Chapman's Screen Acting/Theatre Program

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<p>Hello everyone, I'm a current Screen Acting major here at Chapman University. Chapman's Theatre Department has been going through some major structural changes (ideally for the better) in the past few years. I've looked through some of the threads on this board, and most of the info on Chapman is outdated. I'd like to offer myself as a resource to answer any questions you might have about the theatre or film department. </p>

<p>I'll go over some of the logistical changes: The theatre department is getting more intensive, and becoming more selective of its freshman class. In previous years, the entering class would be anywhere from 50-60. This year, the entering class was I believe 35. We also have a new Department Chair.</p>

<p>Also, in previous years, BA students would audition for the BFA in Theatre Performance at the end of their sophomore year. Now, auditions for the BFA programs take place at the end of your freshman year, both for Theatre Performance and Screen Acting. The BFA majors also have increased in required credits--both now stand at 78 (out of 124 required for graduation) for new students.</p>

<p>The College of Performing Arts is also in the planning stages of building a new 50 million dollar Performing Arts Center. This probably won't be completed for several years [after I'm gone :( ], but a fun little tidbit.</p>

<p>So yeah, if you have any questions about the programs we offer, or questions about Chapman in general, I can likely answer them for you.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much for coming on here and sharing!
Can you give me any information on what the screen acting program is like?</p>

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<p>The Screen Acting program is an interdisciplinary degree–that means its offered collaboratively through both the film and theatre school. This means you’re not just taking acting for camera courses–the professors don’t treat it like you’re either a stage or screen actor. They approach the work as acting is acting, but stage and screen utilize different techniques. So you’re still taking the fundamental theatre courses, such as voice and movement (TH 111), ect. </p>

<p>One major component of the Screen Acting major that either excites or discourages people from the program, is that its comprehensive. Within the film school, you’re taking editing, screenwriting, directing, and film history courses. There’s elective room to explore a specific interest even further–say you’re really into directing, you have the opportunity to really delve into that realm. Some people can’t handle the film courses–they just want to act. For example, there were a few Screen Acting majors who switched to the BFA Theatre Performance. I say this not to scare anyone away, but you should know what you’re getting into. Below is the current requirements for Screen Acting majors.
[Department</a> of Theatre](<a href=“Page Not Found | Chapman University”>Page Not Found | Chapman University)</p>

<p>The program was created to make a well rounded actor–someone who understands all aspects of the film and television process. You really can get immersed into the film school, which in my opinion is the largest benefit. There are so many students films being made at all levels (freshman, intermediate, advanced and senior theses and also graduate films) that you have a great chance to start building a reel while you’re honing your craft through your classes. </p>

<p>The program is very new–there are no Screen Acting alumni. Most of the first Screen Acting class majors are still juniors. So the program is still developing, although most of the curicculum was already in place before the major was started. The Senior Thesis and Junior Production workshop in Screen Acting were the only courses added. The main goal of those classes is to just get the students in films and start building a reel to take into the industry. </p>

<p>Let me know if you have any other questions!</p>

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<p>Wow! Thank you, that really helps.</p>

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<p>My daughter is in high school and reaaly wants to act in film or tv. Her first choice is USC because of it’s overall reputation and campus life. Chapman is high on her radar. Help me understand some reasons why she might want to choose Chapman over USC. Also, are there any programs in the summer that she could take at Chapman to see what it is like there before deciding? Thanks</p>

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<p>My daughter is in at both schools and deciding whether to take scholarships at Chapman versus USC…good move?</p>

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<p>The Theatre Department at Chapman University pretty much sucks! This goes for all three programs: BFA Theatre Performance, BFA Screen Acting, and BA Theatre. If you can’t get into: Juilliard, NYU, USC, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY Purchase, Emerson, DePaul, Boston University, Elon, CAL ARTS, UARTS, or Point Park THEN and ONLY then do I suggest you go to Chapman, even then there are better programs such as Cal State Fullerton (where you can save a hell of a lot more money). </p>

<p>Chapman is up and coming?? Wanna wait 20 years and hope that maybe one graduate will be successful? That sounds like a big waste to me (waste of time and money), why not go to a school that is already well known and respected and get a good education as well as great training???</p>

<p>Don’t get me wrong… The Film School, PR + AD program, and dance program are GREAT. But the acting program sucks. The faculity are good it’s the program that sucks. Not enough acting technique classes. You see students and all they want to do is act in some students film. They don’t know how to act, they just think they do, so their concern, rather than training is getting in a 3-2-1.</p>

<p>Don’t get me wrong, there are some talented people there but they don’t know what to do with their talent because there is no solid ground work in the program. </p>

<p>All you have to do is youtube: Chapman, College of Performing Arts Commence 2010. Watch that then go to: Tisch at NYU 2010 Commencement. There you’ll see Alex Baldwin (an alum) speaking rather than some old guy… Then decide, do I want Chapman or do I want NYU? Which school will get me to where I want to be within the industry? </p>

<p>If you are a serious actor and know acting is what you want to do hands down then I suggest going else where… If your unsure and don’t really care and want to chillax in OC and want just an “okay college experience, in a small town in Orange County, at some school no one really has heard about 500 miles west…then be my guest.” But if you want a successful, long last career in show business whether it be in: TV, Film, or on Broadway… run away, as fast as you can!</p>

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<p>I have a feeling this will prove for a very interesting debate. <em>grabs popcorn</em></p>

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<p>This is where we are going to delve into the philosophy of acting—is acting training necessary? What is the best acting technique? Can talent be taught?</p>

<p>The reality is that most film and television actors, both successful and unsuccessful, have no formal acting training. Now you can argue that you can “tell which actors have training” and which ones don’t, but let’s be honest here, you’re a little biased—theatre actors, especially trained theatre actors, can get a little pretentious when it comes to acting haha, you all know it’s true. </p>

<p>I will admit that I don’t think Chapman’s theatre program is the best—in terms of the theatre school, I think the facilities are way lacking, I think the faculty is decent, but understaffed, and in terms of reputation and successful alumni recognition, yeah, it could be better. </p>

<p>However, what attracted me to the Screen Acting program was the very nature of the program itself—I’m not interested in theatre. Theatre schools, surprise, train you to be a theatre actor. Most theatre schools do offer a course or two in camera technique, and I honestly believe a good actor is a good actor and can transition seamlessly from stage to screen, but if you know you don’t want to be a theatre actor, quite frankly, half of what you’re going to learn at schools like Juilliard, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, may be useless you. It’s not necessary to learn advanced vocal production techniques for camera because you don’t have to project like you do for stage. Similarly, you have to ask yourself if Chekhov and Shakespeare training are really going to make you a better film actor? I think theatre acting can be unnaturalistic, because everything has to be overemphasized to reach the back row of an audience. Personally, that does not appeal to me, but again, that’s my preference. </p>

<p>Chapman’s program is not for everyone—coasterfly is clear evidence of that. However, he was right about one thing, Chapman has an outstanding film school, and as a Screen Acting student, you have direct access to that. </p>

<p>For those of you who don’t know, when you’re trying to start an acting career in LA, for most, the path is to find an agent. However, with no film experience this is difficult to impossible, so all starting actors, trained and untrained, look for non-union work to start their reel, mainly student films. Student films vary greatly in quality, but Chapman is a film powerhouse. I’ve acted in films where my costars drove 3 hours just to get to set, which astounds me because they’re not even getting paid. Why do they do it? Because they’re eager to work, and Chapman has a name in the film industry, and they want experience. You’d be surprised how many “top tier” theatre school graduates I’ve met at auditions (NYU, Emerson, Carnegie Mellon, USC, CalArts…Harvard). Personally, that’s what I think the Screen Acting Program’s greatest asset is—the opportunity to do actual work and collaborate with filmmakers, who hopefully will also be successful in the future, and you can continue to work with them. My own personal discoveries about who I am as an actor and what works for me have come from experience, not class lectures. </p>

<p>Most actors today are a hybridization of different acting techniques—at Chapman the faculty encourages you to absorb what works for you and apply it, and if it doesn’t work for you, just set it aside. I like that philosophy—I don’t feel like I’m being stamped by my school’s acting training—I don’t consider myself a “Chapman actor,” I’m just an actor.</p>

<p>Yes, NYU has many successful alumni. They also have ten times more unsuccessful alumni than Chapman. That’s sheer numbers—they’ve been around longer, and it’s the largest acting program in the United States. I also think that alumni success is very self-selective—talented students get accepted to the “best” schools, so they go there. One could argue they’d be successful regardless of where they went, and personally I like to believe it’s the individual that succeeds, not the school. I would not recommend picking a theatre school based on reputation—there are so many other factors you should consider. Chapman’s acting training may or may not be the type of training/program you’re looking for—that’s a question you should answer yourself, but I’m happy to help anyone make an informed decision.</p>

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<p>I feel acting training IS necessary. First you have to ask yourself: what do I want to be and where do I want to end up? Do I want a long lasting career in the Theatre world? Do I want to be a one time wonder? Do I want to be a commercial actor? Film actor? Which ever you decide, you need training of some sort. Of course, you may start off wanting to do Broadway and then end up in a soap opera, etc peoples goals and plans change constantly. No matter what you do, you need to be able to pick up a script and bring it to life. Whether it be for a live Shakespearean show, TV AD, etc. So yes, you need some sort of training… a technique. Whatever that means to you. Working as a paid actor is a job. Just like any job, you need training, you need to learn the ropes. Even if your dad is Steven Spielberg, you have had experience/training to help guide you. </p>

<p>I want to make note of something before I continue; I started off by saying “I feel,” so this is only my opinion. </p>

<p>Show me the stats that “most film and television actors, both successful and unsuccessful, have no formal training.” Because my research has shown, most DO. There are exceptions to this rule of course, for example, Ashton Kutcher, who was a model first, moved to LA and within ONE day was cast in That 70’s Show. But who’s to say that he didn’t take formal acting classes in high school or privately? Look at the obvious: Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Sandra Bullock, all these successful actors have received formal training whether at Yale or at the Lee Strasgberg Institute in NYC. Luck, who you know, and being at the right place at the right time “I feel” is KEY but talent and technique still has to be there. </p>

<p>Saying “theater schools” train you to be a theater actor is a very broad statement.
–Look up the word theater, theater means:

  1. a building, part of a building, or outdoor area for housing dramatic presentations, stage entertainments, or motion-picture shows.
  2. a room or hall, fitted with tiers of seats rising like steps, used for lectures, surgical demonstrations.
    –School means:
  3. an institution where instruction is given, esp. to persons under college age.</p>

<p>So a “theater school” is an institution with chairs in rooms used for lectures to teach presentations, ACTING, performing. Yes, some schools train more toward Broadway for example Boston Conservatory which is mainly for Musical Theater lovers consisting of acting, dancing, and singing classes. But to say “all theater schools train you to be a theater actor” is just ignorant. Theater, drama, acting schools train you to be an ACTOR. </p>

<p>Chapman, is a theater school. Chapman is also a film school. Chapman is also a dance school. Just like NYU is a theater school. A film. A Business school. A dance school. Chapman’s Screen Acting Program is consisted of half film classes and half theater classes. So you are studying at a theater school. </p>

<p>Your dumb, your just dumb. Will Chekhov or Shakespeare training make you a better film actor?? Of course it will! If you can search within yourself and dig deep enough performing a Shakespeare show, you can pretty much do anything, broadly speaking. PLUS many Shakespeare shows ARE FILMS. Do you think Meryl said, “Oh sorry, I’m a film actor, I don’t do SHAKESPEARE.”</p>

<p>Theater schools train you to ACT, to honestly, truthfully, live in the moment and react to what ever is being thrown at you. In a movie, you have to be truthful, on stage you have to be truthful and that is what you are learning in “theater school.” </p>

<p>So in 3 years when your not working as a “film” actor and a casting director approaches you after an audition and says “Hey ___, I have this touring show that you’d be great in.” Would you say, “Oh I’m sorry, I havn’t paid my rent in three months but I’m a film actor not a theater actor so no thank you.” See my point…. A “Theater School” trains you as an actor. An actor from a “theater school” has the skills to transition from stage to film…Again based on which school you go. Some are better than others. </p>

<p>Chapmania wrote: I also think that alumni success is very self-selective—talented students get accepted to the “best” schools, so they go there. </p>

<p>So if Chapman was one of the best schools then talented students would go there too, right? Which means they would have a good alumni list right? But they don’t have a successful alumni list. So your statement saying “it’s a good program” and the above statement conflict. Might want to look into that, ChapMANIA. </p>

<p>Chapmania wrote: One could argue they’d be successful regardless of where they went, and personally I like to believe it’s the individual that succeeds, not the school. I would not recommend picking a theatre school based on reputation—there are so many other factors you should consider. </p>

<p>I strongly agree about one thing chapmania. In the end, it’s the individual, their work, their dedication, their passion, drive, love, for the work. You don’t need a big name school to be a successful working actor. But it does help, that’s for sure! So if you can gain admissions, why not go?</p>

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<p>I amend my previous statement about formal acting training—since this is a college forum, I was referring to formal acting training in a 4 year institution. It is true that many actors take some form of training, such as classes in LA or the like, even if they didn’t go to college. And there are plenty of outstanding successful actors who did, but the truth is most actors in the film and television industry did NOT study theatre/acting at a 4 year institution. For every actor you can name that did, I can name one that didn’t so there’s really no point in playing that game.</p>

<p>“Theatre schools train you to be a theatre actor.” I am not being ignorant. I did not say theatre schools train you exclusively to be a theatre actor, however, and feel free to disagree with me here, the acting training you will receive is largely to prepare you as a theatre actor. If a theatre school doesn’t train you to be a theatre actor, I would ask for your money back. </p>

<p>For someone who has no interest in acting for theatre, who would like to pursue a career in mainly film and television, theatre training may not be what they are looking for. That is not to say it cannot benefit them—I agree that actors who can connect with Shakespeare’s text and make that truly believable should have no problem with a film script. However, is it necessary to learn Shakespeare if you don’t want to be a Shakespearian actor? No, it’s not. When Baz Luhrmann decides to direct a film adaptation of MacBeth, then yes, your Shakespeare training might give you a leg up. Unless Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes beat you out for the role, neither of whom went to college for acting training. </p>

<p>Some actors don’t even like Shakespeare, or any classical theatre for that matter. Does that make them any less talented? Maybe less versatile, but you see, my point is, heavy theatre training is not for everybody. Just as Chapman is not for everybody—although Chapman does have a theatre school, you’re right—Chapman also has classes in Shakespeare, Meisner/Chekhov, Vocal Production and Techniques, Movement for the Performers, ect. My point is that prospective students should pick a program that is right for them, that caters toward their interests. </p>

<p>“Alumni success is very self-selective—talented students get accepted to the “best” schools, so they go there.”
The reason I quoted “best” is because I use the word subjectively. There is also a difference between perceived prestige, and actual probative value. I started this thread because Chapman’s theatre department is undergoing many changes to better the various programs that will hopefully bolster the success of alumni. The Screen Acting Program is brand new—it just started two years ago, so no, there are no successful alumni—in fact, until last month, there were no alumni period. I fail to see how my statements conflict, but it appears you’re looking for a fight, so okay.</p>

<p>Coasterfly, it sounds like you attended or graduated from Chapman, and I’m sorry you were unhappy with your training. However, that said, it also means you did not attend these other schools you speak so highly of, so it’s also possible that you would have been equally unhappy elsewhere. You are absolutely entitled to your opinion, just as I am to mine.</p>

<p>It is my honest opinion that Chapman is one of the best schools in the nation to attend if you want to be a film/tv actor because of the program’s flexibility to cater toward your interests, and the opportunities to gain a surplus of actual film acting experience.</p>

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<p>Acting schools and programs ARE very different. And not everyone is right for each school. It is important for one to realize what kind of work they want to branch off into after graduation. You do not need a 4 year degree in drama, I agree, but it does not hurt. Chapman does have an up and coming program. If you want to be a big fish in a small pound than more power to you! Personally for me, after studying there (not graduating), even though I do want to be a TV and Film actor, I have realized I want a more rigourous acting program. I want to be pushed. This again, is only my experience. I tell you only to shed light. The small size was an issue. I like meeting and working with new people all the time. In a sense it’s inspiring, refreshing and motivating to bump into people you’ve never met and worked with. This is another factor to consider: do you want a big school or a small school? And just because you go to a big school does NOT mean you don’t get personalized attention.</p>

<p>You can also act in student films at such schools as: UCLA, USC, and NYU. Actually, most student films casted and posted through backstage and actorsaccess are USC thesis films. USC has been around a lot longer, film school is #1, and it also has great alumn. The senior showcases are also attended by more agents and CDs at the USC’s, UCLA’s etc. than Chapman (this is what I have been told from graduating students from all these schools).</p>

<p>I think Screen writing, Film Aesthetics, and all the other classes that are required for Screen Acting are very good and deff. help understand the business from all different angles, but I could also buy the textbooks online and read them myself or intern over the summer at a Production company, etc to learn that side of things. </p>

<p>At Chapman you do have the opportunity to sign with an agent while going to school, it’s not far from LA, so you can commute to the city. My advise is not to pick a school for this reason though. Pick a school that you feel you will succeed well at and get the most out of it: training wise, education wise, connection wise, and of course socially. At schools like Carnegie Mellon and NYU you don’t have time to do outside things. I know that at NYU you are in acting studio first year every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-6pm and take 2 academic classes on Monday and Wednesday then rehearse every other night for studio shows. 2nd year your in studio Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am-6pm. Another thing about NYU is you do not need to register for your acting classes. The school does it for you. They tell you what: acting, dance, movement, voice, dialect, singing, mask class to take. That’s another thing, higher selective schools go deeper into it and the courses for the most part are already set in stone and successful.</p>

<p>I myself was a second semester upperclassman and was only allowed to take ONE acting class. I don’t know about you, but if I’m paying 40 grand a year to attend a University to craft and tone my art, 1 class twice a week for an hour and a half just isn’t enough. If your a dancer, you need to stretch every day, and pretty much dance 10 hours a week to “stay afloat.” Acting is the same way, in order to get better, you need to be practicing and toning all the time. I suppse if I wanted, I could have taking outside classes…but again, $40,000 already being spent!!!</p>

<p>Facts are still facts though: It is harder to get into USC, Carnegie Mellon, Juilliard, NYU, UCLA than Chapman. NYU’s Tisch acceptance is <em>about</em> 17%. It may be the largest theater school in the country, it takes in about 350 new freshman each year but about 3,500 kids audition each year for the drama department. They hold auditions in NYC, LA, Chicago, etc. Chapman is easier to get into. Chapman only holds auditions on campus and if I were to guess, not more than 400 kids audition for Chapman’s acting program. Who knows, maybe down the road, Chapman’s acting program will be just as hard to get into. It’s film school is getting harder and harder each day to get into. If you pulled a Chapman acting student aside and said “you have a full ride to either USC, NYU, or Chapman, which one do you pick?” they’d probably pick USC or NYU. Just saying!</p>

<p>But hey, if you can get into any of these programs, it’s a great credit to your talent. :)</p>

<p>I wish Chapman the best of luck!</p>

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<p>UCLA doesn’t have a showcase…</p>

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<p>I know this post is old but maybe I’ll get a response. Lol. I’m a high school senior and looking at chapman for screen acting. Except, it scares me that you have to audition the end of your freshman year and there’s a chance you won’t get in and then the whole reason I went to the school would be shot. Do you know how many people audition for how many spots in the screen acting program? Do a lot of people get rejected? Thanks.</p>

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<p>Haha, this is like the first time I’ve visited this thread in a year, so good timing!</p>

<p>I totally understand that hesitation, laurenkes–I could give you numbers, but they might not help. The class size changes every year depending on the interest. This year’s freshman class had a large interest in the screen acting program, so I know they accepted 16. I don’t know how many auditioned, I’d guess 20something (but some audition for both BFA Theatre and Screen Acting)–there were around 50 total theatre freshmen, but not everyone is interested in either BFA program. (Some have a tech emphasis, some do the BA so they can double major, etc.) That said, the sophomore Screen Acting class is like 8 students, 4 of which came from the film school (that’s another thing to remember, anyone from the film school can also audition for the program.) So it REALLY just depends on the amount of interest.</p>

<p>I will say that I know very few people who get rejected from the BFA program, and I’m usually more surprised by the people they admit than reject. The people who seem to not fare as well in the theatre program usually have work ethic problems (like attendance, being prepared) rather than talent. Anyway, best of luck–it wouldn’t hurt to contact John Benitz, head of the program. He can probably answer any other questions you have.</p>

<p>Just for the good of the order–the program catalog is changing again, so it should be even more flexible in terms of electives–it should be online later this summer. The program has its problems–like the Senior Thesis–and what that exactly is…but hopefully by the time you’re a senior it will be worked out! Haha.</p>

<p>Oh, and if Coasterfly ever reads this: this year, the “old guy” who gave the commencement speech was Jerry Lewis. So there. (NOTE: I don’t actually believe this has anything to do with your quality of education).</p>

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<p>Thanks so much! I am going to California next week and will be visiting chapman and dodge so I will be checking it out.</p>

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<p>Wow, did some google searching and came across this old feed. Very childish on my part, but had to jump in chapmania and name drop for a second. Laureneks this isn’t directed at you. Chapman is a great school and I love California. I’m a little biased when it comes to NYU though, gotta represent.</p>

<p>Just for good measure, Bill Clinton was the speaker this past may for the graduating class of 2011 at NYU. I’m not a huge fan after the whole blow job thing and I wasn’t in Yankee Stadium to hear his “words of wisdom” but still, kinda neat. Ohh fun fact, during graduation night… the Empire State Building lights up purple for NYU grads as a celebration thing (NYU’s color is purple). -The Dean of the Tisch School of the Arts is the Vice-Chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and co-moderated a roundtable for the White House series Champions of Change. If you know what that means… -NYU-Tisch has the most Academy Award winners across the board. AKA: Lot’s of famous people went here who’s children now go here, who are invited to their children’s shows, etc etc. PRESENT Tony winners such as Sutton Foster teach in the drama department. Well known alumni playwrights come back to direct their plays at Tisch drama. Recently, Nicky Silver who wrote the Altruists came back to direct. Awesome, awesome guy. Oh and did I mention, passing through the Tisch lobby it’s not uncommon to bump into people like Morgan Freeman, James Franco, Forest Whitaker, etc. Okay okay, I’m done. Wait, Lady Gaga? Who?? What?? Where? Oh my god, I’m going to die, LADY GAGA! Your right… names don’t really determine the program, but having high profile administration, mentors, alum, and teachers certainly can’t hurt. When I say Tisch, people know TISCH. I’m not sure thats the same for Chapman’s Theatre program. </p>

<p>In the end, Tisch is just a high priced tag with great resources and connections for a career that is very very very hard to break into. It’s mostly luck. I decided to go to a place where I could double my chances… luck if you will, get good training, and have a Tisch tag. It’s not for everyone. It’s hard to get into and unless your lucky with scholarship or just a trust fund baby… it’s a lot of money.</p>