I’d love to!!
I applied to both acting and directing programs, but, as the year went on, I realized I was loving my directing interviews and dreading my auditions. I realized that probably meant I was more called to directing, and I shifted my focus and emotional energy to those programs. These are the schools I applied to for directing:
-DePaul University: BFA Theatre Arts w/ Directing concentration
-Carnegie Mellon University: BFA Directing
University of the Arts: BFA Directing, Playwriting, and Production
-University of North Carolina School of the Arts: BFA Directing
University of Michigan: BFA Directing
I applied to sixteen schools total. The rest were acting programs. Of the directing programs I listed, I was accepted at DePaul (and will be attending in two weeks!), waitlisted at CMU, and called and personally asked to reapply to UNCSA next year. (Because of my acting background, some programs were worried I would feel unfulfilled if I abandoned acting completely. Ultimately, I agree, which is why I’m very happy I ended up where I did, as I’ll have the opportunity to explore the full breadth of theatre while still concentrating in directing.)
There are fewer schools wherein you can major in directing as an undergrad than there are schools whrrein you can major in acting. Other major theatre schools that I know allow the opportunity to concentrate in Directing in some capacity -
-NYU: BFA through the Playwrights Horizons studio (not sure what the degree program is named, as navigating the Tisch website is a total nightmare, but it IS a degree program)
-Pace University: BA in Directing
-UCLA: BA Theatre, Directing Sequence
-Ithaca University: Theatre Studies BA
-Fordham University: BA Directing
NYU, Pace, and Ithaca are in New York, since you mentioned that’s an area you’re interested in.
I’m not sure how familiar you are with the theatre admissions process, so, assuming you’re just getting started, basically all BFA programs and many BA programs will require some combination of in-person audition/interview/portfolio review. Most asked for a ninety second monologue followed by a brief portfolio review/interview. Some required two monologues. Some required no monologues, but had an hour long interview. Some required additional supplemental essays from directing applicants. Unfortunately, there is no uniformity in this process whatsoever. Every school’s requirements will be different - even more so than for acting students, often. You have a lot of research ahead of you.
The good news: There are fewer applicants to directing programs than there are to acting programs.
The bad news: The numbers for admission can kinda offset that. Some of those programs only accept two or three students each year. You have to cast a wide net and avoid falling too in love with any particular program before you see where the chips fall.
When I received so many rejections, I was shocked. Everyone had told me this process was cutthroat, but, to be frank, I didn’t think it would be that way for me. I’d been involved in theatre my whole life. I’d won a lot of awards, completed internships, and really received TONS of positive feedback for the work I’d done. I thought I would be the exception to the rule. And I wasn’t. I was rejected from schools I had felt certain I would be accepted to following my interview. Going through the college theatre admissions process was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
But I grew SO much because of it. I think back to my interviews and auditions, and I realize they’re some of my best memories. I’m going to a great school, and I am so excited for what the future holds.
Not to make this all about me. Basically, I just want to impart to you that, while this process is going to put you through the wringer, I promise that you’ll come out the other end both stronger and wiser. You’ve found an amazing support group through CC, and, even when you’re stressed and anxious, remember that tons of prospective theatre students have been where you are and made it out alive and that you’re going to, too. You got this!
Please PM me if I can be of any help! Tbh, I kinda miss the audition season stress and would love to lend a hand.