<p>My D was accepted to both a BFA and BA MT program. In the end she chose the BA as she really felt like it combined a small BFA-like program (there are certain MT courses that must be taken in sequence, voice & dance are mandatory every semester and there are only 12 or so kids in the freshman class) within a larger liberal arts education. D has been going out on open auditions just for the experience of auditioning and although she has absolutely NO expectations and is fine with rejection, she is starting to fear that her BA won't be enough to get her work in the "real" world. While we both logically know this isn't true, she tells me that everyone at the auditions were graduates/students of BFA conservatory programs. Many of them snubbed her choice to go the BA route. I fear she is second guessing her decision....what should I tell her? I really believe she has made the right choice for her....she is very strong academically, lives and breathes theatre but has wide and varied interests outside the MT world. I think she would miss that part of college should she go the conservatory route. I don't want her to ever feel like a BA is somehow "lesser" than a BFA....just a different path to the end result. It's really bugging me......thoughts?</p>
<p>I was originally a BA Theatre major at a liberal arts school in South Carolina. I am very strong academically and I thought that I would get more flexibility with the BA route, which I did. That being said, I did end up transferring and I am now a BFA Music Theatre major. However, as a transfer student, I did audition for BA, BM, and BFA programs and was accepted into all types. I was going to go with a BM program but went for the BFA only because I could afford the school (I do love the school I am at now). My program is very heavy on the music end, but we also have theatre and dance classes, in addition to the university core classes. While our program is pretty rigid in what classes you take, I transferred in enough credits to put myself a semester ahead so I recently added a minor in Communications. </p>
<p>I guess what I am trying to say is that, it doesn’t really matter what your degree is. There are PLENTY of performers on Broadway who graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre, Acting, etc. (heck, I’ve seen some people who were business majors in college). You have to choose the right program for YOU, which is something I didn’t do the first time around. If your daughter is second guessing her decision, have an open discussion about it. I do not for a second regret going the BA route at first because it was so flexible and I was able to take classes outside my major area. </p>
<p>Also, not all BFA programs are set up in a conservatory style. Also, not all BA programs are flexible. One BA program I was accepted into was actually set up like a conservatory and was one of three schools I was considering transferring to. Another thing to mention, some of the most talented actors I ever met were actually from my last school (the BA school). </p>
<p>A BA is no less than a BFA. That is very important for your daughter to know. Everyone goes about reaching the final goal in different ways. If she feels that she is getting the training right for her and her goals, then she should not regret the decision to go with a BA. I hope this helps and I wish your daughter luck in all her future endeavors! 
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<p>Oh, and I’ve also been told that when you go in for an audition, that they really do not look at where you went to school and what degree you got. It’s all about talent, personality, and a little bit of luck! </p>
<p>“Success is when preparation meets opportunity.”</p>
<p>And one more note- my cousin just graduated with a BA in Acting. He was not initially accepted into the BFA program at his school but later re-auditioned for it and was accepted, but decided to stay with the BA. He is the most TALENTED actor I have ever met and I know that he will be getting professional work in the future.</p>
<p>My S is also going for a BA. He knew he wanted the BA over a BFA all along although he did audition and was accepted to the only BFA program he auditioned for, a prominent program he considered because of the required liberal arts courses and potential to double major. Really what it comes down to is personal preference. All of the thespians at his school who are pursuing theatre have chosen to go the BFA route and have been very vocal about the “stupidity” of his decision. Fortunately, he is confident enough in himself and in his choices to stay true to his own desires regardless of what other people think. He also feels that anyone who looks down on his choice isn’t really smart enough to understand that it isn’t the degree that will get you the job in the end.</p>
<p>I do think that some second guessing of life choices whether it’s college or major or degree is natural and to be expected. It’s very likely that this will pass but even if it doesn’t, your D is not locked into one path or one school. People do change their mind and move forward and so can she if she finds that the BA is not, in fact, what she truly wants. BTW, it happens the other way, too. I know people who transferred out of BFA programs because they missed having a variety of academic classes. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you and your D! :)</p>
<p>I think that if a BA student uses the summer as an opportunity to work on weak areas or has a busy performance schedule as an intern or as a summer job, he or she can, (if the talent is there) be competitive with BFAs. Someone brought up the book, “The Outliers” because it talked about time spent in craft leading to skill. If two schools are equal and talent is equal, (although it can’t be equal in all ways) then performance time is important. And BA’s don’t always get less performance and practice time, especially if a BA involves themself in every available opportunity and a BFA does not. Then you have to look at the school to see how many shows do they put on a year and how rigorous will the classes be. A BA student with a good repport with their professor may learn more than a BFA who feels disconnected to a teacher.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input…I guess what is really bothering me is the attitude. My D’s BA program is audition only, small, and requires 72 credits of sequenced MT courses out of the total 120 needed to graduate…much like a BFA program. It’s as intense performance and class wise as a BFA (and I suspect the program will go BFA eventually and if that happens then I guess this conversation is moot) but double majors and minors are possible if the student is willing to work hard. What gets me is the attitude from many students at this audition D attended that the letters BFA on your resume are as important as you talent, work ethic and performance experience. It really is disheartening to hear from your peers that somehow your BA is lacking because it doesn’t have an “F” anywhere…hey in my day an “F” was a bad thing! LOL
I know my D is a determined, talented and smart actor. I also know this is a dog eat dog, cutthroat business where every actor is out for themselves. I just wish potential MT students would be educated to the fact that there are many ways to the end goal…none of which are better than any other, only different. You have to respect anyone who is successful in this business, whether they attained that goal via BFA, BA, or from pounding the pavement the old fashioned way. Okay, I’m stepping off the soapbox and backing into a corner!! lol</p>
<p>Just to clarify…in no way did I mean to imply that all BFA students look down on BA kids. I was talking about these particular girls my D was at an audition with. As a matter of fact, most of D’s MT friends are BFA’s and they are terrific kids…positive and supportive towards my D and her choices.</p>
<p>My D transferred out of a BFA program because she felt it was not well rounded enough for her tastes. She missed the academics very much, and did not like the fact that she was with ONLY performing arts students. This was at a conservatory, so was not like a BFA program at a university where she would have had the opportunity to meet students in other majors. When she started re-auditioning, she was set on a specific BA program and was not considering BFA programs. She eventually decided to look at BFA programs at universities, and while she was eventually accepted at the BA program she was so set on, she did decide on a BFA program at a university. She is very happy with her choice and will take some non-major classes to fill in here and there. She also specifically looked for non-MT majors to room with. In her words, “Can you imagine rooming with 3 more people like me, Mom?” I don’t think either program (BA vs. BFA) has any advantages over the other when it comes to jobs. I have even heard some say that the BA program gives the working actor more diversity because they can connect on more levels. I think each has its good and bad points and that it all comes down to getting the most that you can out of whichever program you choose.</p>
<p>Stagemom23- The only reason a BFA will ‘look down’ on a BA is because he or she is insecure. (And honestly, who can blame anyone hoping to enter this profession for insecurity?) My D had the luck last year to have a long talk with a Tony award winning actor. He told her again and again that she would be far better off with a BA-- that was the degree he had, and his BA wasn’t in theater either. If your D has found a good school where she will have plenty of attention from her professors and plenty of good colleagues among the students-- she is lucky!!</p>
<p>I think that the “BFAers” become like a little club, as if they are the only ones that are serious or have enough talent or training to have a career. I can see how this attitude could make someone second guess themselves. This is certainly NOT true at all. Just look at the bios in a Playbill and you will see that the performers come from all different educational backgrounds, many not even related to MT. I know I have posted this before, but it is a good illustration. When my son was still in high school, he was invited to attend a workshop that was conducted by a Disney Broadway casting agent. At the end of the day there was a Q&A for the students and the parents. Lots and lots of questions regarding colleges and degree types. After about 10 or 15 minutes of this the Disney man stopped and said that he highly encouraged BA degrees, not BFAs! He stated that having a well rounded education made for better performers. He said that having a wide range of knowledge and interest was key for all actors. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>It doesn’t actually sound as if your D is having second thoughts about the BA but rather that you are both frustrated by attitude. I hear you. My S and I are getting it, too. If not the BA vs. BFA, the theatre major vs. a more practical course of study, the school he chose vs. the higher ranked universities he didn’t choose and so on and so on and so on. It seems that everyone else thinks they know what is best for my S and he just doesn’t have a clue. Ridiculous! Sadly, I think it takes practice to just let it go and to not feel like you have to defend your choices to those that look down on them!</p>
<p>Yes, there is an attitude that BFA is better than BA just as there is an attitude that film work is better than television and that, at least in NYC, theatre is better than both. Sorry to say it, but that attitude can be found anywhere and everywhere, not just at auditions, not just in the world of performing arts, not just on CC! Agree with Gwen Fairfax that the reason for such an attitude is insecurity! Tell your D not to let herself get sucked into that drama! The best way to engage others at auditions is with a polite smile and greeting and then to promptly busy yourself by reading over the material or a book or listening to an Ipod. Much of the talk at auditions is not helpful. Ignore it! :)</p>
<p>Thanks srw and sandkmom…it helps to hear it from someone else. :)</p>
<p>I can add this. Once out of school and into the professional world nobody gives a rat’s … where you went to school and what degree you did or did not earn. Directors don’t care, casting agents don’t care, choreographers don’t care and neither does anyone else in the cast who has any talent. Undergraduate school is about training your mind and body. There are strong positives in almost any program. Nobody with brains and talent will ever look down on anyone else who is next to them working.</p>
<p>I’m not sure who said it above, but they were right. The people who have attitudes are insecure and probably low on talent. I have found, after many years as a professional and teacher, that the most talented people I have worked with are also the most loving, considerate and wonderful people. Those with moderate talent are generally the folks who are not fun to work with. </p>
<p>Get the degree you are comfortable with, work hard, train hard, read plays every day, learn as much as you can. Let everyone else care of themselves.</p>
<p>kjgc – I have had the opportunity to meet a few of your colleagues from Coastal … whom I loved … but, I do not think that you and I have had the opportunity to meet. I look forward to it! As usual, wonderful post … Happy summer!</p>
<p>Sometimes the attitude drips down to certificate programs! Many who have read my posts know that my D went for the BA, and then decided that that wasn’t for her. Not wanting to start all over, she went on to AMDA and receives attitude from some peers (notice I didn’t say MT friends). But she is happier than she has ever been and feels she has grown so much. It is the program that is right for the person,and what is done with it, not the letters after the programs name!</p>
<p>Stagemom23 - I’m sure your daughter has many very good reasons for choosing the BA program and very good reasons why she didn’t choose the BFA program. What a shame to be put in a position to have to second guess her decision. Hopefully she will graduate soon and not have to listen to all these opinions quite so much. It’s a terrible feeling until then. My daughter will be starting a BA Theatre program in the fall and certainly experienced the attitude described by your post and others. But I know she will be attending a place that will be very good for her. </p>
<p>When I didn’t have much information, I assumed that BFA was my daughter’s only and best option for what she wanted to do. From reading the posts on CC, I had a much better perspective on what is available to students. ( So, to echo what has been said earllier) some people thinking they have more info on this subject than they actually do (plus a bit/lot of immaturity and insecurity) feel compelled to give unsolicited advice or judge their peers decisions. They may, in some strange way, think they are being helpful?! In the end, it becomes a matter of how you and your daughter want to deal with it and how much you choose to be around it.</p>
<p>Hang in there, I know your daughter will make the right decision no matter what that is. After all, her hard work and determination have gotten her this far. It will help her continue onward!</p>
<p>Sandkmom and others, I admire your sons’ and daughters’ determination to stay true to what they feel is best for them. Your posts were a great source of encouragement as my daughter and I worked through the audition process and she made her decisions.</p>
<p>^^I do think that for the most part on THIS forum and the theatre forum people have encouraged all different paths. And that is helpful and supportive. There are other areas of CC where posters do seem to be a bit elitist and rankings obsessed though which is why I prefer the forums that theatre people and their parents frequent! </p>
<p>Your D, my S and so many others in this forum but really anyone who follows their own heart and is able to tune out the negative chatter of others will find not only find success but happiness on the journey! Best of luck all! :)</p>
<p>stagemom, I don’t think it’s unusual for kids (and parents) to have some doubts with a college choice so I wouldn’t worry too much about it, in that regard. And I certainly wouldn’t allow the comments of a few strangers at an audition to have an effect on a decision that was likely very clearly researched and thought out. </p>
<p>People who make pronouncements about the advantage of a BFA over a BA, or vice versa, need to keep in mind that those generalized statements really aren’t of any use, or validity. Not all BFA programs are the same, and neither are all BA programs. To say that you want a well-rounded education including academics and that you will only get that in a BA isn’t accurate. Neither is it accurate to state that you will only get the training you need in a BFA program. People who give this kind of generalized advice, even if they’re Tony award winning actors are doing their advisees a disservice.</p>
<p>Students who want to pursue theatre in college need to do the research necessary to determine what type of program is going to suit their needs best. Everyone has their own criteria, and everyone’s needs are going to be different. If Raul Esparza is your favorite actor, it doesn’t necessarily mean that going to Tisch is the optimal choice for you, any more than dropping out of college is the right thing to do if Sutton Foster is your favorite. The key is to get the training you need in an environment that is right for you. Worry about your own choices and situation, and not what others think.</p>
<p>Always, in general I do agree with you. I don’t think anyone should feel bad because they chose a BFA over a BA or vice verse. My own son is pursuing his education as a
BM.</p>
<p>I agree too, Always-- I left out of my post that my daughter, while grateful for the advice, has no intention of following it! I only wanted to show that there’s great respect for the BA route, out there in the big world.</p>