<p>So I haven’t seen that much about the NYU Tisch Tech Track posted and per a request I wanted to give a rundown of my knowledge of the program. I don’t have a ton of knowledge about other programs; so I am in no way comparing the Tisch program to other schools. I’ll also preface all this by saying NYU is very expensive, but despite the large amount of student debt I now have, I still stand by my choice to go there. </p>
<p>I started out at NYU as an actor/director in Playwrights Horizons studio. By the end of my sophomore year I knew I wanted to do directing and stage management, instead of acting. I was able to continue my directing focus at PHTS while taking Tech Track classes in stage management. This is not the normal rout, but this kind of flexibility is one of the great aspects about Tisch. So I had lots of contact with Tech Track kids through both my own classes there and collaboration on shows together. </p>
<p>First year of Tech Track is probably the hardest. Most kids know which two focuses they are going to choose, but you still have to do a little bit of everything your first year. This is good because knowing how other tech/ design fields work will make you better at your own. Drafting is the dreaded course first year, it’s a LOT of work, but maybe the most important class you get in your time there. First year ALL Tisch students do a crew assignment, but Tech Track kids often have a larger role or the ability to work in a supporting/assistant role on a couple productions. </p>
<p>By second year you declare your two focuses. You take advanced classes in these areas, as well as continuing graphic study and script study. The goal is to give you not only technical skills, but to also teach the artistic side of design. Occasionally a student will chooses to focus on directing or ask to sit in on directing and collaboration classes at PHTS. ( PHTS has its own Design program, but they teach almost entirely artistic aspects of design, and then their students can opt to take a few technical classes in Tech Track.) Second year students start to assist third and fourth years on main stage productions. They can also assist on or be the main designer/ manager on other productions going on. </p>
<p>Third and Fourth year there is one on one instruction/advisement with mentors. The rest of their time students are required to have a professional internship. They also design the main stages. NYU main stages are incredibly well financed so the production value is very high. Budgets can run anywhere from a couple hundred thousand to upwards of a million dollars for the main stage musical. (if you cringe thinking “this is where my tuition money is going!” I agree. You could have great production for less, but its nice for the designers)</p>
<p>Beyond all this, the biggest pro I think Tisch has going for designers is the sheer number of productions. There are four to six Department run main stages a year, but there are hundreds more productions done between studios, independent student productions known as Shop Shows, and even non-Tisch shows done through Steinhardt or student clubs. These shows may not have the same kind of budget, but they tend to be really great placed to learn and create, because it s really down to the students to get them done. Some of my favorite designs have come from these smaller black box shows. </p>
<p>As far as doing outside shows, nothing specifically forbids it. Obviously you will work on some via your internship, and there are plenty of summer opportunities, and some kids make it work during the school year. That said, Tech Track is extremely demanding. None of the other studio kids will admit it out loud, but we all know that Tech Track kids put way more time in then anyone else. So many just don’t have the time to work on anything outside of what they are assigned to. Anyone going into this program has to be prepared to juggle studio assignment, studio hours (three days a week 8-6) academic classes and work, and multiple productions. There is lots of support, but it is not easy. </p>
<p>Overall I would say if you come into the program with a lot of knowledge and experience then they are going to build on that and start utilizing it right away. If you come in as a blank canvas then they are going to fill you up really fast. You will get lots of production experience, and some professional experience. And more then any of the other programs/studios at Tisch you are going to make professional connections. </p>
<p>By the time I graduated I had about 10 or so educational SM credits and about a half a dozen professional ones form NY theaters and festivals. I’ve been working as an Stage Manager and Production Manager since I graduated, and I have never gone a month without having some theater job. Hope that give you an idea of the program.</p>