<p>Son received an interesting letter from Pace:</p>
<p>"Congratulations!</p>
<p>After serious consideration, the Committee is unable to offer you admission into the BFA -Musical Theater or Acting Majors.</p>
<p>However, we are delighted to inform you that you have been accepted into the BA degree program in Theater Arts with a focus in Acting."</p>
<p>I’m having trouble finding much info on this program at the Pace website. Does anyone have any insight into this program at Pace? Is this their standard non-acceptance letter? Why would someone choose this program if they had options at another LA school with a strong Theater program, i.e. Drew, Muhlenberg, etc. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any info on this program.</p>
<p>Go on the PACE website and type in performing arts in the search box. Then, on the side there should be the option to look at info for the BA program, click that. Then, in the description of the program it should have the BA THEATRE ARTS in a blue link, click that and it will bring you to a page that shows each class in the theatre program that your son is required to take, etc.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any insight into the program past what is presented on the Pace website? Particularly interested in hearing from anyone who is in the program or who has some exposure to it. </p>
<p>How does this BA program stack up to other LA schools with theater programs?</p>
<p>First time poster here. My daughter auditioned both MT and ACTing. Overall, I have to say, Pace sent the worst denial letter of all. To make matters worse, my D had a large academic scholarship there which she can’t use since PACE wont even allow her to work towards a BA in Theater. If you don’t mind attending college outside of NYC, go to Drew or Muhlenberg for sure. IMO, academically speaking, they are better schools anyway and you will have more performance opportunities.</p>
<p>The8rDad: Read back through previous Pace posts. The BA program sounds pretty selective. They only take a small number. It’s not like some BA theater programs where anyone who selects theater as a major is in. Our daughter got in to the BFA program, but we felt Pace’s BA Theater would have been a very good alternative.</p>
<p>The8erDad
Be careful though. They did state that performance opportunities were specifically designed to extend the learning of the BFA MT and BFA Acting students. They said anyone could audition but…
Also, many of the courses are not open to BA theater arts majors. Only BFA MT students are allowed to take vocal lessons for instance. I am not sure about the advanced acting classes, but I would guess there are limited options or they would take you as a BFA student. I would ask questions and really look at what courses are open to those students.</p>
<p>If you have another BFA opportunity, you may want to really compare and opt for that instead. Congratulations on your son’s acceptance.</p>
<p>ONe more thing. It is true that the academic bar for entrance into Pace is far lower than MANY BA theater schools so some of your decision may be based on the quality of the academic courses as well. Lots to consider.</p>
<p>Zonamom is correct as they only accept a small number. I think about 20-25. We made the mistake assuming the BA would be a “back-up” plan (which was not the case because the BA option was out for her). Thankfully she has several other acceptances to choose from.</p>
<p>Frankly, I don’t think the college made it very clear communicating this. I know Marymount Manhattan did because you check off on a form all programs that you are applying to. At Pace auditions, many MT students were surprised that they didn’t perform acting monologues. I think in order to be considered for BA option, you needed to schedule an Acting audition in addition to the MT audition.</p>
<p>nydramamama
I think they were accepting 25 each to BFA MT and Acting and then 50 for the theater arts major to make a total of 100 theater students. And yes you are right they did NOT make it clear that you had to audition for the BFA acting in order to be considered for the BA degree–there were many things that day that were sort of unclear.<br>
The student helpers were very nice but access to faculty was extremely limited, very hands off–they did not appear to try to “get to know” students as they do in so many other auditions. I would hope that is not the way they deal with students once they are accepted.</p>
<p>Although, I would say two thumbs up to the dance teacher who really appeared to try to connect with everyone and made them feel comfortable and excited about being there.</p>
<p>Best of luck to all in making final decisions</p>
<p>Daughter is starting to fill out her paperwork for PACE audition. She loved the school when we visisted last summer, and saw that she can audition for both MT and acting (schedule 2 auditions). Given her druthers, her priorities would be: BFA/MT, BFA/Acting, BA/Theatre Arts. A few questions – saw that the BA is also selective. Is it possible for a student accepted into the BA program to re-audition for BFA at a later date? Anybody know anything about the new theatre arts/dance concentration?</p>
<p>Many of the BA students re-audition for both the MT and acting departments at the November auditions, in hopes of starting in the major at second semester. Some students continue to audition every semester for the programs.
Any specific questions about the theatre arts/ dance concentration?</p>
<p>^ BRbway…yes – tell more about theatre arts/dance concentration! Kiddo is a very strong dancer (we call her our “reformed ballerina”). From the PACE site, it looks like a new option, with the goal of helping students end up as professional theatre dancers/performers. Are you involved with this major? Are there acting and voice classes as a part of this program? Talk a little more about the BA versus BFA – more humanities-type coursework w/the BA? Are BA students able to audition/be cast in productions at PACE? What is the strongest of the dance forms expected/taught? Is tap dancing (she loves tap!) part of the offering?</p>
<p>I’m a junior BFA Musical Theatre Major, but I’m the assistant to the head of the department- Amy Rogers, so I generally answer everyone’s questions. :)</p>
<p>I was Vaganova trained since I was 3, so I, too, am somewhat of a “reformed ballerina”. The ballet instruction is pretty great, you’re allowed to take class en pointe and we do some partnering. We have a few different ballet teachers, that range from completely classical to really cool contemporary ballet. The rest of the faculty is also really amazing, most of them also teach at BDC and STEPS, and the head of our dance department was one of the co-founders of The Edge in LA. They often bring in guest teachers and lecturers.
Part of the major is taking nutrition, body awareness, and some anatomy/ physiology. There are acting, music, and musical theatre classes available for non-majors.
BA students have less core specific classes and more open electives- thus they can basically take any class they want.
BA students are able to audition and have been cast in the main stage plays and musicals. As well as the countless other performing opportunities within the University’s student run groups.
Rhonda Miller worked very hard to find the best teachers in each genre, so there really isn’t a best or worst. The two tap teachers are extraordinary and teach across the country: Mike Schulster and Alisa Paradowski.</p>
<p>I hope this was a clear and helpful answer. Let me know if you have anymore questions!</p>
<p>At orientation students were told that they can re audition for the BFA programs in actng and musical theater. It seems to me, as a parent, that there are many opportunities for these students both at the school and in in the city. Internships are abundant.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, because of University guidelines ONLY musical theatre majors are offered voice lessons as part of the curriculum. The faculty often recommends teachers for BA and BFA Acting majors to take private lessons from.</p>
<p>I was recently accepted to Pace’s BA Theatre Arts-concentration in commercial dance. However along with my acceptance, they explained how the program is still awaiting approval from the state and that there is no official guarantee that it will be approved. This program really appeals to me because I come from a strong dance background but also wish to focus in the realm of musical theatre/theatre. Does anyone know the chances of a program like this being approved?</p>
<p>vitlin, when did you receive your letter? My daughter was called up after the dance audition and told they would like to consider her for the commercial dance concentration, but she’s received no word at all from her Feb 5th audition.</p>
<p>I called today to see why I hadn’t received a letter and they offered to send me an email of my acceptance letter to the BA Theatre Arts Dance focus!! Apparently they were sent out the 25th!</p>
<p>Thanks, BrittanyMicelle. No mail received here yet…if nothing comes by the first of the week, I guess I’ll have kiddo give the department a call…</p>