purpose for photo when applying to college Drama/Theater/MT programs

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

hi all! I’ve lurked on this site forever and finally decided to create an account. My question is rather silly but I’m new to BFA programs. what is the purpose of uploading a photo with your application to colleges? It seems that it could be used in a negative way. I understand that I’m ignorant to this process and I understand uploading your resume but what are the photo’s for ?

2

Schools do take “look” into consideration. They may already have so many blondes, or brunettes, or need more ethnic kids, etc. They don’t want their students looking the same as it would inhibit their show choices.

3

thanks for this @stagedoormama my first thought was “wow these are kids auditioning for college and not a show” but then perhaps they are looking for different looks. I get it but didn’t think it would be for college

4

More than anything, it’s to remember you when it’s decision time. Many BFA programs have applicant pools in the thousands, and after a long (so very looong) admissions cycle, it’s a tremendous help for the faculty to have that visual reminder.

5

@BFAbff I thought about that as well but I figured the headshot/resume on audition date. I feel like I’m the one auditioning lol this entire process has been exhausting. Thanks for your response

6

Often, in the chaos whirlwind that is an audition day (especially during Unifieds), some of those headshots and resumes can get lost in the shuffle, misplaced, or accidentally shredded (true story). When it’s submitted ahead of time, it’s better for everyone, and they can focus on the audition instead of keeping track of paperwork.

This process is indeed exhausting. Hang in there!

7

My son had to submit a photo for his tech major, so I don’t think that “look” was the reason in his case. I think it was so that the people evaluating could put a face to the name. When S17 went into the interview room, the examiners recognized him and greeted him by name, as they did the other kids who entered the room at the same time.

8

Ahh Thanks! great perspective and I would think (and hope) this would allow the students to feel a bit more welcome. Shake off a little bit of nerves if they have them.