Pursuing an Artistic Degree during COVID-19

Let’s be honest, COVID- 19 has forced us all to make some tough academic choices. For me personally, I decided to take a break from studio and focus on my minor. I went from taking drama courses all day to jumping into pursuing my filmmaking minor. But the best part was the options I had from my professors. I had auditioned to join the Atlantic Theater Company program, and while I was struggling to decide to stay in studio or not, they told us we would all have our spots saved for a full year in case we wanted to defer from the program. Now, as someone jumping back into the program, they’ve been nothing but helpful for the transition back. I am sill able to pursue my arts degree, but on my own terms.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your advisers about your options. I’m quick to email someone about a question, and it’s been so helpful! I mentioned to my adviser how my ADHD makes the online sessions harder and they pointed me to the Moses Center, and now I have a classmate in each class helping me take notes in case I miss something. This was only one adjustment I made to make pursuing an artistic degree work for me! Additionally, many of my friends have been working side by side with their studio heads to talk about class length, breaks, and overall mental health.

My screenplay writing teacher took adjustment to the next level. He completely changed the course, offering it as a powerpoint he narrated, which we completed each week on our own terms. It was narrated in a humorous way and I found myself so engaged. From there, we met for maybe 30 to 40 minutes on Zoom for discussions and questions. Additionally, we used the class forum to give feedback and talk about our work. This cut our screen time drastically but still felt so personal. This was mirrored by some of my other professor’s approaches. Each day, one of my professors would access the mood of the class before deciding how much time we’d spend on Zoom. If he felt we needed a break, he gave it. It reminded me that we were all human, and going through this together.

COVID-19  has changed the artistic world, not stopped it. That being said, Tisch changed with it. Many of the Drama courses have been focused on what it’ll be like to act on camera, or film a self tape for an audition. Which is exactly where the world is headed. My teachers are walking me through how to virtually audition, what a self tape is, and how to be ready for the world where it’s at. This has gotten me in many different rooms, even now, and I am grateful for the guidance. Those pursuing an artistic degree are being equipped with new applicable skills. I have had professors show up how to kill virtual auditions, and it’s helped me book multiple projects. Pursuing this degree now is learning the way the world worked before, but also how the world is changing and evolving.