Congratulations you got into theatre school! Now you might be freaking out so here are some helpful things to remember going into your first year.

1. Getting your Body Ready for Movement

You will be moving so much so adding a little stretch and cardio to your routine will make the start of school so much easier. During my first month of theatre school my feet swelled up two shoe sizes! This made it very hard for my tap shoes to fit and it hurt like hell. It is safe to say that if I had added a bit more movement to my routine I could’ve spared myself some pain.

Getting set up with a physio therapist is also a good idea. For myself, a bunch of aches and pains came to the surface when I started school so going to physio was life-changing. If money is an issue you can check if your school offers free services or what your student benefits cover. Even connecting with your dance teachers about certain pain you’re experiencing is helpful. While they are not doctors and cannot diagnose you, dancers have an incredible knowledge base of the body and can give you stretches and helpful tips.

Last but not least, remember to be kind to your body throughout this journey. Your body is your instrument and it needs to be cared for. Love your body for what it can do for you and never punish it for what it can’t do.

2. Learn to Meal Prep

On the topic of loving your body it also important remember to eat. You will be at school for so many hours and moving so much so you will need a ton of food. I keep a box of granola bars in my locker and I pack an insane lunch/dinner. In classes, you are gonna be learning is much and pushing your body and mind the last thing you wanna think about is hunger. So get lots of snacks, plan your meals, and DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST!!!

Meal plans help your body and also your bank account. Daily trips to Subway add up incredibly fast and they also take up quite a bit of time. However, sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself so I have reward system. If I have a particularly hard class I get a treat. This can be as simple as a bevy from the vending machine or a full blown feast from Edo. I also know people who only buy their lunch every second Friday which is a good little routine. It’s all about finding balance that is good for you and your bank account.

3. Get Comfy Confident Clothes

In my first week of school nothing humbled me quite like the constant sweat and the inability to dress cute. I know some people who still come to class in cute clothes and they look wonderful… That is just not my journey. For me personally, I have to be in the most moveable clothes at all times. I have literally never worn jeans to school. Instead I am in leggings, sweats, and other workout wear. Remember that your clothes should fit comfortably and that the last thing you want is to be adjusting your clothes while you’re learning hard choreo. And for my readers with boobs invest in a few good sports bras.

4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

I still haven’t gotten this one quite yet but I am working on it.

When I walked into theatre school I was so intimidated and threatened. All I saw was all these incredibly talented people who were better than me in every way. Unfortunately, this overwhelming talent from your peers never goes away. In this industry, there will always be someone who is better than you and you just have to get used to it. What helps me the most is remembering that me and every student in the room got accepted into the same program.

Remember that you are at school to learn. You are not a finished product yet and that is how it supposed to be. A great mantra for me is, “I am here to improve not impress.”

Also keep in mind that teachers do notice the really talented people but they also notice who has a good attitude, who practices, and who is always prepared and organized. Just because you can’t belt yet doesn’t mean you can’t be a good student and it doesn’t mean you won’t get work when you graduate.

Keep working hard and don’t let your insecurities get in the way of making friends. Jealousy is totally valid but you are also about to meet some of the best people and your future friends. So, remember to encourage everyone (even if they seem like they don’t need it) and don’t prey for anyone’s downfall, it won’t get you anywhere. The people you meet in school will eventually be your colleagues so do not underestimate the power of good friendships and connections.

5. Listen to Musicals and Read Plays

This one is pretty obvious but it is worth mentioning.

There will be people in your classes who know literally everything about every broadway show that has ever happened and good for them. If you’re not there yet that is okay. This is where Spotify Radio has been my best friend. Just start with the show tunes you already know and Spotify will help you expand your knowledge (this is not sponsored I swear).

As for plays go to your local library and see what’s there. Also feel free to email your teachers before school starts and ask them for their recommendations. They will be super knowledgable and it also makes a good first impression on your part.

Expanding your knowledge base like this is super helpful. Remember, whether you’re listening or reading to write down the songs/monologues you like. This will make picking repertoire in the future a lot easier.

6. How to read sheet music

This is a big one but it is not as intimidating as it seems.

Being completely honest, this is the biggest struggle I have seen with my classmates. Yes, there are a few broadway actors who can’t read sheet music but they have nepotism! Even if you just know the basics you will have one less thing to grapple with. Start practicing recognizing notes on sheet music and the piano. There is endless resources for musicians to learn these skills.

Now, I don’t know if every school is like this but for my school music theory was quite challenging for a lot of students. So try and get yourself a little bit ahead of the curve before the year starts. If music theory isn’t your strong suit, meet with your teacher and see how you can improve outside of class. And do not underestimate the GPA boosting powers of extra credit assignments.

7. Learn How to Recover from Mistakes

This is another one I am still learning.

In my first year I had to constantly remind myself to have fun and it was hard! But remember, you are no doubt gonna mess up and do cringey things in school and it is okay. School is there for risks and it is what is most amazing about it. Remember that you are about to enter an incredibly exciting moment of your life and you will get out of it what you put in to it. Make mistakes it’s gonna be okay!

Also see if your school has counselling services to help take some pressure of yourself. For me personally, a lot of mental health issues came up when I started school and I was lucky enough to be able to use the therapy services on campus. It is important to take care of yourself and you don’t have to carry any burden alone. Just remember that these services fill up quickly so try your best to set up an appointment in the first week of school.

I hope this post gave you some peace of mind and helps you a little bit on your journey. It’s okay if you still don’t feel ready to start, I don’t think anybody does. But, I am sure you will have an amazing back to school experience and I’m so excited that you are starting this phase of your life.

Please let me know if I left out any helpful tips and share your experiences in the comment section.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Camryn