When you transition from your high school programming, as you move into college, they usually create a program of shows that will help move their students through a wide variety of different styles. As a performer, an actor, you’re learning all these different styles. So that by the time you graduate you’re well-rounded. At the same time knowing full well that once you come to the community theatre you’re more than likely not necessarily going to experience those things again.
The Theatre Geeks continue to put out great content about theatre and performing arts. Last month’s Podcast was an insightful discussion about the transition from high school to college and community theatre. I highly recommend getting your students to have a listen.
I had a tiny bit of contact with community theatre in high school, and it certainly was different from the work my high school was doing. University was a whole different animal with tougher competition, higher production values, etc. I also dabbled in a few community theatres, some very amateur, some very professional. I think the whole of these experiences, wonderful and terrible, high art and nonsense, were all wonderful contributors to preparing me for life as an actor.
