Novice needs help!

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>I've been surfing the forums here for a while trying to absorb as much information as possible! But I feel like I might miss some vital information.</p>

<p>Here's my situation:</p>

<p>I'm a rising 10th grader, with ambitions to go into screen acting. Right now, I'm working on getting as much experience as I can with student films and auditioning. I'm heavily involved in my school's theatre program, but it's really small. (I'm helping to start our first highschool Thespian Troupe!)</p>

<p>When it comes to colleges though, I feel really lost!
I've done a lot of research for colleges with screen acting majors, but people have been telling me that it's just a waste of time.</p>

<p>So, I have a few questions:</p>

<p>Does having a screen acting major give you an edge or would just a regular BFA in theatre be fine?</p>

<p>I've heard Tisch is the best, but NYU is very pricy! Any suggestions for scholarship ideas (for the Thespian scholarships I have to be majoring in Theatre :/ ) ?</p>

<p>People have told me that it's important to go to a school with a really good film program, should I choose a mediocre acting program for a superb film program?</p>

<p>I'm worried that if I do major in theatre, I won't be getting the essiential knowledge and experience I'll need for working on screen, Opinions?</p>

<p>How soon should I be looking for the auditions for schools?</p>

<p>Any summer programs at colleges that would give me a jump start to get my foot in the door?</p>

<p>I had no clue what unified auditions even were, is there anything I should know?</p>

<p>--</p>

<p>Also, if anyone has suggestions or advice on it all or information you wish you knew before, please help!</p>

<p>Okay... one more question!
Whenever I go up to audition or perform, my hands uncontrollably shake from the adrenaline that goes throughout my body. And, I blush a lot. It isn't a case of nerves, because even when I'm not nervous it happens! Taking deep breaths don't help, either. Any ideas?</p>

2

<p>Hi LoverofTheBards - I responded to your other post and will also respond here re: USC.</p>

<p>USC does not have a Screen Acting Major. The BFA program there is for theatre, however, part of the curriculum is film acting and voiceover classes. I feel the teachers in the BFA program understand that most of their graduates will choose to remain in LA with hopes to go on to work in Film and Television - so I would say - their methodology is gear toward that type of acting. </p>

<p>The students are able to audition for projects done by the film school and - from what I understand - film students recruit theatre students all the time for their films. </p>

<p>Being in LA is a big plus if that is where you want to eventually end up. My daughter is a junior at USC in the BFA program and my son will be a freshman BFA. My daughter goes out for professional auditions weekly and has learned a tremendous amount from doing so. She says, although the style of acting is slightly different, it balances well with what she is doing in class daily.</p>

<p>Hope this clarifies your USC questions!</p>