Adam Howard is a University of the Arts alumni. He’s currently starring the Arden Theatre’s production of Charlotte’s Web. Personally, I’m at a complete loss when I think about getting out into the world after graduation, so I asked Adam some questions to learn a little bit more about his path.
When did you graduate from UArts and what was your major?
I graduated from UArts in May 2017 with a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Creative Writing. Briefly describe your experience at UArts.
My experience at UArts was full of countless new experiences, a lot of doubt, and a lot of fun. Most days, I would come away from class having had so much fun but still having the desire to learn more. That being said, being around such wonderful folks, some of whom remain very close to me, will make my time at UArts unforgettable.
What did you do right after you graduated? What was the transition from student to professional like for you?
Right after I graduated, I got drunk with my best friends. Well, first I had dinner with my Mother, because I literally owe her everything and we had to celebrate…but THEN…I celebrated with the people I spent the past four years with. I remember during the graduation ceremony, I looked around and realized this could be the last time I see a lot of these people. Everyone has their own path, of course, so I had a huge desire to party with them till dawn, celebrating our accomplishments. I was thriving on this youthful milestone in life, I wanted to stay in it forever before becoming an “adult” and moving on to the professional world. Then, the weeks after I graduated, I was scouring the internet looking for auditions. I was hungry for work and hungry to put my degree to use. The transition was mostly seamless. Near the end of my time at school, I had a severe case of senior-itus. In replacing my class schedule with audition schedules, rehearsal schedules, and day-job schedules, I had forgotten about going to class within the first month of graduating. It was an awesome feeling. I was tearing through countless rejections which are always hard to bounce back from but I was thriving on the feeling that I wasn’t being REQUIRED to do all this. You know, we’re REQUIRED to go to class in a sense but working hard after college is not a must, so doing the work only made me want it more. How do you balance working a “normal” job and auditioning? I have three “normal” jobs and I’m about to take on a fourth. They’re my day jobs. Since I was a freshman at school, I’ve worked at the Landmark Ritz East movie theatre in Old City as well as being an Usher at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts on Broad Street. In addition, I also did UberEats on my bicycle for extra cash and now I’m about to start working as a tour guide at Independence Hall. If I had any advice on how to manage all of those jobs to pay rent, it would be having communication. Granted, I’ve been so lucky to be employed for bosses who are flexible and sympathetic to an actor’s crazy schedule. Definitely try to find an employer who will work with your schedule. That being said, I feel that if I wasn’t so open and direct in regards to communicating with them, they wouldn’t have helped me out so many times. I tell them long in advance what to expect so there aren’t any surprises, I am brutally honest with them, and I invite them to the shows so they feel included (and so they know that theatre is a real job)! How did I get my name out there? Like I said, I had a severe case of senioritus. So, when senior year came around, I had no interest in being in anyone’s senior project or the next Caplan Studio Play. I went out on TheatrePhiladelphia and started applying for jobs in the city. Some of them caused me embarrassment when I found out my senior classes conflicted with the jobs AFTER applying. BUT I came upon a notice for Understudies at the Arden Theatre for Annie Baker’s play “John.” I was lucky enough to book the gig, understudying for Kevin Meehan, a very successful Philly actor, at one of the most successful theaters in the city. I was thrilled. That was the beginning of meeting the Arden team, Arden actors, and other Philadelphia professionals—months before graduation. How did I get my foot in the door? Understudying is a huge foot in the door. The Arden’s process with understudies is so generous and helpful—it was a dream come true as a senior at UArts. You get to watch these professionals work in the rehearsal room, you get to watch the tech process, you get your own understudy rehearsals, and your own understudy run of the show (which is attended by the Arden administration)! I was hooked. I understudied for Kevin Meehan in “John” and again for Dan Hodge in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” After that, I was thankful to be called in for season auditions at the Arden, I was asked to be in a show for Dan Hodge’s company Philadelphia Artist’s Collective, and finally I’m here at ‘Charlotte’s Web’. So In a way, I feel like I owe a great debt to the Arden, and for those positions as an understudy. What’s it like to work at the Arden? It’s the best job in the world. To work at a theatre that can pay your rent, pay to keep their lights on, and one that values GOOD ART—is heaven. The sense of community and professionalism is so satisfying. This is the first show I’ve done in the city where everyone wants to sit around in the green room after a show and just be together. I already know I’m going to cry when this is over. I love the theatre, I love everyone who works there, and I love our show. I got to go home to Tennessee over the holidays and tell my entire family that I get paid to act like a pig all day with the most wonderful group of actors and crew in Philadelphia. Best job in the world. Advice? Be open and kind to all kinds of new theatre, new experiences, and new people—otherwise, I don’t think you’ll be able to survive as an actor in Philadelphia. Be grateful AND tenacious
Check out Adam in Charlotte’s Web at the Arden Theatre Company now extended through February 3!
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