I've been editing and re-drafting for days and days. Just - feedback, please.
Prompt: Please provide a statement of purpose approximately 500 words in length. An applicant may address why a life in the theatre, why xxxxx school, current training and skills, or what this program of study offers in terms of developing an applicant's artistry and craft.
January, 2012
In this essay I will discuss why I want to pursue a life in theatre, and why I believe xxxx is the best place for me to continue toward a lifetime of acting. In support of these points I make and will explicate the following declarations: Theatre makes me a better person. Due to its values and traditions, xxxx is the best place for me, and I will make a strong addition to the cast.
Acting and participating in the pursuit of human expression and truth through the art of theatrical story-telling makes me a better person. Theatre challenges and stretches my identity, and forces me to reckon with the world issues of today. An initial an significant challenge in my pursuit of theatre was my decision to defy my father and study theatre as an undergrad. My identity shifted further consequent to participating in the plays Angels in America Parts I & II as Hannah Pitt, in which major themes include homosexuality, AIDS, religion in America, and I shared an on-stage kiss with a woman. Another challenging play was The Vagina Monologues, a show I later directed, which discusses sexuality and violence against women. In months of rehearsals I struggled to determine my personal stance on sexuality, Christianity (my personal faith), Biblical fallibility, and artistic expression. Retrospectively, I take encouragement and strength from all these experiences because each moments of struggle became moments of growth. Resultant to these times of interpersonal and metaphysical struggle, I am stronger and more confidant in who and what I am: an actor, a Christian, a feminist, and an LGBT ally.
I want this trend of theatrical participation leading to personal growth will continue in my life, especially at a place like xxxxx, and perhaps more importantly, I believe it is worth continuance. By participating in theatrical story-telling, we participate in the sharing and influencing of perspectives, and gain insight into our fellow humans. We, as members of a production, receive the perspective of both the playwright and the characters, and perspectives of the company members interpreting these characters, all of which is passed on to the audience. The farther reaching implications exist if only in the daily effect we each have on one another. The more informed and passionate we are, the more likely we are to make an impact and effect positive change in our environment; simultaneously, we are less likely to view our neighbor through a prejudiced or biased lens and Other[1] him or her. It is this process and artistic/intellectual dialogue that I wish to contribute to every day for the rest of my life.
I am prepared and excited for the rigorous course schedule having acted/directed two plays my senior year, one a full-scale production I also technically designed/produced, sang in an opera, participated in three music ensembles, two honor societies, and took 18 hours each semester.
xxx's rigorous work schedule, high expectations, and its long tradition of producing contemporary scripts helps artists to analyze and form an opinion on contemporary issues and perspectives.
Above all, I want to go to xxx so I can work with people who are drunk-passionate about theatre. I want to work in an ensemble of people for whom our shared creative endeavors are the most important things in our lives, who would rather be "here" than anywhere else in the world. I flourish in such environments, and my potential is tremendous.
In this essay I will discuss why I want to pursue a life in theatre, and why I believe xxxx is the best place for me to continue toward a lifetime of acting. In support of these points I make and will explicate the following declarations: ---I feel bad to say this, but your essay will sound much better if you leave all this out. They already know why you're writing this essay!
Theater makes me a better person.
In months of rehearsals, I struggled to determine my personal stance on sexuality, Christianity (my personal faith), Biblical fallibility, and artistic expression.
Retrospectively, I take encouragement and strength from all these experiences because each moments of struggle became a moments of growth.
I want this trend of theatrical participation leading to personal growth to continue in my life, especially at a place like xxxxx, and perhaps more importantly, I believe it is worth continuance.
I am prepared and excited for the rigorous course schedule, having acted/directed two plays my senior year, one a full-scale production I also...
xxx's rigorous work schedule, high expectations, and its long tradition of producing contemporary scripts, helps artists to analyze and form an opinion on contemporary issues and perspectives.
Great essay and great ending! Good luck with school and have fun!
:)
Thank you so much for your feed back! Fyi, I spell theater "theatre" on purpose. - I was taught "theater" is the building, and "theatre" is the art.
So, is it okay to not include an intro/overall conclusion?
Thanks again.
