<p>Hello everyone, </p>
<p>I know there have been many messages and questions on drama schools in New York, but for my case I am still not totally clear and ANY opinion would be appreciated!</p>
<p>First a bit about me: I studied a non-performing arts related discipline in London. But before and during my studies I have taken part in a lot of part- and summer- acting courses and amateur film and stage projects.
Now that I am about to graduate from my BA, I am planning to go to New York and get full-time acting training.
I have been looking at numerous schools and asked around a lot. But it`s so tough to make up your mind from abroad.
Since I have a BA, I am not seeking a 4-year BFA course (also I would be 27! by the time I graduate...). I have been looking at 3-year MFA and Conservatory programs.
So far I auditioned for NY Conservatory (SFT) and got in...but I`ve heard many do...
I have sent out applications to NYU, Columbia, Pace and New School. So far I have an audition scheduled for NYU and am still waiting for responses from the others. Obviously Columbia is a great place but are there any opinions on the other two?</p>
<p>Also, I was considering:</p>
<p>Stella Adler Studio of Acting
Atlantic Theater Company
Circle in the Square
Lee Strasberg Institute
Neighborhood Playhouse
William Esper Studio
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
AMDA</p>
<p>Any opinions on those schools? Or can anybody think of a good additional university in New York that offers an MFA?</p>
<p>Thank you for reading so far and I would be so grateful to hear from you guys!</p>
<p>Hey there! I am also living in London, have completed non-theatre degree, and am looking at US theatre programs. I am a bit older than you so totally understand what you mean about not going back for a 4 year BA. </p>
<p>Did you learn anything about Neighborhood? I am really into dance and musical theatre and see that they offer dance. Don't know anything about the course though or the singing component...</p>
<p>I got accepted to AMDA, but (like SFT) I hear that many people do. It is also very costly! Lots of young students at AMDA, too.</p>
<p>Are those programs (Columbia, Pace, etc) MFAs?</p>
<p>Please do share any tips that you have learned! :-)</p>
<p>NYU is probably the most respected MFA Acting program in New York, which makes it extremely competitive to get in, but you can't go wrong with the program. Pace is also well respected and is where the US TV show "Inside the Actors' Studio" is taped. The show used to be taped at the New School Actors Studio but apparently there was some internal conflicts so while The New School still has an MFA I don't know how well respected it is anymore.</p>
<p>The conservatories that you asked about vary widely in terms of techniques taught, cost and "prestige", you would have to study each and see if that school's technique is good for you. Just know that none of them are MA or MFA granting degree programs. You'll get a certificate of completion, so keep that in mind.</p>
<p>May I ask why you have ruled out Acting schools in the UK? As far as Acting programs, I think that the conservatories in the UK will provide better training than the NYC conservatories. I know that a lot of the top conservatories in the UK have course commitments of only one or two years. MFA programs in the US are 3 years minimum usually.</p>
<p>MTdancer4: </p>
<p>Neighborhood Playhouse seems to be a very renown school. I don't think they offer a Musical Theater course though. Musical Theater Courses are offered by AMDA and Circle in the Square. Though I have heard mixed things about the former recently and most likely won't apply...</p>
<p>NYU, Columbia, Pace and New School are MFA programs - none of them MT though.
Let me know if you need any other information. I know how hard it is to make up your mind from abroad...:)</p>
<p>ActressToBe:</p>
<p>Thanks for your response. I'll be in New York towards the end of this month to audition for NYU and Pace and check the Conservatories then. I know that Lee Strasberg Institute is probably not right for me. So I'm currently rather looking at Stella Adler, Neighborhood Playhouse and Atlantic Theater Company as I've heard many good things about them and their programmes seems to suit me.</p>
<p>Which of the schools I listed previously would you consider as most reputable? This is the only thing I cannot find out for myself...and all I'm really seeking is just a good training.</p>
<p>I'm still applying to schools in London. I've already sent out an application for the BA at Guildhall and will apply for the BA at Rada, the 2-year course at Lamda and the 1-year MA at Central School of Speech and Drama. They will mostly serve as back-ups in case I can't do New York financially or have to stay in London for another reason. If I don't get into NYU but Rada or Lamda, then I might as well stay in the UK but New York is just so much better for connections. Also, I could do my studies and when I'm done apply for permanent residence. I believe, it will be much harder to do my studies in the UK and then move to the USA.</p>