<p>Hey CC,
I am in a difficult situation...I've decided that I would like to pursue writing and production for two mediums: film and theater. If I get the option to perform, that's great, but not my primary concern (although I love performing...). My problem is finding a major and college that suits me. I'm afraid if I major in either film or theater that I won't be able to pursue a career in both (or maybe its more difficult to do so than I thought?). I am not looking for a B.F.A. program, because I want to study liberal arts in my curriculum, and I figure that if I really need to specialize I can do so with graduate study. I'm looking at Northwestern's B.A. theater major, which looks wonderful - however, its the matter of not being able to study film which bothers me.</p>
<p>What should I do? How should I follow this career path?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your help :)</p>
<p>As far as film goes, are you looking to be a movie star or work behind the scenes? Are you a more technical person or a more artistic, philosophical person? The only "technical" things you'll be able to study in theater is something like blocking/staging, but in film you'll be able to study the use of the actual equipment, editing, etc. </p>
<p>You probably need to work out your goals (your career plans) before you choose. I know two guys who are both going to Tisch at NYU to study film; one directed his own film and LOVED studying the technical aspects of film---he aspires to be a director. Another was the Editor-in-Chief of my school's broadcasting/news crew. I have a close friend who adores performance and wants to be on Broadway--she has no technical inclinations whatsoever.</p>
<p>What fits you? I just think it would be hard (but not impossible) to study both fields in the depth that they deserve.</p>
<p>I feel in a similar situation to sailorseraph. I've recently come to love and appreciate film; I started acting/performing in musicals freshman year (now going to become a junior), and so I'd love to hear anyone else's input on this topic.</p>
<p>Europe Girl - they are alot of technical aspects in theatre that one can study that go way beyond "blocking/staging." Scenic, lighting, and sound design, theatre management, technical production, directing, production management...</p>
<p>Sailorseraph - Yes, you have given us a hard question! Crossing out all BFA programs makes this a hard one. One school that comes to mind is Yale - you could possibly double-major in Theatre Studies and Film Studies. I guess that is the best advice to give - look for schools that have both theatre studies and film studies majors. If you were interested in BFA programs, then really you could look at most top drama schools. The design/tech programs are rooted in live theatre, but many programs have classes that introduce students to film (If you want to do it on film, it can't hurt to know how to do it for real people in a room first!) Also, some of the undergrad drama directing programs venture into film a bit (CMU does this).</p>
<p>Sarcastic Assassin - If you're going to be looking at BFA Acting programs, there is no doubt that many, if not most, programs will expose students to acting for the camera.</p>