<p>Anyone taken the Experimental Theater Class at USC? I’m enrolled for next semester and very excited. Just wondering what anyone’s experience was last year. They did Bat Boy and Company so I’m very excited to hear what two musicals will be staged next year.</p>
<p>Is there any average SAT/ACT score and GPA for those accepted into the BFA program? Has that info been calculated? </p>
<p>Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Hey is the musical theatre minor only singing our is there any or equal amount of dancing? Also what do you think the main difference between the musical theatre minor and the performing arts minor? Also do you feel that the B.A. theatre is as prestigious as the B.F.A or lacking a lot of the things that the B.F.A student do? and lastly can you have a B.F.A major and a MT minor?</p>
<p>DreDoub - I’m not positive on most of your questions since I’m just a prospective student, but I can tell you that it’s probably impossible to do a BFA with MT minor, at least in 4 years anyway. The curriculum is too time consuming, so you would do the BA in theatre.</p>
<p>DreDoub, you can look up the courses required for both those minors online. Here is the link for Musical Theatre: <a href=“http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/private/docs/academic/minors/2010_Minors__Electives.pdf[/url]”>http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/private/docs/academic/minors/2010_Minors__Electives.pdf</a> This is for Performing arts minor: [USC</a> Theatre: Degree Requirements: Minor Programs | USC Catalogue](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/catalogue/schools/theatre/requirements_minors.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/catalogue/schools/theatre/requirements_minors.html)</p>
<p>Check out the classes required. You can further look up exactly what those classes are on the online catalog. Use google and have a blast.</p>
<p>Many extremely talented actors choose the BA Theatre at USC, which allows them to continue working professionally and/or take minors have more flexibility. Many extremely talented actors choose the BFA because they want 10 hours a day of only theatre-oriented classes. The BFA candidates are judged on auditions, so perhaps there is more flexibility for those who fall slightly below USC’s current admit GPA average of 3.8 and above. Those with very good stats do not have to take that into consideration.</p>
<p>I want to pursue acting as a career, but I firmly believe in a well-rounded education with a FOCUS on theatre before getting a conservatory certificate/MFA, so I’m choosing the BA theatre program. I wanted to ask how extensive the acting/theatre training was. Are there ANY type of conservatory/hands-on classes? Are the BA students considered just as much acting students as BFA students are? I read the comment about quick arrogance, but then it fades - how about in the eyes of the professors?
In general would you say that the BA program gives ample and high quality theatre training (in addition to education in other subject matters)? What are the pros/cons of the program.
I did do the research, I just wanted to ask someone with first hand experience.</p>
<p>Sorry if someone asked any of this before - I might have missed it.
Thanks very much!</p>
<p>**Sorry, I also wanted to ask - is it possible to contuinue doing professional work while doing the BA program? Also, are the prospects for theatre related opportunites still good for BA students (I know the BFA program offers a showcase at the end of the four years, with important people present, but do BA students get introductions/chance to show their talent in any way?)</p>
<p>Hey! I’m a junior in high school and am interested in the BA in Theater program at USC. How does the BA curriculum differ from the B.F.A curriculum, and do BFA’s have any more success finding work directly after graduation?
Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Take a look at the School of Theatre catalog to check the classes for both the BA and BFA. [USC</a> School of Theatre | USC Catalogue](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2011/schools/theatre/]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/cat2011/schools/theatre/) </p>
<p>You can see that the BA allows choice of electives so you can create an emphasis in the area you are most interested in. You’ll also see that there are far fewer units required for the BA, allowing students space for a double major, or a minor or even 2 minors. BAs may also have time for professional work and it is allowed, although naturally you must make arrangements to make up any school work missed. BFAs are not permitted to do outside acting work as their schedules are too full.</p>
<p>tommydrt22, I don’t know if anyone has compiled the sort of statistics to track how many grads get theatre work, whether for BA or BFA. It is well known, however, that a college degree in theatre does not directly place grads in work as a professional actor. There may be many cool opportunities, but no guarantees. As I’m sure you know, many successful actors do not go to college at all. But, the education, training, practice, technique can’t hurt.</p>
<p>Just wanted to add the USC School of Theatre has some continuing student scholarships. A list of them can be found on the SOT website.</p>
<p>I’m fairly sure BFA Students are not “not permitted” (as in if they do the iron fist of the law will come crashing down on them) to do outside work but it would be EXTREMELY difficult because of the way their classes are structured. It would, perhaps, not be so much of a problem the first three semesters when they aren’t required to be in a show but the 6-10pm Mon-Fri and sometimes Saturday rehearsal schedule for SOT (School of Theatre) shows is allot. You can, however, always switch to the BA program if you are in the BFA one if something comes up so I wouldnt base your decision solely on that if youve been accepted to the BFA program.</p>
<p>It should also be noted (possibly contrary to whatever the SOT admissions people are saying these days) BFAs are not “not permitted” to do a show their first three semesters they just aren’t guaranteed to be in a show. Most SOT shows at USC are BFA or MFA class shows or B.A./Minor only shows but freshman and first semester sophomore BFAs can audition for the extra spots in other class’s BFA shows and the open cast ones as well as do ISPs (Independent Student Productions) or whatever else fits into their schedule. I’m sure, at least on some level, it is discouraged but hardly prohibited (evidenced by the fact that they allow it to happen).</p>
<p>And, in all honesty, I dont think your GPA matters much when it comes to the BFA program. Its mostly audition (or portfolio) based.</p>
<p>It’s true that the BA program is as rigorous as you want it to be. You can take 4 years of acting as well as movement, voice, and all the other things just like the BFAs if you so desire. You can choose the same teachers as well. I dont know if the approach is different because Ive never taken a BFA class but is somehow doubt it. You also can (and should, lol) audition for the SOT shows. There are BA only shows for BAs and if there arent enough BFAs for the class shows you can audition for those too. With ISPs and other performance opportunities (improve groups, dance companies ) there are plenty of chances to perform. So, in essence its really what you make of it. You have to push yourself in the BA program because no one will do it for you but there is plenty room and opportunity to flourish.</p>
<p>The concentration of other subject matters is also what you want it to be. ALL students have the GE requirements (6-7 classes in various subjects and two writing classes) they have to fulfill. The only difference there is that BFAs dont have the foreign language requirement (passing a level 3 class or testing out of it). So it really depends on what you personally mean by well-rounded education. For some thats more than enough others might want more like a double major or minor. The BA makes it REALLY easy to double major or minor (even 2 minors) and the BFA program makes it basically impossible.</p>
<p>Someone mentioned the showcase. BAs can audition for the showcase and there are spots reserved for BAs. How many spots depends on the size of the BFA Class. This year 5 or 6 BAs got in but the BFA class is fairly small. Right now my year has 20 BFAs so there will probably be less spots when I’m a senior. From what Ive heard the showcase can be a good jumping off point and most people in it get picked up by someone through it but its by no means a guaranteed of success.</p>
<p>How hard is it, would you say, for transfer’s to make their way into the department/get cast/etc. I know that at my current school, it was very hard for some of my transfer friends to fit in within the department and get cast in shows. Is USC like this? Or will talent/hard work outshine who you know in regards to getting cast?</p>
<p>For the normal SOT shows I think there is no difference between transfers and non-transfer students. I’m 99.9% sure it’s not even taken into account.</p>
<p>It might be a bit harder for the student productions because people do tend to want their friends in their shows or to already have people in mind but it is by no means impossible. For that I would just suggest getting to know people which is really easy. Acting and the other “hands on” classes are really small (18-20 people) and just talking to people in the bigger theater classes is a great way to meet other theatre students. Also getting involved behind the scenes in the clubs and independent productions will help you out. </p>
<p>The theatre students also tends to throw their fair share of parties to promote/support the student productions and those can easily be found on Facebook. They are, of course, open to everyone. They are usually $5 because they are fundraisers but they tend to be fun or, at the very lease, something to do on a Fri/Sat night.</p>
<p>Put yourself out there and you will be fine.</p>
<p>Hi! I’m going to be an entering freshman this fall, BFA Acting, and I’m so glad I found this forum because I have TONS of questions! Ok, here goes:
I know BFA’s are not permitted to take a Musical Theatre minor. How easy is it as a BFA to take the same musical theatre classes, do shows, etc to get involved? Are voice classes available to theatre students?
The BFA program is super structured and intense. Does that make it difficult to do shows? Would it be hard to balance class, rehearsals, and, say, work-study?
I’m moving to LA from a small town in AZ, and I’m wondering what kind of environment exists in different dorms, around campus, etc. It’s looking like I’m gonna be in the IRC next year, if you could tell me anything about what living there is like.
Thank you so much, and I’ll post more questions if I think of them!</p>
<p>Hello!!
I am currently a sophomore in high school, going to be a junior next year. However, I am leaning towards the option of graduating a year early–so I would graduate after junior year instead of what would be my senior year. Throughout my career in school, I have always taken the highest level of classes possible (AP and Honors), and I’m a good student (4.0). I LOVE USC! I think I’d be a great fit for the school, and I definitely want to study theater at the school of theater. However, I was wondering–considering my circumstances of graduating early from high school–what do you think my chances are of getting accepted to the school of theater? I know especially at a school as prestigous as USC gpa and test scores are important as well as the audition/talent.
I’ve been acting since I was 8 years old and I’m very experienced as an actor having some professional experience acting on camera/modeling and lots of experience doing shows, studying theatre, taking a variety of classes.
Thanks!</p>
<p>dainee- I should preface this by saying I’m not a BFA but I can give you feedback based on what I’ve observed and the applicable experiences.</p>
<p>I did some research into how many “elective” units you would have which is what you can use to take Musical Theatre classes and it looks like (If you double up the diversity requirement with a GE or the one Theatre required category by picking a class that fulfills both) you would have a total of 28 disposable units in your 4 years. That means, in theory, you could complete the minor since a couple of things do count for both but in all honesty I wouldn’t even worry with it. The minor is good but there are classes in it you don’t desperately need. I know the calculations are a bit different from the catalog but that is because USC bases this on a 16-unit course load but you can take up to 18 units without getting charged. Extra units can be purchased (with approval, I think…) and they are like $1500+ a unit if you really want to take extra classes beyond that.</p>
<p>Small rant though. As evident by my research my best advice to anyone reading this coming to USC Theatre is Do not let the advisers tell you want can and can’t do. Research it yourself and plot your own schedules. If you can make it work then it will work. Maybe have them look it over if anything at all. The advisers are used to reading off templates so when a student says “I was thinking of trying this this way” they are like fish out of water.</p>
<p>It falls to you, however, to evaluate your ability to handle the course work you place on yourself. I can’t tell you how the BFA classes are difficulty/work wise but you’ll have to deter main if you can take above and beyond what is required or not.</p>
<p>Yes voice classes are available to theatre students. 30min is 1 unit and an hour is 2 units. You sign up through the music department (you just need to sing a paper to get D-clearance) and a voice teacher contacts you at the beginning of the semester. It cost extra ($350 for 30min. and $700 for an hour) and is usually taught by a grad student. They work around your schedule so you don’t need to worry about that. There is also Class voice. It is 2-units and doesn’t cost extra but I don’t think it’s worth it from personal experience.</p>
<p>I think it’s easy to “take the same classes” which really is just the one class, Musical Theatre Workshop, unless you really want to take Broadway history and Guitar/Piano. You’ll have to audition to get in the class but you’ll probably be fine. There are two levels and you can take the same class multiple times if you want. You can also take Musical Theatre Audition which is a 3 unit course offered by the SOT and there are various 2-unit dance classes. For these you just register (I think there is technically an audition for Music Theatre Audition but I don’t know anyone who got rejected from the class.)</p>
<p>As for shows, Im not sure how much youve looked at the curriculum but shows are built into the BFA program. Youll automatically do one show a semester starting your second semester sophomore year. Its usually a play but this year the BFA juniors did a musical so it depends on the class make up. Second semester senior year you do the senior showcase instead of a traditional play.</p>
<p>Outside of that for musicals the Music Theatre Reparatory (aka MTR, a student run organization [-</a> Link](<a href=“http://www.uscmtr.com/]-”>http://www.uscmtr.com/) ) does 2-3 Student Productions a year and there are always other student produced musicals. Ive seen Tommy and Spring Awakening happen in the past and this year Brand New Theatre did a student written musical. You can usually do student productions and be in SOT shows so if you can get in and can handle the extra hours there’s nothing stopping you. You can also do the SOT (like I said they are very loose with that no shows rule) musical your first year because you wont be in a required SOT show yet. There are also student produced plays you can do and that works the same way as the student produced musicals.</p>
<p>I think it will be hard to do everything (class, 1 or 2 shows, work-study, and have a life). Impossible? Maybe not, but hard. Youll have to see if you find a job that fits.</p>
<p>IRC is great. It is one of the newest dorms so its really nice and its right next to Parkside which is (well, before the renovations they are doing now so this might change) the better dining hall. You get elevators and air conditioning so consider yourself as winning. I lived in Arts and Humanities which is really similar but I am told IRC is a bit quieter. I dont think you should worry though because you will make plenty of friends in theatre classes.</p>
<p>Everyone has a different experience as far as around campus goes. I mean, its LA so there is stuff to do. Its better with a car but youll know someone that has one. Directly around campus there are always parties on the row and in other various places. There are also Football Games (buy the season ticket, just buy it.) and other events on campus that are usually open to students. SOT gets discount tickets from Center Theatre Group you can buy ($10-20) and Visions and voices has allot of great events you should check out too.</p>
<p>mochimlo- Sorry, Im not going to be of much help on this but I have no clue how SOT feels about people graduating early from H.S. My gut says it shouldnt matter at all because if you have the requirements to graduate you have the requirements. Go on College Board and look at the classes USC prefers you to have taken in High School and see if that matches up with what you have. You can also call School of Theatre admissions and ask questions about this.</p>
<p>I think the entertainment experience helps you of course. The BFA program is more audition based but the BA is more paper. There is an interview for the BA program and you submit a resume and headshot but Im not sure how much influence it has. I know there is allot of leeway with grades and test scores when it comes to the BFA (well, really SOT in general) but it never hurts to have the stats. It also wont make or break you. Im not sure if you only want the BFA program or not but I would definitely focus more on your audition if that is your goal. For the BA program youll need to focus more on the recommended past course history and test scores. Also make sure your essays are good and, more importantly, genuine and focused. Tell them what you want and why you want it.</p>
<p>As far as chances goes I cant really speak either. I know the overall USC acceptance rate was 18% this year but Im sure the Theatre one was different. I dont think there is a sure formula though especially for the BFA program because its not just about how talented you are but also if you fit what they want and fit with the other people they might want in the program.</p>
<p>@LunaLovesGood @musicalstudent A question for the both of you (or anyone else who has experience with USC SoT)…Out of all the classes you have taken, which one would you recommend over all others? (ie: consider things like best professor/most useful/enlightening/etc)</p>
<p>Musical Theatre Audition with John Rubinstein. Best class I’ve ever taken.</p>
<p>Hi, I’m in highschool I get good grade. I have a 3.5 unweighted gpa but a 4.2 weighted gpa because I take AP and honors classes. I want to audition for the theather program at USC but i don’t know if my grades are good enough? Do grade count more then the talent?</p>
<p>Hey guys? Is the BA in theatre worth the extra cost? To have my kid attend USC will cost us an extra sixty thousand, maybe more. The school sounds fantastic, the theatre classes are right up my kid’s alley, and I like that they can audition off campus while a student. Kid wants to be a film, TV, and/or voice over actor. Any thoughts? We live on other end of country and I thought it would be best to get kid out to LA at 18 rather than 22. But I am concerned about cost as it will almost double our college expenses.</p>