Planning a Productive Gap Year for Creative Students

A gap year for high school students can be an excellent option that offers valuable opportunities for self-discovery. For visual and performing art students, this hiatus from structured education can be an invaluable opportunity for personal and artistic growth. With proper planning, you can maximize your gap year and set a strong foundation for your future academic goals. The key is finding meaningful experiences and activities that help you to make the most of your time. 

You can either choose to take a gap year once you have been admitted to a school or take the gap year after graduation and apply for the following year’s admission cycle. If that is what you choose to do, make sure that your high school counselor knows about your plans and discuss with them the process for securing your letters of recommendation and, school report and transcript once you are no longer enrolled as a student.

SETTING GOALS

While planning your gap year, reflect on your aspirations and set clear goals. Identify what you want to achieve during this period. What matters to you, and how will your experiences support your intentions? Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps to guide your decision-making process.

CREATE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES

During your gap year, dedicate time to sharpening your craft. For actors, that may mean working with acting and vocal coaches and continuing with dance lessons. Participating in theater productions or joining local acting groups will provide opportunities to gain practical experience and feedback. Visual artists can use this time to experiment with different mediums, techniques, and styles. Embrace the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects that inspire you and challenge your perception of art.

Networking is crucial in creative industries. Use your gap year to forge meaningful connections with fellow artists, filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, and industry professionals. Attend industry events, join online communities, and contact professionals for advice or mentorship. Building a strong network can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to spend time after graduating high school. This is an excellent way to give back, gain new perspectives, and develop skills. Research organizations aligned with your interests and values. Websites like VolunteerMatch (www.volunteermatch.org) and Idealist (www.idealist.org) can help you find volunteering opportunities.

GAP YEAR OPTIONS FOR CREATIVE STUDENTS

Musical Theater/Acting

1. AMDA: https://www.amda.edu/gap-program

2. Berridge:  https://www.berridgeprograms.com/creative-semseter-france

3. MTCA: https://mtcollegeauditions.com/ They have many workshops and classes throughout the year.

Film/Visual Arts/Music

1. Berridge Programs: https://www.berridgeprograms.com/

2. Look for internships at studios, ad agencies, and other creative companies.

3. Look for volunteer opportunities via websites like VolunteerMatch (www.volunteermatch.org) and Idealist (www.idealist.org) to help you find volunteering opportunities. Many local theater groups welcome volunteers.

Gap year experiences foster resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of students' creative impulses. They learn to trust their instincts, embrace uncertainty, and cultivate the resilience necessary for a career in the arts. By embracing the possibilities of a gap year, creative students are reminded that the journey of self-discovery and creativity is as important as the destination.