My D has her first college admission interview next week and she does not know what to expect. Her first theater interview is also upcoming. Any input advice on both of these would be great. I figure the theater one is to determine if the schools theater philosophy lines up with the students, is that the same for the admission interview? Thanks!
Bumping, hoping someone has some input 
Typical theatre department interview questions:
- Why are you interested in our program? (every program asked d this question)
- How did you find out about our program?
- What do you hope to learn in your college experience?
- What are your career goals? Why do you want to major in theatre?
- Tell us about your theatrical training.
- We see that you recently played __________ in ________. Tell us about that experience: your preparation for the role, what choices you made, etc.
- We see that you attended (summer program). What was your experience like?
- What other schools are you auditioning at? (almost every program asked d this question)
@EmsDad thank you! That will help her feel more prepared. Any input on Admission questions?
Also have D prepared to ASK her own questions. “I am really interested in advancing my dance skills. Do you offer leveled dance classes?” “Can you tell me about the focus in voice training here? Will I get to learn how to sing rock?” “I’ve heard you bring in current Broadway artists to do masterclasses. Is this true?” “Is it possible to double major in X in this program?” “Can I get a certificate in American Sign Language interpreting?” “I really love writing. Can I take classes in script writing?” or what ever your D is interested in. Have D show that she is interested in exploring options and is taking an active role in finding out about the possibilities at each program. This shows that D is an enthusiastic “seeker” and capable of “driving her own boat”.
Be prepared to be specific about schools. When the as you “Why _________” (insert name of school) have something to say. This was a primary reason we visited schools before applying. D had a folder on her phone of photos she had taken during tour, as well as our section of binder for each school and was able to refresh her memory before interviews and be detailed, which interviewers seemed to appreciate. (esp for places like Northwestern, Brown etc)
I’m not sure that there are typical theatre interview questions. I’ve heard such a range through the years and the interview can meander depending on the interviewer and the interviewee. Different schools can ask different types of questions. A few that have been around for a while are:
- what was the last play that you saw?
- what has been your favorite theatre experience as an audience member?
- what has been your favorite theatre experience as an actor?
- what actors do you admire?
And, of course, be ready to discuss in detail. It’s also important to know your resume well and be ready to discuss anything on it. My D spent about ten minutes of a thirty minute interview discussing her soccer experience and the fact that she played at a high level for several years. You just never know what might pique the interest of an interviewer.
And, yes, I think it’s a given that the student should have a good understanding of each school on their list and what is offered there.
All great input and advice!! Thank you! We have a really small list of schools so D knows exactly why she kept each one on her list. And she is naturally inquisitive so asking questions shouldn’t be a problem either. This will definitely make her feel comfortable!!
I have to say, out of the 16 schools my D applied to, she was only “interviewed” by one. And it wasn’t really an interview. At the audition, they looked at her resume and asked her how she did something humorous that she had listed under “Skills.” (She did not get into this particular school, BTW.) That. Was. It. Of the 5 BFA and 1 BA programs she got into, and the 3 WLs, she was not asked a single question. Ever. She auditioned, they said thank you, they asked if she had any questions for them, and she asked a question or two and left. So…don’t worry if there is no interview. I just don’t want your child to feel like if they fail to interview her it’s a bad sign.
As part of audition: NYU, Boston, and Minn Guthrie all had interview components for D. Northwestern and Briwn both had alumni interviews.
Be prepared to answer why your student is interested in a university/college/conservatory or BFA/BA depending upon the circumstances. It can be a tricky question because as @EmsDad says, many auditors will ask your D about her list and her list could very possibly include a mix of universities, colleges, conservatories and BFA and BA programs!
@toowonderful, my D auditioned for (and got into) NYU and there was no interview. They didn’t even ask he if she had any questions. It was her audition, they said thank you, and that was it. So even within a school, I think it depends on a lot of factors: the child, the timing, how tired the auditioners are, etc.
As mentioned - I think it is always best to be prepared. Btw- trickiest question in my opinion was "where else are you applying? And/or “what is your top choice school”, which my D was asked on multiple occasions
Trickiest question…what other plays has the author of your monologue written…
@bisouu WOW! Seems a little unfair!
@artskids very off putting and afterward my daughter said that she would not go there even if she had been admitted. Very arrogant and unfriendly…
Thanks all! So interesting how each persons experiences are so different. We already have several admission and theater interviews set up for the schools that require them. D is not really nervous more curious about what will be asked and making sure she is prepared.
I think full on admissions interviews are more typical in BA programs. We talked to someone who works in general college admissions at a school with a well respected MT program that is often mentioned on this board. The admissions person shared with us that they rarely offer early admissions to MT applicants. This is because their experience has been if the applicant ultimately does not get in the MT program, which is what happens to 90-95% of them, almost all of them will choose not to attend that school in favor of another school whose MT program they were accepted to. So I got the feeling, from the college admissions office point of view, their time is best spent with applicants who have a stronger chance of attending. Not on MT kids who have a strong likelihood of not getting in the MT program.
We did take tours of several colleges and were able to ask questions about the school, program, etc… With an admissions representative. But I dont think these meetings with people in admissions had a bearing on acceptances to the MTS program. I think those acceptances were based solely on interaction with the mt program reps and the audition.
As far as program specific interviews, I think time available plays a huge role in whether you have any questions asked of you or not. If you happen to audition on a day where there are fewer people there, you may have more time to talk. But at many auditions, the day is just too full with to do more than ask a passing question or two of anyone.
@vvnstar Yes the schools that require admit interviews are her BA programs. And two of the schools require theater interviews, not just questions asked at an audition but actual booked interviews. I think it’s great in both instances and will give the school an opportunity to get to know my D a little better and what her goals are as well as she can get a real sense of the faculty and sense of the school as well.
My d had a specific question to ask each school – “tell me about your New Works program” things like that to show that she actually knew about each program. One school asked her why she connected with the character in the monologue she chose, another asked about a play she had been involved with outside of school. Most were very conversational, but one school was so intimidating that when they asked if she had any questions she just said “no.” She knew before the audition had ended that she did not want to go there!