<p>Here is my D's story. She is applying for a very specific (but for now, unnameable) area in theatre tech, mostly to BFA programs. We have now heard from 5 schools and heaven help us she has been accepted to all: CalArts, Purdue (BA), Penn State, and Savannah School of Art & Design. Just last week she got the acceptance letter from University of Cincinnatis CCM, so I thought it was finally time to post and see what the h is going on.</p>
<p>I am in shock. D submitted what I thought was an amazing portfolio based on her HS theatre work though I admit I'm 1) biased and 2) certainly no theatre expert. But from what Ive read here of college theatre departments--especially on the MT threads--I thought her chances were slim. There were other factors that made me quite pessimistic. So we thought it best for her to apply to as many places as possible. Cal State Long Beach was her safety, and we werent even sure about that because we heard its a very popular program. (But she ended up never sending the CSULB app in because Purdue came in first with a yes--there arent enough good things to be said for applying early to a rolling admissions school.)</p>
<p>We still have several more schools to hear from and are quite ready to hear the first no, but as I said, Im fairly bewildered. I know this sounds Rodney Dangerfield-ish, but is there some kind of shortage in theatre tech where theyll take practically anybody? Or did she do something very right? Im happy to share information, being as specific as I can. </p>
<p>Heres how it went with three of the schools: The head of one theatre department called D personally to tell her he was recommending her acceptance, just 5 days after she submitted her application. Another telephoned to let us know an acceptance letter was going out and we got it in a couple days. Another (out of state) held a telephone interview with her and after that emailed her and said she could skip the unified audition/interview that was being held 10 miles from our house as they were recommending her acceptance. </p>
<p>By the way--a warning to those waiting to hear from Savannah and CCMthose schools sent their acceptances in a small #10 envelope so please dont faint or assume its bad news if you get one.</p>
<p>Where is D going to end up? I wish I knew. She has a lot of comparing and investigating, and just plain thinking to do. We are going to visit one more over spring break. We have already visited CalArts, Purdue and CCM and Id be happy to share my impressions of those with anyone whos interested. Any thoughts anyone has as far as demand for theatre tech, or just about these schools in particular would also be most welcome.</p>
<p>Taramom, first of all, congrats to your D! Bravo for her! I think the easy answer is that it's a case of supply and demand. My D who is at Tisch went to an arts h/s. Even there, it was difficult to find stage managers and others to run tech on shows, who were talented, reliable, and who basically 'worked well with others'. :) Very few kids apply to the tech tracks at the schools which offer such programs. Naturally, I'm speaking comparatively, to the numbers who apply for straight drama and MT. The tech track at Tisch is a small part of the overall drama program. When a program sees a talented individual whose passion is one of these tech areas, I'm not at all surprised that they want to scoop her up quickly. It puts her in a wonderful position having so many offers. If she hasn't already, she should study each school's program carefully re: curriculum and attempt to speak to some current students so that she can make an informed decision. What a wonderful position to be in.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D! It is so nice to be sitting in the catbird seat deciding where you would like to go, then having to take what you get. I am not familiar with the stats of these programs, but at one of the auditions when the dean of the PA school asked who was applying for tech, only one out of the entire audience raised a hand, and the room was full. All MT and acting majors. The tecchie was applauded. So anyone going into that field does seem to have a bit of an edge. Many schools make the lower year students do the work, incorporating these skills into the program as they are short of kids doing tech. Not a bad position to be in, ideal in fact. If I could ideally plan things, I would shoot for such a major to get into these phenomonal programs. The line for the mainstage acting and singing is around the building and down the block. I know our local theatre is very competitive for kids getting parts and even qualifying to audition, though the theatre school is open to all on a first come basis with those in the school getting preference. And expensive. But a tech internship is free. A great way to get a toe in the door of show business if that is what you want to do. Because my son is strong and can lift and assemble well, he is often asked to help out in tech and crew. But he really wants to act and that is the route he has gone which is very competitive. I think it is great that your D enjoys doing something that at the moment hot in terms of demand for the students. Take advantage, enjoy.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply--so the poor lone design techie did turn out to be in a good place--what an great story! I do hope perhaps this will inspire others to try this field. I didn't know anything about theatre till a year or two ago, and now that I have (maybe) a nutshell's worth, I'm happy to share it to help someone else.</p>
<p>So true about the competition in acting. D volunteered at a local theatre last summer and the producer mentioned that most volunteers were hoping to use their stint as a possible ticket to the spotlight. I assured him nothing was further from D's mind, lol. She's the type that prefers to be backstage and invisible.</p>
<p>I say some version of this at every orientation session, "If any of you love doing 'tech', and could be happy working backstage, you should seriously consider abandoning today's audition and schedule a portfolio review immediately." </p>
<p>Tech theatre students are beyond gold--they're titanium. We'll see 250 prospects this year for the 16 places in Acting and Musical Theatre. We'll be lucky to see 20 for the 10 places in Design/Tech. The placement rate for our DT grads is 100%, and I'm quite sure the same is true for every other DT BFA program in the country. </p>
<p>So anything you and others can do to get the word out about available careers in Theatre Design and Technology would be appreciated by all of us.</p>
<p>Wow, this thread (especially doctorjohn's post) makes me feel good about my major. I acted in middle school but found that it wasn't my strong point, so I switched to technical theatre in high school and discovered that I enjoyed it even more! After all the recent drama in my high school theatre over casting, I'm also glad I don't face as much competition for what I want to do.</p>
<p>I can't say I've had quite the same college application experience as TaraMom's daughter. One interviewer's attitude toward my prospective major (something extremely specific) was a little discouraging because it seemed like the applicants were in far greater supply than demand, and he couldn't care less about whether I got in or not. I suppose he was just trying to present the facts to me, but I found it a little offputting. On the other hand, another interviewer got very excited about my work and kept emphasizing how valuable my major was to the department. Different strokes for different folks...</p>
<p>Most of the schools I applied to appeared to have very, very few (the most was about 24) spots for tech/production majors. I guess I should have applied to lesser-known programs or something so my chances would've been greater. Anyway, I hope I'll end up at a school that I like that wants me too. It'd be nice for the feeling to be mutual. We'll see come April.</p>
<p>In general, the people I've talked to about my potential career have told me that it is one of the more steady theatre jobs, which my parents are glad to hear ;) It seems like technicians are valued, especially the good ones.</p>
<p>Anyway, TaraMom, congrats and good luck to your daughter!</p>
<p>Doctorjohn or anyone else -
How much of a portfolio do you need to apply to theater tech? D has always enjoyed tech work but considered it a secondary hobby to acting and MT (this semester she's designing and building props for a college production while also rehearsing for the high school musical). I'm thinking tech would be a good match to her abilities and interests if she doesn't get into the acting and MT programs she most wants. [As a parent, I appreciate the stability of a tech career.] Is there a site that lists the things that would be expected to be in a student portfolio so I could pass that on to her?</p>
<p>Alwaysamom: Just wanted to express my thanks for your very warm kind words. Yes, skills like collaboration and reliability are so important (maybe more) than talent in this area. Being detail-oriented helps too.</p>
<p>Jamimom: the only thing D rather fears from some schools with both BFA & MFA programs, is that the graduate students will get to cherry-pick all the tech jobs on productions, leaving the undergraduates whatever's left. She asked about this at these interviews to get an idea of whether she will get to truly expand her skills at these schools.</p>
<p>DoctorJohn: your words sent chills down my spine--in a good way. Now does this mean (back to martyr-mother mode) that she'll actually get a....JOB?</p>
<p>Themockery: I'm so glad if this helps your confidence, if there's anything I can help with, please let me know. I hope you share more about your experiences.</p>
<p>Chrism: Most every college D applied to had very specific portfolio requirements for each specialty describing what should be in it. This was usually listed in their website along with their other application requirements. If at all possible, talk to a graduate student in your D's area and see if they would mind letting D see their portfolio so she can see what a "real" one looks like. Sometimes it's difficult (it certainly was for me) to visualize how certain stage effects can possibly be captured.</p>
<p>Taramom, you're welcome. :) Your D has a great future ahead of her.</p>
<p>chrism, here is the description for the portfolio required for the artistic review at Tisch's tech track. Maybe that will be helpful in giving you some idea of what's needed. :)</p>
<p>Technical Production
A written statement of purpose and samples of work (designs, drawings, photographs, or stage manager's book).</p>
<p>If she's done serious tech in productions in h/s, she shouldn't have much of a problem getting a portfolio together. I'd be hesitant, though, in suggesting to a student that they consider tech as a back up if they don't get into any drama or MT program. These tech programs are difficult and are generally filled with people who have a passion for this side of the business. I'm not sure someone whose first passion is acting is going to be either comfortable or successful in such a program.</p>
<p>alwaysamom, you have a point. I guess I"m just trying to help the acting focussed offspring see some alternatives if the answer is "no" this year. Thinking outside the box a bit, so to speak. I appreciate your point. Thanks.</p>
<p>I can tell you that there are often all kinds of internships and jobs where you can get this kind of experience that does not cost money, and may even (gasp) pay. My son has done a lot of tech work with youth theatres and one elite theatre here offers training at no cost--just gotta work the shows. That might be a good way to spend the summer, and your student can get that experience. If he likes it, fine. If not, oh well, it's still stuff he needs to learn if he is going to perform, direct, write, as it is all in the big picture, and he can make contacts that way. S got free dance lessons doing this one summer, free spot in a chamber festival, and a paying job at a community youth center where he met some influential people that has made a big difference for him. So it certainly is not wasted time spent. But he does not want to study tech in college. It doesn't matter how prestigious the school, program or show. That is not what he wants to do as his main thing. But, some kids may like it. One young lady, is working full time this way now, and she did start out in drama, interned and helped out in tech, found herself in charge of some important things in short order as she was very good at it, and voila, she has found something she loves to do and is making money as well.</p>