<p>Being a B.A. myself, I feel it's often looked down upon, the adult dog at the pound that nobody wants when they can take home a cute little puppy that ends up requiring a lot of work when the dog brings just as much love. That was a bad metaphor, but it's my point. </p>
<p>Being a B.A. in a B.F.A. department is tough and you know what? I may not have all the same classes as them but I'm doing just as much work on my own. </p>
<p>Originally, I was the "I'll be a MT major!" kid. I didn't get accepted. I'm actually grateful. After seeing the MT major in action, I realize my love of music didn't have the knowledge to support it and there were no dance opportunities where I came from. But here, I get to take dance classes to supplement and take chances to further my own interests, to focus in acting, film(!), play-writing, etc.</p>
<p>True, there are the B.A. kids who get their high school musicals and liked it and said, "I'll be a theatre major!". You know what? When they realize how intense it is, even for them, they switch out. Or they never get noticed because they don't put in the work. </p>
<p>I won't say this goes for all schools and B.A. programs. Maybe I just got lucky. But I wish more MT auditioners would seriously consider this. Because there is so much more to theatre than just musical theatre.</p>
<p>I notice you referenced this post in another thread, so you must really feel as if people look down on a BA. I would certainly hope that is not the case, and in fact, don’t know anyone who does think such a thing. More specifically, we know a number of students who have specifically looked for a BA program over a BFA program because of the diversity. My D’s first choice was originally UCLA’s BA in MT program, over a number of BFA programs. While she was accepted to that program, she ultimately chose Penn State’s BFA program for a number of reasons, none of which had anything to do with it being a BFA vs. BA program. Many people feel that a BA program is more well-rounded and exposes the student to a more diverse education which can be of a benefit later in life. In addition, there are many successful working actors out there who did not graduate from a MT or acting program, but from some unrelated major, or maybe skipped college altogether. There are so many avenues to success in the MT field and I can’t imagine that any of them have more guarantees than another. </p>
<p>I think when people here refer to some BA programs as a “safety” it is not to imply that they are inferior programs, but that they are non-audition programs that rely on other factors for admission. I have no doubt that those who choose BA programs work just as hard as those in BFA programs. There are many very good BA programs out there that have successful graduates who are competitive in the theater world. I have also seen some comments on CC relating to the thought that some schools that offer both a BFA and a BA in MT or Theater tend to put more money and emphasis into the BFA programs. While I am not familiar with this practice, I have no doubt that such a situation may occur at some programs, and that students should be aware of that practice when making a decision. Again, all prospective students of any program should be aware of any practices which might affect the quality of that program. The general consensus here on CC seems to be this: research, research, research when putting together your list of prospective programs and look for programs that fit your needs in all ways- academically, financially, and talent-wise. Don’t worry about the “elite” programs, or the “top-10” programs as that list will change significantly depending on who you ask. Look at what will work for you, whether it is a MT program, a theater program, a BA or BFA… It sounds as if you are very happy with your program and that is all that matters. You might post here on CC to let others know of your program and the merits of attending so that others become aware of it. Best wishes!</p>
<p>More or less, I feel that students are so dead-set “this is what I want” as the BFA program that they don’t realize that being a BA student isn’t to say I’ll never be a Broadway performer; especially when people refer to the BA as their “safety” because it’s non-audition (generally). I’ve unfortunately met many a person online and in real life who immediately put out a preference towards the BFA without even seeing the classes! I feel the possibility of the BA and all it offers isn’t even discussed! It might save someone (my past self, for example) the disappointment if they are not offered the BFA if they actually discussed with someone about the BA major program. </p>
<p>But yes, my intent was to post a little, share whatever wisdom I’ve gathered from majoring in Theatre, spreading awareness and whatnot. I can’t speak for all schools, especially those out of NYS but still—I won’t deny it irks me to see so little attention paid to the BA program. </p>
<p>THIS is the most valuable advice I’ve ever read pertaining to choose a college to study theatre. Of course, it was published three days before I graduated from High School and long after I sent in my accepted acceptance letter but I was relieved to see where I magically went right. [Theatre</a> Ideas: Choosing an Undergraduate College and Theatre Department](<a href=“http://theatreideas.blogspot.com/2010/06/choosing-undergraduate-college-and.html]Theatre”>(The New) Theatre Ideas: Choosing an Undergraduate College and Theatre Department)</p>