Just a background: I’m currently a Performing Arts/Computer Science Major with a minor in mathematics. I’m almost done with my theatre degree (1 year left), but I have 2 years left for my CS/Math. Last year I studied abroad for my theatre to learn about myself and get a different side of theatre.
At the moment I’m searching for internships for the Summer of 2015. I’ve applied to many places and haven’t gotten anything. I have two options left and and working on my application now, but feel my acceptance chances are slim as they are highly selective. I applied to UCLA for a Summer Session for film and surprisingly got in. I was very excited and spent months working on the essay for it. They told me spots go by fast and I have to make a deposit to secure my spot, of which I haven’t done yet. When explaining to my parents they told me that it’s a bad idea to go as it’s just more classes and more money. I explained, if I didn’t get anything at all I was going to go to summer school anyway for CS.
At the moment, I’m getting a strong intuition to go. I really want to go. My excitement for the program has waned tremendously because of my parents opinions so it’s hard for me to do anything when I feel like I have no support. I was going to make the deposit, and continue applying for the other internships…I just don’t know what to do and am quite low about it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
So this is just a summer program, right? For some summer internships, organized ones, it is too late to apply. But some are not structured and if someone takes you then fine, you have one.
So your parents don’t want to pay for it, is that the issue? Well not everyone can afford summer classes. If you can afford it sure I think film classes at UCLA will be enriching.
This is, indeed, just a summer program. The last two I have, the due dates is in March. I’ve already talked to a relative who lives nearby the school and she agrees I can live with her and commute. I’ve talked to my advisor and she said it’s possible and I that I would go as a transient with, possibly, one course to transfer over. I can pay for the fee myself as well. They basically said “I don’t want you to go, but it’s your decision”
I think it’s a great opportunity. Hard to get in to. However I am more intrigued with your performing arts/CS double major, math minor. How can you do all that?
Maybe since you seem more directed toward CS and math, your parents are reluctant to pay out for what they consider a hobby. It looks like they already paid for a theatre study abroad for you to learn about yourself.
In a way I can see why parents might be confused and hesitant. I don’t mean this negatively. It’s just that your focus seems a bit all over the map. What exactly are your long-term goals?
I started out with Performing Arts and added CS midway through (My father was relieved as he feels I have better job aspects wit CS then PA ). My goal is to deal with something in the arts in terms of film and acting. I want to be involved in the industry whether I be acting, producing, or directing. I’ve been intrigued with CS for a while and love math (I’m a tutor) and, in all honesty, am using it as a backup for myself and for my parents at the moment (of which I would be content). At the end of everything I have to pay everything back and everything will add up. This is what my mother keeps grilling into my head. She also says I’m all over the place, so it’s fine
EDIT: They said they would rather me find an internship (that pays) for experience that would help me get a job then more classes.
Well sure, an internship would be great, but if you haven’t had much CS classes that may be difficult or impossible tell them you will get one Jr year. That is more typical for CS majors. It doesn’t sound all over the place two me. There are two areas of focus and some overlap in ambition of application. My friend worked on some technical aspects of Jurassic Park (she animated part of the triceratops) with her CS skills and some technical film class she took at AFI. She later decided not to stay in the film industry but has been well employed doing Sr. level CS work for a foundation S. Spielberg founded that is now housed at USC. The foundation has very technical work and innovation in video as they record and house testimony and data by survivors of genocides.
I have had only one CS class. I tried taking both PA and CS classes at the same time and I was burned out, so I’m trying to focus my energy on one thing at a time. They even want me to send letters to companies to volunteer. I;ve sent one so far. As for using them both, I would love to utilize both and have actually talked to my theatre department about implementing both.That sounds amazing! At the moment, it’s just very hard to decide anything when it feels like I have no support towards going…I feel like they don’t think my theatre degree is going to go anywhere…
The odds of success in the theater profession are akin to standing in a rainstorm hoping to be hit by lightning. Success is also very fleeting. I have known people who starred in a successful play or made Broadway and thought their career was trending up. It wasn’t, their brief success turned out to be the highlight of their acting career. A college degree in performing arts doesn’t help in getting roles either.
If one of my kids wanted to make it as an actor, I would recommend they move to LA, get a well paying career that allowed them flexibility, and then work at auditions. Breaking in could take years before you get a lucky break, and if that lucky break never comes, at least you have a real career to fall back on instead of the clerical or retail work most 30 year old former actors do.
I can tell you that the summer programs at UCLA are fabulous, if that adds anything. Who knows where you may end up working, enjoy what you can now. Also, you may make some great connections at UCLA. Odds of an internship at this point are diminished (although there are still some out there if you have connections) so at least going to UCLA would seem to be more of a productive summer. I don’t think finding “volunteering” is all that easy, at least in terms of finding something that adds value to your resume. If money isn’t the problem it seems like a great way to spend your summer, imo.
Op,
Will the summer class at UCLA be counted as credits for your eventual graduation from college?
Who will pay for the class at UCLA?
Where are you doing undergrad now?
Money may be less tight for me than for your parents, but I would say that you should do it.
Tuition at UCLA is not crazy high, and you will be commuting to save money.
Most people applying for internships have already submitted their applications and are going thru interview processes right now for the summer, so it’s extremely unlikely that you get a entertainment internship for the summer either paying or non-paying. It’s extremely difficult to get a paying internship until you have done many non-paid internships. Also, the non-paying internships are getting phased out, which makes the competition even more fierce for it.
Not sure what connections you have, but you will need to WORK all of your connections possible if you want an intern position. This is from my experience living in LA and knowing kids with internships in the biz.
The only reason to not do the UCLA summer session is if you could get a great production class during your regular college during the school year (so that it is not extra tuition).
Your plan of deposit for the program while waiting for other internship possibilities is definitely the best plan. Production requires a large time commitment and big team effort, but it will be satisfying, build connections and networks with other kids who will likely go into the entertainment industry, and you will have a digital short for your portfolio.
The program is credit based. My advisor told me most would be counted as guided electives as my school doesn’t have any classes geared towards film. I would have to give her the list again to make sure. I am currently trying to get financial aid for it from my campus as they said it’s possible, but I have to talk to my department further. I’m doing undergrad at VSU for my BFA.
I just want to prove to my parents that this program can be just as benefitcial and isn’t a waste of time.
Second time I’ve been wrong today. I need a drink!
Joking aside, you really want to do it and it’s a feat to get in, so go for it. Going back to my other statement, there’s a lot of math and CS in the film industry today behind the scenes. You should really figure out a way to blend it.
Op,
Also, when you are here in LA for the summer, sign up at various casting companies as an extra to try it out. You can either do it as a volunteer, or get paid 80$ per day. You might be able to do weekend shoots so that it doesn’t interfere with your class or production. Get your headshot and resume ready and send them to the casting companies now before the summer.
I know a bunch of people who do miniscule acting jobs in the midst of their regular jobs as physicians, etc.
Put down the deposit now before you don’t have a choice, these things fill and I believe you don’t pay full till later. Yes UCLA sends you a transcript for these credited classes (if your school takes it as you mentioned). They are run super well by amazing people, you will have a great time and learn a lot, and make lifetime friends.
@CADREAMIN I have made the deposit. You are correct, I don’t have to make the rest of the payments until May.
@lindyk8 Also, I never really thought about CGI. That could be something to research and look into.
@YoHoYoHo I would mostly be commuting by bike. Is that going to be a challenge in LA?
I talked to my father and he exclaims that it feels like another study abroad trip but wants me to know it’s still my decision. I understand. I shall continue applying to my last two internships and see where that gets me. I should make my full decision before May. Thank you.
). My goal is to deal with something in the arts in terms of film and acting. I want to be involved in the industry whether I be acting, producing, or directing. I’ve been intrigued with CS for a while and love math (I’m a tutor) and, in all honesty, am using it as a backup for myself and for my parents at the moment (of which I would be content). At the end of everything I have to pay everything back and everything will add up. This is what my mother keeps grilling into my head. She also says I’m all over the place, so it’s fine 
