<p>Sure enough, like Appstressin said Univ. of Calif. at Riverside is still taking applications. There was a big article in my local paper today about how they're extending deadlines because they don't have enough students. They mentioned a gpa of 3.0 to get in, but will consider lower with good ECs. </p>
<p>Only thing is, I'm not sure how the theatre training is at UCR. My S and I went to a musical production last year and I was surprised that the hired outside actors for some of the leads. Also, I live in the area and don't really hear all that much about their theatre program. </p>
<p>Appstressin do you know anything more about UCR???</p>
<p>Riverside is 1.5 - 2 hour drive to L.A. The studios are not really in the downtown L.A. area. Rapid transit is not very good out here. Appstressin is correct in that you'd probably need a car to get around reliably.</p>
<p>A new question: My S (HS Junior) and I are starting to list the BFA/acting programs that we will apply to. I gather that there is no such thing as a 'safety' BFA program, though some programs are certainly harder to get into than others. I have checked out the web sites of a lot of schools, including some that I presumes are more 'safe' than others. A few state on their website that they admit, say 40 (would be for all theatre specializations) out of 400 applicants. Should I interpret this to mean that there were 400 applicants whose first choice was that program and 40 got in? Or should I interpret the statement as meaning that most of these 400 applicants applied to many programs and that the program in question actually accepted more than 40 because a number accepted will end up going somewhere else? If the latter is the case, do the programs therefore accept, say 40, waitlisting 'x' more, and then admit from the waitlist as they learn that an accepted student has gone to another program? Is it wise to apply ED, or do Theatre programs dissuade against ED?</p>
<p>I found the answer to my questions on the MT thread. Its the latter case. For a very good description of the admissions process, go to the MT thread, go to Otterbein's thread, and read drjohns detailed description of the process.</p>
<p>Some BFA programs are not really by audition, so they would be a safety. I'm thinking specifically of Marrieta in OH and Northern Kentucky. There's talk of their program on the MT thread. My S visited Marrieta last summer. Nice school, tiny program, shoestring budget.</p>
<p>This might have been posted before in this thread but I couldn't find it in all these posts. </p>
<p>I want to be an actor in movies and tv. Would it be best to go to a college in California or NY for this? Also, how does it all work? Do I need to apply to some sort of theater program or could I double major in acting? What are my options in getting training to be an actor?</p>
<p>Follow-up question: There are some large Universities out there with BFA Performance/Acting programs that seem to be off the radar screen of CC: Michigan State, Univ. of Rhode Island, Auburn Univ., Univ. of Wyoming, Univ. of Florida, and Univ. of Illinois (there are others as well). I know that nobody out there has knowledge about all of these programs. If our list consisted of 'far reach' programs (BU, Rutgers, Syracuse, Michigan, Otterbein) would these be good examples of 'reach' schools, acknowledging that such categorization is itself problematic, given that in any given year, each program is looking for certain kinds of new students. Our 'safety' colleges are likely to be LACs and and we also are looking at Penn State (BA) and Fordham (BA) - these latter two more 'reach' than 'safety' Any direct or tangential comments would be appreciated.</p>
<p>What are good acting programs in CA universities? And what exactly do most programs look for? And could i take up majoring in lets say English and still be in a acting program? And what would I accomplish after the program is over. Sorry for all the questions. If any one knows the answers that would be great!</p>
<p>bittersweetie33. I am a parent. Your questions sound a lot like mine about four months ago. I learned a lot by reading the theatre/acting and musical theatre threads. Go back to the search forum. There you will see 'majors'. Go to 'arts' and also 'musical theatre'. You will find answers there. Also, I found a lot of good info on university web sites. The problem; the more info. I get the more complex and challenging the issues and process looks. My S is a HS Junior looking at both BFA and BA acting programs.</p>
<p>I can't speak to all the schools you mentioned. But both Wyoming and Illinois have very strong undergraduate Acting programs. The Wyoming students are always in the regional finals of the KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Acting Competition, and they've won nationals more than once. Illinois has a fine BFA training program, with good voice work and solid actor training. Worth looking at. </p>
<p>As for entrance, I would guess that Illinois is moderately competitive. I have no idea of the situation at Wyoming.</p>
<p>Bittersweetie33... USC has both a BFA and a BA acting program, but I do not know how involved the BA Theatre students are able to become in productions, classes, etc.... If you are looking to major in something other than theatre you may want to look at a smaller college that is open to non-majors taking classes with majors and auditioning for shows. Many smaller programs are more open.</p>
<p>For a double major type thing in CA you might look at UCSB</p>
<p>Briansteffy. </p>
<p>As you are doing your school search due diligence I will share a “school of thought” (couldn’t help it) that some people have. It is a contentious issue that I really don’t want to resurrect. Basically I relayed some advice that we received from a professional actor. If you want to read the whole iteration and the ensuing back and forth go to the MT forum and search for a thread titled “Advice from a professional”. </p>
<p>This is a reply to my post by Actressfosho who attended an elite arts HS and I have been told is exceptionaly talented; Fishbowlfreshman also shares these views and I think you could just search all her posts on CC and would have enough material to write a book on the subject. </p>
<p>
[quote]
I have been told basically the same thing. The implication is that the pro thinks Wally's daughter should go Ivy or wait until graduate school. It does go against the grain on this forum but I don't think it is a bad idea if what she wants to do is Shakespeare and Chekhov etc. in the big regional theatres. Most of those actors have masters degrees or come from a small group of elite conservatories. It wouldn't mean as much for those who want to exclusively do musicals or screen acting in NY and LA. I have been told it is best to get your start as young as possible for that. However, there is no denying that a well attended showcase and a prestigious name on your resume will be a big help straight out of school. I completely agree about the benefits of training with an elite ensemble as well. I think we all know which schools those are by now so we hopefully won't go there again.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The proof to this for me was studying the bios of 7 of the most successful regional theater companies in the country. Certainly there is the exception of the company member who went to Idaho State or some such. Yet the rule does seem to be what she has said, “…masters degree or come from a small group of elite conservatories” </p>
<p>Now lets not start the ranking debate again. If you feel the need to do so lets take it back to the MT forum. Briansteffy seems to be working hard and asking good questions in their school search and I want him to know a belief that some people have in this process.</p>
<p>bitter, you said you want to act in tv and film, then go to a school in LA would best. that way you can start learning the biz end while you're training to be a pro actor.</p>
<p>also, you'll know if you like the reality of LA tv and film acting a lot better when you graduate if you're already in LA. it's not for everyone.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions. </p>
<p>I'm also wondering...say if i want to go to UCSD or USC, how would i get into their theater program? Are there special requirements? And does a bfa or ba program provide the best training for acting that not just teaches you about about theater and the history but actually gets you performing on stage. And whats the difference between a bfa and ba? And how long are the programs? Also, can someone tell me where I can find more information about this.</p>
<p>WallyWorld. Last week I met with a the professor who teaches acting in my LAC. She advised something similar. However, and I do not know if I should say this, given that I use my name as my CC ID and my son is likely to apply to programs administered by CC contributors, but as a parent I do not care if my son gets a BFA and does not pursue an acting career. What is most importan to me is that in his late teens and early 20s he follow his bliss.<br>
The 'Chronicle of Higher Education' a few weeks ago had a great article discussing the problem with HS/college-age boys; so many are cynical and 'dissing'; some, full-fledged 'kynics'. When you see your S falling into this cultural trap, but then find a passion, you (or ay least I do) run with it. I spoke at length with the mentioned professor about my son and whetehr he should go to an LAC (i.e.,my college, which can hang in there with the best, the only distinction being that it has less brand ID - we should not forget that a number of Ivies were open admission, assuming you had the money and lineage, before WWII) or a BFA program, even if it is not top-tier, and I came away leaning toward the latter, given who and what my son is.
None of us entertain phantasies that he will end up in a regional theatre or film. However, we do entertain phantasies of participating in the best affordable Theatre program that we can get into. And this phantasy is sufficient. I am a product of the LAC tradition and I have been teaching in a LAC for nearly two decades (and I have been an outside reviewer for many LACs), and I confess that, while I would rather my son not go to a big state research factory, many LACs are still trying to adjust to the 20th century, let alone the 21st century. I am not convinced that LACs walk their talk; 'life of the mind'; 'the examined life'. On the other hand, the ARTS and MT threads are evidence, at least when compared to the CC threads of those heading (or having phantasies of going) to the top LACs, of engagement and critical examination. True, my son would not get a thorough introduction to all of the divisions of knowledge in a BFA program, but he would gain an intimate sense of that which fascinates him. Each path has its pros and cons. And if he ends up in the long run in a law firm or an investment banking firm - god, I hope not - that's fine; the path would just be less than efficient.</p>
<p>That’s fair enough. I am sitting five blocks from a nationally known expensive private LAC and your analysis of them is, I believe, correct. I will also accept your shot at investment bankers which happens to be my profession with a smile. Your son is in a very different place than our D. She has been told by professional actors that she should audition for tv/film work and wants nothing of it. Not only does she know what she wants to do after college she knows with which company on which stage working with which directors. This happens to be with a company that attracts the best of the best so for her to realize that phantasy the advice posted above needs to be followed. </p>
<p>I spent two hours this summer speaking with CMU BFA grad who now works for said company. A very talented kid who will be Romeo this year for them. I asked him two hours worth of questions. Turns out that only 5 of the 13 students in his class are currently working as professional actors. One is an attorney one is a college teacher one is a stay at home mom, etc. He, as I do, believe that getting a degree in acting/drama and then not working professionally is not a tragedy at all. I happen to think theater training would be an exceptional background for an investment banker. I give a lot of seminars and workshops and public speaking engagements. Now he would probably need to follow it up with an MBA though. If you think about it drama contains elements of lots of disciplines; public speaking, history, literature, English, choreography and convincing people that something that is not real is actually real (immensely important for investment bankers) :)</p>
<p>is there a point in going to a drama school because what if acting doesnt work out...then ud be jobless. Does anyone have backup plans just in case?</p>