<p>I have another question for you folks - you have already been so helpful! Please feel free to steer me to an existing thread if there is one....</p>
<p>Someone (a well meaning director) told my D that, when applying as an undergrad, she should avoid MT programs that have a graduate component. His reasoning was that the undergrads don't get as many performing opportunities since the roles are given to graduate students. </p>
<p>Any insight/experience re: this topic? Advantages?</p>
<p>Is there a list on CC of schools that have graduate programs?</p>
<p>There possibly could be some truth to this depending on the school. See the "big list" under FAQ, and I think the MT graduate programs are listed. Good luck. Write me an e-mail if you have more questions.</p>
<p>I have heard the same thing, especially in regards to acting programs. I do think it is a benefit for the BFA program to have a graduate directing and/or writing program because the acting/MT students have more opportunities to be in shows produced/directed by grad students. I know this is the case at CMU.</p>
<p>I think that probably all of us have heard this at some point, and it's been discussed here before, but I'm not sure that any of us know it to be true! There are very few colleges which even have an MFA in MT, there are five on the 'big list' and one more that I know of that wasn't listed, Steinhardt. Any more, anyone?</p>
<p>The only school where I have actually discussed this issue with staff and students is NYU. Steinhardt has a grad program but, from all I can glean, it does not interfere with undergrad performing opportunities to any great extent. Last fall, their production of Merrily We Roll Along had only two grad students in a cast of 18. At Tisch, there is no MFA in MT, just in straight Drama. There is no impact whatsoever on the BFA students because they are completely separate programs, each with its own distinct performance opportunities and productions. One large benefit at Tisch (such as wct mentions re: CMU) is that there are MFA programs in both Musical Theatre Writing, and Dramatic Writing. Those, in addition to the renowned Film program, allow many different types of opportunities for BFA students.</p>
<p>Perhaps there's a parent here at another school which offers both BFA and MFA programs who can comment on how it works there. Or, perhaps our friend from OCU, where I believe there are both, can come and enlighten us?</p>
<p>This is not necessarily a detriment. Here is what to watch out for....check out who is cast is the productions - are there grads interspersed with the undergrads? - or are there completely separate projects at each level? Check out who is teaching/directing the undergrads - are they grad students or does the full-time faculty teach and interact with the undergrads. Regarding faculty is the person(s) who name attracts you to the school on the graduate faculty?</p>
<p>Programs that are well-funded and established have often worked these questions out in a manner that has no negative effect on the training for undergraduates. It is a parameter one needs to investigate in their quest for an undergraduate program.</p>