<p>I'm a senior in high school. And I'm pretty sure I want to major in technical theatre, I'm just not sure where or in what capacity (lighting, sound, painting...). I've completed one internship at a summer stock theatre. Any advice as to where to go would be very helpful. I'm mostly looking at Webster University, but I'm just not sure. I'm debating going to a conservatory or just going to a more liberal arts college. If anyone could help weigh the pros and cons I would be very thankful. Other college suggestions will also be taken, please and thank you.</p>
<p>One of the more accomplished techies from my school's department is going to Ithaca College in New York on a substantial tech-related scholarship, which leads me to believe they have a program there.</p>
<p>Aside from that, I can't think of any off the top of my head. It'd seem intuitive to me that the noted theatre departments would have the strongest tech departments, but I have no way of backing that up (I'm an ignorant actor). Is there anyway you can talk to someone who's actually in the business? He or she would be more likely to know where people get their training.</p>
<p>I don't know the pros and cons of going to a conservatory vs. a liberal arts school, but I know a few schools that you might want to check out.</p>
<p>DePaul, Illinois State, and Columbia University in Illinois
Syracuse in New York, maybe NYU</p>
<p>SUNY Fredonia has a good program, and the price is right, in-state or OOS. The college has a good mix of liberal arts and performing arts.</p>
<p>Check out SUNY Purchase.</p>
<p>If you are absolutely certain you want to major in theater, then a conservatory is the way to go. The top conservatory programs are extremely rigorous, however, so they probably aren't the best choice for someone who isn't 100% committed. While most conservatories require students to take a few classes outside the major, there isn't much of an allowance or time for taking many electives. Also, while most conservatories accept several (often in the teens) kids into their programs, they generally cut students each year whom they believe either don't have enough talent or don't show enough commitment, so a student who isn't 100% committed will likely not be allowed to graduate from the program.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider is whether you want to become a designer or a technician. Some of the conservatory programs focus more on artistic design, while others emphasize the technology.</p>
<p>The only area I've done extensive research on is lighting programs. The four that seem to be held in highest esteem (for undergraduate work) are SUNY Purchase, Carnegie Mellon, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Boston University. While Purchase and NC Arts are fantastic for those who are sure they wish to pursue lighting careers, I'd probably suggest the others for those who aren't since they have more to offer to someone who may later decide to change majors.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Delighted to find this thread as Happykid is totally focused on Lighting right now. One option that she is considering is the apprenticeship program run by the DC area local of IATSE at PG Community College: IATSE</a> Local 22</p>
<p>This would let her concentrate on all of the technical stuff that appeals to her, result in her earning her union card so that she can actually get a job, and give her a bit of time to decide on whether she wants a full four-year degree in theater. It appears that most of the credits would transfer into the U of MD system.</p>
<p>If you google "IATSE Apprenticeship" you may find something like that near you.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>
<p>Also Rutgers and Muhlenberg might be worth a look.</p>
<p>What about the West coast? Are there any good schools for techies there?</p>
<p>I'll throw one out that has probably never been mentioned on CC:</p>
<p>Northern Michigan University.</p>
<p>Their theatre program is small (so lots of hands on experience), but their reputation and networks in the "theatre tech" clique (and it is a nationwide clique) is really strong. I know some people who put resumes out and are swamped with calls by noon the next day for interviews.</p>
<p>University of Miami - It's been several years, but their programs in theater were first rate. Because of the size of the program, and its location, it was amazing how many hands-on learning (and money-making) opportunities there were for tech theater folks. Miami is where even Ray Liotta got his hands dirty working on sets. </p>
<p>In addition, there are significant New York City connections.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice so far, but I am really looking for something in-state (Illinois) or close by. Also, I am certain that I want to major in theatre. And the only reason I'm worried about a conservatory is that most conservatories seem to make you specify in a specific field (lighting, painting...). I mainly worry that finding a job while only having a main skill would be difficult. But that probably shows how little I do know about the business. I don't know if it would be better to have a broader based education (even only in theatre) or if it would be better to be very skilled in one aspect (lighting). I'm also worried about getting in to different programs (well, who isn't?). Any portfolio hints would also be helpful.</p>
<p>Lostkid:</p>
<p>I've heard good things about tech theater at Knox and Loyola.</p>
<p>I have a friend doing lighting design at UMaryland-College Park.</p>
<p>Northwestern has a terrific acting program, but I'm not sure about design/technology. Often they go hand-in-hand, so it's worth checking out. DePaul's program also is supposed to be decent. Indiana University has a pretty strong musical theater program (not conservatory)--again, I'm not sure about design/technology, but it would be worth checking out.</p>