So much to look at when considering schools and which type of programs. Now looking at which schools offer 5 year programs, any one know of any?? Thanks!
I’m not sure the advantage in any such combined degree program. Once you graduate from a BA or a BFA program, you can apply to MFA programs. In fact, it would be a good idea to go to a different school for one’s MFA. Further, many well regarded MFA programs prefer candidates to have worked a bit between their BA/BFA and MFA. My daughter has some friends/peers from her BFA program (NYU/Tisch) who have gone onto MFA programs, but all worked some in between. Off the top of my head, these kids landed at Yale and UC-San Diego for their MFA programs.
@soozievt Thanks. The advantage is obtaining a masters in 5 years instead of 6, this is offered in many areas of study,I am just not sure if it is offered in MT area… Why do you feel it is better to get the MFA at a different school?
@Joyfulmama - I am going to risk going out on a limb here, but from what I have learned, a masters in MT is relatively rare among working actors due to the youthful nature of the art form and is generally regarded as conferring little to no substantive benefit for performers under the age of say, 30. Because the peak career years for MT actors are generally limited to relatively young ages, especially for girls, the time spent in a Master’s program during that period can be regarded as questionable. As you have probably noticed, many MT performers never finished or did not attend college (Sutton Foster, Laura Osnes, etc.). It is my understanding that a Master’s degree in MT is most useful for those interested in obtaining a job in academia or are interested in pursing roles for more mature characters. None of these comments are intended to lessen the utility or merit of an MFA in Musical Theatre nor to imply any absolute declarations of fact. I have no doubt there are exceptions and contradictions to everything I have said.
As an anecdote, D has a friend-of-a-friend who has just landed a leading role in an upcoming national tour as a high school senior.
First, I don’t think the combo degree you mentioned is common in MT or Acting/Theater. I saw a combo BA/MA in Theater studies at U of Miami but that is not like getting an MFA.
I think going to a different school for grad school has benefits. You learn from new people and new everything. Further, what may be a great undergrad program/school isn’t always the same list as great grad programs. Sometimes schools overlap on both lists, and sometimes not. Further, many MFA degree programs prefer to admit students who have worked in between undergrad and grad school.
@EmsDad You bring up great points.Our older D was headed to a conservatory for dance in another state for college but 2 weeks before going she landed an agent here in NYC. We deferred her college spot for one year and she wound up landing an international tour during that year so we gave her college spot up. She is successful dancer with no college and lots of networking contacts & opportunities through just being in the biz.
@soozievt gotcha on the reason to choose a different school for MFA that makes sense.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland offers 3-semester MA degrees (Fall, spring, summer-- with you ending your course working at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.). For our MT kids the subjects of interest could be: MA-- Musical Theatre, Musical Theater Directing, Acting, and Directing. A BA at RCS is only 3 years, so conceivably, one could go to school there for 4 years and 1 summer, and have 2 degrees.
@SU88BFA Wow! That’s a great deal! Can you move here to NY?
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I think there is generally not enough difference between a BFA and a MFA program in most schools so that it would be beneficial to attend both programs at one school. I know that for the BM degree through NYU Steinhardt, students would be using the same voice faculty, attending many classes whose curriculums seem similar and would be auditioning for the same shows.
NYU Steinhardt does offer a 5 year degree that allows you to get your BM degree in VP (MT or classical) and then offers a MA in music education. Students get the MA degree in 3 semesters of study.
@uskoolfish Makes sense. I wish my D would put NYU on the list, being so familiar with the city since we live here, she really wants a campus, so not considering NYU at all.
I do not have direct experience with this- but it is my understanding that the drama MFA program at NYU is completely separated from the BFA. (So not like steinhardt) Not important for joyful mama as you say it’s not on your D’s list- but just info. Also- I have looked at the kids on their website- and in the classes from the last couple years there are kids who got undergrad at NYU -so there are kids who do two degrees at same school. (I agree with soozie’s logic about changing schools- just pointing out something I noticed)
Shenandoah offers a 5 year with masters program. I believe it is called PALM (performing arts something something).