<p>I've looked almost everywhere possible, but I can't seem to find something that explains this. I'm really confused about the specific school of drama at CMU in regards to the regular program. I'm aware of what both have to offer, but I'm curious as to what the differences between the two are. Apparently, the school of drama is almost entirely based off of your audition, while the regular program is the opposite. However, does that mean that the classes at the school of drama are not as challenging as they are in the regular school? And would it be possible to take classes at the regular school while still taking classes offered by the school of drama? Sorry if this is somewhat of a dumb question, but I can't find anything ANYWHERE! In general, do schools allow you to have "the best of both worlds," or they is the conservatory program a completely different program? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Also, I don’t mean anything by “regular school.” I just didn’t know how else to refer to the academic program. (although, in hindsight, “academic program” would have sufficed)</p>
<p>Here is the acting school curriculum. You take one non-drama or “regular school” elective each semester.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.drama.cmu.edu/media/assets/CMUFactActing20132014.pdf[/url]”>http://www.drama.cmu.edu/media/assets/CMUFactActing20132014.pdf</a></p>
<p>I imagine you’re talking about admission to the school of drama versus, say, the school of computer science. If you get into drama, you’ll be able to take any class in any other school at CMU. The different schools are just a way the university has broken up the administration of various majors. Every student takes classes across schools (for example, I was in the Carnegie Institute of Technology, aka engineering, and I took classes from CS, H&SS, the business school, and the school of science), and it’s very common to even double major across schools.</p>
<p>You would be unable to pursue a double major with an Acting BFA at CMU, but you could pursue another degree and minor in Drama.</p>
<p>“In general, do schools allow you to have “the best of both worlds,” or they is the conservatory program a completely different program? Thanks in advance!”</p>
<p>A conservatory like CMU, though on a regular college campus, is much different from the typical college experience. It is a very small group of kids that will be together in studio 12 to 18 hours for four years. It can be extremely challenging, and is not for everyone.</p>
<p>Do you have a drama teacher or an acting coach that you could talk to about applying to and attending a conservatory?</p>
<p>The BFA program in drama is one of the most difficult conservatory programs to gain admission to in the country. It is for students who are absolutely sure this is the path they want to pursue. You cannot double major and I am not even sure if you can minor outside of the department. I am not familiar with theatre classes outside of the BFA program. If there are, I am guessing they are for non- majors and are more akin to any regular drama class you’d take in college and are outside the conservatory and probably taught by different faculty. You will find a ton of info about the drama program at CMU on the theatre majors forum and the MT forum.</p>
<p>One of the highlights of my undergraduate experience was Shakespeare with the late and beloved A. Fred Sochatoff, and the drama students who were required to take the course. Prof. Sochatoff would occasionally call on one of the dramats to read aloud. I loved this for two reasons: first it meant I didn’t have to read, and, second, the amazingly talented drama students brought the text to life and made me a lover of Shakespeare for the rest of my life.</p>
<p>Don’t know if the drama students are still required to take the course, but, regardless, I’m sure they still add a rich, somewhat exotic flavor to the whole CMU experience.</p>
<p>Funny - I just spoke with a current CMU student (home for summer) and he said the Drama Students are rarely out and about, but when they are, everyone knows it and its wonderful.</p>