<p>Hey out there, all you new and perspective Tichies! I'm currently going into my sophomore year, and if any of you have any questions feel free to ask them. Anything regarding dorms, dining halls, classes, free time, job possiblities, neighborhoods, it's all open territory. I know when I was going into my freshman year, I was horribly confused about a lot of things, so don't be shy! :)</p>
<p>what major are you?</p>
<p>Hey, i guess my question would be concerning the theater major. Is it true that undergraduates rarely see any stage time due to the size of the school and the Graduate program?</p>
<p>Ok, in response to both:</p>
<p>I'm a Drama major, in Playwrights Horizons. And about stage time, that is not true at all. Regardless of whether you make mainstage productions, nearly all of your classes as a drama major involve practical application. You're going to be working on scenes, doing exercises, rolling around on the floor, crying in front of a mirror, ALL the time. You will get your fill of theatre in all capacities. There are lots of opportunities for shows, both in Playwrights directing projects and in Mainstage productions (not to mention student films in the Film and TV department!), but remember you won't be able to audition for shows your first year. It sounds sucky, but you'll be thankful for it once you see how heavy your workload is! If you're in Adler or Atlantic, you're going to have to work on multiple scenes at once. If you're in Playwrights, you're going to have design and directing projects in addition to scene work. In short, don't worry because there's plenty to do to fill your theatrical cravings. :)</p>
<p>That makes me feel a WHOLE lot better!! I was told that the life of a freshman at Tisch consisted of sweeping stages. Bad info. i guess. Thanks for the clearification. Also, how do you know what company to pick. You said that you were in playwrights Horizon. How did you know that that was right for you?</p>
<p>This question isn't really for me, but I have a friend who wants to transfer to Tisch as a drama major.</p>
<p>Do you know of any transfer success stories? (Are transfers rare? Did they come from community/private/state colleges?)</p>
<p>Also, since the drama program eats up a huge chunk of your 18 credits each semester, would you say that you're still able to get a well-rounded education and pursue a variety of interests outside of your major? Or is the program too confining for that?</p>
<p>How are the freshman writing classes that all Tisch students have to take?</p>
<p>I hope you don't mind my popping in here. I think it is GREAT that Strawberry Blazer has offered to answer questions from a current Tisch Drama student perspective. I can't do that like she can but I do have some thoughts on some questions already posed and am sure she will be back to give you the real "skinny." I am just a parent of a Tisch Drama student who is a rising sophomore. She is in the musical theater studio, CAP21. Strawberry, you guys may even know one another as she has many friends in your studio, but I won't give names here. </p>
<p>About performance opportunities. It is true that freshmen cannot be in shows. Like Strawberry said, there is a lot of performing going in in your studio in class. I had thought my daughter would miss it for a whole 8 months having ALWAYS been involved in a production throughout her life. But she did not complain and in fact, while attending said she was glad that was the way it was set up the first year. The program is intense and she felt that the focus on training was a good thing. While not theater, she was in a coed a capella group, The N'Harmonics (you incoming frosh will hear them during welcome week) and so she performed many times with them and so that was a little bit of that aspect too. Freshmen do have crew assignments, basically one production per semester. While it is not performing, it is beneficial to experience that side of productions. Anyway, you gotta pay your dues. Just about all BFA programs that I know of, require some time on crew. Remember, that one can pursue production work in summers. While my D was not in a show during the 8 mos. of her freshmen year, she is working in a professional theater this summer and in fact, her show opened today. She also was involved in the student run productions freshman year, just not on stage (she was pianist for a musical). </p>
<p>Once the first year is over, there are numerous avenues for production work. I believe there are 100 different theatrical productions per year at Tisch. There are your own studio's shows. There are mainstage shows. There are GAP shows (student run and considered excellent) and many others. If you don't get into a Main Stage production, you should be able to have performance experiences in other producitons during those three years at Tisch. Also, someone mentioned grad students. Grad students do not vie for casting in the same productions as undergrads. Their shows are entirely separate. The shows for undergrads cast undergrads. </p>
<p>Regarding transferring....there are not a lot of open slots for transfers but Tisch DOES take transfers. My D has a very good friend who is transferring into Tisch Drama (Playwrights Horizons) as a soph this fall and was at Cornell this past year. I know someone who has already graduated but she transferred into Tisch from Tufts. </p>
<p>Regarding the required freshmen writing courses....these courses related to the arts. My D happened to really love the writing courses and got a lot out of them. She is quite skilled in writing and enjoys writing and that may have something to do with it. She says she doesn't understand why many students complain about the required writing classes because she really liked them. This goes to show that you should garner perspectives from MANY current students, not just one. Better yet, go with an open mind and see for yourself. </p>
<p>Mojo...your question about the well rounded education, etc. is more involved. That question relates to the big decision as to whether to pursue a BFA degree or a BA one. There are many factors to weigh in such a decision and I am not going to get into all of that now. But Tisch is like most BFA programs in that a good chunk of your curriculum is in the professional training. However, Tisch has a significant liberal arts component, more so than many BFA programs (but not like what a BA degree would be like) and one can minor in another subject and it is possible (though difficult) to double major. Tisch Drama students attend their studio classes three full days per week and their liberal arts classes (two usually) two days per week. One attraction to Tisch for a BFA compared to some other BFA programs, for my kid, was that there IS some liberal arts and it is a more challenging/selective college than where some other BFA theater programs are located within. She did want some liberal arts and does like other subjects, including writing. However, if you want a true broad education, then you ought to consider whether a BFA program or a BA program is more suited to your needs and interests, because there are major differences between these options. That is not really a Tisch thing but a question of degrees. However, Tisch does have liberal arts requirements in the Humanities and Sciences (theater students also have to take many Theater Studies classes which are not professional training ones) and more than what a stand alone conservatory would have. </p>
<p>Hope this helps a bit. Thanks Strawberry for being an enthusiastic and willing current student for offering to help on the forum for incoming and prospective students!</p>
<p>I had a question about jobs. How easy is it to get an interview/job? I know there are limited spots within Tisch and I can only apply for a few jobs (they sent us a packet a little while ago with job opportunities and who to contact once we are at Tisch) since I can only work nights and weekends (because studio takes up most my time, and on my off time on MW I am doing America Reads). So I'm wondering how quickly these fill up and, because I plan on contacting the employers the monday after move-in (or should I do it on move-in day???) and what my chances of getting a job are?</p>
<p>Ok, one question at a time!</p>
<p>Mackie: Just so you know, you will have to crew shows your first year. It's sort of your debt to society in a sense, because all NYU shows are teched by students. If you're in Playwrights, you'll have the most to do, but all the people you'll work with are awesome no matter who you crew with or where you do it, and the work is really rewarding. Plus, you can get much more work in the professional theatre as a member of the tech crew than you can find as an actor, so what you learn may come in handy in the future! When I went in to audition for NYU, I was really set on CAP21, because I love musical theatre. The trouble is, about 3/4 of the people who audition for NYU audition for CAP, so they always ask you if you have a second choice. When I chose Playwrights as my second choice, it was only because I knew they had a directing program, which I was interested in, and I didn't know anything about any of the other studios, but the people who audition you have a weird way of knowing where to put you, even if you don't know where you want to go. If you'd like to learn more about all the studios, there's lots of info in the Undergrad Drama section of the Tisch website. Also, if you're interested in musical theatre, Playwrights may be a good route for you to take because they have voice classes and dance classes, and many CAP hopefuls are placed in Playwrights.</p>
<p>Mojo: Transfers have hope! In my first year group last year, out of roughly 72 people, there were 5 tranfers (not to mention all the transfers in the 6 other studios). Some came from within the University, others did not. Tell your friend to go for it, because there's definitely a shot./ Regarding the second question, of your 16 required credits, and 18 available credits (16 needed per year, 18 available before you have to pay more), Studio takes up 8 credits. It is completely possible to double major, or to minor, and I know people who have done it without too much pain or trouble. Tisch does care about your core requirements, you must have a certain number of science and Humanities credits, and you also get a certain number of electives. This coming semester, in addition to my Playwrights classes, I'm taking a computer science class, and for my required Theatre Studies course, I'm taking a musical theatre class. If you want it badly enough, you can pretty much do anything you want, you just have to be really willing to work with your advisor! Your advisor is your friend, so never be afraid to make an appointment, or talk through email. They're there to help you!</p>
<p>Elliot: All freshmen have to take Writing The Essay through Tisch. I'm not going to lie to you, the class is pretty horrible. However, some of the teachers are great. If you can, try for Rajiv Joseph, because he's really interesting (and cute!). Also, Christina Wong is pretty good, they both really care about their classes. After freshman year, there are no Tisch writing requirements (unless you take crazy Theatre Studies classes, but no need to worry about those yet). WtE is sucky, but you'll get through it! Just don't put off your essays til the morning they're due like I did! :)</p>
<p>Lindsey: If you're looking specifically for a Work Study job, there's lots of opportunity. As soon as you get to school, go to the Career Services center (I believe it's currently in the Palladium dorm on 14th St and 3rd Ave, but in case I'm wrong, your RA or the person working the Front Desk in your dorm should be able to direct you there). Sign up to get onto the webiste, where there are loads of work study and non work study jobs listed. I had the same problem you did last year, and could only work nights and weekends. This may not work well for work study positions, especially office work, because most offices close at around 5:30pm, and expect you to work a minimum of 15 hours a week. However, there are opportunities, you just have to look for them! There will be a job fair during welcome week, definitely go and check it out. Also, remember: You're living in New York City. The center of greed, where there's a shop or restaurant around every corner! Check Craigslist.com on a regular basis for job listings, and get yourself onto NYU Careernet as soon as possible, and I guarantee you'll find something. I found a really great Concert Event Manager job off NYU's career site where I work all around the country managing battle of the bands contests and get payed 500 bucks in cash for the day, tax free. I work about 6 times a week, travel and lodgings paid. It's amazing, and you can find gems like this one if you just look hard enough. Also, check your neighborhood for HELP WANTED signs. They're there, trust me. Good luck, and don't worry!</p>
<p>Also, soozievt: Your daughter was the freshman in N'Harmonics? I saw the last show this spring, she was amazing! You must be very proud. :)</p>
<p>Strawberry, there were about five freshman in N'Harmonics. I think two were girls, my daughter being one of them. So, I don't know which girl you meant. The other one is really good. My daughter was in the spring concert but if I recall, she had to arrive late just in time for her solo literally as she was on...what else? crew! that night. Of the two freshmen girls, she was the one with long brown hair and her solo song was Think (Aretha Franklin), in that particular concert and she had arranged Bohemian Rhapsody and Bonnie Raitt's Something To Talk About. If they did the Madonna medley, she has the very ending solo (Like a Prayer). I don't want to post her name. One of her friends in your studio (and year) is directing the fall GAP show of Into the Woods and my daughter is the Musical Director. Hope you guys meet. Best to you and thanks for the feedback (IF you were even talking about the same girl, lol).</p>
<p>I have another question: Does Tisch only offer a B.F.A degree in dramatic arts? Is there any way to do a B.A.?</p>
<p>Soozievt: Yes, your daughter's the one I was talking about. :) And I know who you're talking about in Playwrights too, we're all very excited for his gap show this year!</p>
<p>Mackie: Because of the way the program is organized, I do believe that to gain a theatre degree in Tisch, it has to be a BFA. However, there are other options in different schools of the university. If you're interested in Theatre Education, you'd want to go through Steinhardt, where you get both theatre classes, and a teaching certificate. If you can't find what you want anywhere else, you can create your own program in the Gallatin school if individualized study. Through Gallatin, you can pretty much do anything. There's apparently a girl in my class who's majoring in "Love." Don't ask me for the specifics, but honestly, they give you a lot of freedom to create your own program, as long as you have a realistic and intelligent proposal, and you have a really strong work ethic to do a lot of it on your own!</p>
<p>StrawberryBlazer: thank you SO MUCH for starting this thread!!! i've lived in nyc all my life and have always loved nyu from afar - particularly tisch - and this information couldn't be more helpful!!</p>
<p>i have a few questions, myself:</p>
<p>is it at all possible, at nyu, to double-major in theatre and something completely unrelated, such as psychology, art history, or biology? i'm so enthusiastic about tisch's incredible drama program, but am equally enthusiastic about other subjects. would the Gallatin School that you mentioned in your previous post be a good option for someone like me? would a double-major, or something of the sort, stop me from participating in productions at tisch, limiting me to classes and seminars?</p>
<p>the overall admission rate for nyu is listed on the university's website - but would you happen to know the rates for tisch specifically (i, like you, would want to be a drama major)?</p>
<p>thanks so much!</p>
<p>another: Don't fret about double majoring, because it is completely possible! You'd have to work hard and really want it, you might have to take some summer courses (but if you live in the city, that probably wouldn't be much of a problem), but it's not impossible at all. I know a lot of people who have double majored and who are thinking about double majoring. If you're not into the idea of that much work, a minor might be an option as well. If you want to be a drama major, Tisch is absolutely where you want to be. Gallatin gets complicated, so I wouldn't focus on that. However, at this point, although you want to double major in the future, you absolutely will not have the time in your schedule for non-theatre classes first year, and in that first year all your priorities may change, so if you come to NYU you might want to save this conversation for your advisor, who can definitely give you better (and more accurate!) information than I can. As for the Tisch admission rates, I believe that the Tisch website has information on that. I could give you some arbitrary numbers that are floating around in my brain, but I have no idea how close I'd be to accurate. I will tell you this though: Every year, the application rates have been soaring higher and higher, and some program sizes are growing as a result. If you worked hard in high school, and you work hard for you audition (and go early decision, because you have a MUCH better chance of getting in that way if it's your first choice) then you have a really good shot. But like I said, go on the website, or I'm sure you could call Tisch admissions for the info if you were really super curious. :)</p>
<p>Another Anomaly,
StrawberryBlazer is doing such a fantastic job answering questions and is generous with her time. She's been there, done that, and is giving back! </p>
<p>You asked about the admit rates for Tisch Drama. I can help you a bit here. I am a college counselor at College Confidential and besides advising students regarding regular college admissions, I have expertise in theater program college admissions and work with many prospective students who which to pursue theater in college.</p>
<p>I am aware of the numbers for Tisch Drama, plus Arthur Bartow, Artistic Director for Tisch Drama, has commented on this topic on CC's Musical Theater Forum (under NYU/Tisch). The admit rate to the university (NYU) at large is about 29%. However, it is lower for Tisch Drama. To be admitted to Tisch Drama, 50% of the decision is academic review and 50% is artistic review. Approximately 2500-3000 students audition to get into Tisch Drama (all studios combined). The admit rate is about 17% overall for Tisch Drama. About 1500 of those students specify CAP21 (the only musical theater studio) studio as their first choice studio. Therefore, the admit rate for CAP21 is about 5-6% or so (they accept 75-80, hoping to yield 64). There are 300 total Tisch Drama Freshman (about 225 in straight drama studios). Remember more than 300 are accepted to enroll 300. My guess is to get into an acting studio, the acceptance rate is close to 20%. Again, it is 17% for all the studios combined. </p>
<p>I hope this helps you a bit.
Susan</p>
<p>PS...to Strawberry Blazer...my daughter has been friends with that boy in your class in PH for many years. They went to summer theater camp together. One year, he played Tony and she played Anita in West Side Story. It is kinda funny but the production team for Into the Woods is almost all friends who went to theater camp together and now they are together on a show again. The director (from your studio), the producer, the co-musical director (my D from CAP) and the choreographer (a transfer into NYU- PH this fall) all spent many summers together before college. I hope you'll go see ITW!</p>
<p>soozievt,</p>
<p>Wow!! Thank you so much for those rates!! They definitely help. I would want to be in a straight drama studio - not CAP21 (I do sing, but my voice is completely untrained, and certainly not the calibre they are searching for).</p>
<p>You said you specialized in theater in college. This is quite possibly my #1 criteria in my college search. I have heard the theater program at Vassar is quite good, as well; where else can I look for great opportunities in this department? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>If it helps, here are the stats I have at this point (I will be a Junior in Sept.):</p>
<p>GPA: 3.72 UW at one of the most competitive schools in NY.
PSAT/SAT not yet taken.
SAT II: 740 bio, lit to be taken in october (avg. practice test score: 750)
I'm White, I'm Jewish, and I have no hook.</p>
<p>Will take AP chinese and AP world hist this year. my school doesn't allow more than 3 APs per year. Will take 3 APs senior year.</p>
<p>ECs:
THEATER:
-one of the heads of theater co. at my school
-3 or more mainstage productions per year; many smaller, student-run productions, as well; multiple leads.
-rehearsals appx. 8-10 hrs/wk
Enormous passion here. ENORMOUS. :)</p>
<p>MUSIC:
Piano for 12 years. State Symphony this year.
I am playing at Carnegie Hall in a few months. (culmination of a lifelong dream!).</p>
<p>WRITING:
-Many out-of-school classes. I write in my spare time. It's therapeutic.
-I edit my school's Literary Magazine and have written for it since freshman year.
-Piece published in nationally distributed magazine for Teens.</p>
<p>VOLUNTEERING/INTERNSHIPS:
-Volunteer at pediatric center of a cancer hospital every sat.
-Volunteer at various theaters throughout the city
-Internship at world-famous museum; aided a curator with research</p>
<p>Thank you so much. I really am lost here and would appreciate some help...</p>
<p>Another Anamoly, </p>
<p>From what you shared so far, it seems like you have a strong record in and outside of the classroom. While I love to partcipate in discussions and questions voluntarily on the forums, in hopes of helping many people with similar interests, I am unable to take the time to give this degree of individual help as a volunteer. I could do that all day, lol. This is what I do as my job. In fact, I was just taking a break after working on clients' evaluations of their background and individualized college searches. That is basically what you are asking for help with. I don't do individualized chances threads or college searches on the forum. If you feel you'd like assistance with an initial evaluation and college search, contact me at <a href="mailto:susant@collegeconfidential.com">susant@collegeconfidential.com</a> and we can discuss that option further. Keep up the good work! You seem accomplished in several areas and have a strong passion as well. You remind me of my own daughter who also did a ton of theater, was a leader, plays piano and is an avid writer. I am sure you are bound for a positive college admissions outcome and if I can help, let me know.</p>