Hi! I am new to this site but I came here because I desperately need help.
I have been accepted into both JMU and GMUs theater departments. From what I’ve seen, JMU has better facilities while GMU has better career and internship opportunities due to it’s location right outside of DC. I like that GMU gives me the option of a BFA, while JMU is only a BA, but it seems that JMU would provide a better theatre education. Is that just a misconception based on the newer facilities JMU has to offer? Is it better to get a better education or have more networking opportunities while in school?
Basically I’ve talked myself in circles and I wanted to get an outside perspective, especially from students of the two schools. Thanks again for your help!
Have you printed out the 4 year curriculum of each program to see how many theater courses vs general education courses are required? The BFA at George Mason requires an audition and interview. Have you completed those? If not, you might want to check with the school to see if it is possible to audition after beginning the BA.
I have heard great things about both programs - JMU and GMU. If possible, try to visit to see if you prefer one setting to another. Read bios of faculty to see if any are working/have worked in areas in which you are interested. There is no one right answer. Either will offer a great education and training.
The BA at James Madison also requires an audition/ portfolio review and interview. It sounds like you must have been admitted EA academically to JMU, and auditioned and been accepted to the program?
I would not worry about the degree offered as much as the type of educational environment where you might like to learn train, and grow over the next four years. You will know which is the environment for you right now, and there is no wrong answer.
GMU is a suburban campus relatively close to DC. JMU is in a town with more of a college town feel, and while students have rehearsed/ performed in shows in DC during the academic year, the drive is intense.
When looking at school curricula side by side, make sure to also look at the number of electives classes offered in the major. For example: the BA Theatre program at JMU has a lot of room for electives, and most student graduate with far more than the required 120 credits for the degree with most of those credits being classes in the major. This is likely the case at many schools… but it is a good thing to look at and to ask about directly.
I teach at JMU and am happy to put you in contact with current students if you have any questions. PM me if you would like. 