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Your Big Break

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Many hopefuls begin their performing arts journey as children, enrolled in dance classes, music lessons, acting companies, choirs, and other activities. For most of these kids, the arts are a fun release and a neat way to interact with other kids.

Down the line, some kids begin to envision themselves in a career in the performing arts. For many, their dreams of performing lure them into studying more disciplines and even pursuing post secondary institutions that offer programs in drama, dance, film, writing or music.

Many of my students have had similar dreams. Some have competed in Canadian Idol auditions. Some have had great success performing in plays and/or musicals at the community or high school level. Some have competed in dance and won numerous accolades. But one thing ties them all together...their desire.

It is wonderful to hear from past students who are now teaching music lessons, working in independant films or who are signed by an agent and actively auditioning for musical theatre roles. But, there are others who have had to resort to a secondary career choice when the performing arts did not seem to have a place for them.

Talent is most certainly necessary and without it, there isn't much hope of a career in this highly competitive and changing field. But talent is only one small component. Hard work, determination, drive and sacrifice are equally if not more important than talent itself.

Many people think doing performing arts activities is all fun. They don't know the work that goes into every production from the long rehearsals to the memorization of lines or choreography to the private practice time required by each participant. They don't know the sacrifices made by the performers.

Performing arts post secondary school is not an easy diploma. In fact, it's a lot harder than many academic courses. Students are still expected to do written assignments, reading assignments and exams but along with the academics comes a list of stretch classes, dance classes, vocal training, ensemble work, scene study, memorization of songs and/or lines, and a ton of rehearsal time on top of the daily class work.

To top it all off, once a student graduates from a performing arts program, jobs are hard to find. Usually the graduate will try to get signed by a good agent. Agents are necessary and can help you get auditions and work. You'll also need a portfolio including pictures. All of this costs money.

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