Hi! I did search, as this seems to be a common topic, but still looking for more suggestions! My daughter is trying to build out her list and it’s short. She wants to study straight acting, preferably BA, and wants to be in the LA area. She has a few credits, agents and a reel and wants to try to continue working while in college, hence the proximity to LA. Her academics are strong; not sure if that matters. Her list is:
USC
UCLA
Chapman
Possible safeties:
Loyola Marymount
Pepperdine
Pace (not LA, not desirable for that reason)
SUNY Purchase (same as above)
SCAD (Atlanta is a hot filming market right now)
Since proximity to LA is a priority, can anyone suggest some safeties there? Is there such a thing as an acting/theater major safety?
Thanks!
^^“is there such a thing as an acting/theater major safety?”
Only if it is non-audition based and an academic and financial safety too.
Regarding “if academics matter”:
Academics matter less with many BFA or audition based BA programs. However it totally depends on the school as some do weigh academics in.
Can I ask why she prefers a BA if wanting straight acting?
The Relativity School has BFA and is in LA and is big into film and tv.
AMDA is there. So is NY academy of film (it is in LA despite name).
Not endorsing any of these as I know little about them. Just putting the names out there
UC Fullerton has a strong program that you audition for 2nd year. Check out Occidental, they have a decent theatre program. If she does BFA most conservatory programs (except Pace) won’t let her work outside jobs, so a BA is a good alternative. Both USC and UCLA have strong BA acting programs.
@toowonderful - I agree with you and believe BA programs are an amazing option. I was just curious why this particular student was choosing a BA. Seemed like some BFA programs that may focus on film could be a fit. Just curiosity - wasn’t trying to discredit anyone’s choice. BA’s can be very flexible, well rounded and provide top level training.
Thank you all for the input so far. She is leaning towards BA for the flexibility…in both schedule, class options, and to have more likelihood to be able to continue to audition and develop her career (she already has TV, feature film and commercial experience). I hadn’t heard of Occidental or Fullerton, will check those out. What is “true cut program?” @bisouu
They cut a certain number of students after the second year whether or not you are doing well. They may start out with a class of 60 but by year 3 they cut it to 12 and you have no control over how that happens. They call them juries, but if all 60 are good and they only plan on keeping 12 the chances of staying are slim. I would hate to invest 2 years in a program and then be let go. It’s also very difficult to graduate in 4 years. Classes are extremely impacted.
OK wow, so learning about the true cut program is a huge eye opener! I honestly can’t imagine many people applying to get in, given that risk…financial, time, emotional stress…and I’ve never even heard of it (not that I am an acting school expert). How do you find out what other schools’ programs are cut programs? Honestly, why would people choose this option? The financial risk alone of getting booted out of your chosen major/school seems like a huge deterrent.
From what I understand, cut programs used to be more common. I am not sure how many programs remain as truly cut programs. Having said that, most programs, particularly BFA programs, will have regular juries (evaluations) of the students. Generally, we were told students who are not “putting in the work” could be put on probation or redirected to another program. In fact, SUNY Purchase added the provision to the handbook and discloses the policy to students AND to parents. If the student skips classes or does not show an effort (purposefully vague - I’m not really sure what that means), the student will be asked to leave the BFA program. Thankfully, it has not happened regularly. I have heard of other programs using vague standards like “showing progress.” It’s a bit of a mystery. What if you gain 15 pounds? Would that be an indication you haven’t progressed? Curious.
I would put it on your list to research as you look at schools. The policies are a good place to look. It is also a good question to ask here since many schools are represented via contributors (parents, students, faculty). We also asked as part of the interview process - although couched the question as how to juries/evaluations work and how does the program deal with students who have academic or artistic difficulties. It is telling if the freshman class will consist of 60 +/- students but the senior class generally consists of less than 20. Something must be happening there! I would rather the program pass on my student up front rather than take a flier with my student’s time (and MY money!).
Thanks for the further explanation. I too would rather they pass then take that risk with the money and time. I like your questions to ask about evals and cuts; thank you for that.
Santa Monica College is kind of an ultimate safety since it’s a community college, but it has a Theatre program and kids who go there transfer to the UCs, Cal States, and other more well-known acting programs all the time. A lot apparently go there to complete the gen eds for another major while taking LA studio classes as well. The two-year Meisner programs at Baron/Brown and Ruskin School of Acting are very close by.
Also check out UC Santa Barbara. It’s a couple of hours up the road, but they have a good BFA that you apparently audition into from the BA at the end of freshman year.
Ah, forgot. I don’t know anything about them, but Cal State Northridge and Cal State Long Beach have BA Theatre programs, too. UC Irvine is kind of far out in the OC, but check them out as well. And while it’s far from being anything resembling a safety, CalArts is one of the better conservatory programs in the country although working while in attendance is apparently not an option.
My d is at calarts and there really is no way you can work while attending – classes are all day and rehearsals go into the night, including weekends. My d has done a couple movies and theatre outside of school during the summers. That being said, it is a wonderful program!
You never said if you are a CA resident. UC Santa Barbara looks amazing but they only take about 4% out of state so quite a stretch if you’re out of state like my D. Applying anyway though! Also applying to UC Irvine.
They may start out with a class of 60 but by year 3 they cut it to 12 and you have no control over how that happens. They call them juries, but if all 60 are good and they only plan on keeping 12 the chances of staying are slim. I would hate to invest 2 years in a program and then be let go. It’s also very difficult to graduate in 4 years. Classes are extremely impacted.