<p>Hi all - I've searched and read all of the threads, but I'm wondering if anyone (maybe someone from CA) can update a suggestion list for a spring break visit to southern CA. My D is interested in either BFAs or BAs, needs to have auditioned/non-auditioned on her list, so I'm hoping for a cross-section. She's very serious about performing and I think will audition well, sings well but wants straight theater. She's not the "I gotta be a star" type, could easily become a director, designer, playwright, critic as well as performer. She's got about a 3.5 and will have mid-high ACT (hasn't taken them yet for real).</p>
<p>All we know really is UCLA, USC, CalArts, and colleges like Oxy, Pitzer, Pepperdine, etc. One thread mentioned Chapman. We're not familiar with the area at all, but she's taken a real interest in looking out there.</p>
<p>EmmyBet, you clearly have not read all the threads, because California theatre programs have been discussed extensively. I’ve spent months researching them myself, and I learned tons from CC. Since you have awhile before spring break, start reading the Archived Threads Part 1-12 (at the very top of the Theatre/Drama Majors forum). It is invaluable. You’ll come to know and love Thesbohemian, Dr. John, SoozieVT, Fishbowlfreshman, and many other incredible posters. When you’re finished, you can proceed with the more current threads. You need to educate yourself on theatre programs in general, be they in Oklahoma, New York, Illinois, or California. Read everything you can on this forum, regardless of geography. Then as the next 8 months progress, hone in on what seems most fitting. It may not be California after all!</p>
<p>But to answer your question about southern CA, you’ve listed good programs. I would add Cal Lutheran, Cal State Northridge, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, and Loyola Marymount. You question Chapman; it’s a stellar program. You have to thoroughly read the theatre departments’ websites at each college, read the faculty bios, read the degree requirements, and read the theatre course descriptions in the course catalog. It takes an enormous amount of time. I think you’ve got the time. This is a huge list of schools, but you should heavily research every one of them. In applying to theatre programs, you will need a broad range of programs as far as competitiveness. In this field, you can’t have too many “safeties.” Good luck.</p>
<p>Hi, EmmyBet. My D is in theatre at UCLA, which you already know.
You can search my name for lots of blogs on California Schools.</p>
<p>If I was going to do a Southern California Blitz, here are the schools I would seriously consider putting on my list:</p>
<p>The ones to really consider because its the ones most of the kids here think about for undergrad: </p>
<p>UCLA - audition (which does have directing, playwright, stage management, etc. in addition to Acting and is a BFA)
USC - audition (both BFA and BA)
Chapman - audition
CalArts - audition
CSU Fullerton - no audition for initial acceptance
SF State - no audition for initial acceptance
Loyola Marymount - audition</p>
<p>The “can considers” if you have the time:</p>
<p>UC Irvine - no audition for acceptance
UCSD - no audition for acceptance
UC Santa Barbara - no audition for acceptance
Santa Monica Community College (this is only a two year program, but awesome and feeds into UCLA etc.)</p>
<p>I cannot speak about the others mentioned here. No one ever really talked about them down here in S.D.</p>
<p>Thank you! This is a very helpful and succinct list. It’s so hard when we only have a little bit of time. Local people are such a boon to this group!</p>
<p>Best wishes to your D. I’ll let you know if we come out there.</p>
<p>Slight correction; USC requires an audition for the BFA. If, however, you ONLY want the BA an audition is not necessary. BUT if you audition for the BFA and not accepted to the BFA AND you put a BA in Theatre as your second choice you can be accepted for the BA. Please note: I did not say bumped down to the BA. The BA program is slightly different, but no less prestigious. It does however give the student some wiggle room for a minor while permitting them to act and work in the theatre.</p>
<p>well, technically, UCLA is a BA, but for all intents and purposes for anyone who is in the program, they will tell you you may as well be in a BFA. It is run like a conservatory. That was a typo. I meant to type BA. I know that it is a BA because my daughter is in the program. But it is really just like a BFA and you need to know that going in. Her first quarter was all theatre classes, and second quarter only one class outside the theatre program. It looks like third quarter will be the same and every quarter here on out…</p>
<p>Does anyone have information on the UC Riverside Theatre program. D has been accepted. No audition, based on academics. The theatres look fabulous.</p>