So I am deciding where to attend given that I am majoring in theater.
I have undeclared major at UCSD and Chapman and theater major at Santa Barbara.
When I was researching I found that many people would prefer Santa Barbara over San Diego
because apparently San Diego’s theater graduate program overshadows the undergrad program
but is it true? I am not necessarily into acting but more or technical theater if that makes difference.
As of Chapman, I got plenty of scholarships but what gets me is that I got accepted as undeclared student
and theater program is very competitive at Chapman and I am worried that even though I decide to go Chapman
it may be difficult for me to change my major to theater since it’s so competitive and there is really no
point of attending Chapman if I am not majoring theater. I was leaning toward UCSD but now I am so confused
because everyone says Santa Barbara has better program.
Please help! What do I do ???
You will have to audition for the Chapman BA and BFA programs and I don’t think they let you change your major to either of those programs at Chapman. Give them a call and check. UCI is overshadowed by grad students as well and that is why my daughter chose not to even apply there. UCSB has a BFA that you can audition into after your freshman year if I remember correctly. Sorry I don’t have more information for you. Hope others will chime in. Congrats on your admissions to these amazing schools!!!
Check the undergraduate course offerings and see which one has more courses that interest you. I think UCSB offers a minor in theater directing, but UCSD has a section of upper divisions dedicated to stage management and directing as well as a required technical practicum (neither has a dedicated tech theater major). Also consider extracurricular options; if you’re more into the technical side of things, La Jolla might be a better option solely because of the numerous theaters in the Theater District (there are a lot of opportunities to gain hands-on experience). Good luck with your decision!
go to ucsb
because…?
I know the theatre BFA program is audition only at Chapman, not sure about technical theatre, you should call them because you may not be able to transfer to that track once you are there. UCSB and UCSD are great schools and if you are a Californian, the price is better!
Chapman is audition only–that includes the BA and BFA programs. You can audition to the programs while you are there but I don’t know how often that happens and if there are many openings. Definitely per the advice of others here, call the department and ask. Did you originally audition at Chapman or did you decide to be a theatre major after you applied to the school?