<p>Short Answer: yes, we were realistic enough to create a backup plan. </p>
<p>Long Answer: Did that include NOT “totally going for it?” No.</p>
<p>Odds are, my Son, no matter how talented, no matter how driven, will not become a Broadway phenom and may not make enough money to sustain himself as a working actor at all. But…our favorite phrase? “Somebody gets to be Peyton Manning (right place, right time, household name*)…why not go for it?” Be realstic about your chances, but totally go for it.</p>
<p>Backup Plan: He was a good high school student, and has an all-around passion for theatre…must work in the industry. The end. So, attend a BFA MT program with a good solid core curriculum. Now you can earn a second degree in two more years or so if you choose. Be an music/theatre educator, be a music business professional, be a director…or some other field altogether. (Reiterating… with BFA, a minor is very hard to do…)</p>
<p>I love this quote from above: “My daughter is starting to realize going to a college with different options might be a good idea in case her desires change. She doesn’t see that happening (neither do I), but I applaud the maturity she is showing in thinking in such a manner.”</p>
<p>I don’t believe you are “jinxing” yourself to have realistic expectations…and I also believe your theatre path will lead you down unexpected avenues and your future will become clear as your life unfolds. I was a management major…did I become a manager at a fortune 500 company and have my face on Time Magazine…no way. But I use those skills to be successful in life every day, and it got me started. Same for theatre majors…</p>
<p>*p.s. In recent months, this example is not as wonderful as it used to be…lol!</p>