A Rant.

[Bwayfan292]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 1:57am

I just need to get some things off my chest, I have no one who gets whats happening. I started college and Its not for me. I just cant do it, My dream for all of high school is to be a broadway dresser. But with no college I cant get there. I cant get the experince needed. Im afraid if i just suck it up and do college, I wont be happy. Im afarid that if this dressing thing doesnt work, whats next? Theres nothing.

Ive had a dream for four years, and I cant think of anything I want to do, and if it doesnt work out I dont know what to do with life next.

Sorry for the rant. I just needed to get it off my chest. Thanks for the listen.

[Dave28282]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 4:53am

How old are you?

If you have a dream you have to chase it. If dressing is your passion I'm sure you would want to get as much experience as you can, starting in school productions or local theatre. Build a resume for yourself so you can eventually move to NYC and try working your way into the business. 

Your college period doesn't have to mean just sucking it up, but you can use it as a period to gain experience and prepare yourself for your dream after that. If you choose to work immediately after highschool, it's also good to gain experience in local theatre for a few years first, so that you can bring something to the table when you go to Broadway. 

Be persistent and be patient. If it's really your passion, life will find a way. You probably have to work for 50 years, so going to college isn't the end of the world. Though I can understand that you are passionate and want something and want it now, but it's better to prepare yourself well and professionally than to be in a hurry.

Updated On: 8/19/18 at 04:53 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 10:19am

You started college, when?  Last week?  (Because usually "started" means really recently.)  That being said, have you actually given it an actually try?   Because giving it a week or two is not much of a try.

That being said, you hardly need a college degree to become a dresser.   Here's a paragraph addressing that from an actual bway dresser:

 

How Do I Get Into the Dressing Business?

There’s no one way to get into wardrobe work. If you are still in school, volunteer in your school’s costume shop or at a local theatre. Touring shows also often hire local dressers for each stop, so you should inquire at your closest theatre that hosts national tours. If you’re in the city and hoping to be a dresser, try getting as many credits as you can, wherever you can. Try Off-Broadway, children’s theatres, etc., and meeting as many people in the business as you can. Connections are always helpful for any job, really. Apply to be a day worker, too. Besides the ironing and steaming and such, there are stitchers who repair all the costumes during the day, shoppers who buy fabric and material for repairs or new costumes and a laundry person who takes care of all the laundry for the show, which, believe me, is no easy task. And then, just start dropping your resumes off at all the theatres in the city.

 

If this has been your lifelong dream, you don't seem to have done much research on this, and it is certainly "out there".  And, I promise, I'm not trying to be nasty - just realistic.   Here is a google results page FULL of info for you

[Huss417]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 10:29am

People who really want something will work their butts off to get it. Set goals. If you don't want to do the hard work then you must not really want to do what you say you do. Sorry to burst any bubbles. You have a chance to go to college. Go To College and see in that time what else might excite you if you feel becoming a dresser should happen overnight.

[Bwayfan292]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 12:12pm

Thank you guys so much. This really helps. It put things into perspective. None of you were rude, thank you so much.

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 2:12pm

The happiest people in their professional lives don't start off saying I want to be an X. They start off asking themselves "What kinds of things do I enjoy doing and would enjoy doing every day" and then figure out what jobs would allow them to do that. All the suggestions people have made are good ones. College isn't black or white,a 4 year school or nothing. Maybe take a few courses at a community college in subjects you like to get a feel for it and while you're doing that and also volunteering at local theaters in their costuming dept., maybe get a job at a dry cleaners. Get experience cleaning, pressing, making minor repairs to clothes in a high volume environment. And keep in mind, what looked attractive to you at 15 may not at 20 or 25. People change career goals all the time at your age. Nothing is carved in stone.

[Tag]

Posted: 8/19/18 at 2:32pm

Nowadays a college degree is almost mandatory for anything, so stick to it, at least give it your best shot, so you can say you tried.  But immerse yourself in the costume/wardrobe world while you can, and have the relative freedom to do so.  Get experience working both on dressing shows, and working in wardrobe shops.  Practice the craft - sewing, mending, even ironing.  Take elective course if available in specialties, like knitting, metalwork, leatherwork, or even prop work.  All those things can come in handy on a show that needs a specialized dresser or day worker.  Get into community theatre, college theatre, and regional theatre.  Perhaps there's even a co-op or indendant study you can arrange through your college for credit while working in a local costume shop.  Good luck!