BA v.s. BFA Acting

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>Okay, I know there's probably a million other threads on this, but this site is confusing to navigate so I'll just ask for myself. Which is really better for an aspiring actress: A BA in Theatre or a BFA in Acting? </p>

<pre><code> My theatre teacher said a BA is better for "smart" people because it is broader and allows you to do more with your wits in the theatre than just act. She also mentioned that a conservatory is your best bet if you want to perform, but don't have the academic chops for the good theatre schools (i.e. Michigan, Northwestern, Carnegie-Mellon, Yale...).

The only actual conservatory I applied to was CCM (rejected). I applied to 4 BFA Acting programs and have so far been rejected from all of them except for two (I'm waiting to hear back from one and the other doesn't allow auditions until 3rd semester). I also applied to 2 BA Theatre programs and all of the BFA programs I applied to also offer a BA in Theatre (minus CCM). However, since it looks like I just can't make the cut and will be stuck with a BA, I wanted to know which program is actually better for those who want to act. Should I transfer to a BFA so I can get harder acting training or should I stick with a BA and be more versatile (even though I don't want to do anything other than act)?
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<p>*I'm trying to stay open-minded, but I am pretty much positive I would be miserable being a playwright or a teacher who only acts on the side.</p>

2

<p>Hard to know without knowing which schools you’ve applied to, but-- for anyone who loves performing and wants to be immersed in the study of performance, most BAs will be too cerebral. (Fordham is one exception, but it requires an audition.) Northwestern seems to work well for the performance oriented, but it’s extremely competitive academically. </p>

<p>I disagree with your theater teacher that BAs are better for smart people. My d is a smart person who’s at a conservatory, and that is absolutely the right place for her. Most if not all BFA programs are immensely competitive-- so you may have put yourself in some jeopardy applying to only 4. If you get into one, great-- go. If not…, and since BFA’s don’t generally accept transfers, I’d consider whether to take a gap year, get some training, prepare for auditions, and try again. Gap years are EXTREMELY common for conservatory students-- you won’t feel out of place, and you’ll have an extra maturity that will help you do well.</p>

3

<p>There is no right answer to this question. </p>

<p>Meryl Streep would be exhibit A of starting out with a BA. However, she supplemented that with an MFA from Yale. </p>

<p>A BA is not a professional training degree. There are BAs that go on to work without an MFA but you’d be competing against people with a lot more training coming out of their BFA. </p>

<p>If my daugther had more academic aptitude and interest, I would have pushed her to do the BA/MFA route. It is the most complete be a well rounded knowledgeable person and have professional training. It would have never worked for her however.</p>

4

<p>

The BA at Fordham is a professional training degree. Anyway, the most successful young actor I know skipped college and went to LA with her parents at 16. She’s now been in and starred in movies and is on a popular sitcom, at 26. There are lots of different routes you could choose. If you feel like you be “miserable” to be playwright, you would probably not be a very successful playwright. It’s even harder to make it as a playwright than as an actor.</p>

5

<p>Sorry, I should have said that, for the most part, B.A. programs are not professional training degrees. There are notable exceptions including Fordham and UCLA that are run more like a BFA program. Both require an audition.</p>

6

<p>There are BA programs (like Fordham, Northwestern, JMU, etc…) that offer more intense practical training than the “typical” BA. There are BFA programs that offer more academics and liberal arts focus than the “typical” BFA. </p>

<p>Graduates from both BA and BFA programs go on to MFA programs… just like graduates from both BA and BFA programs never go on to pursue an MFA. </p>

<p>There is no right answer for everyone. It is about the right answer for you. </p>

<p>I have the opportunity to work with students from BA and BFA programs during the summer in professional summer theatre. There is not a significant difference in the skill level of the actors based upon degree program. BAs are not competing against BFAs and coming up short in the training and ability department in my experience. Each individual (regardless of degree program) brings a unique collection of skills, strengths, and weakness to the table. </p>

<p>Once you are out of school for a year or so no one even really cares where you went to school… and even when it is noticed, it is the name of the school where you received your training that piques interest (assuming it is a school that those particular casting people, directors, agents, etc… are familiar with)… not whether you happened to obtain a BA or a BFA degree. Not all degree programs are alike… some BFAs are great, others not as strong… some BAs offer pretty rigorous practical training, others do not. </p>

<p>It is all about finding the program that offers the kind of educational/ training/ aesthetic environment you would like to be in for four years. I would not worry so much about the actual degree earned. </p>

<p>Are you certain that the BA programs on your list do not offer a high level of practical experience or acting training?</p>

<p>If you are truly unhappy with the options you have available to you come April you can explore the option of a gap year.</p>

7

<p>The BA programs do have acting training, but not as many credit hours as a BFA because the time BFA kids would be working on performance is spent on other aspects of theatre in the BA.</p>

8

<p>It’s a personal decision. But my D definitely doesn’t feel “stuck” in a BA program. She chose it over a couple BFA programs that she was also accepted to. Now, 3 years later, she has had 2 summer acting internships, appeared in 5 productions at her school, traveled to Russia to perform and study, trained with one of the leading physical theater companies in the US, and, currently, is in the Czech Republic working with a physical theater company there. AND she’s also earning a double degree in History and a minor in African American studies! Very well rounded and doing what she loves.</p>

9

<p>My D is loving her BA at Northwestern, but honestly this is a VERY personal decision. And I don’t think it has much to do with ‘being smart’ - whatever that means. My D actually applied to both BA & BFA programs–her goal is to be a working actor and she was much more interested in fit than in the label. Honestly BFA programs are very different from each other, as are BA programs. It really depends on you!</p>

<p>At the end, my D ultimately chose NU because of holistic fit and cost, a factor I don’t see enough on here when discussing choice. (NU gives very good need-based grants.) </p>

<p>That said, she does enjoy the intellectual rigor and the learning, as well as mingling with other majors. That is a positive for her; the intense closed circle of the BFA, which is certainly a positive for many, would probably have been a negative for her. </p>

<p>Remember you can supplement your experience and connections during the summer and post graduation. Of course top BFA programs are well connected, but some BA programs are also very well connected, as are some lesser known BFA programs, particularly those connected to a working professional theatre. Many successful actors go to a reputable BA program like, say, Wellesley or Vassar or whatever, then take summer courses and internships, then springboard from these connections. A pet hobby of mine is to check out the career path of a youngish successful actor who is similar to my D or S. I then see how they got where they are. You can try this yourself as it’s individual.</p>

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<p>Lots of very talented actors are in BA programs. I’ve been really impressed with visits to UC Irvine, although the training is maybe not as intense as a BFA it is very high quality. More classes are not better unless they are good, right? Also, the overall education and the name of the school has some value above some of the more obscure BFA’s in my opinion. It’s also affordable and close to LA auditions. It’s a BA-BFA in musical theater and I think they said the average GPA was 4.0., so people will know that you are smart.</p>

11

<p>Sierra Boggess went to Milliken University, Marin Mazie went to Western Michigan. Neither of these programs are well known and I’m sure there are plenty more. I just thought of these two at the top of my head. To me, if you go somewhere where you’re really happy and make the most of it- you can’t go wrong!</p>

12

<p>I would’ve loved to apply to more BFAs, but due to app fees and my family’s inability to take me many places for auditions (too expensive to stay in a Chicago hotel for Unifieds and my parents can’t take off work for that long), I was limited to schools that:</p>

<p>A) I could realistically afford (none of the top schools without being completely dependent on huge scholarships, like %70+, which are a gamble)</p>

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<p>B) I could realistically get into at this point in my career (none of the top schools, which is alright for now because I hear alot of tip-top schools like NYU focus more on their grad. program or upperclassmen, leaving many undergrads w/out ever being cast in substantial roles or roles at all)</p>

<p>These two factors ruled out almost all the programs worth paying an app and audition fee for (DePaul ($$$), Carnegie (no chance, $$$), Michigan ($$$, academics), Northwestern (academics, $$$), UCLA ($$$), NYU (no chance, $$$), Yale (no chance, academics, $$$), SUNY Purchase ($$$, no chance), Rutgers ($$$), etc…</p>

<p>I probably sound like Ms. Excuses, lol. I swear I’ve tried to find ways to make things work, but I’m from a single-parent family with a disabled sister. I had to quit dance after 2 years because even that was already too expensive and the free opportunities, my mom pulls some reason out of her butt for me to not be able to do those! >:0/</p>

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<p>Are there any schools in your state that offer performance programs? Also, with your family history, it would seem that you may qualify for some needs based financial aid. You can even get application fees waived if you ask. If you have really great grades, that could help your cause too for scholarship money. Just because a school is not in the perceived top, it does not mean you will not get a great education. Some of the top actresses in Hollywood either dropped out of or didn’t go to high school/college or didn’t study theatre in school. Whether it’s a BA or BFA- it’s not just what you learn- it’s what you do with it. Sometimes taking classes in other subjects gives you different experiences that you can use. Just go to a school that you can afford and a place where you can be happy. Your mom isn’t pulling reasons out of her butt. It sounds like she has a lot on her plate and maybe it’s easier giving you what you say is an excuse than admitting that she can’t handle the financial struggle. Cut your mom some slack. Good luck!</p>

14

<p>Well, I have a job and a license, so for free things like community theatre shows all she’d have to do is sign some papers, lol. I can take myself back and forth and I already pay for all of my gas. As far as safety (a big concern for her), she has a tracking device app on my phone that usually shows exactly where I am if not a ballpark location and the free theatre I wanted to audition for is 10 minutes from our house. But oh well, opportunity’s gone.</p>

<pre><code> Yes, there are I believe 2 colleges in my state with performance programs. I got rejected from 1 (but they allow BA to BFA transfers) and can’t audition for the 2nd until my 3rd semester; however, of the acting teachers at the 2nd school doesn’t like me too much so I doubt I’d get in, lol.
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<p>Well- sounds like there’s more to it in your family than what you can write here. Your mom is a single mom with a disabled child so I can’t blame her for being extra cautious with you. It must be really tough for her and one day you will see that. Anyway, are there any schools in neighboring states that have performance programs. Sometimes, neighboring schools have reciprocal scholarships. For instance, my daughter goes to Northern Illinois University and students who live in Iowa and Wisconsin and some other states get $9000/yr to go to that school. We live in Florida but when I called up the financial aid office, I asked it any students from those states turned down those scholarships and if some money could go to my daughter. Because of her good grades and community involvement, she was given an additional $3000 scholarship. All I did was ask! There are so many opportunities and so many performance programs. I’m sure you’ll find something that pleases everyone in your family. Again- good luck!</p>

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<p>Yes, I applied to some neighboring schools as well, and one had a scholarship specifically for students from my state. The others are pretty stingy as far as scholarships for non-residents, but I’m trying to apply to lots of outside scholarships too to supplement anything I get from an actual university. Thank you for all of your input!</p>

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<p>CAMEN02: supportive has some good ideas. Please do not give up just because you do not feel that you can get in anywhere academically or because you do not have any money. Many of the schools will waive the applications and you can ask your mom to complete the FASFA and CSS forms to see if you qualify for need based scholarships and aid. I am not sure if you are a senior or a transfer student but the deadlines for the FASFA I believe is tommorrow 1 Feb 13. I am also not sure where your mother stands as far as supporting you emotionally in all this, but I am sure that having a disabled daughter puts alot of stress and strain on her. Try to focus on what you can do and then take those steps and see if that leads you in the right direction. If you do not mind sharing a little more information such as what schools you are looking at, what state works best for you as far as schools are concerned, and if you are looking into BA and/or BFA programs there are many people on this thread who I am sure would be willing to offer you tips and information from their own experiences that could help.</p>

<p>Maybe you can start by looking into the public and private schools in the state where you live. Public schools tend to have lower tuition, however, private schools sometimes give more money. Again remember when you contact these schools explain your family situation, tell them you really want to apply and audition but your mom cannot afford it right now and see if they would be willing to waive the fees.</p>

<p>Many of us like your mother are concerned about the cost of some of the programs we are looking at and will have to work through the financial part. Supportive has given you examples of actors, that did not go to so called top schools and are doing fine. Look for the best program that fits you, at a price that you can afford, and then get there and work hard and let everything else fall into place.</p>

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<p>You’re welcome. Like I said, I live in Florida and neither of my kids go to school in our state. My son would have gotten paid to go to school at my alma mater but instead, we are in debt to NYU. My daughter’s school is actually well-priced for out of staters. My daughter also applied for a lot of local scholarships and got some. There may even be some scholarships for single-parent households. You just gotta look AND apply and do it soon as deadline will be popping up! Believe it or not, I have seen scholarships for being of Italian or Irish decent. :)</p>

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<p>CAMEON2, I’m a single mom of five kids, one of whom is temporarily (not permanently) disabled. We did get many of the application fees waived via our guidance counselor–Have you tried this? If you are on free and reduced lunch it’s more or less automatic, but if you’re not, you can still get the fees waived or reduced in nearly all programs. For the common app, you go to the guidance counselor, but for some programs you need to appeal directly. Many are very generous. You will have to give most of them your tax return info though. This would be something your mom would help you with, if she is willing. </p>

<p>My D did pay for some of the fees out of pocket from her own job. Since you have a job, this also might be an option for you.</p>

<p>We could not have afforded to go to Unifieds if it had involved flying, hotels etc–I’ve already spoken about that in other posts. But even there, you can speak to individual colleges about other options.</p>

<p>IT’s hard not having money, but there are honestly a lot of options out there. As supportive says, sometimes all you have to do is ask. It’s easier if your mom can help you but if she can’t, you may have to do it yourself. You are not alone, if that helps. There are many students who don’t have the advantages of money or involved parents, so the colleges would be used to having you call and ask. Best of luck.</p>

20

<p>I agree with a LOT of what other people have said here.</p>

<p>You might want to research the biographies of the actors you admire, and see what degrees (if any) they earned.</p>

<p>I also am considered “smart”, and so when I was young the adults kept telling me “no, you can’t do that, that’s not for ‘smart’ people.” So, for example, although I loved theatre, my parents wouldn’t let me take theatre in high school because it wasn’t for “smart” people. My younger brother, on the other hand, was not percieved as “smart” so he was allowed to take theatre (although he has never been as interested in theatre as I am, he is more interested in music).</p>

<p>It took me a LONG time to figure out that this didn’t make sense. The “stupid” people could do whatever they enjoyed, and so were always much happier with their lives, but since I was “smart” I had to be punished by being forbidden from doing what I enjoyed, and instead had to do things I hated.</p>

<p>Make your choices based on 1) what will make you happy, or 2) what will be a stepping stone to a life that will make you happy. That’s really the only critieria you should be looking at. The fact that you are “smart” you should use to open up MORE options, not as something that will cut you off from what you want to do.</p>

<p>KEVP</p>