Hello! I'm currently an undergraduate drama major at NYU. I just got new headshots done and am preparing to mail out submissions to NYC agencies. However there is something I'm worried about: I've been warned about the danger of gaining a bad rep if classes get in the way of auditions too often. I am absolutely prepared to work hard, juggle school with work, and have practically zero free time, but I am aware that (especially with NYU's strict curriculum) there may be times when I just cannot miss class to go to work. I've also heard of agents who simply refuse to work with actors who aren't out of school yet. What are your thoughts on this?

Lisa,
If you were my daughter, I would let you know that auditions can wait. If NYU is as strict as Purchase, I would wonder if they would allow you to audition in the first place....
I imagion having this same conversation with my son in another four years. NYU is not a state school. If you are thinking of grad school, another reason to wait.

Hi, Lisa. I felt the same way when I was in school, so I completely understand your concern, and I can relate to your excitement about getting out there.

One thing I wish that someone had told me back then is that one of the most important things to do while in school is to make lasting connections with teachers, classmates and alumni. I spent most of my free time off campus pursuing projects outside of school because I thought that was the best way to gain experience. Sure, I got some amateur credits on my resume, but no one told me that making connections while at school would put me in a better position than doing a couple of roles at small theaters.

Getting work while in school is good, and if that is what you want to do, I say go for it. But I would suggest thinking about putting that same time and energy into being as involved as possible with your school and internships. When you get out of school and start auditioning, you'll run into those folks who you met years earlier through NYU and they will remember how hard you worked and how enthusiastic you were, which will put you leaps and bounds ahead of other actors they do not know.

I know this is probably not what you came on this board to read, but I wanted to tell you the things I wish someone had told me. Truly, though, it is up to you to make the best decision for your life, and I am confident that whichever path you choose, you can be successful.

Best of luck to you!

Why are you jumping the gun if you have "zero free time"???

Think about it. It's not just about making time for auditions. You also need time to prepare so you'll do well on those auditions. And what if you book a guest star role on a show like "Ugly Betty"? They generally buy you for eight days. How are you going to make that work? And what if you get hired for a cool Off-Broadway show with a four week rehearsal period and eight weeks of performing?

If you really want to burn bridges and piss off agents, then start looking for representation now. But if you're smart, my advice is finish your studies first.

Trust me - we'll all still be here when you're done.

Good luck!

lisa - i'm an nyu drama grad, and i can't imagine you'll have any time at all for outside auditions. especially in the first two years when you still have primary studio to deal with. i fondly recall my 8 hours a day class schedule, 5 days a week, not including outside rehearsal time.

plus, at NYU there are soooooooo many opportunities to build up your resume, that you should completely take advantage of. Look for postings for student films, as well as student directed plays from the Playwright's Horizons students. NYU puts on something like 150 shows a year with all the student productions.

i totally agree with what Eric said. Use that time to meet other film/drama students and build connections. I did some work with a film student when i was in school on his sight and sound projects, who decided to write a play that got accepted to this season's Fringe Festival. He called me in immediately, and I got the part.

you never know where people will end up..

Thank you so much to everyone for your thoughtful advice. I'm going to have to think hard about what my priorities are: college degree or full-time acting career.

I chose NYU mainly to take advantage of the location, find an agent, and begin working...maybe even find work that would end my involvement with college. But it seems that many of you older, wiser folks would disapprove of this. I'm almost afraid to ask: what are your opinions on an actor who hasn't finished college?

I think that Secret Agent Man will probably be the best person to answer this, because he is in the business of evaluating lots of different actors and their resumes.

From a fellow actor (and coach's) perspective...

Any schooling on a resume is better than no schooling. I do think that if you list only a few years of college on a resume, folks might wonder if a) you are still in school, or b) why you decided to quit. The only real negative about this is that these questions keep them from focusing on what you DO have to offer.

I assume that if you don't go to NYU that you will at least be taking acting classes in New York. You want to make sure that you have plenty of well-rounded training to list on your resume so that producers/casting directors/agents know that you can handle the roles you are submitting for.

Most people would agree that you do not NEED a college education to be an actor. But what you do need is the ability to be a good storyteller, which requires you to be learn everything you can about what it is to be human. You need to know information on all different kinds of subjects, and the easiest way to do this is to go to school. I use what I learned in my non-acting classes all the time (history, economics, French, etc.) If you can gain this same education from reading books/going to lectures outside of school, and you gain life experience by getting out there an experiencing life, then the value of a degree from NYU is lessened.

Personally, I think that getting a 4 year degree at a school like NYU is a wonderful way to gain life experience and a solid education, which are both vitally important in the development of your career. Add that to the networking opportunities and you've got yourself a very bright future. But many, many people opt to put their education on hold in favor of starting a career right away. Ultimately, you need to decide the pros and cons of each, weigh them very carefully, and then commit to your choice passionately so you achieve everything you desire!

All my best,

Erin

Thanks for the advice, Erin, I really appreciate it. I will certainly be carefully weighing the pros and cons to come to a decision.

I can't comment on how actors who haven't finished college are viewed, but I can say this - Finish college... Especially since you are already enrolled at NYU. This business is about thoroughly preparing yourself and then making valuable connections to do great work. NYU is your proverbial golden ticket towards this path.