<p>I'm really interested in going into technical theatre and want to study it in college. Theatre is pretty much my life and the only thing I want to do. I'm most interested in learning and pursuing lighting design. So what are some good schools for this?</p>
<p>I would like a program that has more courses pertaining to theatre/tech than core academics, since I really dislike them and have little interest in them. I'd rather be more focused on classes that will help me in my career, since I know technical theatre is what I want to do, and this probably won't be changing anytime soon.</p>
<p>Also, how much do these programs consider GPA? Are they going to care more about my portfolio and experience? I have a pretty good GPA, but it's dwindling somewhat due to bad teachers who are unfair and who I get bad grades with, even though I try incredibly hard. I also don't take the most rigorous high school course because I'm really interested in the arts and most of my electives get taken up by these types of classes, which I find important for a career in lighting design. I take two honors classes now as a sophomore, am taking an honors class and an advanced class next year, and plan on taking AP English, AP Art, and possibly AP psychology senior year along with honors courses.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I'm almost always involved in some type of production. I'm involved in school plays, and volunteer at community theatre, where I do a wide range of tech jobs for their shows and help out on different projects when they're not in production. I also learn lighting there sometimes. Will this experience be more valuable and be considered more, even if I don't have a perfect GPA or an AP-filled schedule?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>There is a long thread on this in the Theater/Drama Majors sub-forum. Click on “Discussion Home” in the upper left of this screen, and then scroll down to the College Majors Forum to find that sub-forum. You may have to work your way back in time a bit to find the tech. majors thread.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>OP, are you international (from the way you spell theater)? That may change some recommendations.
Sorry. Even though you try incredibly hard that is no reason to give good grades. Grades are earned. I hope you don’t try this tack in any interviews or your essays.</p>
<p>“I get bad grades with, even though I try incredibly hard.”</p>
<p>Just a thought here, but do you have a long history of not performing as well in some of the core classes as your peers do even though you work “incredibly hard”? OR, did things suddenly get massively “harder” for you when you hit 9th grade? If so, pop by the guidance office and make an appointment with the school psychologist. You may have a dyslexia type issue that is only now starting to cause you problems because of the increased complexity of HS work. If you are working “incredibly hard” without good results, there is something wrong with the way you are working. The resource teachers at your school should be able to help you figure out better ways to get your work done.</p>
<p>No, I’m not international. I’ve always spelt theatre with ‘re’ instead of ‘er’. Not entirely sure why.</p>
<p>“Just a thought here, but do you have a long history of not performing as well in some of the core classes as your peers do even though you work “incredibly hard”? OR, did things suddenly get massively “harder” for you when you hit 9th grade?”</p>
<p>No, I’ve always done exceptionally well in school, even freshman year. It’s just that this year I got some not-so-great teachers, and even when I spend a lot of time studying for a test or writing an essay I don’t get good grades. And it’s not that the teachers and I don’t get along, since I get along with all of them. I’ve always felt like I have to spend more time studying to get good grades than my peers, but I don’t think it has anything to do with a disability. </p>
<p>And don’t worry, I’d never say something like that in a college interview for fear of coming off as someone who uses excuses. :)</p>
<p>If you are looking at technical theatre/theater (yes, both spellings are correct) take a look at Syracuse. (BFA in Theater Design/Technology) Most of the required courses would be in your major.</p>
<p>The department is attached to a professional LORT Equity Theater, Syracuse Stage. The technical theatre majors get to work on some of those shows and rub elbows with professional technicians/designers in addition to their own instructors.</p>
<p>I don’t know their exact admission requirements, but if you are able to visit the school, you should try to get a personal interview or tour of that department. </p>
<p>for info on that program, go here:</p>
<p>[BFA</a> degrees](<a href=“http://vpa.syr.edu/drama/index_files/Page743.htm]BFA”>http://vpa.syr.edu/drama/index_files/Page743.htm)</p>
<p>Theatricalfreak,
Your original post said, “I would like a program that has more courses pertaining to theatre/tech than core academics, since I really dislike them and have little interest in them. I’d rather be more focused on classes that will help me in my career, since I know technical theatre is what I want to do, and this probably won’t be changing anytime soon.”</p>
<p>Have you checked out the difference between BFA and BA degree’s and do you understand the difference in Conservatory vs Liberal Arts schools? This would be important information as you look at programs.</p>
<p>Full disclosure- I teach in a Liberal Arts, BFA program. I also happen to be a professional Lighting Designer. My specialized training in the why and wherefores of lighting technology rarely accounts for me being hired. My understanding of human nature and literature is what makes directors want to work with me. I encourage you to learn as much as you can about EVERYTHING, but don’t be hung up on grades alone, we all know they are not the only evidence of your understanding.</p>
<p>Good luck, and visit as many programs as possible.</p>