<p>Hello everyone! Does anyone have any experience/insight about the University of Minnesota's BA in Theatre Arts Program? I've heard that the BA program is more experimental in nature in comparison to the BFA, but I don't know much more about it. I'm interested in learning more about the faculty, opportunities for collaboration and connections, and the overall level of satisfaction that students feel in regards to the program. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.</p>
<p>We looked at UMinn’s BA very closely and know someone who graduated in 2011. Here is what we found to be true:</p>
<p>1) The BA department is very strong. It is separate from the Guthrie program, rather than being a “BA” level in a department that has BA and BFA students. There is some overlap, and probably also something of a competitive relationship, but generally the two departments work well together. We saw BA students in smaller roles in a BFA play, for example. </p>
<p>2) The courses offered in the BA are extensive and offer a huge amount of depth/breadth. There are training classes, history and literature of theatre, design, special seminars, wonderful projects. A student who doesn’t mind navigating a large university can create a tremendous 4-year program, actually quite similar to a BFA (especially if you can test out of some gen eds, which it usually is easier to do at a large public U that at others).</p>
<p>3) As for the “experimental” vs. “classical” approach: I think this has more to say about the Guthrie than the BA. The Guthrie is VERY classically focused. So in many ways the wide spectrum of approaches in the BA offer a lot of freedom that the BFA perhaps does not. There are many professors who do incredibly creative things in the BA; we saw a production of Woyzeck that was one of the most unusual and stunning plays I have ever seen in my life. It started as an UG workshop and was revived at a professional theatre with much of the original cast. BAs get tons of connections with the thriving theatre scene in the Twin Cities. Our friend with the BA also did lots of classical theatre work - she said she has taken more Shakespeare classes than she can count, for example. </p>
<p>4) If you’re OK with cold weather and an urban campus, UMinn is an exciting, attractive place with lots going on. The arts complex is on its own side of the river (with a great enclosed footbridge), and its own dorm. My D considered UMinn to the very last - the opportunities are terrific, and the cost is very attractive as well.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, EmmyBet! That was incredibly helpful. I’m planning on visiting the campus in a couple of weeks so I can get a feel for it. But from what I’ve learned about it so far, it seems like a great fit! If you don’t mind me asking, what is your friend with the BA up to now?</p>
<p>She is living in Twin Cities and doing really great work with theatre and music. Did you know that Minneapolis/St. Paul is second only to NYC in the number of theatre seats? So much terrific stuff goes on there, and the UMinn students are right in the thick of it.</p>
<p>Have a great visit, and good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you very much EmmyBet for all the great information. Im also attending the U of Minn next year, and I’m going to try and double major and get a BA in dance as well as theatre. Although honestly, i still very much desire a classical training bfa program… So whether i like it or not I’m feel I’m going to end up in this college audition process once more, next year. Anyways, minnesota seems like it is full of opportunities and the twin cities campus has a HUGE liberal arts program, so that is rather nice.
Iamemily- I’ve heard the campus is beautiful. what other schools are you looking into?</p>
<p>@ EmmyBet: That’s great to here about your friend. And I didn’t know that about Minneapolis! I’m really so excited to explore the school and city. Thanks again for your help!</p>
<p>@waitwaitwait: I’m pretty much decided on the University of Minnesota at this point! We’re going to be future classmates. 
I’m in the same boat as you in that I’m considering auditioning for BFA programs next year. I’m hoping a year in the BA program will give me the experience and direction I need before committing to a BFA. Are you planning on visiting also?</p>
<p>Wooot! This is so neat. aha Yeah, i am definitely going to re-apply next year for bfa programs. The BA in theatre is actually really extensive for a ba program, they offer a huge variety of classes. They are just not as classically focused as i would want them to be. I am from south texas, and a bit financially strapped at the moment, so a visit isn’t going to be possible for me, but i am planning on attending the first orientation session. This really is exciting, I’m glad there will be people at Minn in the same place i am at, i think that alone will provide tons of support. That and i think working extremely hard next year will lead to a bit more success in getting into the programs i want to.
When are you visiting iamemily?</p>