4 answers
Divina
Student
Elmwood Park, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How should students who are majoring in acting go about balancing their school life with work life, school life, personal life, etc., since this is one of the more busy programs to balance?
I am a first-year college student this fall, and the process of college is scary, especially with my intended career. I'm scared I'm going to lose out on downtime and want to know what life is like for acting students.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2583
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Divina !
Since I have gone through the path you're about to take, I would be happy to share some advice and thoughts. First and foremost - do not worry or try to plan your life while being a Theatre Major. Your schedule will be made known to you when you start. You need to approach this path relaxed, excited and full of positive energy. You're going to have enough to deal with and pre-thinking it or worrying about it is not going to be beneficial. So, it's perfectly fine to relax and not over think things.
As an acting student in college, I had a lot of friends and limited extended relatives that lived in the city I studied in. My priority was theatre and acting. It came before anything else. Because of that, it was very easy for me and I made time for things secondary to my commitment to acting. I definitely saw and talked with friends frequently, went to many events, had time to do chores, study for my other courses and just lived life. But acting was my everything. I didn't mind the financial sacrifice and made sure I had time for recreation and auditions, rehearsals and performances. I'm not sure why I never worried about anything, but I see that students are very worried about very much these days.
So, one piece of advice I can give you that may seem daunting, but trust me, I know this first hand. Take your Tech Courses in your first two years. I know, you can take an acting class, too, but get the tech under your belt first off. If your college is anything like mine was, you'll have lab hours for Set Construction and Lab hours and a Practicum for Costuming. If you take your tech required courses first, you can then enjoy all the performance courses and the professors will get to know you as an actress. Take any general education required courses in the Summer Session if your school offers them. Get as many under your belt as you can in the summer and at my college, the summer sessions were much shorter than the semesters.
Apply for Financial Aid and select the Work Study Option so you can work in the theatre department. You can work off your hours based on the hourly wage and can get more information about this at the Financial Aid Office at your college. This way, you can work minimal hours according to and around your class schedule and availability schedule, get more hands on theatre experience and not have to drive off to a job off campus.
You will see that it's really nothing to worry about. Sure, it's one of the most busiest majors there is, but you will be graced with professional, social and personal growth through this experience. It's a new chapter in your life and I think you will greatly enjoy it !
I hope this is something that can help you along and I wish you all the best !
Since I have gone through the path you're about to take, I would be happy to share some advice and thoughts. First and foremost - do not worry or try to plan your life while being a Theatre Major. Your schedule will be made known to you when you start. You need to approach this path relaxed, excited and full of positive energy. You're going to have enough to deal with and pre-thinking it or worrying about it is not going to be beneficial. So, it's perfectly fine to relax and not over think things.
As an acting student in college, I had a lot of friends and limited extended relatives that lived in the city I studied in. My priority was theatre and acting. It came before anything else. Because of that, it was very easy for me and I made time for things secondary to my commitment to acting. I definitely saw and talked with friends frequently, went to many events, had time to do chores, study for my other courses and just lived life. But acting was my everything. I didn't mind the financial sacrifice and made sure I had time for recreation and auditions, rehearsals and performances. I'm not sure why I never worried about anything, but I see that students are very worried about very much these days.
So, one piece of advice I can give you that may seem daunting, but trust me, I know this first hand. Take your Tech Courses in your first two years. I know, you can take an acting class, too, but get the tech under your belt first off. If your college is anything like mine was, you'll have lab hours for Set Construction and Lab hours and a Practicum for Costuming. If you take your tech required courses first, you can then enjoy all the performance courses and the professors will get to know you as an actress. Take any general education required courses in the Summer Session if your school offers them. Get as many under your belt as you can in the summer and at my college, the summer sessions were much shorter than the semesters.
Apply for Financial Aid and select the Work Study Option so you can work in the theatre department. You can work off your hours based on the hourly wage and can get more information about this at the Financial Aid Office at your college. This way, you can work minimal hours according to and around your class schedule and availability schedule, get more hands on theatre experience and not have to drive off to a job off campus.
You will see that it's really nothing to worry about. Sure, it's one of the most busiest majors there is, but you will be graced with professional, social and personal growth through this experience. It's a new chapter in your life and I think you will greatly enjoy it !
I hope this is something that can help you along and I wish you all the best !
Salsabil Kouskoussi
14
Answers
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
Hello Divina!
Balancing everything in a demanding program like acting can be tough, but it’s all about giving yourself permission to shift priorities week by week. Plan in rest like you would a class, protect your energy, and let real life fuel your creativity. In my own career, I find joy in connecting people and creating meaningful moments, just like acting connects with emotion and story. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet. Just stay close to what made you love it in the first place.
It might feel overwhelming now, but you’re more capable than you think. Keep showing up for your dreams.
Balancing everything in a demanding program like acting can be tough, but it’s all about giving yourself permission to shift priorities week by week. Plan in rest like you would a class, protect your energy, and let real life fuel your creativity. In my own career, I find joy in connecting people and creating meaningful moments, just like acting connects with emotion and story. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet. Just stay close to what made you love it in the first place.
It might feel overwhelming now, but you’re more capable than you think. Keep showing up for your dreams.
Jennifer Wilcox
Art/artist promoter
5
Answers
Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Education offers valuable opportunities to try new things and build important connections. While acting skills come naturally, understanding how to navigate show business is essential. Show business thrives on respect among colleagues, which is earned through consistent behavior over time.
Take advantage of college as a low-risk environment to learn from mistakes. Use this time to experiment and grow.
Build connections with your peers and professors, as they can open doors to the professional world.
Balancing a job while in college can be challenging. Prioritize your commitments wisely. Don’t neglect your job, as losing it can have immediate consequences. Similarly, maintain good relationships with your peers to ensure future opportunities.
Remember, grades aren't the focus in auditions. Aim to pass your classes so you can access opportunities and networks. If academics become overwhelming, use your acting skills to negotiate with professors for extensions or alternative assignments. Some students have successfully submitted creative projects instead of traditional essays.
Lastly, college is just one path. There are many other ways to find opportunities and build connections. If college doesn’t work out, it’s not a reflection of your abilities.
Go out there and make your mark!
Take advantage of college as a low-risk environment to learn from mistakes. Use this time to experiment and grow.
Build connections with your peers and professors, as they can open doors to the professional world.
Balancing a job while in college can be challenging. Prioritize your commitments wisely. Don’t neglect your job, as losing it can have immediate consequences. Similarly, maintain good relationships with your peers to ensure future opportunities.
Remember, grades aren't the focus in auditions. Aim to pass your classes so you can access opportunities and networks. If academics become overwhelming, use your acting skills to negotiate with professors for extensions or alternative assignments. Some students have successfully submitted creative projects instead of traditional essays.
Lastly, college is just one path. There are many other ways to find opportunities and build connections. If college doesn’t work out, it’s not a reflection of your abilities.
Go out there and make your mark!
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
Feeling both excited and nervous about starting college, especially in a challenging major like acting, is completely normal. Acting programs are designed to be intense, with a mix of classes, rehearsals, performances, and sometimes even crew work. Balancing school, work, and personal life might seem tough, but with good habits and a positive mindset, you can absolutely do it.
First, let time management be your ally. Acting majors often have packed schedules with classes during the day and rehearsals at night. Using a planner—whether digital or physical—can help you organize your time. Schedule everything: classes, rehearsals, meals, and rest. By structuring your day, you'll feel less overwhelmed and more able to find time for self-care and socializing.
Second, prioritize your emotional and physical well-being by setting boundaries. It's easy to dive in fully when you're passionate, but burnout is a real risk, especially in creative fields. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, no matter how short. This could be journaling, meditating, taking a walk, or hanging out with friends. Having a support network of peers, both in and out of your program, can help keep your mental space healthy.
Third, don't feel pressured to work too many hours, especially in your first year. If you need to work, try finding a job with flexible or limited hours, like an on-campus position that understands student schedules. Many schools offer work-study jobs that consider academic commitments.
Lastly, remember that you don't have to have everything figured out immediately. College is a transition, and it's okay to take time to adjust. Many acting students find that while their schedules are busy, the joy of doing what they love makes it all worthwhile. Reach out to upperclassmen in your program—they often have valuable tips on managing everything and can share what worked for them.
Starting this journey is a big step, but remember: you're not alone, and you're more capable than you think. You'll grow in discipline, creativity, and resilience, and these skills will benefit you not just in your career, but in life overall.
First, let time management be your ally. Acting majors often have packed schedules with classes during the day and rehearsals at night. Using a planner—whether digital or physical—can help you organize your time. Schedule everything: classes, rehearsals, meals, and rest. By structuring your day, you'll feel less overwhelmed and more able to find time for self-care and socializing.
Second, prioritize your emotional and physical well-being by setting boundaries. It's easy to dive in fully when you're passionate, but burnout is a real risk, especially in creative fields. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, no matter how short. This could be journaling, meditating, taking a walk, or hanging out with friends. Having a support network of peers, both in and out of your program, can help keep your mental space healthy.
Third, don't feel pressured to work too many hours, especially in your first year. If you need to work, try finding a job with flexible or limited hours, like an on-campus position that understands student schedules. Many schools offer work-study jobs that consider academic commitments.
Lastly, remember that you don't have to have everything figured out immediately. College is a transition, and it's okay to take time to adjust. Many acting students find that while their schedules are busy, the joy of doing what they love makes it all worthwhile. Reach out to upperclassmen in your program—they often have valuable tips on managing everything and can share what worked for them.
Starting this journey is a big step, but remember: you're not alone, and you're more capable than you think. You'll grow in discipline, creativity, and resilience, and these skills will benefit you not just in your career, but in life overall.