Help! Rising Sophomore Looking for BFA Acting Programs

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<p>As parents, we all can understand your folks’ concerns about cost. I would talk to them frankly about what they mean, exactly. For instance, are they saying that they will pay what an instate school costs (tuition, room and board, and other fees) and you are responsible for the rest? It is possible to bring an out-of-state or a private college to instate public costs, especially if you have great academic stats, which you say you do. Search this forum for threads on merit aid and scholarships - I think you’ll be greatly encouraged. We have seen several students from GA who have found great schools there, too, and with terrific scholarships. You have lots of options.</p>

<p>There also are threads on the size of the accepted class group in various BFAs. Most are in the teens and twenties, so I think you’ll get your wish there. And schools that are bigger, notably NYU, have systems that split the accepted group into much smaller sections.</p>

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<p>As a general matter, a BFA actor is less likely to pursue an MFA than a BA actor. The reason for that is a BFA is generally a professional training degree in which you are getting upwards of 90 performance credits. However, as KatMT points out, not all BFA programs are the same so that might not apply across the Board. </p>

<p>I’ve always thought one of the best routes to becoming a well rounded actor is getting a BA at a good LAC and then going on to an MFA. My daugther however rejected that suggestion fairly early on.</p>

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<p>I’m not sure about Theatre Education, but students who pursue an MFA in Directing do not generally do it right after getting their bachelor’s degree. They tend to work for several years to gain experience as a theatre artist before applying to MFA Directing programs.</p>

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<p>I do also know actors with BFA acting degrees who do choose to go on and pursue MFAs in Acting. As an actor you are constantly training and growing. Some choose to do this in the context of an MFA program. I also know actors who are graduates of BA programs who are very successful who never pursue an MFA degree.</p>

<p>I think the fact that there is no one route to a career is one of the best worst things about pursing this path. Everyone has to figure out what is best for them at each particular stage of their development. You do not have to have all of the answers now. This is a great time to do the research that you are doing to gather more information.</p>

<p>Most of the MFA Directing students I have known have been out of school for at least 3 or 4 years before being admitted to MFA Directing programs… many longer (I was out working for 6 years before going back… and I was the youngest in my program). Not that some do not go earlier. It is just less likely.</p>

<p>:-)</p>

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<p>^ and of course vice versa… ;-)</p>

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<p>EmmyBet:</p>

<p>In Georgia, there is a state-wide scholarship offered to all students with an A-B average (it’s around 3.5ish now, they’re constantly changing it) called the HOPE scholarship. If you maintain the average through high school you basically have a full ride scholarship to any GA college. I talk with them a lot about school, and they’ve made it clear that if I can’t get a scholarship (our GA Thespians Board also has scholarship auditions every year at Thespian Conference) to an out-of-state school then I am expected to use the HOPE as a backup. Just to clarify. </p>

<p>And to the degree conversation:
I do think I need to do more research. For forever, the ‘BFA’ title has really been presented to me like the golden thing actors go for, so it’s difficult not to be biased towards it. I agree that since I’ve been looking around, so many BFAs can be like BA training and so many BAs can offer BFA-like training, it is all about the environment. I was also looking into schools with MT minors, which I also think would benefit me in the long run. I’m not sure… I’m also reluctant to stopping school then resuming. Is there a benefit to this? I really do not mind school at all, I love to learn and be in a classroom/workshop sort of environment. Are there any schools in particular, in a larger northern city, that offer all that I’m talking about? It’s a lot, but the big things are:
-Bachelor’s extensive/conservatory-like training in Acting, possibly in conjugation with an MT minor
-Master’s theatre education/directing. Is the difference between MA and MFA as been as BFA vs. BA?
-Smaller learning environment
-Urban, northern city
-Possible financial aid and scholarship opportunities</p>

<p>I feel like I only know of the big ones: NYU, Columbia, AMDA, Syracuse, Marymount, Juilliard</p>

<p>Is that it in NY?</p>

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<p>Wagner on Staten Island and Rider in Lawrenceville, NJ. are two additional programs you should check into. Also Muhlenberg (close to both NYC and Philadelphia). All three offer very good merit and possibly talent awards. Rider is in the suburbs but is a short train ride in to the city. As for Wagner, the free Staten Island Ferry can have you in Manhattan in 30 minutes. Muhlenberg is less urban but it is a beautiful school and has a great theatre program, 2 hours by bus to NY.
And don’t forget Chicago! ;-)</p>

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<p>Thanks for being so honest and open in your posts. You have a ton going for you, and I have high hopes!</p>

<p>Regarding the scholarships: I still think you should talk to your parents. Do they mean you should try to get scholarships that would be the equivalent of the HOPE deal? That’s a tough order, but understandable. It’s really important that you guys talk really directly about what you can afford. We’ve seen so many kids who think they’ve gotten enough scholarships only to find out that they and their parents haven’t been on the same page. You certainly can apply and see what you get - financial aid is notoriously difficult to predict - but at least you would know and agree on what will work and what won’t.</p>

<p>Are those the only schools you have researched? And those are really, really different schools. I guess using a cost filter (based on what I’ve read here) I’d suggest these others:</p>

<p>Point Park University (Pittsburgh)
Adelphi University (massive merit scholarships for kids with your grades)
Montclair State University
SUNY Purchase (these last 3 are outside of NYC, with easy access)
Temple University (non-auditioned BA, excellent program, public U in Philadelphia)
Hartt School/University of Hartford
University of Rhode Island (non-auditioned BFA safety with good merit aid; short train ride to Providence, also access to Boston and NYC)
Pace University
Eugene Lang/The New School (last two are in NYC, not quite so sure of their merit aid, but great theatre programs)</p>

<p>Others I’m sure will chime in with more. I’d also look at Coastal Carolina University. They have great merit aid, and a wonderful program, although they are not exactly in the location you say you desire.</p>

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<p>And before glassharmonica gets a chance - Fordham University also is in NYC. Auditioned BA that might be right up your alley.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much for the school suggestions! Researching them now. </p>

<p>EmmyBet: </p>

<p>I think they would LOVE full-ride like the HOPE, but if I get a decent scholarship towards a school closer to 35,000 they would be thrilled. The thing is, I have two other siblings. One going into 7th grade, one same age as I. Let’s say their chances of maintaining the HOPE are more questionable. With financial aid and a scholarship, I could possibly afford a 40-45. I just need to work my tookus off once I can officially drive, get a job, and put it towards college. I might be able to make a small dent in it. </p>

<p>Those were the ideal ones I researched in New York. I’ve also looked at CMU, Boston, Emerson. </p>

<p>Also, I was thinking, what are the possibilities of me doing undergrad somewhere and grad maybe closer to NY? What would the benefits to this be?</p>

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<p>“Master’s theatre education/directing. Is the difference between MA and MFA as been as BFA vs. BA?”</p>

<p>I am not sure I completely understand your question, BUT if the question is if the difference between an MA and an MFA is the same as the difference between an BA and a BFA… not really.</p>

<p>An MFA is a “terminal degree” for college teaching. Meaning, that you can be hired into a full-time tenure track college position with this degree. It is generally a very hands on practical degree. An MA is often the first step in coursework towards earning a Phd… although you do not need to earn a Phd after an MA… a Phd is a “terminal degree” for college teaching. An MA is not. MA/ Phds tend to be more academically focused.</p>

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<p>KatMT:</p>

<p>Excuse my horrible typos there, I can’t even make that one out. But yes, that’s what I meant to ask. </p>

<p>I see… so on the topic of theatre education, I’d take an MFA in Theatre Education and also take a teacher certification type of curriculum? I think what I’m trying to ask is, after my bachelors degree, what should be done next if I want to have a theatre education degree, enough for me to be a teacher if I fall massively in debt or something horrible happens? My parents keep emphasizing a backup plan.</p>

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<p>There is a difference in being a certified public school teacher, a private school teacher, and a college teacher.</p>

<p>To teach in public k-12 schools you generally have to be a certified teacher. While some schools have dedicated drama teachers, others have the music, or English teacher, etc… or a part time person run the drama program. There are undergraduate and masters level programs that certify drama teachers… at JMU we have an undergraduate theatre ed program… but, there are not a ton of these programs, and there are not a ton of jobs.</p>

<p>For private k-12 you often do not have to be certified to teach. I taught HS theatre at a private school without certification. I simply had an undergraduate degree in theatre, and previous professional experience in the field… as well as some teaching experience.</p>

<p>College teachers are not certified, they have “terminal degrees” in their field (MFA, Phd, etc…), and professional experience (and/or are often published).</p>

<p>Unless you are passionate about teaching it is not much of a fallback. Jobs are not plentiful, and they do not pay particularly well. If you love teaching, it is worth it… if not, you might want to look into other “backup” plans.</p>

<p>Many people do not work in the field of their undergraduate degree. Particularly if you go to a program that allows a minor, you may be able to develop some skills in a non-performance area that interests you. Many people I know also go to graduate school in another field if they discover a different career path they would like to pursue post graduate. I know drama school alums who are doctors, lawyers, have MBAs and work in business, are speech pathologists, manage stores and restaurants, ate paramedics, nurses, work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry, etc…</p>

<p>You are ahead of the game exploring options. Take the next year to further define what kinds of programs you might like. And different “backup” career paths.</p>

<p>It will be difficult to find a conservatory style BFA program, with a MT minor (not many schools have this minor), that also allow time to double major or pursue teacher certification.</p>

<p>Many careers will require post undergraduate study. This is always an option if after completing your undergraduate degree in theatre you later decide to pursue a different career path.</p>

<p>:-)</p>

<p>Sent from my DROID RAZR using CC</p>

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<p>Lots of HS students are in your shoes - they are interested in lots of things, and that is great. And in many ways college still is a place to explore and figure out what path to take. A BA in theatre does give someone more time to have other interests and even get other training, and fortunately in theatre it does not close doors to working in the field (unlike other degrees that are required to be employed, like nursing). Some BFAs allow time for other work, but usually less. </p>

<p>It’s not bad to be thinking about possible grad school plans now, but I wouldn’t let it get you all tied up in knots. Many people don’t really know exactly what they want to do in the long-term, even people who are very focused on BFAs. Some of this can just evolve. It’s not like being a pre-med and having to jump through very specific hoops in an unbroken sequence (and even with that, many people don’t). So, yes, imagine the future, but don’t worry too much about picking your undergrad based on a far-off grad plan.</p>

<p>When my D was decided among many different options for college - she’d applied to BAs, BFAs, auditioned and non-auditioned, she could imagine herself doing many different things, and the choice was very difficult. Her interests and focus had matured over her last two years of HS, but it was hard to choose one distinct path, because they are all very rewarding and exciting. My advice to you is to apply to a good list of schools that will provide different options that all appeal to you. Once you have your acceptances and FA offers, you can decide which school seems best. And maybe, as with my D, you’ll pick the school that seems best for you at the time. Eventually you have to take some chances, and just have faith in the process.</p>

<p>And as for being in NYC for college: I think this is a win-win kind of question. Sure, it’s nice to be in or near an exciting city (and that means lots of cities - Philly, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, etc., etc.), if you enjoy living there. Advantages include seeing professional theatre and getting connections for internships and work, and fun things to do in your spare time (if you like city stuff, and if you actually have spare time, which is rare in BFAs). But while NYC is especially dense with these opportunities, other cities have them, too, and colleges that aren’t in cities provide many of the same opportunities, though local theatres or work that goes on at school. Or maybe school itself is so time-consuming that that kind of work is best left for summers or after you graduate. </p>

<p>Most people have preferences about where they’d prefer to live during college. Some really love isolated LACs where campus life is pretty much your whole life. For other people, they’d go crazy in a week at a school like that. It’s the same for city schools. My D has loved being near NYC, but that is only a small part of her experience; a school somewhere else could give just as valuable an education.</p>

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<p>Have you looked into schools you can use the HOPE scholarship at in state? This is the list of schools that accept the HOPE scholarship and includes public and private schools in Georgia:
<a href=“http://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/common/HOPE_Eligible_Institutions.pdf[/url]”>http://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/common/HOPE_Eligible_Institutions.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I encourage you to look at all your options, the list of schools you have been given are great for out of state, but on the off chance you end up in state…!</p>

<p>The other thing you should be doing it looking at the audition requirements for each program and tailor your list to the schools you are interested in. Some will absolutely require Shakespeare and you should be prepared. In addition, you must read EACH play you do a monologue from and be prepared to discuss it. All the schools my children auditioned for required their monologues to be from published plays.</p>

<p>I have two Georgia kids and they both left the state, but I know that if you must stay in state, you do have some options. Keep your grades up, that is as important as preparing for your audition right now.</p>

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<p>KatMT and EmmyBet: Thank you both so much for all the info. I really feel like so many things have been clarified. Hopefully these next years in high school will help me mature educationally and see where I’m going to go, what undergrad/grad degrees, etc. </p>

<p>Photomom5: I actually do know that Columbus State has a FANTASTIC theatre program, probably best in my state. That would be my first GA college choice (it’s where Thespian Conference is)! I believe my current drama teacher is familiar with many of these schools being that she works with scholarships at Thespian Conference, so hopefully she’ll give me some good GA recommendations. </p>

<p>As far as monologues go, I’ve looked over the audition threads and have started reading plays to find:
Classical Greek, Comical Shakespeare, Dramatic Shakespeare, Comical Contemporary, Dramatic Contemporary
I want to have at least 5 that I can pull out at any time and possibly be shortened if need be.</p>

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<p>I think with EIGHT AP tests that merit scholarships are worth looking into. Very few college applicants will have anything remotely near to being competitive with you.</p>

<p>You have been listening to a lot of advice, but have you yet actually compared the advice with the real world? Have you gone out and researched the people who have your “dream job”, the people who are doing the sort of work you are hoping to do one day, and found out how they got there? What degrees do they have?</p>

<p>As I tell most people who are your age, I think you are too young to be worrying about having a “fallback” option. Instead, I think you should be pursuing your dreams 100%. Others will be pursuing their dreams 100% while you are splitting your time between your dreams and your “fallback”. You will be competing with these people, and they will have an advantage over you because they were improving their acting skills in the time when you were pursuing your “fallback” option.</p>

<p>It is very common today in the 21st century for people to switch careers MANY times. It’s okay to try a career and later discover it didn’t work out. You still have lots of options. Many people go and get retrained when they decide to switch careers. For example there is absolutely NO requirement that folks study the same subject in grad school that they did at undergrad. For example, I have a BA in theatre, then went on to law school and earned a JD, and am now a lawyer. But I am thinking about yet ANOTHER career change . . .</p>

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<p>TheRealKEVP:</p>

<p>I’m sure ill look into them, I’m still researching the whole scholarship system. </p>

<p>And I’ve recently looked at the degrees of the big Tony winners this year and saw the majority of them had conservatory/BFA training, which doesn’t surprise me. I’m still leaning toward BFA but will still have some BA choices in mind. I never thought to look into those I look up to in that sense but that’s actually pretty smart. </p>

<p>What you said about fallbacks was the most relief I have received about this subject in a long time. Thank you! For forever the “Have a plan B! Have a plan B!” idea has been drilled in my head, but with acting being so competitive that makes sense. Thank you.</p>

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Hi everyone! Little ol me is a senior now. I just went ahead and started a new thread, but please HELP! http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1779737-rising-senior-auditioning-for-bfa-acting-help.html#latest