<p>I need help.</p>
<p>I was accepted into both Carnegie Mellon and Tisch for technical theatre.... I'm looking for some guidance regarding how to make my decision.</p>
<p>The cost is almost the same, and as of yet, i have recieved no money from either school... </p>
<p>I'm looking to go into production management, and will take any advice, from students and parents alike!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>First off, Congrats! You should be very very proud of yourself. Those are two terrific programs.
Unfortunately, they leave you with a very difficult decision to make. The first thing to do, if I were you is to go back and visit both. Ultimately, the place that has the best feel to you is the right choice, even if the other is the best program.
As a current freshman interested in Production Management myself, I know a little bit about the process. Here are some things that I would consider if I were in your shoes.
- Mixing business with theater
As a Production Manager, you have to be able to understand both equally well. A minor in business is a very viable option for someone who has an interest in the field. Either that or communication. NYU has Stern and CMU has Tepper, but does that mean you will be able to take classes in those schools? Or would you be limited to a Math for Theater Majors class?
- Production Management
Are there Production Management classes? Are there Theater Business classes? Are there opportunites to be a PM for a show or is that only for adults?
- Internships
How good are the school’s connections? Is an internship something you are interested in? If so, New York is a great place to find one. In Pittsburgh, you would need a car (unless you wouldn’t mind waiting for the 59U which never EVER comes) in order to get to a theater downtown to do one. In New York, it would be a subway ride away. If this doesn’t matter to you, then it’s not a problem. If you would want one for the summer, does the school have connections to theaters in the area (or wherever you live?)
- Technical Theater Program
I don’t know what program you have been accepted to for either (such as SMing or just Tech Theater in general) but how many other people have been accepted that you know of? For instance, CMU has a very exclusive MT program that can accept as low as 8 people in a year. If the program is as exclusive as that, that is quite an honor and you should be proud. However does that mean the quality of the program is there?
- View Days
Both CMU and NYU have Accepted Student Days. Attend these. Ask Questions - Lots. Go on Facebook - find the Accepted Students from 2012 and find a thread asking what people’s majors are - find someone with your major and message them asking them what they think of the program. Most people are very nice about that. In fact, a lot of people you will talk to probably made a decision just like yours and they can probably offer some advice on why they made that decision.
- Theater Community
Are you the type of person that wants to be surrounded by theater people from dawn until the wee hours of the morning the next day, working on show after show, becoming like a family with the people you go to school with? Or would you rather meet people outside of the theater world? Is either possible at either school? What is the scene like? </p>
<p>I hope at least some of this has helped you, though from one PM to another, I’m sure you already have enough intelligence in your head to have thought of all of this 
Feel free to Private Message me if you need anymore advice. I’m currently doing a Production Management internship at Second Stage so I can offer any advice you might need. :)</p>
<p>Good luck! And once again, Congrats!</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback operasinger2000… you have no idea how much you’ve helped!</p>