<p>Anyone have any info or past experiences with the school that they could share? I'd like to know a lot!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Hello, hello!
I am a current student at SFUAD, studying Film Production with a minor in Musical Theatre. </p>
<p>Oh, man. There is so much to say about this school, so let me start from the beginning. The school was originally The College of Santa Fe until financial problems shut the school down in 2009. It was devastating to the current students and those of us who were planning on attending the school in the fall of that year. The school accepted 9 students, including me, in the Spring of 2010, bringing the enrollment to 160 students. After months and months of waiting, we get word the school is being taken over by Laurette, and changed its name to Santa Fe University of Art and Design. We currently have over 600 enrolled students now. Since then, the school has been slowly healing and improving, though the campus is very different now. I don’t tell you this to scare you, but to let you know the school is in a funky transitional period that will take some time, though I must say, the school has improved bunches just since last semester. </p>
<p>Okay, on to the MT program. The department is blessed with a few phenomenal professors: Victor Talmadge, George Johnson (technical theatre), Marcia Jory (costume and design) and Mr. Jon Jory. You would be studying with each professor in multiple courses. You and your professors will be on a first-name-basis with each other, and because the classes are small (12-20) each student gets a lot of personal attention. The classes are fun, but you will be working pretty hard.<br>
There are typically 4 major productions a semester, two blackbox, two mainstage. Every student in the Performing Arts Department is required to audition for every show, starting the week you arrive at school (I think this is one of the best perks about the school, LOTS of audition experience!) Freshman can get cast their first semester on the mainstage, it happens all the time. Every student is also required to complete 50 hours of work in the scene shop per semester your Freshman and Sophomore years. By your Senior year, you have the option to present a plan to direct a show of your choice, to be performed in the blackbox.</p>
<p>As far as the rest of the school, it’s a small campus, a tight community, inspiration all around you and beautiful weather. The dorms aren’t too bad, not by any means great, but living off campus is available to those who fit at least one of the criteria (a certain amount of credits, 21 and up, certain dietary needs, parents who live in state, etc.) </p>
<p>There are fun events happening on campus pretty often – this past class’ graduation gift was Public Enemy feat. Flava Flav on campus. It was AMAZING!</p>
<p>I can say confidently that this school has changed my life, and has made me a better person, stronger in all aspects of my art, and if you let it, Santa Fe will change a person. It’s a beautiful mountain full of history and music and art and culture that can take your breath away. Having said that, this school isn’t for everyone, like any school. I visited 3 times before I enrolled – I suggest coming to take a peek at our little slice of paradise if at all possible. If you do, I’ll give you tour and introduce you to the family. </p>
<p>Cheers!
Chelsea Cook</p>