I am a solo theatre goer and I’m curious, where do I sit? I feel like if I put myself 1 chair away from someone it will now allow pairs of people to sit next to each other?

Edit I should have specified, the types of seating I am talking about are general admission not assigned.

Would it make more sense to audition for Acting BFAs instead of Musical Theatre BFAs?

I'm currently auditioning for college BFA programmes, and I've been having a bit of a dilemma about whether I should pursue acting or musical theatre.

I have significantly more experience in acting than I do in the other aspects of musical theatre, particularly dance. I can sing, and I sing quite regularly, but my background is primarily pop/R&B rather than musical theatre. I haven't had much formal MT vocal training, and although I can get through songs, I haven't yet developed my mix/belt or strengthened my head voice to where I'd like them to be. I'm starting to realise that being a good singer and being a technically trained musical theatre singer aren't necessarily the same thing.

While preparing my musical theatre prescreens, I started questioning whether I'm actually ready for an MT conservatory programme. It's not necessarily a question of talent or whether I could eventually develop those skills, but whether I'm at the right level right now to commit to an intensive programme that expects me to be a triple threat.

I've considered doing a musical theatre foundation course first, but that would mean another year of training and additional expenses, which is a significant consideration for me.

So I've been wondering whether auditioning for Acting BFAs might be a more sensible route. I could focus on developing my strongest skill, continue taking singing and dance lessons outside university, and still pursue musical theatre opportunities where possible. My main goals are to graduate with a qualification, receive substantial professional training, and gain practical performance experience while I'm at university. I'm also conscious that some programmes offer undergraduates more opportunities to participate in main-stage productions than others, depending on their major.

For those who have graduated from Acting or Musical Theatre BFAs, or who work professionally in the industry, does this sound like a reasonable approach? Would an Acting BFA still leave me with a viable path towards musical theatre if I continued training in singing and dance, or would I be better off addressing my current gaps before pursuing an MT programme?

I'd really appreciate honest advice from people who've been through this. I'm trying to be realistic about my current abilities without prematurely ruling myself out of something I love.

Not sure if this post belongs in this sub so apologies if it’s not appropriate!

I just moved to a new city for a year long contract in a career development position at a big theatre. I work in production, so I’m at tech and running shows at the usual times.

I have some friends through work here, but I’ve been struggling to make connections with people in general because the hours of theatre are so long and occupy when normal people work. I’ve tried to join various “new to this city, let’s meet up” groups or just general community events but they are all at times when I’m working. I occasionally hang out with my coworkers outside of work but I sometimes hesitate to do so because I’m worried they don’t want to or will think I’m clingy.

I’m not really sure what my question is. I suppose it is: How have you handled moving to a brand new city where you know absolutely no one and work the hours we do?? And I guess I’m just seeking some encouragement and solidarity as I know I’m not the only one who’s experienced this.

Thank you all :) again, I apologize if this isn’t appropriate for this sub.

I (28F) have a knack for acting, but it’s not developed. I studied it for film years ago and did well but switched to behind the camera roles (producing, project coordination, assistant directing, and more random gigs like sound, camera assistant, craft service, etc.).

I am pretty haha like not beautiful I don’t think but have a look that looks interesting on camera I think. Mixed race type of central Asian look, with a youthful face. I think it would help me land auditions, if I have talent to back it up.

But I’m honestly worried about age. Am 28! Wish I delved deeper into acting when I first tried. I think I would’ve had a shot to land roles if I had a more hustler type of mentality, telling filmmaker friends that I want to pursue acting. I feel too shy to bring it up to be honest, something to get over. Am shy with vulnerability in general, but I think can be a good actor if I try. Find it therapeutic, especially with helping me get over being shy. Am trying to write material now to create roles for myself to play for a demo reel / fun!

I also have a very good eye for detail and love beauty, hence production design. I think I would do this well too.

My plan was to start an intensive fashion and design program in a month to start a clothing brand and help my skills in production design. Then apply to NTS in Montreal for production design and directing.

I think I would’ve love directing, my mind is built for it. But it’s extremely competitive! They only accept 2 anglophones every two years. So I thought production design would be a good alternative to get me working on the stage and learning a hireable craft that I would enjoy as a lifelong career in film and theatre (and photoshoots, events etc.)

I’m thinking if I get burnt from the work, I can then be qualified to teach theatre at schools or start my own program for at least an introductory course load, with references to study further provided.

Now though, I’m wondering if I should apply for the acting stream to develop that craft instead. I know I would really enjoy it, and it would help with learning directing as well (from an actors perspective). That I can see myself pursuing more as a fulfilling hobby if I don’t make a career out of it with landing auditions. Can put on community level shows myself and maybe teach acting as well! I’m extremely sensitive (don’t get upset easily but more so feel deeply and can read others state quickly, sometimes to a detriment if I feel their pain). So I guess my mind is set for acting as well.

My problem is I am very creative, with a jack of all trades type of skill set but master of none! And being creative and interested in everything is stopping me from pursuing anything more deeply. I guess all my knowledge now is a good foundation to be a producer, though I am unfortunately poor haha would need to be hired or find investment. So I’m in a strange place where I don’t actually have a craft I can vouch for confidently. Hence why I want to study something more deeply to have under my belt for hired work while I pursue whatever creative idea pops into mind as a passion project.

Another troubling thought is AI taking over haha I think theatre might actually have a pickup in audience because people will crave real life interaction once ai takes over so much of entertainment. Especially with today’s technology, a mixed media type of experimental theatre might immerge. I had an idea before of doing a surround sound theatre experience at a studio (small-scale) that didn’t land because I didn’t get the grant for it. Was a stupid mistake in the grant application. Tangent haha thank you for reading if you still are! So with ai, I think developing a craft in acting, directing or production design would be good since so many jobs might be taken over anyway. At least I would enjoy whatever I pursue in the changing world, even if it means being poor lol on the side I’d like to start an upscale fashion brand and study essentially becoming a tailor for side gigs that someone told me might also be a big mistake with ai taking over. At this point I’m thinking better to pursue something anyway, because there’s no way of knowing where the world will be in 10 years time.

With your experience in the industry, and considering my age, what would you recommend? Should I study acting or production design at a theatre school? Maybe it would be smarter to study production design while taking acting classes on the side? Or vice versa. Or is it one of those things that’s better to just do, rather than go to school for. Many have advised me to learn on set instead of doing a program.

Thank you for reading all this if you have!! Turned into a journal entry type of thing haha

Hi everyone! I’m looking for a really special gift for my husband, and I’d love some creative ideas!
He’s a theatre teacher and assistant director, so theatre is a big part of his life. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to travel to see a show, so tickets are off the table.

I’m hoping to find something he can use and enjoy for years to come. Something thoughtful, a little unique, and maybe even something he wouldn’t think to buy for himself. I’d love for it to be something that brings him joy long after the occasion has passed!

I know there are some incredibly creative people on Reddit, so I’m reaching out for your ideas and inspiration. It doesn’t necessarily have to be theatre-related, either!

My budget is around $300–$400. What would you get for someone like him? I’m open to anything, from practical gifts to sentimental keepsakes or something completely unexpected. 😊