Cal Arts vs Northwestern

I’m lucky enough to have been accepted into both of these programs! I’m wondering what the opinions are between the two here on this board regarding acting and prestige as well as connections to the industry? Which one will be a better boost to my resume and which would you recommend, I know this is ultimately my choice and as I love both programs I am looking for some extra advice!

They’re both highly regarded. I would say it depends on whether you want a traditional, academically rigorous college experience (NU) or conservatory training that focuses almost entirely on your art (CalArts). At NU, you’d have the opportunity for taking liberal arts courses, going to football games, rushing Greek organizations etc. At CalArts, you’d get a lot of technical training in the craft of acting. Which sounds better to you?

My daughter is a BFA1 at CalArts and is loving it. That being said, she did not want an academic school, she wanted to focus on acting. CalArts is an arts school so the General Ed classes are very easy (about 40% of your credits have to be in the Critical Studies department, but many of the classes offered are theatre related). My d took a graduate level film course last term and received a high pass (A), my d can write well and it was a fun class, but very easy. Same for her required critical studies courses. Northwestern, where my husband got his PhD, is a rigorous academic school. I also believe you audition for the theatre program after you arrive, maybe even sophomore year, not sure. So they are very different places! I agree with @Jkellynh17 which feels better for you? I would visit both if you can. CalArts is on break this week, but they do offer shadow days. Both are connected to the industry in different ways, but both programs produce great artists! Good luck with your very awesome choices! Also if you PM me I can give you my daughter’s email.

That would be great! How do I PM? I know what I want is to be an actor, and so my main concern is connections to industry I suppose and quality of training. I am planning on shadowing a student in a few weeks which I am very excited for!

I don’t know much about the intricacies of each programs. What I can say is, all NU students have access to our expanisve alumni database, which includes famous alum. We are able to go in and get their emails and phone numbers. That’s always a great outlet and I know people who have made great connections by simply calling or emailing and identifying themselves as an NU student.

I’ll PM you

Northwestern has approximately 100 students in each theatre class. You are accepted directly into the theatre program without an audition. Those interested in the Musical Theatre Certificate program audition their freshman year. Each class consists of students interested in various aspects of theatre: acting, musical theatre, directing, producing, tech, stage management, playwrighting, casting, etc. So not only do you have the alumni network that CaliCash mentioned, you will also develop connections with future theatre professionals. In addition, the theatre department has a module program where you can develop a specialty in particular areas like Acting for Screen, Theatre Management, Devising and Adaptation: https://society.northwestern.edu Also, besides the main stage productions, NU’s student theatre puts on over 60 shows per year, so there are plenty of opportunities to get experience and build your resume.