools Should Also Be Teaching,” which discusses how programs are better preparing students with career-oriented classes and 21st-century industry training. Thank goodness!
The piece “Schooled: Where Young People Are Catching the Theatre Bug” is a wonderful reminder of the importance of school drama programs, whether they provide students with transformative experiences or serve as a launching pad for careers in the arts.
As I pack up my life into countless boxes, I can’t help but think of myself in 2014—completely unmoored, wide-eyed, and unsure of what the next decade would hold. I wanted more than anything to build a creative life in New York, and while I may not have continued to pursue the stage, my life in the press room and the audience has been incredibly fulfilling.
In fact, it’s overflowing. I had to order double the recommended amount of book boxes from the moving company to transport my back issues of American Theatre, TCG books, and Playbills. All tangible evidence of a decade well spent after graduation, thanks in part to the teachers, mentors, and editors along the way.
So keep up the great work—no matter where your students end up, your impact is meaningful.
Around the Web
- Theatre for Young Audiences USA and Theater League of Kansas City have partnered to create the TYA Fund to support midsize TYA companies.
- Bobb Cooper, executive producer of Valley Youth Theatre, has announced his retirement after nearly three decades leading the organization.
- In 2026, James Bundy will step down as Yale Rep artistic director and Drama Dean.
- Check out the Educational Theatre Association’s statement about the executive order to eliminate the Department of Education.
- Love this piece on how a drama program in Madero, Calif., is helping sixth-grade students improve literacy and build confidence.
- Check out this short film project featuring future arts education leaders.
- There’s an exhibit at the MoMa called “The Art of the Educator,” featuring works by NYC Public School teachers, on display through April 27th.
- It’s college audition season! Here’s advice for students selecting audition material for college programs.
On Social Media
Teachers, what is your advice for students auditioning for college programs?
AT Readers Respond:
Jason Lasky
Sleep the night before. Eat your power food. Drink water. Arrive early enough that you can ground yourself & properly warm up. Be polite to everyone. Look everyone in the eye, including whoever you imagine you’re talking to during the monologue(s). Have fun. Forget about it after you leave because you know you brought your A-game.
Marcus Raye Pérez
They don’t want to see the idea of a good actor. They want to see you. Focus on you and what you can provide. Nobody can be everything. Just be you.
Eileen Schuyler
Know the play, the character, the circumstances, your goals through and through. Do your monologue for some people you respect before you present it at auditions. You want to be as comfortable as possible so nerves don’t get the better of you.
Brandon Bruce
Yes to all the above, but above all else, know that this is just one audition. Not getting into the program you want is NOT the end of your career. Oftentimes rejections are blessings in disguise. Maintain your sense of identity and be who you are.
Read more great responses here.
From the Archives
Who You Are Is All You Have: Truthfulness in the Audition Process
This 2021 preview of Nicole Hodges Persley and Monica White Ndounou’s book offers practical audition techniques for actors of the global majority.
