I applied to a BA in a university that already has a BFA so I was already kind of concerned about the attention BAs receive compared to the more well-known BFA, but now that they’re saying an acting resume isn’t even needed I’m even more concerned. I emailed the theatre department asking if I should submit one and they simply replied that it isn’t needed. I personally viewed this as a bad sign, but I might be overreacting so I was wondering what others might think. I know when I applied to other BA programs that also have BFAs like USC I submitted a resume and a whole essay on the department, while for this university I only did a brief essay (around 125 words) on the school as a whole. Not that I’m opposed to anybody with not much experience or a small resume, I just feel as if they’re not getting that great of a picture of applicants because I feel that they don’t have enough information to see who applicants really are. Any opinions??
Most schools know that a big resume does not equal talent or vice versa. The audition is what matters to them. Many very talented kids get into great programs with nothing on their resume. I wouldn’t take it as a bad sign.
Is theatergirl97 saying that the school doesn’t require auditions for the BA program?
Yes, there is no audition. Sorry for not clarifying earlier!
I’d be concerned, too, especially given the fact that they have a BFA program. Though Northwestern doesn’t require an audition or arts supplement for acting (I think they just put one in for MT), and they graduate a lot of very successful actors.
I did submit a resume to NU because I had previously read of users on here doing it in the past. I mailed it in but I don’t know whether or not it was necessary or if they even looked at it. I guess I’m just concerned because although for most BAs resumes seem optional, usually it seems recommended or at least an optional/allowed thing. I’m just surprised that they contacted me saying that I shouldn’t bother sending one in.
My D included a resume as well as a video of four of her monologues when she applied to Northwestern (and was accepted RD). She is a straight actor, not MT.
I would always encourage people to include a resume in any college application. Worst case is they won’t look at it. For most BA programs - theatre or not - the resume is optional. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t send it, nor does it mean it won’t matter.
In the case in which they contacted you, @theatregirl97, and told you not to bother sending one, I would indeed be concerned. But you can still apply - why not - and if accepted, view this information as one piece of the many pieces you use to judge the suitability of a program.
Is this a program where there is no gateway to declare the BA in Theatre? Meaning it is an open major that anyone can declare without permission from the department? If so, I do not think it is odd that the program, or academic admissions does not need a resume. However, if they also have a BFA program you may want to ask if you can talk to a BA student about opportunities for BAs in the department.
I didn’t think it was an open major, but I guess I should research it further now :-/
What school? There may be others here who have applied and can help.
It’s the BA at UMinn. I’ve heard all good things about the BFA and people have mentioned the BA, but I don’t think I’ve read anything directly from a student in the BA program there.
My recollection of the BA at U Minn is that it is an open major - it was my D’s year. So anyone can choose it. Knowing the school makes a difference - b/c I don’t believe that the BA and BFA programs at U Minn have much (if any) connection. That may or may not be important to you. My D had 1 friend start the BA program there, she was not happy with it - left it after a year (successfully reauditioned for the BFA).
Are you auditioning for the BFA as well? Or are you looking specifically for a BA program?
The BFA and BA at UMinn are completely separate.
I was looking specifically at the BA program, and I understand that the BA and BFA are separate. I guess I was a little foggier when it came to how open the major is. It does slightly make a difference, but I guess I’ll cross that road when decisions come out in a few months. A big thanks to everybody for the help, though! You guys definitely helped to clear it up.
As stated above, the BA is open to anyone (which is why you don’t need a resume). If accepted to the college of liberal arts at Minn you can chose a BA in theater. They do hold Auditions for scholarship purposes but anyone can enroll in the major and you do not have to audition.
Very different curriculum than the BFA but it does offer some interesting options.