My D is a subtle actress who shines on film. She is a rising senior and I am helping her sort out her college list. She is a strong academic student. She loves Shakespeare and theater as well.
She is a bit shy in person and not the extrovert that most theater kids are. Right now we have BA and BFA programs on our list. Would love any suggestion on programs she should consider and thoughts on where a more introspective actress could thrive socially and as an artist.
I don’t know about how the atmosphere would fit but here are a few programs off the top of my head: NYU (BFA - Stonestreet Screen Acting Studio available junior year); Pace (BFA - Film Acting, TV, Commercials & Voice Over); Chapman (BFA - Screen Acting); Northwestern (BA - Acting for Screen module); USC (BFA - Acting for Stage, Screen & New Media). Were these already on her list?
Thanks! I will look at Chapman. We will be touring Pace next week. I kinda just want her to go to a LIC with a good theater program. But I think that would be within her comfort zone and it might be time to expand out a bit. This year will be interesting…
Check out Drew University in Madison New Jersey. My daughter is a senior there and loving it. PM if you want more info. It’s a small program where the kids get a lot of attention. The campus is a perfect size for an introvert. Super close to NYC by train.
I think Loyola Marymount has a film focus as well, can someone else confirm? UNSCA also produces a lot of film and tv people.
I wouldn’t call it film-focused but CCPA Roosevelt offers three terms of Acting for Camera to BFA acting students. My son has been able to book five or six student films and will be in his first feature (super indie but still) this fall.
I will read up on Roosevelt, Drew and Marymount and start expanding to programs with film studies and production so that there is a community of students working on films. Thanks.
The thing about CCPA is it’s proximity to Columbia Chicago, DePaul, Northwestern, Loyola and Second City Film programs. You have to hustle a little but there are a lot of opportunities
I guess the question again becomes for a actress who is deeply passionate about the art of acting and not the personality to hustle – what programs are out there that are nurturing of the development of the artist? Like the non acting world: some colleges are just known as competitive and others with a collaborate student body culture. I’m trying to sort out how to define the culture of the BFA programs so she doesn’t get drowned out. I would say some of our finest actors have been introverts… I understand the industry has demands but first she as the artist needs to develop more.
I’m grateful for any insights.
Hmmm…there might be a slightly more direct pipeline to opportunities if you attend one of the schools with a film program, I don’t know. (My kid has been cast by directors at all of the programs I listed, so it’s not like they HAVE to use their school’s students, but they probably know them better.) I also don’t think you have to be an extrovert to hustle. You just have to check Backstage once a week or so and submit your HS/Resume to stuff that appeals and go to auditions. My impression is that that’s how it works, at least for most people, though of course some people have connections or get lucky and are allowed to take a short cut.
I sent you a PM 
That’s true: she is fine auditioning and sending resume out.
I have an introverted theater kid as well. Audition is fine, but the thought of “networking” is a tough one.
@DoinResearch - I don’t think “networking” has to mean schmooze… My kid’s “network” comes from people she has worked with/for, and seen how hard she works, and how seriously she takes the process etc. People notice those who put in the extra hours, and make THEIR job easier.
@toowonderful, I agree, current peers and directors recognize the work ethic. My son has won awards, which is difficult in a school with lots of talent. So while being introverted doesn’t get in his way, I think being extrovert is a little easier.
@123Mimi
Regarding your post above: “I guess the question again becomes for a actress who is deeply passionate about the art of acting and not the personality to hustle – what programs are out there that are nurturing of the development of the artist?”
UNCSA was already mentioned - but it is very nurturing. It is super rigorous and the students work (but support one another within that work). The faculty is caring, personable and nurturing. It is a very tight knit program. They are all about nurturing the artist within. It is not a competitive environment.
The one word above that throws me a bit is the word “hustle”. If she doesn’t have that desire, drive “hustle” to pursue this career I think she will have a very hard time being successful. If you meant she is shy and not overly outgoing then that is different. I think you can be successful as an actress and be an introvert. Just an observation.
It is a challenging career choice for sure! She is a highly motivated person. As her mom I just want her to go to a college or conservatory that develops her in a way that is in alignment with who she is or else its needlessly difficult to be in a place with people with whom you don’t fit in. It’s a culture of the place. I love what bfahopeful wrote about UNCSA. That’s exactly what I was wishing for her. Thanks all!