I know this is MT thread, but this applies.
School One has really good training in acting, MT, and a little dance. Not many performance opportunities (4-6 over four years). Good studio work. D is not MT so it would be for acting. Acting not really cast in MT, if so, maybe one show. No voice lessons but chance for work with professors on the side after first year. Good exposure to the “real” world with some Master Classes, guest artists, etc. Summer work but you need to look for it. Not very large productions. Not a gentle approach to handling the students and communication. Few (2-3) student directed work, no directing major.
School Two has good training in acting, MT, and a little dance. Many performance opportunities (3-5 per year). Not as much studio work. D would be MT so it would allow for musicals. Voice lessons in curriculum. Not as much exposure to the “real” world…Master Classes, summer work, etc…Many large productions and smaller, intimate productions. More gentle in the approach to the actor. A lot of student directed work since there is a directing major.
D is torn. Thoughts?
@StewNChelle Hmmm…First Congrats to your D that she already has this to ponder! I will go with the assumption that all things being equal re: $. For my S, from what you’ve described, he would def go for the MT program, but that’s bc he’s all about MT, and the gentler approach would suit him better. (there’s only one scenario/school that I can think of where he may consider Acting over MT, and it would be only if he was re-directed to Acting from his top Reach School) It really is an individual’s decision based on such a variety of factors for what each student is looking for. It is a tough decision, but some other items for your D to consider that may help tip the scales one way or another may be location (city/suburb/rural), How near/far from home? Study abroad options? Internships? Even food and dorm rooms may make a difference. If still 50/50, then perhaps try to visit each school so she can get a feel for the campus, the people, etc.
I feel it’s important for my S to feel welcomed and comfortable wherever he ends up, bc these people will be replacing his friends and family on a daily basis for most of the year. (that’s not to say that the program won’t be rigorous, and difficult! LOL)
Wishing you well on this decision!
@StewNChelle Have you visited both schools? A visit may make the decision very easy. When we were down to 2 schools last year that looked similarly interesting on paper, we knew within 30 minutes of arriving on the campus of the 2nd school. There was no contest at that point.
@StewNChelle, does your daughter have a preference for more class/workshop training or more “hands on” performance opportunities? Does she prefer a tougher or more gentle approach? And, have you visited the schools and seen what the students have to say? Congrats on the choices~
I’m pretty sure for my D the choice would be #2, but part of that is because she’s spent 4 years in a PVA high school program doing lots of theory and devised works and smaller productions and is ready to do shows. The supportive nature is also key.
I never suggest that students base decisions off of performance opportunities- as you go to college for a degree and for the training. To me, most professional performers need skills to land on inbetween jobs. If you want to just perform all the time, community theatre is for you.
However, if your D is looking for a less conservatory / “real world” feel, then the 2nd program may be more fitting. Plus, if her passions truly lie in Musical Theatre, then you wouldn’t want her to spend 4 years wishing she were a musical theatre major instead of an acting major - not that there is any “better” one between the two. But if she truly wants to pursue more training in dance and voice than specifically acting, #2 may be a happier fit 