<p>Technical theater is really important to me, and as such, the small facilities in the Reynolds Club (first and third floor theaters) are a little concerning.</p>
<p>I need someone to convince me that theaters maxed out at 125 and 137 seats aren't too small to host large productions (with grand lighting, nice sound, elaborate sets, etc).</p>
<p>And, if anyone knows anything specific about the spaces, can you tell me why the lights are so low in the third floor theater, and if there are catwalks in the first floor?</p>
<p>I really want to like UT. The lack of a large performing space is basically the only thing I can find about Chicago that I don't love.</p>
<p>"If you that many doubts about UChicago, you probably shouldn't apply."</p>
<p>I was accepted EA, lol...and I don't have "that many doubts", just this one. (That's why my last sentence was "this is the only thing I'm concerned about with Chicago").</p>
<p>"Go to Umich if you like big theaters" - this is the decision I will ultimately have to make. Go to the RC (and maybe honors) at Michigan, and pay less than my high school tuition, or go to Chicago or perhaps another school that I haven't heard from yet. But the theater program at Michigan is just the opposite problem: so many facilities and students that not a whole lot of thoughtfulness goes into play selection. The bigger the better. I think it's cute how their website calls the Mendelssohn theater, which seats almost 800, "intimate" ;).</p>
<p>I think you would be happier at Umich. (I am jealous of your in-state tuition.) Your apprehension to theatre at chicago and seemingly warmer description of Umich says it all. </p>
<p>I have to admit that the UT performance space really, really disappoints me. Some of the productions look alright, but definitely not because of the wonderful tech work going on.</p>
<p>Re: visiting, yes I have, and I'm going back later this month for an overnight. I absolutely loved it the first time. Now that I have a more refined sense of what exactly I want, I'll be paying very careful attention to a few key details (one of which will be quailty of theater facilities). I really want to love it.</p>
<p>From a strictly economic sense, though, I feel that a school that costs $40K should be better in every way than the school down the road that costs $15K. Of course, there are tradeoffs - Chicago has way better dining and housing, for example. (I'm not even going to get into the academics).</p>
<p>does ut ever do stuff in mandel? ive been to a couple shows in the reynolds theaters, and the small audience has its perks. the shows are fairly interactive. in addition, there are only 4500 undergrads or so, most of whom dont care about going to see their classmates perform when they could be studying or stomping on kittens. an 800 seat theater would never fill up here, regardless of how good ut was. i wouldnt base your decision on this though. youre a naive high-schooler and after 3 weeks at college theres a very good chance that you'll completely change your mind about your life.</p>
<p>I am a student here, and I've seen three UT shows. In defense of UT, some people really do like the space, and I've never actually been in a UT show; I've only seem them. Also, it's almost certain that in the next few years, we will have a better arts facility.</p>
<p>I was in my first production in Mandel Hall in 1987; saw my most recent Reynolds show last year.</p>
<p>The theater scene at U of C is not that big, and in my experience, not that vibrant. There is plenty to keep you busy and give you a good experience if it's important to you. But when I was a theater-happy freshman applicant...I thought this was a strike against U of C compared to some of its peers. I really wanted to have more options. You can always put on shows at a tiny space at a big school (at Harvard, some productions literally use a cage in a dorm basement). I do see this as a trade-off if you're into theater and you love other things about Chicago.</p>
<p>No, I did not -- I grew up there, and I was involved in theater there as a community member. I lived at home for two years after high school and before I left for college, so during those years I spent all my time with my friends at U of C.</p>