<p>I know that there is a "freshman experience" thread for Musical Theater majors that describes one's schedule at different BFA programs... I thought it would be helpful to start one for straight acting kids. It would help kids that are deciding between schools and help up and coming high school kids too. My kid will be attending NYU/Tisch drama in the fall, so I know that we would be very interested to hear from someone who is a freshman now (or a parent). Thanks!</p>
<p>I feel like we had a thread like this in the past couple of years. I can’t find it; if anyone can, please link it!</p>
<p>This is a VERY helpful thing to do. When my D had her acceptances in hand last year (BA and BFA) she looked very carefully in detail at their course catalogs and at freshman or even 4 year schedules when possible. We even constructed potential 4-year schedules from course catalogs or from descriptions of the major. It’s amazing what you can do with websites!</p>
<p>But of course this didn’t include exact details on the rest of the experience - productions, social life, tech opportunities, getting out to SEE theatre (which was hugely important to her). So this could be an extremely helpful thread. I hope a lot of people chime in!</p>
<p>It would be helpful to have a format for answering. I’ll start off - I’ll use 5 basic categories: Training, Performing, Tech (which we’ll use as a huge umbrella for crew, design, directing, etc.), Academic (theatre and otherwise), and Social (which will include seeing theatre outside of school). Maybe someone would want to add ECs? Maybe BAs have more time for these than BFAs!</p>
<p>Adelphi University BFA Acting
- Training
Four 2-credit classes each semester: Acting, Voice, Movement, and Tech (1st semester Costumes or Lighting, second semester History of Stagecraft). D is also taking an MT performance elective this semester. All very rewarding and valuable. Each class does require out-of-class work, preparing monologues and scenes, reading and writing papers, and other projects. - Performing
Freshman may not perform on mainstage. First semester there is a Freshman Workshop play in which all freshmen are cast. Freshmen may perform in student-run shows. This semester D and some other freshmen have parts in full-length senior capstone plays. Others are in short plays for the Junior Directing class, etc. - Tech
All BFA students are assigned 6-8 hours a week. Over time they will cover all areas of tech. There are BFA Design majors who do the bulk of design work, although Acting students assist them. Last semester D worked on lights (lots of manual labor!) and this semester she is assigned to set painting. She also has volunteered to work on costumes, after taking the intro class and really enjoying it. Eventually she will be assigned to Stage Manage, Assistant Direct, etc. - Academic
All BFA classes require reading and writing papers. Freshmen are required to read at least 15 plays a semester. Most also take 2 Gen Ed classes (some place out with APs). D is in Honors College and has 2 HC liberal arts classes per semester; she will have 1-2 each semester until she graduates. There is a 2 year language requirement at Adelphi for all students. She is choosing to learn a new language and will start that next year. - Social
Being near NYC, D has seen over 20 shows on- and off-Broadway, and going to the city is probably the most regular social event for her, with or without her fellow students (often with). She knows almost no one outside of theatre (including upperclassmen), although she’s met a few in HC classes. She has no interest in sports or Greek life. Before theatre got very busy (and it is VERY busy) she had some spare time, but really she is full up with her classes, homework, and activities with theatre.</p>
<p>If anyone is interested, I can post some charts we made of a 4-year sequence at a BFA like Adelphi, as compared with at a BA (in our case Brandeis). It was a very helpful exercise - both are very valuable programs but appeal in very different ways.</p>
<p>bump bump??</p>
<p>BUMPPP! Can someone write about PACE</p>
<p>And I would LOVE any insight into Hartt! Thank you!!! :)</p>
<p>When I get a chance, I’ll write about the UArts Freshman experience. I’m just completely swamped right now, and I want to put the effort into it that it deserves =)</p>