Another Newbie Question: Non-Audition BFA?

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>Please be gentle, my head is about to explode with all this information! (Again, WOW is there a difference in the theatre application process and the "academic" application process!)</p>

<p>So, my question now: Is there such an animal as a Non-Audition BFA program? If so, where? </p>

<p>We are just beginning to compile a list of schools and have several in state (GA) non-audition BA programs. After doing research, I believe my daughter's best bet is the BFA route. (You may remember she has a math disability, average GPA, and is HORRENDOUS with standardized testing.) </p>

<p>Thanks again for all your help!
Melanie</p>

2

<p>There are indeed non-audition BFA programs. There are 2 types on this list - schools where you go straight in to the BFA, and others where you go in as a BA and audition for the BFA after you are in school. There are notes to tell you which is which:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1177128-non-audiiton-bfas.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1177128-non-audiiton-bfas.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>We’re looking for a few of these programs too, for similar reasons. My son’s list includes U. Montana, UNC-Greensboro, Temple, and Univ. of Rhode Island, based on research from CC and elsewhere. Hope that helps you get started with the search!</p>

4

<p>Thank you, austinmtmom and times3. This and the other thread will get us started!</p>

5

<p>Temple’s program is a BA, not a BFA but it is performance focused. I would strongly recommend filing the application very early in the year, since their decisions are on a rolling basis. I have seen otherwise qualified students rejected from Temple because they sent in their applications late in the cycle.</p>

6

<p>Good point, gh. It is wonderful that there are schools with non-auditioned BFAs, and BAs that can become BFAs. The decision about what kind of program would be best is very complicated, and different for every student. “BFA” is really not the magic word here.</p>

<p>I am very glad there are non-auditioned programs as likely/safeties for these kids. Many of them have curricula that can give someone who wants strong training exactly what they are looking for, whether it is a BA or a BFA. It takes reading, visiting and asking a lot of questions to decide what school, regardless of the degree or the selectivity, is right.</p>

<p>I feel strongly that the curriculum is key, whether it’s an auditioned or non-auditioned BFA, or an auditioned or non-auditioned BA. My D got into at least one of all types, and it was only through detailed evaluations of their course catalog that she decided how and where she wanted to spend her next 4 years.</p>

7

<p>Absolutely, Emmybet. The more I visit school sites, the more I see how varied the curriculums are. We will be doing a lot of studying course descriptions this summer!</p>

8

<p>Thirded, Emmybet. It’s all about the individual program, not any “magic words.”</p>

9

<p>Thanks for everyone’s help. I just want to make sure we are covering all our bases. My daughter is one of the most determined and dedicated theatre kids around. However, I know we have some challenges with her “other” academics, test scores, and math disability. I want her to make sure she is applying to schools where she will fit in all categories. Thanks again, everyone. Now, it’s off to day 2 of spring musical…</p>