<p>Hi, I'm not sure if you can help me at all, but...</p>
<p>I applied to a range of schools with different approaches to theater, in the hopes that they might make up my mind for me. However, I was accepted to all of them. So now I have to decide.</p>
<p>I love theatre, and know that it is what I want to do, in some form, for the rest of my life. I also, however, love academic learning. I am planning to double major in theatre and English, with a possible emphasis in musical theatre or minor in music. </p>
<p>While I love analyzing plays more than anything, I know that in order to improve in the way that I wish to in my craft, I need to focus on less "heady" acting - a more "conservatory" style approach, if you will. However I strongly believe that I have to know more than just what one learns in conservatory to be a good actor... </p>
<p>Anyway, I'm rambling. Here are the schools:</p>
<p>I've been accepted to Brown, Columbia, NYU (Tisch), Northwestern, and Yale.</p>
<p>Any suggestions? I knwo that there's no "right" answer, but any insight would be INFINITELY appreciated!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>You cannot go wrong with any of your programs, but I would put in a vote for Northwestern, myself. (Our girl didn't get in- though the "no audition" part probably hurt her, as her test scores are not in the stratosphere.) I think you may have said you were a Cherub. The Northwestern curriculum is extremely academic and broad-based as a Theater BA, a wonderful program. And in addition to that beautiful campus and proximity to Chicago, Chicago is a great actors' playground for theater. So many theatres and plays going on constantly. Plus all the Broadway in Chicago tour stops. Our neighbor's son left the area to move to LA after doing some Shakespeare, etc., but hands down, he says Chicago wins for those who love plays. You could hone your craft at NU, go to the Yale School of Drama for grad school and in between, try your hand as an actor in Chicago! That is my 2 cents worth. You can't go wrong- you obviously have a great intellect and academic acumen, just go with your gut about which atmosphere feels like home.</p>
<p>I would say Northwestern for the reasons that ilmom said but the ones in NY couldn't hurt either. It is all about the ability to work easily and be involved with groups and productions when it comes to theater.</p>
<p>Ann Harada went to Brown, Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Kate Shindle went to Northwestern, Melissa Errico went to Yale. Don't think the only way to do this is through NYU Tisch (despite what some others have written to you on other forums). Did you visit each campus? What did your instinct tell you? I agree that Northwestern (at least on paper) is the best mix of practical training and first rate education. Good Luck!
Dani
ps if you havent, check your PMs</p>
<p>Yes, angstridden, they are all Broadway actors.</p>
<p>Franklin, congratulations on all of your wonderful accomplishments! You have many wonderful choices and I hope you can determine which of those wonderful choices is the best fit for you. As Dani has said, there are successful actors who have come out of all of those programs but really, that, in my opinion, shouldn't be a major consideration in your decision-making. I think sometimes people put too much emphasis on that factor. Truth is, most actors on Broadway have NO college degree at all. That doesn't mean that anyone should emulate them in that respect and forego college altogether, right? So, it follows that not too much emphasis should be placed on any one program which may have graduated someone currently on Broadway. :)</p>
<p>There are many things to look at in each and every program. I'm sure you've probably done that to a degree prior to applying but now is the time to visit, if you haven't, and to have one more look at what the curriculum is like at each for both the arts and academic classes which is what you want, and after gathering the information necessary, then making the decision to the best of your ability. Good luck and again, congratulations. :)</p>
<p>I totally agree with alwaysamom about not relying on the fact that successful people come out of certain places. I was just trying to make the point that none of these amazing academic institutions prevent talented people from going into acting professionally just because their programs are not as intensive. A lot of people on another forum that Franklinbrown posted on said that she should definately go to NYU because that was the only way to prepare for a career in this. I was trying to show some examples to the contrary. Since none of these places will necessarily prohibit Franklin from recieving the education in arts that she wants, the next step like alwaysamom said- is to visit and look at all the factors. Gut instinct being an important one! Good luck
Dani</p>
<p>ilmomsk -- as you're familiar with Chicago its theatre-related scene, I'm wondering what your impression is of the theatre/MT program at Columbia College. Many thanks.</p>
<p>A co-worker's son is there for Tech theatre/set design and has really liked it; lots of hands-on responsibility right from day one. Original plays, etc. And you can make a lot of good connnections. It would not be fair of me to comment about the performance or MT aspect as I have no first hand knowledge. But Chicago is just so great for actors-especially stage actors. If you have a son or D who really loves a super-urban environment and is not so concerned about academic challenges or being in school with kids who were in the top tiers at their HS's, then it could be a better fit than other schools. I believe Columbia C has rolling admissions-don't know if they even audition, but I always heard that there is practically no minimum GPA (maybe a 2.0?) to be academically admitted. Please don't read this the wrong way; I really do believe some kids really don't hit their stride until they are nearing the end of HS. Just because they weren't A students as teens doesn't mean they do not have great creative potential!</p>