Hey All,
I need help narrowing down choices of schools to apply to for admission in the Fall of 2016.
My background: I am 24 years old and have been in and out of school since graduating high school. I first attended California State University - Fullerton and enrolled in their pre-BFA Acting track. I spent about two years there but was unable to audition for their BFA Acting program due to personal circumstances which forced me to move to North Carolina with my family, where I am now enrolled at University of North Carolina - Wilmington. The theatre program here is lacking to say the least, and I am finally in a position in my life where I can commit to a conservatory style acting program, so I will be applying to all of these schools as a transfer. I have substantial experience in theatre since moving to Wilmington since their community theatre scene is quite active, and I have been involved in several shows. I have contacts here who can provide me with letters of recommendation and help coach me for these college auditions.
What I’m looking for: A conservatory style Acting program, with as little general education requirements outside of the major as possible. Ideally I’d like to be in performance based classes five days a week for most of the day. My goal is to get a BFA so that I am able to move on to graduate studies in acting, as I would one day like to teach at the college level.
My list of choices so far:
Juilliard
UNCSA
DePaul University
Boston University
SUNY Purchase
Carnegie Mellon
Guildhall
RADA
LAMDA
I would love advice as to what additional schools to consider, as well as advice on what to expect as a transfer student applying to these institutions. I realize these are all top tier schools with low acceptance rates, but I am not interested in “safeties” because if I can’t make it into an rigorous, auditioned based program, I don’t want to transfer at all. I have been and will continue to scour these forums for more information, but I thought I would try getting specific advice for my unique situation.
Thank you!
I like your attitude. You hit most of the biggies, but also take a look at:
UMinn/Guthrie
Rutgers Mason Gross
CalArts
NIDA
Central School of Speech and Drama
However, if you look at the grads of most of the “big” schools, most don’t go on to get a Masters like you mentioned. In a few schools, like Juilliard and Rutgers, they actually combine Undergrad and Graduate students, so you won’t see many Juilliard or Carnegie BFA students going on to get an MFA. If an MFA or teaching is your goal, perhaps save some money, get that degree from UNCW, and go for Yale, UC San Diego, Juilliard etc. after that. The audition process will be more competitive, but you can spend the next 2 or 3 years doing audition prep with the money you’d spend on that undegrad degree. You’ll end up getting that high end MFA cheaper and sooner. Just my $0.02.
Thank you so much for your input! I’m seriously considering taking the route you mentioned (Finishing at UNCW, then getting my MFA) as well. I’m just trying to explore all options before I make a decision. Thanks again!
How far are your from finishing a degree in NC? If you are less than 2 years from done (and it sounds like you might be even closer) I second the notion going for a masters - esp as you are only looking at “tippy top tier programs” Rather than starting over (the programs you are listing will require you to start as a 1st year). If you don’t feel your current school has offered super strong training you could always spend a little time (esp in summer) at an independent conservatory like Stella Adler, William Esper or Circle in the Square to get some extra work in and help you prepare for the next level of training
I agree that it’s probably unnecessarily expensive to start college over if you have two years or less to go. Some of the great MFA programs (Yale I think) are very generous with aid. From the School of Drama website: “The vast majority of School of Drama students receiving financial aid are awarded full tuition scholarships and, in addition, living stipends. The School expects first-year students only to take up to $7,000 in educational loans.”
I’m not sure what the approach will be for transfer students, but the new BFA Contemporary Theater at Boston Conservatory is promising for those interested in experimental and modern implementations, etc. It is truly a conservatory and every day is in studio.
Thanks for your input everyone! After some thought I’m leaning towards just finishing my degree here at UNCW and supplementing with summer intensives in the meantime as suggested. I really appreciate the advice.
Boston Conservatory
University of Michigan
Royal Conservatory of Scotland
Royal Welsh
Emerson
Pace