Theater/Drama Colleges Part 2

xiggi · November 3, 2008, 5:03pm

**College Discussion Forums: College Search and Selection: June 2004 Archive: Theatre/Drama Colleges------Part 2 **

By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 12:49 pm: Edit

Okay. Now I’m home and have the rest of the week to look at colleges before I start work and my summer training. I showed my list to my mom and she wants me to look for more schools that offer full rides and dump a couple of the ones that don’t. Really, in considering some of them, I was assuming an award of the top academic and talent scholarships available to make them doable. On the MT thread, I noticed some talk of people being offered full rides by some unnamed “lesser” MT schools. Can anyone on this list tell me of some good theatre schools where people have been given full scholarships for either talent or academics? So far, I have SMU and Miami showing full academic scholarships and I’d need one to go to either. I also have FSU and CoC with big local scholarships. Otterbein, Evansville, and Minnesota still seem doable, too, assuming good awards. I’ve also partially taken Valerie’s advice and gone ahead and added NCSA and Juilliard to my list though I’ll have to say it’s mainly to humor my teacher. Maybe I can get him to pay my application fees and also part of my tuition if lightning strikes and I get accepted. It really would be nice to be able to save most of the money Mom has in trust for graduate school or living expenses right out of college. Mom's not into the idea of helping a waitress pay rent and I don't want to need a sugar daddy to pay off loans. I’m also always looking for comments from current students and recent alumni from any of the programs I've mentioned.

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 01:03 pm: Edit *

You need to go onto the websites of your college list and see which ones offer arts scholarships and how much they are for. Also kids who are academically very strong with great class ranks and SAT scores can get merit scholarships from some of these schools if they are offered, so check those too. For instance, I know a young lady who received some great offers from Hartt and Point Park based on her academic numbers. She would have been a strong candidate at any college, but possibly not a merit candidate, however, her theatre interest put some schools on her list like the aforementioned where the admissions office automatically found her eligible for their academic awards. A top History major is not likely to apply to these schools so they often do not get as many kids with top academic profiles. My S is looking at U of Cincinnati and Oklahoma City, schools that would not appear on his list except that they have an outstanding MT department. Now if he had strong academic credentials, it is possible that he may qualify for merit money at those schools whereas it is doubtful that schools like NYU or CMU would come up with merit awards unless he was an extraordinary strong student as well,as their academic bands are quite different. I do know a young lady who went to Steinhardt, who had an academic award at NYU--she scored a 1600 on her SAT and was a top level student in addition to being a leading lady in MT.

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 04:54 pm: Edit *

Jamimom, glad to see you here! Hope your S has a great summer leading up to a full year of preparing for College. Did he decide to look at any CA schools or is he focusing more toward the East and Midwest. MT or Theatre. I can relate on many issues because my S was a MT major in his conservatory H.S. even though he is concentrating on Theatre in College. But, as one can see he is taking the BA Theatre track at UCLA instead. In sophmore year he has the chance to audition for a more concentrated track in Acting. Anyway, I beleive we talked briefly before about what schools would be a better fit for both our boys.
Would love to hear where you are in the process and how S feels about it all.

Thesbohemian, I am glad you now have some alone time to concentrate your efforts on selection of schools. It's really good that you are home now too where you can get some much needed rest before your summer demands kick in. Also, too, you have your Mom there to bounce things off and dialect with. I noticed in you last post that you had some very good ideas. I also felt you were on a roll. Good to hear you took my advice and added a few of those "top" schools. Always helps diplomatically when Teachers interest are invested in you. Besides you needed them anyway for you talent and academic astuteness. You don't want to get in the position of regrets before you enter or finish college based on school selection, so you might as well go fo it now.

I can tell you that Jamimom really knows her schools and all the ends and outs. WCT has been round the block too on Colleges and in the industry of Acting and Performance. Both of thes ladies are of valuale help. So, anything they have to say I would take to heart and follow through on. There are others that will start to sign on and talk as the weeks and months go by. there are a number of them that are really good and have lots of experience. As you read you will be able to pick up on those that are "in the know" so to speak by their background or experiences with their kids or both. Some like Dr. John are in the College industry of Acting Depts. So, keep an eye out for any additional clues and dialogs.

I think your two favorite schools FSU and College of Charleston are offering the most for what you are looking for. However, I would call all your other schools on your list and ask specific question about financing, scholorships, merit awards - both for talent and adcademics etc. It's propably a good time because there is a lull right now before the storm of students get heated up again for next years results.

Next thing you will want to do is research on the computer and then off to you Library for a variety of Monologues you will need for auditions this Fall and next Winter. This is something you will want to do now through summer so you have time and can research what's best for you. Youl will need a variety. It's hard to do in a few weeks once back at school. My S was required to have 20 monologues and 6 songs, two with dance or choreography researched and prepared by the time he started his Senior H.S. year. He was also expected to perform all of them for his director in the first few weeks of his Fall semester. Critiqued, narrow down and thrown out. Then the added responsibility to choose new ones, research and prepare; perform for director. He did this to be really prepared for his multi auditions. It's what the school expected and to hone his professional skills and discipline.
He was also required to have his essays for colleges completed by the end of the summer. Remember he applied to 21 schools! And, yes they all had to be different. Becuase they all had to respresent him but also what he could bring to each school and personalize each esasy. This is without a doubt the most important thng you will want to keep in mind when writing your essays. Schools look down on generic essays (show laziness, lack of creativity,and interest in school) and they can spot them a mile a way.

Now, he has been on the stage since he was 6 years old - both prefessionally and nonprofessionally - so he is use to auditions, rejection and critquing but as one gets to this point for college, the preprossional professionism is expected. So, be well prepared, know your subjects that you are taking monolugues from (just don't memorize the lines). Judges are notorious to ask you Why you slected the piece and to give them a short sysnosis of the subject you have selected or history background. Hone you discipline and structure skills, your organization and the affect skills that the audition you are in is the only one you care about in attitude, stance, effort, enthusiamsm and posture. plus the discipline and structure and Manners for the long days. Chin up - go for it.

Your audition often makes the difference of whether one gets accepted or rejected - whether there is going to be any money for you from their dept (if any is available in addition to the schools general academic coffers) - where they think you will be in the four years they are looking at you - where your strength and weaknesses are - where they think they can teach you and mold you - And then what is that you can bring to them - looks, attitude, adaptability, talent, intelligence, professionism hone from your organizational abilities, structure, your discipline attitude, how prepared you are etc. Your INTENT.

Your concern about affordability is an important one. Which scools offer what you desire for the least amount in cost or would give healthly finAid or merit scholaorships. It's really good to look at schools you can afford vs looking at schools you can't. I does safe alot of headaches and dissappointments and unrealistic reaches. But, as I have said before, there a few schools you should add to your list to round it out and give you a selection of schools from safety in academics all the way up there to schools that you can't afford - they would be your reach schools in finAid and acceptance. So, in someways the money issue becomes at this point after the fact, even though you are working on it now. So, with that in mind, Take your new list, now that you have gotton Mom's input and feelings, your teachers, us here and your own and start honing in on each of these schools one on one with their academic addmission offices and Theatre depts. It will help you to redefine your list and expected interest you have.

For instances, Juliard. Top Notch Theatre training. Not very flexible with mney. Not a college campus. PreProssenional Studies in a conservatory envirnoment. However, you never know down the lane what else do they offer. Or what they don't offer how adaptabile are they for you to intregrate from outher sources in N,Y. city to round out your next few years of interest and education. What about housing? Do they help you find housing or do they have a section in their admin. offices like some of the other colleges in NYC that have contacts with realtors that rent to students?

So, you see each school and it's envirnment will have different needs and wants and different souces and resources. That is why any one school "at this time" in your search shouldn't be discounted. As you learn about each school of interest. You will find that you are shuffling paper for favorites. don't throw anything out. You never know down the line. Then you will quite possibly hear about what other schools offer that you will want to investigate. Especially, when the schools you are talking to when you ask them what schools are their biggest competition and why. and in what area. Then you do a reach on those schools etc. etc.

So, you have made the first step of creating a list of schools that are reasonable for your talent and academics, your furture ideas and goals and have kept the schools of economic reach beyond your pocket book to a minimun. Great!

When it comes to acceptances and rejections - it's all over the map. However, you objective is to keep the rejections to a minimumn if you can. Here's why. It is terribly disruptive to ones Ego to only read No, or Unfortunately etc. One goes around feeling totaling worthless and often resentful for being deprived. when in reality there is nothing wrong with you and other schools would love to have you and accomdate your needs. Two, the art of selecting schools that can fill your hopes and desires and economic needs too is crucial. You don't want to be in a catagory where the schools that did accept you, you can't afford. Nor do you want to be in a position that all your right on and safety schools didn't accept you becuase you were too strong (academically or talent) for their program!!! So that well rounded list becomes ever so important. And, in the long run, One is often surprised at what a school is willing and not willing to do for it's student once school decisions and the bottom line has been made.

It GOOD to be Summer. A few months of Stragegic planning,prepareness and rest. Go FOR IT and enjoy what you have planned to do while you are home with your activities.!!!!

When you have your list in order why don't you list it here and anyone of us that see it can comment on each school for you if you like. You know, some inside info or stats or personal experience, campus life, opportunities, classes etc. FinAid etc. Again, as more come on in next few months they too will have a chance to see and comment.

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 05:49 pm: Edit *

Hello, Valerie. I am the novice in this area. Though I have worked with colleges for a long time, MT is not a field I knew. That was what got me to this site, actually. S is all over the board as far as schools but it is pretty much established that he will be applying only to schools with an audition element. He will be picking some monologues and songs this summer, and he is hoping to find some theatre related work.

We are in the process of categorizing some schools at this point as Dr John on the MT thread has suggested. A few "big boys", some lesser known schools, and then some schools with good drama and music programs where he can piece together some musical theatre program in the event he does not get one of the very scarce seats in these MT programs. Will keep everyone posted.

Will be looking for your posts too, Valerie, when your son starts UCLA. Great program, and what an honor to get in. 3% accept rate. Am interested in how he finds that first year there. S is looking at UCLA and USC but realistically, he has a better chance of getting into Harvard than UCLA with his numbers. But shooting for the stars is part of the what it takes in this business, right?

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 07:20 pm: Edit *

Hi Jamimom

So I gather that your S wants to study in MT vs other areas of Theatre. Or are other areas of theatre a possibility?

I have heard from a few in the educational field that schools in "general" for theatre interest of any kind are "all" good in the Southern California area. So, without knowing any one or for sure about any one I would say it's enough to look closer at the various school offered in the Southern part of California - both privately and publicly- small and large - State and Public runned - to see if there is any viavility there for your S. I am doing current research of Theatre schools in CA too for others. It is in-depth becuase there are so many offered. But, my "for sure" info is only on a few becuase of my S's interest.

Yes, UCLA structure for the first year is interesting. My S is going at 150 paces with ideas and such for this summer and next year's adventures on and off campus. It will be interesting to see how it all works itself out. H and I will be in Southern CA next week for S's graduation and then a few days on UCLA's campus. In fact we are staying on campus at their College Inn while there. The trip will also give me a chance to see for self many things and do a lot of one on one talking. We'll be gone about a week and then expected to return for S's orientation sometime this summer. So, hopfully, I will gain more information and then will be able to share it with others when needed. I do know that CA at Fullerton and Irvine seem to be two schools one would be interested to check out too. Also, some buzz about Redmond but not completely sure at this time. Smaller LAC's and privates in Malibu and Santa Barbara are coming on Radar. I am currently checking out Perredine. I am sure there are a whole lot more.

Going further North, University of CA at San Francisco is a top notch university in and of it self especially for medicine but too there are so many schools in CA with it's reputtion for excellant schooling it does need to be looked at more closely. As far as fit is concerned. I think in the long run S being in CA is a better fit. He has had the last 4 yrs in a CA atmosphere with the majority of his classmates/teachers/advisors/L.A. directors, producers etc. Californians. He has adapted. CA is like his own kind now. I think that is real important when a student is looking for a school to fit especially at undergraduate level.
There will be plently of time to "slay the dragons" in other areas of cultural expectations as he matures and gaines further confidence in self and worldly matters.

So, where are you right now with S's interst all over the place? I like this idea that kids are taking this summer to catch up with rest, study, do research and prepare for auditions and college apps. It just seems to be too much to try and handle and do well once Senior yr starts with all its own demands and anxieties. Kindda laid back summer but busy in itself. Lots of dreams to explore. I think this summer too helps the student not only get organized but feel in control. that in itself goes a long way when the stressess and expectations of senior year present themselves. Helps to deflate all those anxieties of acceptance and rejections they will have to face next Spring too, if not sooner. Tremendous year of growth. Now, if we can just get ourselves as parents to do the same - I know I would of saved myself some sanity in the last few weeks of decision making!!!!!

*By Shauna (Shauna) on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 01:56 pm: Edit *

Hi guys,

I got an email asking me to link these threads. I can't link to Part 2 from Part 1 because it's closed, so I'll add a link to Part 1 here because this top link opens up in frames...

THEATRE/DRAMA COLLEGES --- PART 1

Shauna

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 10:51 pm: Edit *

There has been a request from crypticism regarding information on Middlebury and known safety Theatre schools for ED to Northwestern.

Also, requests from others about Kenyon College, UCSB, UCSD

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Thursday, May 27, 2004 - 10:54 pm: Edit *

I would like to start a discussion on the merits for and against ED

What are the benefits in a Theatre atmosphere and what are the consequences of narrowing ones options. Also, an explanation of EA vs ED would be helpful

*By Wct (Wct) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:06 pm: Edit *

I have a question. I know that there has been a discussion about the "cut" in some MT conservatory programs on the MT discussion thread. Does anyone know if there are Acting BFA programs that do the same, (utilize the "cut")?

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:11 pm: Edit *

Wct, there is an excellent post from Doctorjohn on the MT post on the subject.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit *

Does anybody have any recent first-hand information on the BFA Performance program at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC? I didn't realize it, but the person who first got me into all this graduated from there in the '80s with an MT degree. She says some of her classmates from the acting program got accepted to some of the prestigious MFA programs and are still doing very well in NY and LA. They apparently offer some full rides for academics and the audition for the BFA program doesn't happen until the end of the freshman year, so they're now on my list at least as a fallback.

Mom's been relentless with the "we're gonna have to find you a sugar daddy" jokes, so I'm going to need to mostly concentrate on full ride potential.

Thanks Valerie and Jamimom!

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 02:47 pm: Edit *

Did you look through the archives going through the MT thread? That is how I ended up on this site. Looking for MT stuff. Hit the mother lode with the MT archives and spent a few long nights reading through all of them. There are all kinds of posts re financial aid and merit awards. I have seen Catawba mentioned.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Friday, May 28, 2004 - 03:51 pm: Edit *

Jamimom,
I've read through that. Some of the threads are so long that it's hard to get to specific information through searches, though. What I've seen of Catawba is either very broad and in-passing or specific MT stuff.

*By Kiwee (Kiwee) on Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 01:40 am: Edit *

Hi guys. You all seem to really know what you are talkign about here! Maybe you can help me. I want to study theatre design and be a set designer. I am looking for a good school in the Illinois/Missouri area (I live near St. Louis) that has a good program. I know that Northwestern, Depaul, and U of I all have great programs but the only problem is that they are all very expensive. Can any of you help me out? Thanks.

*By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 07:29 am: Edit *

Kiwee:

Is Webster too close to home or too expensive for you? If the latter, you should talk to them about scholarships. If the former, look at Illinois State, especially if you live on the Illinois side of the river and you can pay in-state tuition. Western Illinois is also possible. If you live in Missouri, look at UMKC.

Good luck.

*By Kiwee (Kiwee) on Sunday, May 30, 2004 - 03:32 pm: Edit *

Thank you Doctorjohn. I know that Webster has a good program, I might look into that. Thanks for the tips.

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 03:41 pm: Edit *

Jamimom

Can you share what schools your S was/is looking at for theatre in California? What he thought about the different schools and their programs.

Where else is he looking? I beleive his interest is MT isn't it or does he also have other interest in the Theatre area?

Also, you other children - were they also interested in the Theatre and where did they go to school?

xiggi · November 3, 2008, 5:04pm

By Valerie (Valerie) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 03:41 pm: Edit

Jamimom

Can you share what schools your S was/is looking at for theatre in California? What he thought about the different schools and their programs.

Where else is he looking? I beleive his interest is MT isn't it or does he also have other interest in the Theatre area?

Also, you other children - were they also interested in the Theatre and where did they go to school?

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Wednesday, June 02, 2004 - 09:24 am: Edit *

Here’s a fun question to keep the thread going. Is there any uniformity in what the better theatre schools are looking for as to types for their freshman ensembles? Most say on their websites that they don’t discriminate as to sex, race, etc., but is this really true? For instance, are they generally trying to keep an even balance between males and females? Are they looking for a rough percentage of leading men and ingenues versus character actors? What about minority actors? Is it really even a rough percentage or do some actually have a given number of slots for each type? I’m just wondering who I’ll really be competing with in the auditions. Will it truly be everybody or just the rest of the people of my type? How many blonde ingenues audition for the top schools each year? LOL That could almost be made into “How many does it take to screw in a light bulb” joke. I say three ... One blonde ingenue to screw in the light bulb and at least two others to stand around arguing about who could do it better and who the one actually screwing in the light bulb had to sleep with to get the role. Could my jokes BE any older?

Also, if anybody has info on the West Virginia University program beyond what's on their website, I'd be interested in reading it.

*By Wct (Wct) on Wednesday, June 02, 2004 - 04:40 pm: Edit *

Thesbohemian-

Supposedly CMU accepts actors based on talent so they don't always have an even number of males vs. females. In fact last year there were more males accepted than females, (12 males, 6 females in acting). I don't know yet what they accepted this year. I know that there are schools that take an even number of each in their ensembles.
**
By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Wednesday, June 02, 2004 - 06:21 pm: Edit **

Thesbohemian:

I can tell you that Tisch does not have a certain quota of 'types' that they are looking to admit each year. This may be because they accept roughly 300 a year to be divided among the seven major studios but they always tell applicants that they simply look for the 'best' individuals they can find both artistically and academically. I remember one of my profs telling us this year that CMU has a strong diversity mentality in its admissions process and that each admitted drama class has approximately 25% visible minorities. This year apparently it was even higher in the freshman class with 48% visible minorities.

*By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 05:46 am: Edit *

Thesbohemian:

In response to your question, here's a mind experiment: suppose you're the chair of a theatre program, you're looking for a class of 20, and your 20 most talented prospects are blonde female ingenues. Would you take all of them? If so, what benefits and problems could you anticipate? If not, what would you do instead?

Have fun.

By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 05:01 pm: Edit

Doctorjohn,
That'd make me chair at USC, wouldn’t it? I suppose the all-female thing has been done to death. Maybe I’d need to adapt the training model taking cues from some of the historically all-female schools. All blondes? Hmmmmm … Certainly a challenge for the design people. I guess I could create diversity by banning all hair coloring outside the department. Yeah, that’s it! I can see the signs now. “THIS THEATRE IS A NO PEROXIDE ZONE.” What I'd probably really do is admit 35, put the 20 blondes four-to-a-room on the same floor of a dorm, and introduce stage combat in the first half of the freshman year with real blades. THAT’d get me back down to 20 students in no time. I don’t think I’d have many eliminate themselves from excessive partying. The 20 blondes would just go to a club and stand around outside wondering why they needed to be 21 to get in. Brain cramp! There’s a punchline here that’s eluding me! Grrrrr It must come from portraying the “flirty blonde waitress” from 11:00 to 3:00 all week. A BFA in table-waiting (as my mom calls it) might not be so bad after all. It’s a performance opportunity, right? Almost $800 my first week! Better than my cousin who’s using his Business degree at Blockbuster ...

Twenty blonde ingenues at the top of the talent pool? Like, Omigod! Now I'm gonna have nightmares. Maybe a screenplay is in order ...
Hillary, Olsens, and Kirsten, OH MY!

*By Wct (Wct) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 05:04 pm: Edit *

Doctorjohn-

I had to chuckle when I read your post because in my heart of hearts and to be realistic there has to be some kind of balancing act when accepting talent into an ensemble pool. No matter what is said by reps from a particular program there has to be some kind of thought behind the numbers game. I would think there would be some flexability considering you usually have seniors as well as juniors in productions during the year, even though many programs say you don't hit "main stage" until your senior year, I have seen under classmen (women) in main stage productions when it was necessary to do so. So there is some amount of flexability on the stage. But then, there is the place where most of the work is being done...the clasroom. So you would need a certain amount of balance for students to do scene work in class with fellow students of different "types". So there you have it really. There just has to be some kind of formula. I would find it hard to believe otherwise.

*By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 05:37 pm: Edit *

That was my point, and you and Thesbo clearly understood it, Wct. When programs say they take "the most talented" regardless of race, sex, religion, I have to smile. It's just not possible. Nor is it fair. If you take 20 blonde ingenues, you will inevitably pit them against each other for casting opportunities. It makes more sense to put together a fairly balanced class, reasonably divided between men and women, voice parts, coloring and "types". That way, each actor is encouraged to develop his or her unique humanity, rather than being focussed on being better than everyone else. So, Thesbo, the real answer to your question is that, in most cases, you're competing for entrance with other equally talented people who look like you. Realistically, you're not competing with the dark-haired male baritone who auditioned just before you.

But I'd really like to see a movie with 20 blonde ingenues...

*By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Friday, June 04, 2004 - 05:51 pm: Edit *

Thesbohemian,

If all else fails, you have a future as a comedy writer. That's the best laugh I've had in weeks.
I knew there was a reason I've always loved being a brunette.......

Thanks!

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 11:34 am: Edit *

Doctorjohn - Thanks for confirming that.

Theatermom - Glad you enjoyed it. That kind of thing gets me in trouble all the time! LOL Kinda makes me wish I could go back and delete some of my earlier posts from when I was all stressed-out from AP exams, juries, and half the people around me having emotional breakdowns.

Emily - Do you know why Tisch makes people graduate early if they use all their AP credit? Why can't they just take a reduced courseload or go part-time as seniors?

All - I saw some talk on the MT thread about schools with senior showcases. How valuable are those for actors in reality? What percentage of people who participate actually get work as the result of their showcase performance? Are those the people who are probably going to get work, anyway? Don't most of the good students really just go on to graduate school? I'm just curious about how much value I should give those in evaluating schools.

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Sunday, June 06, 2004 - 06:03 pm: Edit *

Thesbohemian,

I'm not sure who told you that Tisch requires you to graduate early if you use all of your AP credit. There's a limit on AP credit for all of NYU and they certainly do not make anyone graduate early. Trust me, NYU likes you to stay around as long as possible. It's unlikely you'd be able to fulfill your major in Tisch drama in less than four years in any case, regardless of the amount of AP credits you receive.

As for showcases, (Tisch calls them industry nights), they can be very valuable. Fortunately, for those of us who go to school at Tisch, we have individuals in the theatre world at most Tisch performances so senior 'showcases' are not the only venue in which to make an impression. Tisch has approximately 100 productions every year and I can tell you that of all of the shows I attended this year, in addition to Steinhardt's shows, there were a ton of theatre people there looking at the students. It's a perq of being in the city, like having guest lecturers or friends of your prof just dropping by. This happened several times throughout the year. I don't know the facts and figures on showcases for other schools but I can't see how they would be anything but a benefit to those students.

Lastly, very few BFA students go on to graduate school.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 12:06 am: Edit *

Emily,
Thanks. Interesting. A friend of mine who graduated this year was looking at Tisch, but decided not to audition there partially because of the AP issue. I guess it doesn't make a lot of difference unless someone is doing like she and I and essentially trying to start off with sophomore credit. Anyway, she passed a lot of the stuff she'd collected in her search along to me. The following are excerpts from a form letter which the enrollment coordinator supposedly sends to freshmen with AP credit. It was sent to her when she inquired about the policy:

"Dear Freshman,
We have been notified that you have received AP Credit. You should have received a letter from Student Affairs breaking down how the credit was applied to your record. There are many ramifications involved with accepting AP Credit, and we want to make sure that you understand how it will affect your education. We have therefore set up group meetings with you so that we may discuss your particular situation. ...

You’ve worked your butts off to get your AP Credit- why wouldn’t you want to keep it? Because here at NYU, we have requirements that you must fulfill before you graduate. The flip side of this is that once you fulfill your requirements, you must graduate. Therefore if you use your AP credits to fulfill 8 points of Gen-Ed (the maximum we allow) and then you have additional credits applied to your Electives, you may have less time here than you realize, or it may be just the thing to help you obtain a double major or minor. ...

Do I want to complete a full fourth year of Professional Training? You are only required to complete 48 points (3 years) of Professional Training for your degree. If you want to complete a full fourth year, it is recommended that you accept no more than 16 AP credits total."

The form was from Grace Clements and was dated March 7, 2003. Has the policy perhaps changed or am I misreading it? Did you attend a meeting like the one described? I've managed to cut my list back down to just five realistic schools and I'm giving some of the ones I'd passed over which sometimes offer full rides a second look. Gawd, I'm picky! lol

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 12:14 am: Edit *

Thesbohemian, that is a curious letter. "You have worked your butts off..." is not a phrase I would think would come from a college. Definitely, take a look at the policy. I am not as familiar with Theatre programs and Tisch but I know many kids who have applied AP credits, taken extra courses and still stayed the full for years at NYU. This does not appear to be an issue to me there, and I would be interested in finding out if it is just for knowledge sake.

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:04 am: Edit *

Sorry for posting this here, too but not everyone posts in both this and the MT thread.

hope all of you drama/mt lovers watched the Tonys last night. I was super proud and excited because one of my studio friends and fellow Tischie, Chad Carstarphen, was featured because he won one of the Tony scholarships. Yay Chad! I've seen most of the productions nominated this year in every category (a perq of going to Tisch is that we often get comps!) Most of the winners were deserved but I would have to say that, as much as I love Idina (it's required to love Tisch alumni ;)), Donna Murphy deserved it more. Also it's a crime that Tovah Feldshuh didn't win. And I was ecstatic that the underdog Avenue Q won best musical.

*By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:10 am: Edit *

Emily....I was also shocked to see Chad on there! He was friends with my D at theater camp (they were in a cabaret cast together) and so I know him and have seen him perform in a few musicals. My daughter had theater friends over to watch the Tonys last night. I was like, that's Chad!!! I know he also goes to Tisch. Tell him his little Vermont friend saw him up there!!! Yay! Talented guy. You both in the same studio?? Maybe some day she can join you, lol!
Susan

*By Cama (Cama) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:28 am: Edit *

My sister was one of the unit producers for the Tony's. Right now I'm sure she is sleeping as usually a break down can go to sometimes 2 in the morning. Sometimes she has some really interesting behind the scenes info (and gossip). When I speak to her will post any fun info abut the goings on behind the scenes with all the celebs.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 05:04 pm: Edit *

Jamimom,
It's apparently an in-house type letter intended for current students. I've sent Ms. Clements an e-mail asking about it and I'll let you know what she says if you'd like.

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 05:22 pm: Edit *

Thesbohemian,

I have no idea what that letter from Grace Clements would have been referring to, especially since it's dated in March. Any current student would have discussed their AP credit long before that, and with their academic advisor not with Grace Clements. Also, why would your friend have received that if they didn't even audition for Tisch? Doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

All colleges at NYU have rules governing AP credits and which classes are accepted for credit and which aren't. It's useful to get that information but I certainly wouldn't worry about having to graduate early. I have never heard of anything like that and I have many friends who have been at Tisch and NYU longer than I have.

In any case, it may interest you that if you're looking for a school which provides a full ride, then Tisch wouldn't be for you anyway. NYU does not offer full scholarships to anyone and the largest ones it does offer are not offered to Tisch students.

*By Primab (Primab) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 05:31 pm: Edit *

I have a question about Tisch. I have been told from a few different people highly connected in the theater world to avoid Tisch. They say they let too many people in and therefore there is not a lot of attention or focus on the individual. I would love those of you who attend or their parents to give me some perspective. Thanks so much for your time.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:04 pm: Edit *

Emily,
I was going to look again into the scholarship thing because of something Jamimom said above. Oh well ... As for the letter from Ms. Clements, it's stapled to an email my friend initially sent to Sandra Bowie last July which Ms. Clements answered with the letter attached. She had apparently found something on the website that caused her to ask about AP policies and Ms. Clements sent the letter along with a "Drama Student Credit Worksheet" in explanation of the policy.

Primab,
Obviously, I don't go there, but everything I've heard is that Tisch is a great department though it's probably like any large place in that you'll have to really make it a point to seek out your mentors. They'll be there, but they're not going to come to you so you can't be shy.

*By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:25 pm: Edit *

I can give you a few perspectives that I have about Tisch. I think that they have a great gravy train coming in there with their studio system. You audition for Tisch but have no say where you will be placed, most likely at some studio in Midtown, where you will spend your time training for theatre. Because the studio is run independently, the staff is not necessarily Tisch or NYU staff, the facilities are not NYU facilities. In fact these studios take in many other students as well as those from Tisch. You are basically contracted out. So Tisch is a bit removed from the actual experience. And whether you like it or not, you are stuck there for 2 years with a chance to try again for a studio you prefer at that time. For that you pay full NYU ticket. I know I sound a bit cynical about this, but it does sound crazy to me and I have a S who wants to give this a whirl.

Also from what I have heard, Emily can correct me, NYU gaps big time when it come to financial aid. There are so many wannabees auditioning for Tisch that I hear that getting a talent award is not a decent possibilities. NYU loves high SAT scores, and that is one way to get some money out of them but it is not going to be easy to sing for your supper from them.

The best theatre students do tend to go to Tisch and just being around this crowd, I am sure brings up the standards. Being in one of 7 studios does break up things a bit which does not happen at other theatres, and being in NYC is a huge plus as you meet the crowds in the know, important in this field.

I do not know how much MT is offered at Tisch except at Cap21 which is their MT studio and the most widely requested, I hear. Emily has posted on this a few times. A more traditional approach to MT which is hand in hand with NYU's music department is to audition with the Steinhardt School of NYU. S has friends both at Tisch and Steinhardt, and they love where they are respectively, so it really depends on what you want.

My kids went in to see the grand opening of "Bombay Dreams"; they knew the lead from Pittsburgh who is D's age. (Ironically both leads are from Pittsburgh--one from Fox Chapel, the other as a student from CMU) The young lady is on sabbatical from Tisch to perform in this show. Only in NYC, my kids would say. So oportunities are abound just from being in NYC, though Tisch does not officially permit auditions until after sophomore year ( the girl would have been a sophomore this year had she stayed).

Be aware that Tisch is a "Big Boy" school along with CMU and are akin to the HPY gang as far as selectivity goes. Certainly go for it, but make sure you have some school with varying selectivities when you apply, something no different from what other applicants to colleges should have.

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:32 pm: Edit *

Primab,

I'm curious who the 'highly connected' people would be. I just finished my freshman year at Tisch and can assure you that the information your friends have given you is totally false. While it's true that Tisch is a large school, the individual classes are probably the same size as any other drama department in the country. I can tell you that in my studio classes, my group had 17 students all year. If someone needs more focus than that allows, then they're probably looking at the wrong major. The studio training, the guest lecturers, the master classes, the availability of theatre, the experience of the staff, the connections, the internships, the number of productions, the availability of staff, the personal attention are without comparison in any other school. All that and a great academic education at one of the top universities in the country make a great fit for a lot of students. I know there seems to be some negativity in some areas regarding Tisch and I don't understand it. It's a great school with a wonderful reputation in the industry. I have family members in every aspect of the theatre world in the city and honestly, each and every one of them would highly recommend Tisch, and not just because I'm there.

xiggi · November 3, 2008, 5:06pm

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:32 pm: Edit *

Primab,

I'm curious who the 'highly connected' people would be. I just finished my freshman year at Tisch and can assure you that the information your friends have given you is totally false. While it's true that Tisch is a large school, the individual classes are probably the same size as any other drama department in the country. I can tell you that in my studio classes, my group had 17 students all year. If someone needs more focus than that allows, then they're probably looking at the wrong major. The studio training, the guest lecturers, the master classes, the availability of theatre, the experience of the staff, the connections, the internships, the number of productions, the availability of staff, the personal attention are without comparison in any other school. All that and a great academic education at one of the top universities in the country make a great fit for a lot of students. I know there seems to be some negativity in some areas regarding Tisch and I don't understand it. It's a great school with a wonderful reputation in the industry. I have family members in every aspect of the theatre world in the city and honestly, each and every one of them would highly recommend Tisch, and not just because I'm there.

*By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 06:44 pm: Edit *

Jamimom,

You're totally right about the gapping in financial aid. NYU is notorious for this and Tisch students seem to get even less in aid than those in other NYU colleges.

As for the studio system, while it's true that they are "contracted out", this is not a negative. These are all professional acting studios, probably the cream of the crop in the city. They do indeed offer classes to other students but those other students are not in Tisch classes nor is the program exactly the same. Keep in mind that the studio classes are three days a week and your other classes are taken at NYU on the other two days.

Students do indeed have a 'say' in their studio placement. At your audition, you indicate a preference and explain your choice. If you do your research and can discuss your reasons intelligently, you will get your first choice. I don't know anyone in my year who did not. The CAP21 situation is slightly different. It is the MT studio and students who want only CAP21 will get a yes or no from admissions. They are asked on audition day if they have a second choice if they do not get CAP21, and if they're accepted, then they'll get that second choice if the auditors deem them not appropriate for CAP21.

Transfers do happen occasionally between studios before the end of sophomore year. However, after sophomore year EVERYONE has the option to switch studios. Oh, and the studios are not in mid-town. They are all in lower Manhattan.

*By Primab (Primab) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:00 pm: Edit *

Thanks for the input Jamimom, Emilyp 114, and Thesbohemia (wow-that's a mouthful!). It's helpful to hear from you. I won't reveal my sources (anonymity is a good thing on the web)! I am happy to hear, Emily, that the academics are strong as well. That is something that not all BFA's offer and something I definitely want. That is why I am torn betweem getting a BA in theater and maybe continuing on to a BFA-or going for the BFA. I am still a junior-4.O W and 1420 SAT -760/M, 660/V (will take again) in a highly competitive west coast prep school. I am certainly not at the top of my class which is quite discouraging. I have been in theater for 9 years (inc. professionally in London). So-I don't know what to do!

I am learning a lot by following your discussions so thanks again. Any advice is appreciated!

*By Primab (Primab) on Monday, June 07, 2004 - 10:01 pm: Edit *

oops-I meant going on to get an MFA-not BFA. Thanks again!

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 09:36 am: Edit *

I already posted this on the MT thread. Sorry for the double post, but I have a question for those of you who have already been through the college application and audition process. In total, how much did it cost? Does anybody have a list of their expenses? I need to figure out how much I'm going to need to budget. So far, I'm looking at plane tickets to Tallahassee, Dallas, and either Chicago or New York depending on where my school goes to the Unifieds. Those should cost between $300 and $500 a piece. In general, how far out can you schedule auditions? The plane tickets seem to be cheaper if you get them a couple of months in advance. I'll need bus tickets for a couple of the closer places. It looks like most of the schools charge around $50 for an application fee. I won't need to worry about hotels at three of the four for which I'll be auditioning on-campus because I can stay with friends and the other one makes it a point to place visitors with current students. So far, I'm estimating $2,500 when all is said and done. Are there any other major expenses I'm overlooking?

*By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 10:20 pm: Edit *

I'm posting this message in order to get this thread back on the front page. A post about doing a BA vs. a BFA (an answer to Primab) is in the works, and I hope to have it done by Monday.

*By Valerie (Valerie) on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit *

That's GREAT Doctorjohn. I m looking forward to the information you have about BA vs. BFA's !

*By Broadwaybaby34 (Broadwaybaby34) on Saturday, June 12, 2004 - 08:17 pm: Edit *

I'm going to be a senior in the fall, and i'm hoping to go to Emerson as a musical theater major, but i don't know their standards for GPAs and SATs. Is it mainly based on the audition or or transcripts?

I got a 1220 on my SATs but i only have a 2.9 GPA.

*By Wct (Wct) on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 02:34 am: Edit *

I know this has been mentioned on the MT thread but I want to remind actors that NFAA, (National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts) has a scholarship program for actors as well as MT students. As actors you apply for the "spoken only" category. Plan ahead. This is a wonderful opportunity. Check it out here:
[NFAA[/url</a>]

The schedule to apply is as follows:
October 1
Final Application Postmark Deadline
November 1, 2004
Submission Packet Postmark Deadline
December, 2004
ARTS Winners Notified. Finalists invited to ARTS Week.
January 10-16, 2005
ARTS Week in Miami, Florida
January 30, 2005
ARTS Winners Notified of Award Level
June, 2005
ARTS Award checks Issued.

*By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 10:10 am: Edit *

Why did they archive a thread with posts less than a week old?

Part 3 [url=<a href="http://www.collegeconfidential.com/discus/messages/4/73398.html%5DTheatre/Drama">http://www.collegeconfidential.com/discus/messages/4/73398.html]Theatre/Drama</a> Colleges Part 3](<a href="http://www.artsawards.com/%5DNFAA%5B/url">http://www.artsawards.com/)

Part 1 Theatre/Drama</a> Colleges

*By Primab (Primab) on Sunday, June 13, 2004 - 01:15 pm: Edit *

Thank you in advance doctorjohn. I am looking forward to reading your info. RE BA vs BFA. It is truly a dilemma for me. Mostly concerned that if I have a BFA I may not have enough to fall back on jobwise. I also wonder if it's better to have a BFA or BA when applying to a master's program in theater which I hope to do. I look forward to reading your post.

Thread		Replies	Views
Theater/Drama Colleges Part 4 Theater/Drama Majors	3	147	April 17, 2021
Theater/Drama Colleges Part 5 Theater/Drama Majors	3	129	April 17, 2021
Theatre/Drama Colleges Part 8 Theater/Drama Majors	407	2472	April 16, 2021
The List: Version 2 Theater/Drama Majors	22	82	April 18, 2021
Theater/Drama Colleges Part 6 Theater/Drama Majors	3	88	April 17, 2021

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