I haven’t been on the boards in a couple years and my heart almost can’t take being back. The process with my older daughter was overwhelming and now, here I am with my younger. I have an unusual question. First, does anyone know of strong theatre programs that also have American Sign Language minors?
My daughter loves theatre and has participated since she was 5. She hopes to continue taking part when in college but ultimately wants to be a theatre teacher or drama therapist for deaf children. One school that she really likes requires an audition for the theatre side. I’m afraid we just don’t have the money to hire a coach. I wonder if someone here may be able to recommend two contrasting monologues she can take a look at. I can maybe get someone to work with her after she finds monologues, I just can’t afford to hire someone to help find them. I am guessing that those currently preparing for auditions wouldn’t want to guide but maybe those who auditioned in the past. We know about the online sites and the books but really want to use something that is recommended by someone personally. Any advise/insight, guidance would be so appreciated!
Do you mean contrasting time periods (classical vs. contemporary)? Or contrasting styles (comedic vs. dramatic, etc)? What kinds of things energize her? Where is her passion?
Maybe this would be over the top but Spring Awakening was done by Deaf West Theatre. Your daughter would probably get a kick out of looking up their version online. SA is definitely not your typical high school play - it has very adult themes so viewer discretion and all that.
You don’t mention if you’re looking for local schools or state school but Northeastern has an ASL and theatre major that look pretty perfect. It’s a BS so likely no audition. But it’s also private and you said money is an issue. What state do you live in?
Thanks for your replies! The monologues have to be two 1-3 minute contrasting monologues from two contemporary plays (1950-present. She is passionate about children, special needs, helping, contributing to the world. She is amazing and despite a minor learning challenge, has excelled and earns straight A’s at a college prep high school. Northeastern is great but give little aid and we wont be able to afford it unfortunately without a lot of financial aid. She actually saw the Deaf West Spring Awakening in L. A. and hopes to intern with them before college!
@rittlette - If I were in your shoes I would start with a list of schools that have ASL majors. Then look for which ones will give your daughter need-based and merit-based financial aid. If your D has great grades and scores many schools will throw funds her way. Once you have that list, check out their theatre departments. Most schools have theatre, because everyone loves it! You sound stressed about this process (and I don’t blame you) and finding the best fit between money/theatre/ASL is going to be tough so take the pressure off yourself and develop a list of ASL-strong schools you can afford. Then your D can focus on applying to the ones from that list that have the strongest theatre programs. Also, keep in mind that “strong theatre” for her will be the strongest program where she can actually participate fully. Some of these really strong theatre schools are all about their BFAs/MFAs and a double-major BA might not get the performance opportunities she wants. My 2 cents!
Unfortunately, she has a learning disability that makes it impossible for her to take AP classes and also score “average” on the standardized tests. She is brilliant and it isn’t easy to earn all A’s at this school since 9th grade. Despite how hard she works and what she wants to do in her career, I find that money is a huge hurdle and she wont get as much because of the LD. Just fe3eling defeated and we haven’t even gotten to the application stage yet.
@rittlette I would take a look at Western Michigan. They have a very strong theatre program(audition) and the University recently added an American Sign Language Minor. Out of state tuition is super reasonable. Only a little higher than for instate kids.
Thank you so much! I still need to find (or help her find) good monologues so if you or anyone have suggestions I would so appreciate the guidance. Maybe something about overcoming a challenge, maybe something about being bullied? Both, she can relate to.
From my experience (and my D also was LD and bullied as a kid) you don’t need monologues that pertain to who she is in her own life because “she’s an actress”! My D’s monologues were all over the map, but she liked them and that was what counted. You live with these pieces for a while and they need to show her ability to take on different characters, not who she is in real life. My D chose her monologues using the MTCA folks online (sorry) who really helped. One was Emilia’s monologue from Othello, the other two were little known plays. I would ask your D what kinds of (young female) roles she wants to see monologues from and maybe people can suggest more.
Oh I understand, I was just thinking of things she could relate to and “feel” deeply about. Interests and experiences. Thank you so much for the monologue idea!
I know you’re still looking at monologues but… I can’t help myself. Cal State Long Beach has both an ASL / Deaf Culture major and a Theatre BA that does not require auditions! And CSUN is both a good school for film and one of the few in the nation with a Deaf Studies program. Those both may be too close to home but it’s always good to have those BA programs on your list.
@rittlette - Gallaudet in Wash DC is rooted in education for hearing impaired (the majority of their student body). They accept hearing students and have a Theatre Arts degree with concentration in performance etc.
My D’s monologues were all over the map, but she liked them and that was what counted. You live with these pieces for a while and they need to show her ability to take on different characters, not who she is in real life. My D chose her monologues using the MTCA folks online (sorry) who really helped. One was Emilia’s monologue from Othello, the other two were little known plays. I would ask your D what kinds of (young female) roles she wants to see monologues from and maybe people can suggest more.