DIML as a Theatre Student at the University of Michigan

Are you wondering what majoring in theatre could be like at the University level? Are you applying to the University of Michigan? Well, let me walk you through what its like! While my day might not be the most "traditional" college-day, I have the ability to craft my schedule to suit my interests and passions both in theatre and other areas. This post will walk you through the student culture at Michigan & what classes you can expect to take as a theatre major.

1. 8:30 am - Waking up and getting ready!

I begin my day by, obviously, waking up and get ready for the day. Some days can be long, so I enjoy taking time at the beginning of my day to relax and fuel up for the day. As a senior living in off-campus housing, I typically won't come home until the afternoon, so this is my time to eat, hydrate, and get set for the day.

In my backpack, I keep school supplies and some miscellaneous things I'll need throughout the day: my laptop, a notebook, pens, chargers, water bottle, AirPods, lotion, hand sanitizer, a granola bar, and a hair brush. Over the past few years, I've mastered what exactly I need to keep in my backpack. While I take stuff out from day-to-day depending on what classes I have each day, most of the contents of my backpack remains the same.

The University of Michigan has two campuses within the greater Ann Arbor campus: north campus & central campus. Most of the theatre classes are on north campus, so I take the bus up to north from my house for my first class of the day.

2. 10:30 am - Attend "Producing in the American Theatre"

"Producing in the American Theatre" at the University of Michigan is (by far) one of the most useful classes you will take as a Theatre major. It teaches you the structure of the theatre, how to problem solve, and what you could encounter as a producer in the professional world. Personally, I want to be a producer one day, however, many of my classmates do not and have still found this class to be incredibly useful since the skills we are taught are transferrable to any professional career in the arts.

As a theatre arts major, we are able to dial in on our interests. This is specifically why I take producing; it's what I want to do when I've graduated. However, some of my peers focus their time on playwriting, design, or directing. The beauty of a major that's so flexible is that I can explore however many interests I want in my four years in college. I've taken courses in directing, performing arts management, film/TV, writing, and more!

3. 12:00 pm - Commute back to Central Campus to attend "Broadway & American Culture"

"Broadway & American Culture" analyzes how theatre reflects society, through social issues. We discuss how various musicals are reflective of the time period they was written. The course also allows us to attend performances to analyze how they translate into American Culture today. While it's a required Race & Ethnicity elective course, this course combined the requirements for the elective while also furthering my major studies.

4. 2:00 pm - Take a study and lunch break

Again, since my days can be long, I have learned the importance of dedicating time into my course schedule to take care of myself and keep up with my studies. I pick a spot on campus and either enjoy the granola bar in my backpack or buy myself lunch while completing some homework. On my busiest days, I'll even take this time to watch a TV show on my laptop if I need to rewind a little.

5. 4:30 pm - Attend "Social Media in Organizations"

As a Social Media Analysis and Design minor, I take classes within UofM's School of Information. Social Media in Organizations is one of those classes. I find it super important to pursue my interests outside of theatre which is why I chose this minor. In the course, we learn about how certain companies use social media to their advantage within marketing, sales, and more. I've also taken courses in the social persuasion & information analysis.

6. 6:00 pm - Cook dinner

After studying and attending classes all day, I cook myself dinner. For me, cooking is therapeutic-- it's an hour daily to step away from technology, people, and tasks to just relax. With a long night ahead, I sometimes turn on music while I cook to soothe myself.

7. 7:00 pm - Go to tech rehearsal

Just like in high school, tech rehearsals are long. We spend hours running through each light cue of the show. In this particular tech week, I am serving as a producer. Within my role, I am responsible for making sure everyone is kept on task. We only have a week to get the show on it's feet, so I am there to ensure that happens. I also work on logistical things such as ordering programs, keeping track of the budget, and other tasks. While I'm not physically on the stage, I make sure things are running smoothly, so my job can feel just as intense as those bright lights that beam on the actors. However, this is what I love to do, so time flies during tech.

Attending tech rehearsal only happens for a week or two per semester. Those weeks are more intense that the average week, however, I think it's important to share how busy I can be. If I'm not teching a show during a given week, this time at night is usually spent studying, hanging out with friends, or relaxing.

8. 12:00 am - Bed

After tech, I typically crash right away after getting ready for bed. Another day ahead tomorrow means I need to continue to be well-rested and take care of myself.

Everyday is different as a theatre student at the University of Michigan, but you can't enjoy your college years without also studying to get your degree. The busy schedule pays off because you are constantly surrounded by your best friends. Even through the busiest of days, I find time to rewind and chat with my favorite people. I live with some of them, I have some of them in classes, I participate in shows with some of them, and (last but not least) I share good memories with them. Even though college and the future ahead can seem daunting, It's important to realize that you're doing college with people you'll be friends with forever.