Help Me Decide! USC, UCLA, NYU, etc

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<p>@sec339. I can’t improve on what anyone is already telling you. Just wanted to say that I had a really hard time finding somebody in CC to talk about UCLA last year as well. We did attend the admitted student’s day and it was really informative though a long day. But you will absolutely leave it with a true sense of what that program is about. I was really impressed. The school is fantastic in every way. So I’m glad you’re going to have a look see. We were from out of state and among the extreme minority (I think there were 2 families) from that standpoint as it sounds like you may be as well. </p>

<p>After wrestling with similar choices, my daughter did end up at NYU Tisch. I’ll admit that was her dream school from long before a single application was filed so there was some built in momentum. I agree with everyone who has already mentioned that Tisch does get kicked around for reasons that are hard to explain. But even my saying that (and I have in other posts) makes people start kicking and claiming typical Tisch defensive behavior so those of us that think favorably of NYU Tisch can’t win coming or going I guess we’re just supposed to take it. All I can say is, NYU is a fantastic place to study theatre if one can afford it. As others have advised, for your sake don’t dismiss it because of the bashing. It is undeserved and a bit bewildering.</p>

<p>You mentioned voice over work. I’d encourage you to PM Bvillelady for some perspective on that work in NYC. Her son is a current junior at Tisch and does quite a bit of VO work so she will have the scoop.</p>

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<p>My daughter ended up at USC in the BA program. She is wildly happy! When we visited UCLA we talked to several students in the BA program and they were complaining about the classes that were being cut because of state budget issues. I think that is a real consideration! Congrats on your success and think carefully about where you will enjoy your 4 years AND further your career aspirations.</p>

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<p>^^The good thing about the UCLA accepted students day is that they are completely upfront about the situation with the budget etc. and how that impacts the program. There is absolute transparency so you can decide for yourself it if makes sense or not.</p>

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<p>That’s the first I’ve heard anything like that about Ithaca. I had to Google it to ascertain that they do indeed have sports teams! LOL It may just be the surrounding town, but it’s known more for hippies and other assorted granola types so check to make sure it’s not the jocks who feel like they need to circle the wagons. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>The acting program is certainly good, but tends to be somewhat overshadowed by the MT program reputation-wise like at a lot of such schools where MT and Acting share a department. The thing I’d want to check into with actual students and graduates who will speak truthfully is if the MTers aren’t the golden ones with the straight actors and their productions being more or less an afterthought like is apparently the case at some other liberal arts oriented BFAs. Not saying it is or isn’t, but do look. </p>

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It’s really the success of their MT grads that gives them the boost. For acting, it’s more in a group of around three or four other schools generally recognized in the business as “just below Juilliard” that cost around half as much. Not bashin’ ‘cause it’s no doubt a great program. Just sayin’. I do know of an acting grad who got picked up by the LA branch of my agency directly from her showcase last year which is almost unheard of without pre-existing credits and union membership and she has actually booked some now so she’ll be around. Then there are others including the son of one of the moms from the early days of this forum who can’t afford to be actors and are living with their parents doing what they can to make a dent in all the debt they took on to go there. Poor guy was a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and his mom said, “He will always have a place to stay.” Guess where he was at last count at 27 years old?</p>

<p>I guess that could be said about most schools, but be careful taking on huge amounts of debt for these places that cost more per year than over 95% of BFA grads will ever make in a year from acting if you don’t have well off parents. And I’m not just speaking to the OP there because he/she hasn’t said anything about a financial situation. Just speaking in general and not just about CMU. I believe USC is in the same price range and Tisch costs even more than that.</p>

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<p>First, congrats on your awesome acceptances. You are clearly very talented and a very good academic student as well. Kudos to you. </p>

<p>I think your visits will help you shake this out as one school will feel more right for YOU than the others. I think you have researched them well so far. Talking to more current students and alum will help. I would not put stock in what some student at one school said about another school! </p>

<p>From what you have discussed so far, I think USC, UCLA, and NYU/Tisch match more of your priorities than some of the others. Voiceover work is available in both LA and NYC. All three schools have strong academics. I suppose USC and UCLA allow you to live in LA where you say you want to settle after graduation and so you might be starting your networking there. All three schools have very strong film departments. USC and NYU have particularly strong a capella groups. I know that acting students at Tisch can take voice and also can be in musicals. </p>

<p>I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these options but keep listing pros/cons for each and compare their curriculums, do the visits, talk with students on campus and go with your gut as to which feels like the best fit for you. And we can’t really know that as we are not you. Sometimes it is just a gut feel.</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for all the insight, all! (And for who were wondering, I’m a dude.)</p>

<p>So, UCLA, USC, and NYU have been the most-recommended so far. As far as Tisch goes, though, with no disrespect meant to those who defended it, though, my somewhat negative impression was only partially based on the mixed reviews circulating. I did visit, and it didn’t really click with me.</p>

<p>I sort of hoped that my concern with UCLA’s financial situation was unfounded, but it seems they really are quite broke in the acting department there. A bit of a shame, because it was such an amazing surprise to have gotten in there. Of course, I’ll update once I’ve visited.</p>

<p>Since NYU and UCLA have dropped a bit in preference for me, Ithaca and UMich have risen a bit. A former acting teacher recommended Ithaca above all the others, which took me by surprise, and UMich continues to have the endorsement of a large number of its current students with whom I’ve been continuing correspondence. They really have a lot of positive things to say about the program.</p>

<p>Keep the opinions coming— I have a feeling others are (and will be) learning from this situation as well!</p>

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<p>If you didn’t click with NYU when you visited- then why include it on your list of decisions? Seems like you already ruled that out.</p>

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<p>My impression of the budget impact to theatre dept at UCLA was more in limiting the number of shows they put on and had nothing to do with the training you would receive there but judge for yourself. I thought the faculty were impressive and well-connected. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Ithaca is like CMU where Acting and MT students take mostly all the same classes for the first two year. MT definitely DOESN’T overshadow acting because they see MT and Acting student as one class and not the Acting class AND the MT class. If you YouTube “Ithaca Freshman Showcase” you’ll see all the acting and MT student together performing, and it’s impossible to tell them apart. Also, quite frequently Acting majors are cast in Musicals, and vice versa. Right now I believe their are more Acting majors in Spring Awakening the musical than MT…</p>

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<p>I’m currently studying acting at UCLA and I’m going to have to disagree that the acting program is “going downhill” or that budget cuts mean classes are getting cut. Yes, budget is always an issue at a public school especially in the UC system, but there have definitely been no real cuts to classes. They are very upfront with us about having tight budgets for their shows, but having worked in the scenic, costume, and light shops I can attest that they are still doing some incredible work. Personally I find that tight restrictions with production requirements often put the focus on the work and working creatively rather than on making everything as lavish and extravagant as possible, so I don’t particularly mind it. But it doesn’t have bearing upon our classes, and there is still plenty of opportunities and shows being done - this quarter alone, the department is putting on five plays, one musical, and a department-endorsed student theater festival, and that’s for undergrads alone. As for saying the acting program is “going downhill”, I know I’m biased but I don’t believe that at all nor would I trust someone from a rival school (as others mentioned). I am consistently blown away by the performances I see here, and all the professors are qualified and incredible people.</p>

<p>I saw that you are concerned that even though it is a BA, it is like a conservatory experience but is with many rigorous academic requirements. All I can say is that that is absolutely true. It is extremely common to see students in the theater department petitioning the counselors to take more units than the university allows in order to make all their classes fit (I did so last quarter and this quarter). It is absolutely a personal preference whether that’s the kind of program you want and that’s totally fine, but if that’s a concern for you it should be a pretty big red flag.</p>

<p>Also, I am not sure how much opportunity there is for voiceover work here. That’s just not something that is really focused on. There is a lot of integration with the film department, great connections to the film industry, etc., but I don’t know that voiceover is emphasized too much. If that’s a big concern for you, you might want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, the program here is a lot more flexible than some BFA programs might be about doing outside work, and frankly everyone here really sort of does whatever they want to as long as they are ambitious enough to make it work around their required couses, so I’m not saying you couldn’t find your own opportunities, just that it’s not really focused on here.</p>

<p>UCLA is an incredible program but it’s also very specific and definitely not for everyone. Like most of the schools you are considering, it’s all about how you individually fit in. Hopefully this helps, feel free to ask any other questions you might have.</p>

<p>(Sidenote: the a capella scene here is incredible! I know quite a few people involved in the various groups around campus and they all just consistently blow me away. Several of my friends are going to New York in a couple of weeks to compete in the ICCA Finals. A ton of theater majors participate, so they are also pretty flexible with working around schedules, etc.)</p>

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<p>^^There we go finally! I’m with you completely and agree that UCLA is a very specific program and strong academic school. It is certainly not for everyone but I was really impressed by it last year. I’m glad you jumped in.</p>

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<p>sec, I can sympathize with the dilemma of riches in your acceptances. So nice to be admitted to many great programs, but then it comes down to you making the best choice. But don’t stress. I’m not sure you could go wrong with any of them.</p>

<p>I have most knowledge about USC’s theatre program, but I also teach at UCLA (not theatre) and have to agree with the post above that the students at UCLA are really strong, special, and they do amazing creative work. We live in California and read a little too many newspaper headlines about budget slashing at the U’s. No one can predict what impact this may have over the next few years, but if you love the feel of the program when you visit, you should be fine. For theatre design majors, I think the budget has more impact as less productions give undergrads no opportunities to design, as was openly admitted in the Open House. Something to ponder if one needs a portfolio.</p>

<p>As for USC, I just wanted to correct a slight mis-impression about the BA vs. BFA Acting programs. The BA reqs are almost identical to courses taken for the BFA–the difference mainly being that the BFA has many more requirements and also has a few BFA-only courses, and of course the senior showcase. BAs also many audition for the showcase, but there are limited slots open for BAs. </p>

<p>Since I have had 2 at USC, I’ll give you a few glimpses from a parent’s pov–to take or leave. heh</p>

<p>In addition to classes, rehearsals, performances, independent productions, etc, there are a ton of extra “attractions” for theatre majors at USC. You’ve already heard about a capella. There are also award winning dance troups. And just recently, a crowd was gathered on the lawn to watch a joint performance by actors from USC and Princeton’s most popular improv comedy troupes. This really typifies what I see at USC whenever I have visited. Lots going on. Lots of performing opportunities and lots of support from the university. There is a vibrant energy on campus of very bright students who seem just as jazzed about their own areas and majors as the theatre kids are about acting. </p>

<p>With the film school’s great impact on USC (and many acting opportunities) and also a great art school, architecture, new dance school, and amazing School of Music, to name a few, USC has a creative environment to be sure. But the school also tries to help students bridge the gap to the professional arts. No one at any school can make that magic happen for certain, but you will have 4 years of networking opportunities, internships, seminars by the entertainment industry leaders, etc to set your sights in the right direction.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

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<p>I think a lot of decision ends up gut feeling. My D is finishing her freshman year at Tisch. She was accepted at USC as well. We visited NY first and leaving there, she said it felt right and if she was anywhere else, she would wonder what she would have been doing at Tisch. I can’t say it’s a perfect fit, but no where is perfect. Her friends in smaller programs have a tough time with the fact they are with the same kids all of the time. Her friend in a big program loves it too. but it comes down to is a gut feeling of where you’ll be happy and know you’ll give up something to gain something else. Unfortunately, no one else can tell you what you and your gut probably already know.</p>

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<p>Though I have not endorsed NYU in this thread directly so far, I’ll echo fourkidsmom’s comments most specifically to say that I think kids that want to be at Tisch just know it in their gut and can’t imagine being anywhere else. They have to because although Tisch holds a perfectly welcoming, audition after that, they certainly don’t do anything close to what other schools do in terms of recruiting activities designed to ensure you to pick their program. If that bugs you, I understand that. But there are plenty of student prospects who will carry on anyway for the reasons that include what fourkidsmom said above: They’d always wonder what they would be doing at Tisch. I encourage students that feel it to try it and those that don’t to know Tisch indeed may not be the right choice. All is fair.</p>

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<p>Hi Sec</p>

<p>I’m a Tisch grad and will preface my post by saying I really loved my experience there. Even with my 100k in student loans (yes it is expensive, no there is not a lot of financial aid) I would pick NYU again in a heart beat. </p>

<p>All that said, it doesn’t sound like it would be the right fit for you. If you really know that what you want to do is voice over work and film then Tisch is going to be a very frustrating place for you. The emphasis at Tisch really is live theater. You spend your first two years in whichever studio your placed , and all seven of them really emphasize acting for the stage in those first two years. There are voice and speech classes that you are required to take, and you would probably have a ball with those, but again the emphasis tends to be on stage acting. After your primary training, you could apply to do Stone Street, the film studio, for your advance training either your Junior or Senior year. However, a lot of what Stone Street teaches is adjusting to being in front of the camera and transferring what you learned in primary training to the screen. </p>

<p>There are film students at NYU who use Drama students in there work, but it’s not really something you have time for until your Junior or Senior year. If you actively pursue working with the film kids then you could end up doing a couple projects before you graduate, but its not something I would say even the majority of students get picked for or have time for. I’m sure you enjoy acting and theater even if your not doing voiceover work, but if you go to NYU be prepared that the Drama program really is a theater school not a film acting school. Even on the academic side you are required to take a ton of Theater Studies classes. </p>

<p>That said, there are a lot of a cappella groups at NYU and specifically through Tisch. The N’Harmonics are fabulous.</p>

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<p>I believe all a cappella groups at NYU are school-wide and not specifically organized through Tisch. Though it changes from year to year, in my daughter’s group, there are only two Tisch members including her and overall, Steinhardt is better represented by far but there are others from outside any music type discipline as well. I think you’d find a mix of Tisch/non-Tisch in every group.</p>

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<p>hi halflokum,</p>

<p>Student groups at NYU can be either All-Square clubs or School/Departmental clubs. The N’Harmz are officially a Tisch club. They do choose to open up their auditions to the entire school, but the majority of members are Tisch students as required by the department club guidelines. There are some a cappella groups at NYU that are All-Square, meaning they don’t have a school officiation, and there are also some that aren’t registered clubs at all. My year there was a great all male parody group that the guys in my studio created. Don’t know if that is still around… Either way there are plenty of a cappella options at NYU, and if you don’t find what you like you can always start your own group!</p>

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<p>^^SM2010. I understand you are an actor, but could you share whatever observations you may have regarding the design/tech program at Tisch. What did you think of the production value of the shows? How many are main stage per year? We can’t really get a handle on the spaces- where are the main stage performances held? Where are the bulk of shows produced? How would you assess the lighting and sound aspects of the productions? How do you feel the technical aspects compare to those of other schools you’ve seen? Did you become close enough with any designers to share feedback on how they felt during their tenure at Tisch? Sorry to impose on you a bit outside your realm, but there do not seem to be many tech folks on CC unfortunately. Any notes would be appreciated!</p>

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<p>@sm2010 I stand corrected. I did not know that. I thought there was some sort of event or something at the beginning of the year where various groups perform for anyone that wants to come watch and I took that to mean that membership is open to one and all. Even Ani V’Ata which is the Jewish group claims that one doesn’t have to be Jewish to be a member (though they probably all are). Glad that you corrected me.</p>

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<p>I send a big thank-you to everyone who contributed here!</p>

<p>I visited UCLA yesterday and USC today and I think my mind is finally made up.</p>

<p>UCLA’s open house was pleasant but very long and a bit talky. Not a lot of adrenaline. They also were open about the fact that they’re not a very performance-oriented program and are moving further away from that anyway. I think for someone who loves theater but probably doesn’t intend to do it professionally right out of undergrad, this is a great program— much like a comparable BA program at a school like Northwestern. I came to the open house under the impression that UCLA’s BA was more like a BFA, but it’s only in the junior and senior years that it bears any resemblance to a conservatory-style program at all. Up until then, you may not even take any actual Acting classes. You’ll take Design and Introduction to World Theater and whatnot. So, cool stuff, great school, but not, in the end, my perfect match. I left the day thinking, all right, cool, I have a frame of reference now. Your move, USC.</p>

<p>And wow, did USC deliver. I had really high expectations and was trying to keep an open mind, but within 15 minutes of USC’s admitted student program I was pretty much decided. ALL the current and prospective students I met there were social, energetic, funny, intelligent, just very much people I’d love to be around for the next few years. I chatted with a ton of faculty, some that I’d researched and some that were surprises. The musical theater teacher is unbelievable (I sat in on a class) and he has a background in voiceover work and film scoring, two of my main passions. I was surrounded by fellow fans of my favorite a cappella groups. The production we saw was very solid, with some exceptionally strong male voices in particular. I could go on and on, but yeah, I see why it was my number one from the start, and I see why everyone on this forum has been advising me to go with my instinct. I came into the open house undecided, and I left feeling more excited than I’d ever thought I’d be about making my (only somewhat tentative) final decision. I’m glad the whole process is over, and I can’t wait for the beginning of my time with USC! I feel like Harry Potter waiting for Hogwarts to start… and I wouldn’t make that comparison lightly. Best of luck to all those still deciding.</p>