Hi, I’m currently a sophomore in high school who’s looking to get into Tisch. I really want to pursue a career in musical theater or just acting. But I have no shows on my resume. With the classes I currently take, I’m not sure if I’ll have time to do any. Is it at all possible to still get in? I have a 3.8 GPA and plan on taking AP classes junior year, mainly art based. Thanks so much!
It’s nearly impossible to “chance” someone for admission to a school based on artistic review or audition. You seem to be in good shape so far academically, however you need to complete standardized testing before anyone can give you a real idea of what your chances are academically.
Regarding the artistic/audition side of Tisch admissions, while I would imagine it is not impossible to get in without show experience, it is very unlikely. If you are truly passionate about going into a career in theatre then you need to make being in shows and gaining acting experience a priority. Maybe if you truly don’t have time during the school year, consider doing community shows and or acting intensives during the summer.
My guess is that the Tisch admissions team is going to want to know that you already have at least some experience doing shows so that you don’t come into the program completely clueless. It is also important to do shows as it improves your acting skills. Most importantly, the admissions team is going to want to see you’ve done shows so they know you’re serious about going into theatre, and it’s not something you’re just doing on a whim or because it sounds fun. Tisch is looking to extend admissions offers to people that are very serious about a career in the performing arts, so keep that in mind as you continue to go through high school and build up your resume (but theatrically and academically).
@kellyrm - you say you have no shows on your resume… have you ever been in a show? If not, what makes you think you would like to pursue it as a career? My D is heading into her senior year at Tisch… there are kids who got in with tons of experience (including professional, a classmate was on bway as a kid) and very little experience (only a couple of shows). The audition panel knows potential when they see it. But like I said, you may want to get experience, and/or take some classes (there are great summer intensives, including at NYU) to see if this is a path you want to follow