Life After SOTAD

The life of any type of performer hardly comes easy—even after studying the art at an academic level. The market has rarely been on the side of those who are considered the highly experienced, educated, or even most authentic. Not many students realize the type of resilience that one must acquire when having to deal with not only the waiting and rejection process, but also the opportunity of an accepted role 

For many students who major in the arts, exposure to the resources of art and performance at a university is more accessible. This can include professors, theater auditoriums, costumes, trained classical musicians, and sound and technology. Having a substantial background in the field of theater and dance will, undoubtedly, set you ahead of the curve compared to other actors. However, that does not promise any aid to audition selection. The strife of competing with other actors and actresses becomes almost the central aspect of their lifestyle. 

Sarah Bielicki graduated in 2023 from Millikin’s School of Theater and Dance (SOTAD) with a major in acting. Bielicki shares the challenges she has faced since her studies in school. “My major challenge was figuring out which market I wanted to go into. You apply to as many areas as you can, that includes, especially, the big places like here in L.A., New York, Chicago, and Atlanta.” Bielicki says. “Once I picked L.A., the challenge became finding income through a flexible job so I could be available for acting if something came up.”

The strife of becoming a respected actor or actress is not always reliant on getting the best roles or first call-backs after an audition. Related to what Bielicki shares, establishing an acting career typically requires a lifestyle that not necessarily trails behind, but rather, keeps plenty of room to be prepared for the moment your opportunity arrives. Life is not always going to allow leniency for completely devoting towards multiple responsibilities. Evaluating what life is going to look like for a while, regarding occupation, schedule, and even time for leisure, will help the transition to the start of your acting career. 

The field of acting, although is not one to take up lightly without prior knowledge, is quite a diverse and exciting career choice that keeps life spontaneous. Whether you are trying it out for the first time or have dedicated your life to studying and performing the art, the community that comes out of it is one that rewards friendships from all around that can equip you in connections in your entertainment journey.