<p>There are multiple threads on the BA/BFA question. Let’s try to keep this one on topic. I don’t want important information on production lost in lengthy discussions about degree paths. I think we can all agree that BAs are good for some, not so much for others, and that not all BAs/BFAs are equal.</p>
<p>I guess since no one else is asking questions and Kyndcookie is here, I could keep this thread alive with asking a few other questions I had.</p>
<p>Do you think as being a stage manager, that’s all you ever do in your career, there are some plays and musicals that if a company did them I would not be able to help myself and have to audition for. Or at least for college heh.</p>
<p>Does high school theatre look good on resumes/applications? My high school has a pretty decent theatre program but, I’ve done a few community theatre shows that were undoubtedly better produced and more serious, should I be working for more of those shows, it would also help networking possibly?</p>
<p>Absolutely, if your college allows you to audition by all means do so. Once you graduate, what’s stopping you from doing anything you like? I personally don’t know any SMs who play both sides, but I’m certain there are many who do. Not necessarily on Broadway, but who knows? IBDB, I suppose.</p>
<p>I cannot speak to what would impress a college admissions officer or department head specifically. If your high school isn’t a performing arts magnet I would think the community theatre is a better place to gain experience, especially if the production value is higher there. Some community theatres have a lot of name recognition if you plan to apply to colleges near home. Again, if you live in a city with a AEA LORT theatre it is absolutely worth your time to pursue volunteer opportunities with them.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick replies and answers it means a lot! :)</p>
<p>I didn’t think about the fact of the magnet program thing, which my High School is not one. I live teasingly near the Guthrie/Ordway, not close enough to be able to actively volunteer and audition but close enough where it’s laughing at me. It’s tough because H.S. theatre is good to do since a lot of people I know are in it but the other company is more professional, I’ll have to talk to counselors about that one.</p>
<p>Most people I know prefer the term techie. Most techies I know like to call themselves that, this doesn’t usually include the SM though.</p>
<p>I think realistically you may not be able to do everything.</p>
<p>You may need to consciously make a decision as to which you prefer, acting or stage management. Then devote yourself to that as much as you can.</p>
<p>You may be able to put off making this decision. Since you are having so much trouble, maybe you should just go for a plain-or-vanilla “Theatre” degree, and try to decide where your heart really lies by the time you graduate.</p>
<p>But this industry is so competitive that there is little room for “dabblers”.</p>
<p>Sorry to be a bit of a grouch on a small point made by a poster, but personally, I loathe the term “techie”. It feels diminishing and too cutesy. The proper term is tech or designer, or Stage Manager. These are serious career paths and the people who consider themselves to be professionals in this area are rather intense folks, at least outside of high school, and do not generally refer to themselves that way, IMHO</p>
<p>I feel the same way as lightingmom. Most “stagehands” wear that term with great pride, but techie can come off pretty condescending, depending on who says it and how it’s said.</p>
<p>I just want to mention, once again, that it’s not just the school name on your resume, a BFA also offers a network of professionals to help you get your foot in the door. It doesn’t matter if they don’t know you, because they probably know someone who knows you, and, most importantly, they know how you were trained. I agree you’re not going anywhere without a decent personality, attitude and work ethic, but even with these intangibles, a lot can be inferred by those who know exactly how hard you’ve had to work, and how much serious criticism you’ve had to absorb, over the last several years.</p>
<p>^A BFA does not necessarily indicate those things in a resume, or provide those networks. Some BFA programs do, as do some BA programs. Some BFA programs do not, some BA programs do not.</p>
<p>ParachuteBoy, learn all you can at your high school, but go outside it whenever there is an opportunity. You want to be exposed to as many directors and styles and types of equipment as possible. If there are any very small professional theaters in your area, you could learn a lot there. </p>
<p>Being easy to work with is part of the key to getting jobs. My son got a tech job one summer with a small professional group where he had previously been an actor. They already knew he was a pleasant person to have around, not a diva, and willing to put his hand to anything. He learned a lot.</p>
<p>KatMT, my experience is limited to the schools we researched, and now a little out of date as well, so I didn’t want to name specific programs. Of course, not all programs are equal. But my point remains that networks can be invaluable and a rigorous program says something about character. Granted you have to know about the program to make these assumptions.</p>
<p>The “In case anyone needs it” bump.</p>
<p>Thank you kyndcookie for bumping for us! My D is a junior in high school and wants to get a BFA in Wig and Make-up Design. Any insights as to which schools which be best for that degree? What type of things will they be looking for in her portfolio?? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>Truthfully, I have little knowledge of which schools offer hair and makeup design. Most designers I know treat hair and makeup as an extension of costume design. Truth told, I am not sure costume designers would readily embrace working with an additional designers on the “look” of their design on most shows. That’s pure speculation on my part, however. </p>
<p>My wife is a friend of an accomplished hair and makeup person for TV and film. She and I agree that theatre is probably not the area to focus on if this type of design is your child’s goal. TV and film would be. I suppose checking with programs with more TV/film focus would be a good place to start. She tells me that there are technical schools out there which do cater to that type of student, but I do not know anything about them.</p>
<p>Design faculty will want to see a lot of research material and see that research expressed in sketches, studies and photos of final looks on models. Being able to see a design process from concept to full execution will show how well your child can follow through. Real designs that were actually produced for the stage carry more weight than unproduced projects. </p>
<p>I hope this helps. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you kyndcookie!</p>
<p>The only school I know of off the top of my head that offers this specific degree program is University of North Carolina School of the Arts [Design</a> and Production | Programs](<a href=“http://www.uncsa.edu/designandproduction/progUGWigMakeup.htm]Design”>http://www.uncsa.edu/designandproduction/progUGWigMakeup.htm)</p>
<p>There may be others as well. More opportunities in Film & TV. Although I believe in high level opera and Broadway level theatre Wig & Make-Up Designers may be part of the design team. Not as likely at smaller theatres. Some regional theatres may have specific wig and make-up staff on the production team. But at smaller theatres this is likely not the case.</p>
<p>I know Santa Fe Opera <a href=“http://www.santafeopera.org/apprenticeprograms/technicians/index.aspx[/url]”>http://www.santafeopera.org/apprenticeprograms/technicians/index.aspx</a> has a production apprenticeship in Wig and Make-Up construction, because one of the design student where I currently teach went out there summer before last for that internship</p>
<p>Thank you KatMT!</p>
<p>It’s been a while bump. </p>
<p>CCM offers wig and make up design, but not sure if it’s included in their BFA Theatre Design and Production program, or just the MFA. Here’s the link: <a href=“http://ccm.uc.edu/theatre.html”>http://ccm.uc.edu/theatre.html</a></p>
<p>We are knew to this lingo, so I have to ask what AEA LORT is?</p>
<p>Also, my D is a junior, has done multiple SM jobs in high school and the community. She is trying to narrow down her major so she can fully research college choices. She’d really like to double major in SM and Technical production she says. Can someone define for me what technical production is? I’ve seen SM, sound design and light design. Even set design. Those are pretty self explanatory. I’m not sure what technical production means vs those I listed?</p>