<p>Hi! I'm going to be using my TAG to apply as a UCI drama major this fall, and I really want to get a sense of why people commend UCI for theatre, so I just have a few questions about the program:</p>
<p>First of all, what do you like about the program; what really stands out to you?
What is you schedule like? Would it be easy to double major in say, English or film? Or even minor in something?
What are some of your favorite theatre classes?
What year do students generally start getting into shows? ie junior year, senior year, MFA students, etc.
Are BA Drama students allowed to take some of the lower level music theatre classes?
I'm a singer, and I want to train my voice, are there private voice lessons available to theatre students?
I'm very academically minded, would you say that most of your fellow drama students are the same way?</p>
<p>That's all I can think of off the top of my head! Please pitch in any other comments you feel would help. Thank you!</p>
<p>Hi there 
You’re going to love UCI drama- there are tons of opportunities to get involved as long as you put yourself out there.</p>
<p>My schedule is pretty hectic as I have a job and like to be as involved as possible and am regularly taking over 20 units per quarter. I’d say this is pretty usual as a drama major though. I am currently minoring in digital arts and take a lot of elective classes that I don’t need but that I think will be fun/interesting. I don’t think double majoring would be more/less difficult with drama than it is for any other major, it just has different difficulties. You might want to see how much you can handle before you commit to another major.</p>
<p>My favorite theater class so far as been 130 (intermediate acting) which was amazing because it had a great teacher (he’s since left so that’s a bit unfortunate, but he’s now leading drama in san diego, so good for him) I also loved my costume design class. What you’ll like will depends mostly on your interests and whether you like the teacher’s teaching style (as with most classes). 30a was also a great way to get integrated into the drama program here- very open and accepting.</p>
<p>It really depends. Grad students get a majority of the mainstage roles. That being said, there ARE opportunities for undergraduates and even freshmen. I have the advantage of being particularly tiny and because of this I was cast last year in two mainstage shows as a freshman- one as Prince Edward in Edward II and the other as an added role in Into the Woods. There were two other freshmen cast in the mainstage season. Additionally, there are workshops each quarter and the all undergraduate musical in the spring.</p>
<p>In order to get into the Musical Theater BFA, you start as a little BA drama student and audition for the MT classes and finally audition into the major. That said, very few people get into the BFA program, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take the classes even if you don’t want to be a part of the program. All the musical theater classes are now audition only though, check the call-board during welcome week in order to sign up for an audition slot. </p>
<p>The musical theater teachers teach private vocal lessons to a limited amount of students (although I’m sure they’re very expensive…) There are also a couple students on campus who offer lessons. And there’s always offcampus too :). If you look for the resources, you will find them- guaranteed.</p>
<p>I’m definitely the same way as you and most of my friends are as well, however there are people in the drama department (and some very talented) who do not have the same academic philosophy. It shouldn’t affect your individual performance either way, but just know they exist. :).</p>
<p>P.S. Were you invited to the drama focus group?</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I’m really starting to look forward to it. :D</p>
<p>I forgot to ask: did you or anyone you know take part in the NY Satellite program? If so, how was it? I was looking into it and the main thing that turns me off is the dance aspect, since I am a horrid dancer.</p>
<p>And no, I haven’t heard of the drama focus group? What is it?</p>
<p>Uh-huh No problem.
There’s also a megas audition workshop type thing that the Undergrad Theater Society is putting on. (There’s an invite going around on facebook.) It’s a great way to practice your monologues (and song) in front of a group and get some feedback. If you have the time and opportunity to go, it wouldn’t hurt. Even if you don’t want to perform in front of everyone, just seeing people do it/hearing the responses is helpful.</p>
<p>I know plenty of people who have taken part in the NY Satellite program. I, personally, can’t do it because of the additional cost, however I have heard many good things. I’d advise to audition for it in your junior or senior year as if you audition for a show on broadway (required during the program) and they like you and want you to be a part of the show, it’s easier to pick up and leave Irvine feeling like you got a lot of experience and teaching out of it. Additionally, you will get more out of the program if you have a lot of classes under your belt, in my opinion. It would be overwhelming to go as a freshman or sophomore, I think- especially due to the classload you’re required to take that year. It’s best to get core classes and GEs out of the way before you go. That said, the program itself is VERY musical theater. Meaning it focuses on all aspects- dance, singing, and acting. Some of the people who go are actually dance majors, not drama majors. The good thing about the program though is that dance classes are required so even if you’re horrid now, you’ll at least improve a little throughout the year. I’m also a pretty bad dancer so I’m taking ballet this coming quarter.</p>
<p>Oh, the focus group is a selection of 10 students per grade, usually based on test scores/grades I believe- it’s pretty much a random selection of the drama students… Anyway I thought you might have been in it because you’re academically minded. Don’t worry about it that you’re not. All that happens is you get a piece of chocolate for participating. It’s just providing feedback to the department on your experiences.</p>
<p>Oh darnit, I won’t be able to get down that weekend.</p>
<p>And yeah, I’ve done a couple of dance numbers in community shows, but I am the absolute worst at tap. And I’ll be a junior transfer next year, so I’ll probably check it out my senior year.</p>
<p>Okay then, thanks! I’m not actually at UCI yet so that might explain why. :D</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all the help!</p>