Jumping from acting to SLP?

[tmjones]

Just trying to put some feelers out there...I apologize in advance for how long-winded and sloppy this post may be to read.

 

I am an actor who's currently on-tour with a Broadway musical. Several years spent working as an actor in NYC has left me with a desire for more stability in the workplace and my life in general. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 with a 3.76 GPA, but my degree was in musical theatre- not anything science related. My specific interests lies in vocology and voice rehabilitation, particularly for injured singers. I've had just about every kind of voice injury under the sun, and I would never have maintained my sanity were it not for the professionals who led me to recovery- I want to be that for someone else. Broadway performers are "vocal athletes," and they need coaches! I hope to teach voice one day, and am extremely drawn to the fact that a background in speech pathology would grant me the ability to work in-office and independently. I know they're somewhat rare, but I do know of specialists who work regularly (as SLPs) with performers, and conduct research in clinical settings, and maintain voice studios on the side. I know a lot about the voice, and I know that I would bring a great deal of passion and empathy to a career in SLP/vocology.

 

I guess my question is: How far does passion take you when applying to these programs? Specifically, for a program that has a designated specialty track for Voice Disorders. I'm only 26, but I already feel that my brain is a far cry from what it was in high school, or even 4 years ago in college! As an actor, I haven't had to do very much logical/critical thinking in a while, and honestly I'm terrified of the GREs (to further perpetuate the "stupid actor" stereotype). I know I can compete with the best of them when it comes to desire and interest, but I understand that these are very competitive programs, and I'm nervous I won't stand much chances getting into anywhere- let alone earning scholarship money that I would definitely need. It's something that I'm starting to think strongly about, but in terms of the logistics, I'm still just continuing to gather information. This may have been too vague of a question to receive a straight answer, but does anyone have any insight about whether I might be able to get in on the game at this stage of my life, especially given my somewhat varied background? I appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks!

 

TJ

[SLPH2b]

First of all, Broadway.. IMPRESSIVE! May I ask which show? I'm an avid Broadway fan and I'm impressed with the actors' ability to rehearse and put on 8 shows a week! I think you can spin your passion and work experience in broadway into an interesting personal statement. You will definitely stand out. 

 

Your undergrad GPA is good. If you begin the prerequisite courses and get As, you'll definitely be competitive (plus a good GRE of course, just aim for 300 or higher). I think your GPA is good enough to begin the 3year programs with the first year as leveling. Again, just aim to break the 300 minimum for the GRE. You should also try to get great LORs. I know you've been out of school for awhile but maybe you can still reach out to one of your old professors. The rest can be from your current work (supervisor or anyone who can attest to your potential to succeed in grad school) or if you volunteer, you can use a volunteer supervisor as well. 

 

Hope these help! 

[Slp1268]

You have a great story for your SOP. You will stand out from the crowd.

[ImHis]

I can see by the way you articulated your goals and your writing that you will have a very well crafted mission statement. With your vocology background, you may find some of the prerequsite courses easy to grasp (anatomy, speech science, acoustics, articulation, phonetics). You also have a very competitive GPA for NYC schools. It's never too late to enter this field. Go for it!

[CBG321]

I would say it's a good idea to do a lot of research before diving in.  Just because it is a very labor intensive program and long process.  I think you have a unique background and would have a very interesting statement of purpose.  I would just look around at schools and figure out where they specialize in what you are interested in.  Because if that is what you are interested in, it would be a waste to go anywhere that doesn't have a strong program with voice being a large component.   Also I'd ask those schools what they think of your background and career goals and get a concrete picture on where those jobs are located and what you would need to do to get them.  What you're describing is a very niche portion of the speech pathology field and I just don't have knowledge on the demand for them.  A lot of my Professors didn't seem to know much on the topic either...

 

I'm assuming you're interested enough that the many, unrelated classes you are required to take will still interest you?  Because I've taken 1 voice class and it isn't even the whole semester the class is split into craniofacial disorders as well.  My other 11 have nothing to do with voice problems at all.  (we need chemistry/physics, sociology or psychology and a statistics course as well.)  

 

Just take note of how interested and motivated you'd be to maintain A's in all those unrelated classes.  I don't want to discourage you at all, but the one girl I knew in our program that was feeling it out because of her passion for singing and voice and theater felt the program was not what she expected and way, way too intense/stressful based on what her overall career goals were.

 

 

 If you saw all this and are thinking I already know this and still am totally passionate about it, where there's a will there's a way!  It would be a really cool job!  Also if you had any interest there is an upcoming portion of the field working to help transgender people change their voice.  Might fit in with all those other job combos and be a really successful private practice!

 

You'll never know if you don't try!

[ravyn]

Just trying to put some feelers out there...I apologize in advance for how long-winded and sloppy this post may be to read.

 

I am an actor who's currently on-tour with a Broadway musical. Several years spent working as an actor in NYC has left me with a desire for more stability in the workplace and my life in general. I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 with a 3.76 GPA, but my degree was in musical theatre- not anything science related. My specific interests lies in vocology and voice rehabilitation, particularly for injured singers. I've had just about every kind of voice injury under the sun, and I would never have maintained my sanity were it not for the professionals who led me to recovery- I want to be that for someone else. Broadway performers are "vocal athletes," and they need coaches! I hope to teach voice one day, and am extremely drawn to the fact that a background in speech pathology would grant me the ability to work in-office and independently. I know they're somewhat rare, but I do know of specialists who work regularly (as SLPs) with performers, and conduct research in clinical settings, and maintain voice studios on the side. I know a lot about the voice, and I know that I would bring a great deal of passion and empathy to a career in SLP/vocology.

 

I guess my question is: How far does passion take you when applying to these programs? Specifically, for a program that has a designated specialty track for Voice Disorders. I'm only 26, but I already feel that my brain is a far cry from what it was in high school, or even 4 years ago in college! As an actor, I haven't had to do very much logical/critical thinking in a while, and honestly I'm terrified of the GREs (to further perpetuate the "stupid actor" stereotype). I know I can compete with the best of them when it comes to desire and interest, but I understand that these are very competitive programs, and I'm nervous I won't stand much chances getting into anywhere- let alone earning scholarship money that I would definitely need. It's something that I'm starting to think strongly about, but in terms of the logistics, I'm still just continuing to gather information. This may have been too vague of a question to receive a straight answer, but does anyone have any insight about whether I might be able to get in on the game at this stage of my life, especially given my somewhat varied background? I appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks!

 

TJ

 

I think I MIGHT know someone who does research on voice. He is also a singing teacher. So if you're interest is voice DO NOT get discouraged, but at the same time do try to do a lot of research/gain hands on experience on this SLP career path...

BUT DON'T GET DISCOURAGED ...I only say that because I get discouraged easily =P

[SLP2Be2015]

Hi TJ! I started out my college years as a musical theatre major as well. Although I made the switch to a speech pathology program after my sophomore year, I can relate to your situation. First of all, definitely put that passion into your SOP. My SOP was all about my switch from musical theatre to speech pathology (explaining why I did it and how I think it will help me as a speech pathologist). It is definitely an interesting thing about you and grad schools will be very interested in your experiences. I was also nervous about taking the GRE (with having minimal logical/critical thinking in my courses). I purchased a Kaplan GRE prep book and read through and completed the entire thing. It definitely took some work, but I was able to get fairly good GRE scores. Anyway, I guess my point is that being an actress myself, I know how much passion, hard work, and dedication it takes to pursue theatre (and especially to be successful in theatre!). If you put those qualities towards speech pathology, I know you can do it. And if you have any further questions, feel free to contact me on this topic or via PM. Good luck! (I'd say break a leg, but I feel like I'd get judged )

[candynut]

I know of a professor who does voice research at NYMC. I would contract that program and maybe check it out in person the next time you're in NYC.

[JFFA]

I've know two individuals with similar stories! One was a professional actor on Broadway and the other a cruise ship performer. Both decided after several year in the industry to switch to SLP. They both were accepted and completed grad school, so it is entirely possible and actually perhaps more common than you think. If you are a strong student, no matter what your background, you stand a decent chance against other applicants. You can definitely do it : )  

[Jolie717]

One of our professors at CSUN is a jazz vocalist - I've heard that some pretty big name singers come into our clinic at times. And I remember my mother in law (retired SLP) saying that she has met many people in SLP that were theatre arts majors, one of her best friends being one of them. Coincidentally, her actress SLP friend went to University of Michigan too! There are a handful of schools that don't require the GRE, but the odds of them having the type of program you are looking for might be slim. Best of luck to you!

[hopefulslp2b]

Wow you'll have an amazing story for you statement of purpose. I believe passion is big but you also need to back it back with actions such as relevant experience and the number games such as GPA GRE and letters of recommendation! But if this is what you really want please pursue it!

[lisemich]

I think your background is perfect to become an SLP.  Just know up front that you may need to apply 2 or 3 years in a row before getting in.  Take the GRE over and over until you get a good score. 

 

I applied 3 years in a row.  This year I was accepted to 5 schools.  I built up my resume by doing volunteer work and got really strong letters of recommendation from the field.

 

If you are persistant, you will succeed. It just might take you longer than you would like.

[Jslp]

SJSU and CSUEB are just examples of school that accept students coming from different backgrounds. You don't have to take pre-reqs.

Do volunteering, shadow someone and get their letter of recommendation. How about asking these SLP from your work? CSUEB doesn't require GRE.

I have a friend who graduated in Theater arts and worked as an admin and got acceopted. Your plans seem like you have a great letter of intent to write!!! Talk about your volunteering experience with the SLP who are working with the actors. Tell them you want to do that. Your GPA is great. My friend had a 3.8. I guess they will really appreciate your profile. It is diverse, it fits the profession and you are on top of your game on your current career.

I come from a Language background and do not have CSD background and I got accepted. Like you, I am on top of my game on my current career, and they appreciate this determination and maturity.

Your profile looks awesome and I hope to see you in Grad school soon! I am going to CSUEB. Shoot me a message when you get accepted, because you will. Oh, and one more thing... I got accepted on my first try (first year applying). Show them your passion and maturity! You have an awesome background!

Edited May 3, 2015 by lslp

[LlamaMama]

I'm 41 and was just accepted into my top choice program. It's never too late to pursue your interests and dreams! I think my non-traditional background and life experience helped me stand out from the crowd. Good luck!

[JFFA]

I honestly think all programs are very accepting of students who come from out of field and non traditional backgrounds as long as they think they are strong students, so I wouldn't limit myself to applying to schools who just may take the extra effort to write in their literature/website that they are open to students from different backgrounds. Also, a lot of schools have a three year program for students who are out of field but simple don't advertise it (for example, Iowa), so it's worth taking a look if that is what you are thinking of too. From personal experience, I was quite successful getting into a broad range grad schools on my first try coming from out of field and having taken a few years off. I know it's not as far removed as acting, but as mentioned before, I and a lot of other people seem to know of a lot of successful applicants from a really diverse range of backgrounds. I took prereqs and volunteered, but the volunteering didn't having anything to do with SLP, and I had no other related experience. So in field experience can be nice, but is definitely not a must. Far more important is just showing you are strong academically.