University of Michigan 2017-18 dates are up on the website.
@artskids canât believe this is your 3rd time around. I may have a 2nd go around in a couple years and am dreading it. I will need your survival tips!
@bfahopeful ~O) and of course, wine :-). I havenât survived yet - weâll see in May, 2018! Iâm surprised how much has changed for MT since 2013-14 when my S went through the process. It wasnât as bad with an Acting major in that the audition package was more discreet and she required far fewer prescreens. I will earn the gray hairs this year!
I think youâre right that acting is somewhat easier logistically than MT (though still very difficult in terms of getting acceptances from reputable programs), because there are fewer prescreens and more standardized monologue requirements (though still some differences like Shakespeare/no shakespeare, classic/contemporary, dramatic/comedic). It is also less focused on surface stuff like hair and clothing and body type, at least it seems that way to me.
I agree @Jkellynh17. One of the things I liked about Dâs acting auditions was that they seemed more interested in her as a PERSON. There were more conversations, interviews, meeting other faculty etc. I get that MT schools generally have at least 2, if not 3 skills to evaluate (depending on whether or not MT school has a dance call) but many still seemed to feel more âcattle callâ ish.
Looking for input on college lists, so I hope this doesnât sound like I am bragging. My D is going to be a senior this year. She attends a private college prep school with a reasonably active theatre program and has done community theatre as well. We are in West TN in a medium sized town but have roots in Memphis. D wants to major in acting and prefers a BFA or auditioned BA. She has attended the intro to stage combat program at UNCSA through National Stage Combat Workshop and will be attending an auditioned based theatre performance intensive at the Stratford festival this summer. She loves Shakespeare and stage combat. She auditioned at SETC this past spring and has artistic acceptance to LIU-Post and Belmont for the BFA acting programs. Academics are good- ACT: 31, SAT: 1300. AP Compostion: 5, AP US History: 5. Will take AP Spanish, Literature and European History this year. She wants to go to a school that will challenge her both artistically and academically. She seems to prefer an urban setting, but would like some campus or green space nearby. She doesnât want to go to a huge theatre program (as far as number of students) and prefers somewhere without MFA actors. She wants to be able to continue to study Spanish and would like to study abroad. We will not qualify for any financial assistance but I donât want to pay full price for some of these schools. Since she has acceptance to two schools already (and she loved Belmont when we visited) we are putting together a reach heavy list. I will also mention that MCA (Chelsea Diehl) is her coach. Sorry to ramble on, but I would appreciate thoughts or feedback on schools we might consider that we arenât thinking of. She dosesnât want to go to school in the deep south, or far West. Hereâs the list:
Belmont*
LIU-Post*
Emerson
Boston U
Montclair St.
PACE
Fordham
Point Park
Carnegie-Mellon
James Madison
DePaul
Otterbein
Texas St.
SMU
@TNTheatreDad Have you considered Rutgers?
Yes. Talked with the rep quite a bit at at SETC. D was very concerned about the curriculum not allowing enough elective time for her to continue Spanish. AP credit might end up giving her some more room for that. She loved the idea of a year at the globe. We may need to reconsider Rutgers.
Is she looking at a minor or trying a double major? As I am sure you are aware, double majors (and often minors) are very difficult at many schools given the requirements of the BFA. There are many contributors here who have (or had) students at NYU who have navigated a minor and perhaps a double major.
@TNTheatreDad My son is also interested in programs that offer flexibility so many of your schools are on his list too. He also has USC (BA) and Northwestern on his list (although, unlike your daughter, his test scores are too low for NU). But, USC has an MFA program and both schools are very expensive. Did you look at Minn/Guthrie? Is that too intensive of a BFA?
Sorry, missed that you said she doesnât want far west.
MN-Guthrie is a place we have looked at. Need to look more in depth. Weather there was a concern for D. Not that Chicago or Boston have great winter weather either!
Concern with NU is that auditions are open to entire student body. We did a tour there and the student was premed and had been in major roles there. Lots of groups there performing and we loved the campus. Concern is competition from entire student body
Concern with NU is that auditions are open to entire student body. We did a tour there and the student was premed and had been in major roles there. Lots of groups there performing and we loved the campus. Concern is competition from entire student body
My recollection from our visit to DePaul was that it was highly intensive and didnât leave much room for other things. When my son asked about improv groups on campus, he was flat out told he wouldnât have time for that because he would be in the theatre building from 9 am to 9 pm. I just looked at the FAQ on their website and they donât really encourage studying abroad either and note that it might delay graduation. I personally think itâs a great acting program with amazing facilities, but it was too intense for my son. If he applies at DePaul, itâs going to be something in Film & Television.
@Twoboysandadog our experience at DePaul was similar. January term was discussed as a good time to study abroad. I think you are correct that it is generally discouraged during regular terms. D seem ok with intensity at DePaul and we loved the facilities but it felt very corporate to me. If she can get in and have space for Spanish with a study abroad during January or summer, DePaul could be in the running. Weâve looked at a lot of schools in Chicago but most seem to have one or two deal breakers. Right now I think DePaul is the only one in Chicago sheâs interested in.
@artskids she would like to minor in Spanish if possible. No plans for double major. If no minor, she at least wants some free electives to allow for her to continue Spanish.
@TNTheatreDad My D was offered a spot at UMinn/Guthrie 2 seasons ago. Donât let the winters scare you; they can get around mostly indoors! The program is fantastic and very all-encompassing. My D was not interested in pursuing a minor outside of the arts so didnât push the issue very hard but it seems an academic minor may be difficult to fit in. She should certainly take a look as it is highly regarded both in terms of the acting program and the academics.
@TNTheatreDad Have you looked at Suny Purchase?
The purchase conservatory program did not seem to have enough flexibility for her. I liked the cost aspect but the program seemed pretty rigid. We have it on a secondary list and may take a look. We will be in NYC and Boston in the fall so we may drive from NYC to Boston and stop by Purchase and Montclair on the way