Compare/Contrast SUNY Purchase & NCArts for technical theatre

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Our son has started looking at technical theatre programs - he'll graduate in 2007. He knows he wants a BFA program that has a concentration in lighting.</p>

<p>We did a quick SUNY Purchase visit and plan to go back to see more. We spent the day at NCArts. He went to classes, spoke with students and the department head. He was impressed and has a strong interest in that school.</p>

<p>We've been trying to figure out pros and cons between the 2 schools. SUNY Purchase has the close geographical connection to Broadway and we've been told the professors work in Broadway and the students can make connections there as well. As interesting as that sounds we have concerns that the professors might be more involved with their professional jobs than teaching.</p>

<p>NCarts seems to be very dedicated to their students and the professors are also working professionals. The location is in the middle of nowhere.</p>

<p>So - any thoughts or opinions to share - all are welcome.
Thanks</p>

<p>Is this the best place to post a question about technical theatre? When I tried searches on tech theatre or lighting design this board showed up the most.</p>

<p>I thought SUNY Purchase and NCArts were two schools people would have opinions on...... any thoughts?</p>

<p>There is so much great info about MS but so little about technical. If anyone has suggestions on other places to look please let me know.
Thanks</p>

<p>Techie Mom</p>

<p>Try listing this in the Arts Majors Forum. I remember some tech discussions there and there are lots of studio art folks over there who may also have theater aspirations. I think that Doctorjohn has also posted over there about the Otterbein Tech program so he may be able to help. Good luck. Sorry but I am clueless about tech programs.......</p>

<p>This is still a good place to ask and there are a few people on here familiar with tech theater so it is worth it to keep asking. I know TaraMom's D is about to start tech theater (not lighting design) at Penn State's BFA program. People here know about SUNY Purchase or NCArts but perhaps not aobut your specific question. </p>

<p>However, there is another board on College Confidential that deals with Arts Majors (including theater) and the link to that forum is:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/forumdisplay.php?f=503%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/forumdisplay.php?f=503&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>You could post a new thread there or look for the theater thread on that forum and post there.</p>

<p>Susan</p>

<p>OOPS, THEATERMOM and I were posting at the same time so it is a little redundant, sorry.</p>

<p>I know that Emerson has a tech program. When I was at info session this year the Dept. head stated that they get 100% job placement. I also think that CCM and CMU might have programs. I would advise that you go to the "Big List" on the FAQ page and carefully look at all the schools to see what they offer. You can also email the theatrical union office (IATSE) which covers all area of stagecraft. They could provide you with a list of training programs. Good luck!
<a href="http://www.atpam.com/IATSE/iatseintro.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.atpam.com/IATSE/iatseintro.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>