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The Most Valuable Part of Post Secondary Training
~Nadya Corscadden
Reason dictates that a training program's primary goal is to do one thing: it trains you to become the best artist you can be.
Most people also realize that networking with your professors and visiting artists is also useful…so let's bump that up to two primary goals.
A program is helpful for two things: training and networking with industry professionals.
Is that all?
Is it worth it?
Post-secondary training as a performing artist is optional. Many people go on to fabulous careers without it - no degree or certification is required. If you have more specific training needs or cannot commit to a full-time program, creating your own 'program' by taking classes and workshops can sometimes be the best approach…especially if you already have access to a half-decent network of mentors in your field.
In fact, because of the limitations of post-secondary programs, many teachers and mentors argue that post-secondary training is a complete waste of time and money…and sometimes they're right.
Finding a training program that perfectly fits your needs is a complex search; sometimes, the answer is that it doesn't even exist. Additionally, performance-based training programs don't always naturally conform well to academia's structures. Some aspects can become slightly gimmicky or unnecessary. These extra hoops helped the program qualify as an academic degree, but at face value, they are potentially taking up time when you could be working on your craft.
You can even argue that networking 'out in the real world' is more valuable than networking within the confines of a college program.
If you can schedule a combination of lessons and classes that satisfy all of your training needs
…and you have the discipline to self-motivate yourself to go when you're tired and overwhelmed
…and the willpower to sign up for different kinds of classes outside of your comfort zone
…and the resourcefulness to connect with the communities and groups to gain experience and job opportunities
…and the drive to continue to network beyond the bare minimum
…and can afford to invest time and money into your training without scholarships
…then there's absolutely nothing wrong with this approach!
However, the most challenging gap to fill is the most essential thing your training program can provide you with.
We are conditioned to believe that the institution directly provides the most influential aspects of a training program. And why shouldn't we think that? That's what we're paying the big bucks for!
Every training program prides itself in providing you with the following:
- The skills you need for your job
- The opportunity to meet and work with industry professionals (aka your professors and visiting artists)
- Exposure to people who may not be well-known yet but will eventually hire you (aka your classmates)
Other professional journeys follow this path, so assuming the performing arts would be any different is not unreasonable. If you want to become a doctor, you go to school, where you learn and network (and hopefully gain the credentials needed to become a doctor). Your university life remains a uniquely challenging era in your life. Some of your classmates might become your friends, and maybe even colleagues and bosses…but you'll develop other networks and communities to fill that void if you don't keep in touch.
What is this magical key takeaway that's hard to recreate if you don't take a training program?
Your family.
Not your relatives or guardians - your industry family. The people you may not even be friends with anymore, but who will still defend and support you until the end of time.
A multi-year full-time program is the best way to create a sturdy support system that will be there for you as you embark on your professional journey.
Post-secondary training is formative. Whether it's 'good' or 'bad,' most graduates agree that they've changed in some way…often by a lot. You will get a bit of a reality check and be forced to learn and grow in so many ways you didn't even know were possible. You're instantly immersed with a new group of humans who don't even know the previous version of you. Many people step into their own during this time and become who they want to be without the judgement of and pressure of their past and former community.
That journey together creates a unique bond that's hard to recreate in other environments.
Even though classes can be competitive, something about long-term collective hard work creates a special bond that won't ever fully disintegrate. You know everyone's strengths and weaknesses. You know their vulnerabilities and what makes them tick. One person might be an intimidating rockstar in one set of classes but in a different style, they have to come to you for help.
At the very least, when you're sitting in an audition waiting room of talented people, adding a layer of humanity to at least some of your 'competitors' can be a huge relief.
Why is this family so hard to come by outside of a program?
Unlike other careers, it is unlikely that you are aspiring to land a career-length position somewhere where you'll develop a work family. You'll bounce from gig to gig, from show family to show family, and jo-job to jo-job - none of which will have the staying power of this group you spent a few of your formative years with.
The lack of a default community in this career path makes building your own even more critical. Your school family is one of the few groups you won't have to continuously try to keep together. You've already put that work in just by showing up to class.
You can still get a familial-like bond from taking many classes, but it will take longer to make a family grow this strong. It's also less likely that the same people will join your quest to go to multiple types of classes, so you're more likely to get smaller groups of friends unique to each class. You might have a long-time friend in a dance class, a favourite coach you go to every week, and even a couple of people you meet up with for a coffee date occasionally after class. It's still different from when you spend all day, every day, with a singular group of humans for a significant period.
Though training is fundamental…and networking is also essential… it's the family aspect that's almost impossible to replace.
About the Author ~ Nadya Corscadden
Nadya is a Canadian musical theatre performer with small-town roots. Once she moved to a bigger city, she became increasingly aware of the unique limitations brought on by location in this huge country - if you don’t have a knowledgeable network, it’s almost impossible to find the right place to start!
Nadya hopes this site is just step 1 in helping create resources for emerging artists across our incredibly talented country.
© 2024, Act. Sing. Dance. Repeat.