<p>Hey, I'm a junior in high school and i'm just starting to look into potential colleges that i can attend and i have a couple of questions that i would like answered:
- i would like to become an actor but would like to go to a 4-year state university in a metropolitan area. are there any colleges that anyone could reccomend that would let me receive a BA in Drama and also have a "backup" in something such as Forensics. Remember i would like to go to a 4-year state school in a metro area.</p>
<p>While you might well be better posting your query here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/</a> where folks are a bit more familiar with specific programs and options, I will say that performance based disciplines such as music, dance, musical theater, and I would assume the dramatic arts typically are both time and credit intensive pursuits. Depending on the degree type (BFA versus a BA), you will find a lot of “time eaters” in the form of technique, performance, analytical workshop classes that typically take up fairly substantial time blocks on a specific day or series of days. Add to that required rehearsals and performance ensemble obligations and mandatory academic classwork, and the days often seem to not have enough hours, even for the most well organized with the best time management skills. </p>
<p>My background and experience lie in music performance, and the major issue with combining a science with a performance discipline tends to be a time class scheduling factor, as many of the performing ensembles typically are scheduled for long sessions, and will oft conflict with lab work. This can be a specific issue in smaller institutions, where a large number of alternative class/lab slots simply are not offered, particularly in the upper divisions; in most cases, the performance ensemble class time is cast in stone, with only one offering, and the schedule is built around that. In many cases, the various degree requirements for a performance pursuit and a science based “second” have minimal overlap, so consider the likelihood of needing more than four years to complete both. Remember, additional time means additional tuition and related costs, so factor that into the equation.
In fact, many double major/dual degree programs are designed as five, rather than four year pursuits.</p>
<p>There are a number of students in performance pursuits who do achieve a second major or dual degree (there is a difference), and many find that a liberal art pursuit aligned with their discipline is a little “easier” in terms of scheduling and achieving course requirement overlap. Having said that, there are the few that can achieve anything, so yes you will find the cellist with both a BS in geophysics and a BM in performance, but it’s not the norm.</p>
<p>Another factor to consider is the institutional, departmental, and advisor/instructor take on the dual path. Some institutions fully support and encourage it (Bard mandates it for music performance majors), some pay lip service, and some outright discourage it. If you do decide to go that route, talk to current students at varying credit levels and degree combos and get personal experiences, success rates, institutional issues if at all possible. The reality is that many start down the road, but far less actually reach the end.</p>
<p>Again, my experience is in music performance. Search the music, the music theater, the dance, and the theater/drama forums, and I’m sure you will see similar comments. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>