<p>Hi everyone!
I'm in some desperate need of advice and would appreciate any help you can give! </p>
<p>After some soul searching, I've realized that the traditional college programs don't interest me. Simply put, I can't think of one subject that sparks genuine interest. Or even any interest, for that matter. </p>
<p>I have, on the other hand, always loved performing. Since the fourth grade, I was involved in an "off the beaten path" theater program. The participants were put onto teams of seven peers to create their own scripts, set, costumes, etc. It was also competition based -- if your team did well, you advanced from regionals, to states, and finally to worlds. Here lies my problem: Since this program was so time consuming and I was involved in it for so long, I didn't participate in any "traditional" theater productions. </p>
<p>Now that I'm 21, I fear my chance may have passed. My current college (I'm planning on transferring) doesn't have a theater program, or even a stage, so getting involved there would be difficult.</p>
<p>Here's my question: I'm looking for an acting class over the upcoming winter break in the Boston area. I've tried online at some local college websites with no luck. Is this something that's even plausible? Does anyone have any suggestions of what to do? </p>
<p>Any help would be GREAT! Thanks in advance! :]</p>
<p>Have you looked at "The Source" a publication by StageSource ... the website is The</a> Greater Boston Theatre Alliance - StageSource You may find acting classes listed there. The organization is a terrific way to get involved in theatre in the Boston area. Members have access to audition notices, discounts on shows, a reading room, etc...</p>
<p>Also -- how far along are you in college? If you are already a junior and will graduate next year you might want to consider going to a two year conservatory or graduate school AFTER you graduate with the undergraduate degree you are currently pursuing. Most transfer students find that they lose credits in the transfer process, and end up spending more time in school than four years. I went to graduate school with people who had undergraduate degrees in areas other than theatre, but like yourself had always been involved with theatre and performing. Depending on where you go to college you could be involved with acting classes outside of school and participate in local theatre productions. </p>
<p>Something else to think about -- Connecticut College in partnership with the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Institute in Waterbury, CT has a semester long theatre intensive open to college students from other schools. You could consider applying to take on of your semesters there. </p>
<p>Finally -- It is not necessary to have an undergraduate theatre degree to pursue a career as a performer, there are many paths to that career. 21 is certainly not too late to begin that journey. </p>
<p>I used to live outside of Boston and will see if any of my friends can suggest specific acting studios where you could study.</p>
<p>I live in the Boston area as well and have found the following website to be extremely helpful in terms of providing links to all sorts of theater resources, including acting training. It is Life</a> in the Spotlight!, and I believe that the woman who operates the site is from the Boston area. Good luck!</p>
<p>I strongly agree with Kat that if you are almost done with your bach degree (I am assuming this because of your age, but I may be wrong) just finish it! You can pursue theater in many ways, but you will be really glad to have completed the degree. Not just for entrance to a masters program, but for all types of job opportunities in or out of the theater world. Try to square away your degree requirements while finding a performing outlet off campus. But finish the degree. It will speak well of you as a person who is reliable and can stick to a plan, have tenacity, etc. Good luck!</p>
<p>PM me if you would like the name of a fine acting coach in the Boston area. Private lessons might be the best way to fit in with your limited time over the semester break.</p>
<p>I'm just finishing up the first semester of my sophomore year. (I'm old for my grade because I took a year off in between high school and college.) I'm currently a psychology major, but I intend on changing it (possibly to communications) in the near future. I've only taken three psychology classes, so I'm not very deep into it. </p>
<p>Also, for multiple reasons, I'm planning on transferring schools for the Fall 2008 semester. Since I don't have much theater background (as I posted before, the program I was involved with was focused more on the creation than the acting itself), I wouldn't feel very comfortable majoring in it. Does anyone know if it would be possible to major in communications and minor in theater at NYU or Emerson?</p>
<p>Also... do you think it would be a good idea to take lessons over my winter break (whether they be private or a class)? Or, since I'm registered for a basic acting class next semester at my school, would it be better to just hold off for that? I know that too much instruction probably can't hurt, but I don't know if it would be worth it to spend more money for such a similar course (since they'd both be intro classes).</p>
<p>Or is there something I could do that would be a better use of my time? Perhaps an internship with a local theater company? I'm really feeling in the dark about all of this and truly appreciate all of your help!</p>
<p>Do San Francsico State or Northridge have good theater programs? I’ve heard that San Fran. has a good one, yet its facilities look run-down. On the other hand Northridge has state-of-the-art facilities, but I’ve never heard anything about their program. Which one is better?</p>
<p>Check into Steinhardt and Gallatin at NYU. And do look further at Emerson to see if combining the Communications major and Performance Studies minor meets your needs. I would also suggest Fordham Lincoln Center if you are ok with a Jesuit school. I know a professional actress at Fordham combining these majors and she is happy with the programs. Good luck! :)</p>