<p>D4 is in 11th grade and wants to audition for BFA acting programs (although lately also considering BA programs based on what she is learning on college tours.) We tagged along with DH at a conference in Boston to visit BU where she has friends who love the program. Toured BU and it does seem wonderful. At the last minute she signed up for a visit at Emerson, which we have not heard much about. We both really liked what we saw of the school. Our student guide was articulate, smart, and passionate. Also, Emerson has a consortium arrangement with Berklee, so D4 could take courses there in harmony, ear training and songwriting (she is a songwriter) if she does the BA (apparently not if BFA). Aside from the obvious, that Emerson is not a conservatory, so more time is spent in academics, does anyone have thoughts or experiences with this school?</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman BFA Performance Core major at BU. I can give a lot of insight into the BU BFA program, but only minimal for Emerson. I will tell you that I auditioned at Emerson my senior year of high school, (I transferred to BU after one semester of college) and will say that it’s an excellent program. Both of these programs have merit, but I do believe that Emerson’s musical theater program is a little more reputable than their acting program. (This is just what I hear, don’t attack me if you disagree.) One of the reasons I chose not to go to Emerson in the end was also that they didn’t offer hardly any financial aid which was huge for me. Most Emerson students also have to live on campus all four years of school because of the high costs of living off campus in the area that the college is in. </p>
<p>I can tell you that my experience at BU so far has been nothing short of incredible. It’s really all about not just shaping the actor as the “professional” but also the actor as the individual, which is something that has resonated with me on so many levels. If your daughter is truly interested in becoming an extremely well rounded actor, I would say that BU is a great program to shape that interest. </p>
<p>As far as the music studies go, there are two tracks that BFA Theater majors can choose from at the end of their freshman year. With the Theatre Arts track, your daughter could minor in music studies or just simply take some music theory courses while fulfilling the acting curriculum. This is also possible with the Acting track, but it’s easier with Theatre Arts. </p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks Hellohellomo-- my daughter really loved BU and Boston in general. She will definitely apply- it seems very competitive, so I hope she will have a chance there.</p>