Can I Pursue Both Beauty School and a Performing Arts School Since Those Two Are My Dreams?

Yes, it is entirely possible to pursue both beauty school and a performing arts school, but the challenge lies in how and when you integrate these two dream paths. While some students may be able to navigate both concurrently, others might find that pursuing one at a time offers the flexibility and focus needed to achieve their goals.

The Challenge of Concurrent Pursuits

Let's consider the story of one of my former students. She aspired to take both my art classes, which were fantastic, and the cosmetology classes offered at a local beauty school. However, the cosmetology program's class schedules were incredibly long and frequently clashed with my lesson times. This created a significant obstacle that ultimately made it impractical for her to attend both simultaneously. Even with her best efforts, the overlapping schedules made it difficult to stay on top of both commitments, leading to the decision to go with one path over the other.

Sequential Pursuit: A Practical Approach

One highly practical approach is to complete your beauty school certificate first, and then enroll in a performing arts degree at a college. Alternatively, you can start with your performing arts education and then specialize in makeup artistry. This sequential approach allows you to focus fully on one area at a time, ensuring that you can commit the necessary time and energy to each pursuit without overwhelming yourself.

Financial Considerations

One of the biggest challenges in pursuing multiple degrees or certifications is the availability of federal grants and loans. The federal financial aid system has strict limits, and you may find that you exhaust your funding before achieving all of your educational goals. Therefore, it's crucial to plan your financial strategy carefully and explore alternative funding sources, such as private loans, scholarships, or part-time work, to support your dual training.

Exploring Makeup Artistry through College Programs

Many colleges and universities offer performing arts and theater programs that integrate makeup artistry classes for special effects and theater applications. To find programs that fit your needs, perform an internet search using the term "Makeup Artistry Colleges." This can lead you to institutions that not only offer comprehensive makeup programs but also a strong performing arts foundation.

Leveraging Career Services for Guidance

Once you have chosen a path facilitated through a college or university, it's helpful to tap into the resources available within the institution. Many schools have dedicated Career Services offices that can provide guidance on how to combine your beauty and performing arts education to build a successful career. Your class adviser is also an invaluable resource in this process. They can provide detailed information and connect you with industry professionals who can offer insights and advice.

In conclusion, while it may be challenging, you can indeed pursue beauty school and a performing arts school, albeit one at a time. By carefully planning your educational journey, leveraging available resources, and staying flexible, you can turn your dreams into a reality. Whether you start with beauty school or performing arts, a sequential approach can help you achieve both your educational and career goals.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance on your journey, don't hesitate to reach out. The journey to combining your passions is a rewarding one, and I wish you all the best!