Need to Decided Where To Apply - Feeling Clueless, need advice.

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
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<p>First off, thank you to whoever takes the time to read this. It will be a wall of text - a lot of text - just FYI, heh.</p>

<pre><code> Well I'm a long-time lurker, first-time poster! But I do wanna say how cool a community this is. There's so much good stuff, but also this seems to be a pretty supportive community. I'm to the point in my life right now, where I need to decide where to continue my education - as I've been putting it off, but I need to get on it immediately So, how bout that wall-o-text I mentioned?

     To give a little history, I've known I've wanted to go into acting since I started legitimately trying to find what my passions were, over a decade ago. And it wasn't long before I realized I wanted to be an actor - I wanted to entertain people, I wanted to immerse myself in other worlds and portray characters, and tell all types of different stories along the way. The same reasons most want to get into acting, and as I grew older I only became more sure of this. I'm sure the idea has been said before, but where I remember it from is when I heard it from an interview with Jenna Fischer (from "The Office"), when she mentioned how you shouldn't go into acting if you can imagine yourself being just as happy doing anything else. If you can imagine yourself being just as happy being a secretary, then do that - or whatever job it may be. And that reaffirmed it for me - as I could imagine myself doing other jobs, and being pretty good at them as well - but I would never be as happy as I would be acting.

    So, while that all seems well and good, I'm sure whoever is still reading this is asking, what's the problem then? Well, I have battled with serious depression, anxiety, etc... through my teen years on up. So most of my life up until recently was spent worrying about making it to the next day, let alone pursuing any dreams I had. (As anyone who has dealt with this kind of stuff can relate too.) What this means for me now, is I really haven't had anywhere near the amount of experience I would like to have had at this point. I took an Acting class years ago, that the local community college offered and did well, but that is about it. There have been plays over the years performed by a local theater, and local community college, but talking to people in public was terrifying enough - let alone even auditioning for any play.

      I say all of this stuff to let you all know where I've been, before mentioning where I am/would like to go. Over the past several years, I've taken the necessary steps to get depression etc... under control to where I can live life, and put myself out there. Long story short, I've been at that local Community College the past couple of years, and next year I hope to go to a university. I'm an older student, as well - I'm actually 27 years old. And, of course, I want to pursue acting. Now I know there are some who may say don't go to school, just go to whatever city - get an acting coach - and go from there. Personally, I really feel getting a solid foundation of the basics from a good school would really help me.

   So I've been looking into various Universities for while now, but as it comes down to decision time, I still feel clueless as to where to go. I currently live in the Middle of Nowhere, IL - and it is by no means an artistic capital of the world - but what it also means is that any IL schools would be my "in-state" schools. So that is something to keep in mind. It also means that I can't really visit hardly schools - mainly due to time/budget constraints, especially for those out of state. And while I would like to avoid a mountain of debt after being at a university, I'm not going to limit myself to something in-state if something better is out there. (This is helped by the fact that I'll probably only need 2-3 years at the University, instead of the usual 4-5. Having got most general classes out of the way, so long as they transfer, I'll likely be ready to go straight into the acting.)

   The only two places I've applied are DePaul Acting BFA, and USC Theater BFA (non-audtion). I know the usuala that also get mentioned sometimes (Julliard, Carnegie Melon, etc...), but I highly doubt I'd be able to get into those places (not to mention that whole mountain of debt thing, lol). I've been e-mail a ton of universities, and even places like CalArts tend to give a positive response; this is something said from another place, "If you have the heart, the drive and the ability to be taught, we will do our best for you to help you do your best."

    So many have said the same thing, but they also have auditions - which means that at some level you have to be able to show some talent. I also don't want to waste my time if I kind of know something just won't happen, lol (hence my staying away from Julliard! ;) ). So I guess I'm just looking for advice, and advice on other good schools, or possible lesser known gems. And I would like to point out - I'm looking for Acting programs (BA, instead of BFA would be fine if need be), and not "Theater Studies" or something similar. Here are some others I've looked into, and some thoughts on each:

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<p>CalArts (Dream school, but I'm not sure of my chances, at all.)</p>

<p>U of I (Though, less and less enamored. Partly because I'd be a transfer student, and they it's kind of weird the way the program works with that. Partly because I hate this area, and want to leave.)</p>

<p>Emerson (They've been helpful in few questions I've had. Heard some good things, would like to know more opinions about them. Again, I assume pretty hard to get into?)</p>

<p>Columbia College of Chicago (Another one that I've gotten good help from, but don't know a ton about the college itself - or rather, others experience with it?)</p>

<p>SUNY Purchase (Wondering if this is closer to CalArts/Julliard, in that 2% get in, if that. Maybe too much for lack of experience? They say not an issue, but...)</p>

<p>NIU (One I've heard mentioned on here, but not entirely in love with what I've read about the college itself. Any thoughts?)</p>

<p>ISU (Zero knowledge, but have heard it mentioned. Anyone else have more knowledge about it?)</p>

<p>SCAD (Maybe the most split down the middle. Some people hate it - bad neighborhood, professors not always great. Some love it, and it was on Hollywood Reporters Top 25 list.)</p>

<p>There are a few others I've seen recommended here, or elsewhere that I really have no knowledge of, but wanted to bring attention too.:</p>

<p>Chapman Univ.
Univ. Of Minnesota
Univ. Of Michigan (This, and Minnesota have sounded like they'd be very hard to get into as well.)
Webster University
UCLA
University of Chicago
Washington University (How is the acting program at the campus in WA, different from one in STL?)
University of Evansville
UNC - School of the Arts (Another one of those, "Keep Dreaming" types?</p>

<p>And these are just a few, and again I'd be open to hearing any thoughts on them, or any information about other hidden gems. (And BTW, while I may not be able to visit the schools - Auditions for many happen in Chicago, so that wouldn't be an issue.)</p>

<p>I look forward to hearing from everyone, and will be very grateful for any help!</p>

<p>TL;DR: Acting is my passion. Had depression - was more concerned with staying alive, and didn't pursue dreams. Got better, and started making life for myself. Now ready to go to university, and really pursue acting. Not sure where to go.</p>

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<p>kevp i think went to columbia college in Chicago. He’d be your best outlet for info on that school. just peeking at your lists, it’s a lot of hard schools. Go for it but depending on where u at in overcoming depression issues, you do not want to set yourself up for a disappointment by only going for big gun schools. yes, if you could stay in Illinois, that would save money but I get wanting to move. have you considered the BA option in addition to the BFA at Minn. that is a popular one I see on here and if you are good academically, the BA seems easier to get into than BFA,. Yes, you’re right, the BFA at minn is hard to get into. Chapman is nice. Beautiful facilities. I heard anecdotally of one kid getting a generous FA package. there is a guy who used to post. strangebro?. who i think is at Chapman. seems very happy there. I’ve read good things on here about Evansville. some of the schools you’ve listed are the big guns so i won’t get into them as there is tons of info on here about them already./ I’ve heard good things about webester. UCLA will sock u with out of state tuition and I got some info earlier where there may be some internal issues there. maybe funding related, i can’t remember now, but it was enough to knock it off our list. otterbein, which is near Columbus, has been getting a lot of good talk, pretty sure it is auditioned. Also, with you being a transfer, that may impair your ability to get into BFA programs. So ask schools questions on how that works.</p>

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<p>Hey! I’m a CalArtian and I have many classmates who are 21+. They appreciate you being older and more experienced in life FOR SURE. And that might also help with casting, because you can play more “adult” roles.</p>

<p>One thing though (which probably applies to all universitites): keep in mind that you’ll be classmates with mostly [immature] 18 year olds. I had been out of high school for 18 months before going to college and I can tell you, it’s definitely not easy having to deal with some straight-out-of-high school kids who LOVE bringing stupid high school drama to college (no pun intended). Also, some of them will not have a professional attitude towards work at all and will prefer to party and drink instead of focusing on the work. They say it gets better, but the first year will probably be tough.</p>

<p>Anyway, if you get into any of these schools there will be many talented people who you will love to work with for sure (even though socializing might not be the easiest thing).</p>

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<p>One thing to be aware of, and ask/ look for when choosing programs is that even with most general education credits completed, many BFA programs will require students to spend 4 years in the program to earn the degree.</p>

<p>Also depending on the general education structure and requirements at a given school, not all of your CC credits may count for specific general education requirements at a specific school.</p>

<p>If you would like to try to complete a program in less the 4 years, you should ask lots of questions to see what is possible.</p>

<p>Another route to take could be looking into 2-year conservatory programs like AMDA, Circle in the Square, Neighborhood Playhouse, PCPA, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, etc…</p>

<p>You would not earn a college diploma after two years at these schools, but would be able to focus exclusively on acting for two years. </p>

<p>If you went the 2-year conservatory route, and then wanted to complete a 4-year degree you could also look at programs offered for non-traditional students through the New School – [School</a> of Undergraduate Studies | The New School for Public Engagement](<a href=“http://www.newschool.edu/public-engagement/school-of-undergraduate-studies/]School”>http://www.newschool.edu/public-engagement/school-of-undergraduate-studies/)
[SUNY</a> Empire State College](<a href=“http://www.esc.edu/]SUNY”>http://www.esc.edu/)
[Granite</a> State College - Welcome](<a href=“Online | College of Professional Studies”>http://www.granite.edu/)</p>

<p>This is not to discourage you from transferring to a 4-year BFA program. Just to point out other options as well. :)</p>

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<p>Some of what you say has some similarities with my life.</p>

<p>You seem, however, if I understand you correctly, to be uncomfortable with the idea of auditioning. But auditioning is a major part of life as an actor. As an actor, you will have many many more auditions than actual parts. If you don’t like auditioning you really should rethink your plan of becoming an actor.</p>

<p>Somebody has to succeed at those auditions and get into these competive programs, so why not you? A number of people who know that those are the right programs for them if they don’t pass the audition just take a year off and try again with a better audition.</p>

<p>And many programs will be excited to be having an older man auditioning so they have someone to play all the older male roles. They can only take so many 18 year old girls.</p>

<p>So many actors today have depression and anxiety that it has almost become a cliche. So you are not alone or unusual in that respect.</p>

<p>Now my “day job” is that I am a lawyer. So I am aware that depression and anxiety legally constitute disabilities under U.S. law. And colleges and universities are now required to accomodate students who have disabilities. It might be a good idea for you to contact the department that handles accomodations for disabled students at each of the schools you are applying to and talk with them about what sort of supports and other help they may have.</p>

<p>What I also think you really need to do is research actors you admire–actors who re currently doing the sort of work you hope to someday do. Find out how they got their training. You may discover that some of them have formal training but no degree, or even no formal training at all. If your ultimate goal is to be an actor, there are a number of paths to that goal, and getting a degree might not be necessary.</p>

<p>KEVP</p>

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<p>Sorry, I think I should have been more clear. I only added the depression part to explain part of reason of not getting out more, and getting experience - because usually (other websites) people will berate and chastise about how don’t have enough experience, and why not, and etc… Lol, so mainly wanted to answer ahead of time on the why I don’t have experience. And I’m actually fine with auditioning (besides any usual nervousness), so if that can’t came through any differently that isn’t the case. But it’s interesting you bring up about the disabilities thing, because I looked into that awhile ago for something else (think it was just to get health insurance at the time or something), and ya I didn’t qualify because basically I was too normal/too functioning, so, lol.</p>

<p>You all brought up some good points, and I’m gonna call around, and I’ll update when can. :slight_smile: Thanks again to everyone who has given advice so far!</p>

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<p>Well, I am a lawyer, so I want to fight for the disability thing.</p>

<p>I think you are confusing “disability” under laws like the ADA with “disability” for purposes of collecting social security.</p>

<p>I think what you are saying is that you are not disabled enough to collect disability checks from social security.</p>

<p>But you could still count as “disabled” for the purposes of other laws. Like the law that requires colleges and universities to accomodate students with disabilities. You may well count as disabled for the purposes of that law. I am assuming you have a doctor who would sign a paper stating that you have a particular diagnosis (or more than one)?</p>

<p>I also think of the title character in the play THE DRESSER. His past is not clear, but it seems like he has had some sort of mental health issues that required him to be sent somewhere (“Colwyn Bay”). But what got him out of there was when someone offered him some theatre work as an understudy.</p>

<p>What I am worried about is that your diagnosis seems to be preventing you from going out and auditioning and getting experience. But that is what actors do. They go and they audition, and once in a while they get a part, and then they perform that part. If your disability prevents you from doing this, I don’t understand how you are going to be an actor. (The character in THE DRESSER didn’t have that problem, because as soon as someone offered him theatre work he was able to rush right over and do it) Maybe there is a solution to this problem that I am not seeing, or maybe you should look at a different career.</p>

<p>KEVP</p>

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<p>KEVP, the OP told us that he has overcome his problems and is moving ahead. This is wonderful.</p>

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<p>Why not take him at his word?</p>

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<p>I think KEVP was trying to help, but also to what NJTheatre said - it may have prevented me from doing so in the past, but now it isn’t going too. In fact, already have several lined for colleges I ended up applying too. So now if I don’t make it it’s based on my talent or abilities, and not from not trying at the outset!</p>

<p>Thanks again to all who offered support or advice. I ended up with a list of 7, and so now it’s on to the next step. :)</p>

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<p>Did you ever get my PM?</p>