<p>I am under the impression that most BFA programs make you start as a freshman. There may be some exceptions but I think most programs are that way.</p>
<p>I know a student who transfered to USC who didn't want to lose the two years put in at another college and so he ended up going the BA route instead of the BFA.</p>
<p>if i go into a BA program in music...would i then be able to go for my MFA in mt? im not sure if the two mesh or not...kinda clueless...
:/</p>
<p>chrism, are you talking about a program like AMDA or AADA? If so, then I can tell you that those credits would not transfer and the student would have to start again as a freshman. The reason being, that they are not accredited colleges.</p>
<p>greenorphan, there's really no way to give you a definitive answer to your question. Keep in mind that there are very few graduate MT programs in the country. Most MFA programs are straight drama. Graduate programs in this field are much smaller than undergrad, for instance, at NYU, the graduate drama program takes 16 applicants a year, undergrad 300. As a result, they are obviously much more selective than even the undergrad programs, which are already rivalling Ivies for acceptance rates. I'm curious why you'd go for a degree in music if you're interested in MT.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if you can audition for both programs at UM? I believe you can audtion separately for dance and MT at UM - but can you for a straight acting BFA as well?</p>
<p>And I would assume this might involve 2 applications - 2 audition dates - etc.</p>
<p>I'll post this over on the MT thread too.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help - you helpful people.....(and thesbo- I think you could also major in computer science if you wanted to..how the heck do you get all those links in there....no- don't answer - I wouldn't understand it anyway....just let me think of it as 'magic')</p>
<p>janenw</p>
<p>Janenw, you can apply to a variety of different programs at Michigan including BFA Acting and MT. You can also just apply to their liberal arts program. The only issue is that the auditions are not coordinated as they are at some schools; for example, Ithaca, CMU, Syracuse, Emerson, OCU will look at your MT audition and may place you into their acting program based on that audition. At Michigan, you need to audition separately for the programs which can mean 2 audition dates, two trips.</p>
<p>Janenw,
But a good witch always passes along her magic ... ;) I just randomly learned it from the vB Code List on the FAQ and on the far bottom left of the "Go Advanced" option when I got mad that my newly acquired HTML skills didn't work anymore when they changed the site format. Me in computer science? Perish THAT thought! LOL</p>
<p>Janenw,</p>
<p>I know your question regarding BFA Acting at Michigan has probably already been answered to your satisfaction, but I'll chime in anyway. One of my D's acquaintances auditioned for both MT and straight acting at U.M. in the fall of 2003. She was accepted into the acting program, but not the MT program. She has just finished her freshman year at U.M. I believe she was able to schedule her MT and acting auditions on the same day, but I'm not 100% sure of that. As others have told you, it is necessary to check the audition dates for both programs.</p>
<p>Thanks all for your help..the main thing seems to be one application - two auditions - possibly on 2 different days. </p>
<p>I'll give them a call later in the summer to make sure this is the procedure.</p>
<p>And Thesbo - thanks for sharing your magic - but I still don't get it....</p>
<p>jane</p>
<p>Hello.</p>
<p>To all that I remember and can name and to all those I cant remember but hold close in my thoughts.</p>
<p>First let me say a very big thanks to Thesbohemian for her dogged diligence to keep this thread going. With you here there would not be a place for those interested and pursuing Theatre Stage Arts. Let me say too, the recent maturity that I have read in your posts recently speaks volumes for your intent and direction for the future. I am proud of you and you should be too! Evansville will be ever so excited to have you as one of their own!</p>
<p>I started this thread over a year ago when life was kinder and simpler. Unfortunately, for those that know, I had to bow out last June.</p>
<p>Life takes its curious twists and bends and one needs to be flexible and every so ready for the unexpected even when one is not prepared.</p>
<p>To Thesbohemian, wct, Dancermon; Caroline, DrJohn and Jamimom; Soozievt, Thedad, Norcalmom and the Cohns, and to so many others, Thanks. I was down and out myself for over 16 wks with health problems and not being able to even type on the computer. In the meantime, I have just within the last few days touched base with CC and have seen that the format has changed dramatically and have tried to catch up on so many lives whether here on this thread or elsewhere on CC, particurily the MT Thread which is worth its weight in gold in even if it is diverging to in several threads of its own. My heart and pains of grief goes out to all that have met adversity and tragedy and to all others that have done well in spite of life itself. For others, it is with a sigh of relief and smiles that so many have done well!</p>
<p>I would also like to take this time to explain something else that was pervasive a year ago and that was a nasty virus and misuse of my personal information that plagued many of us at the time. I was one of them. So much so, my personal name and email was lifted and used by others to write on CC or alter some of my content ( to be nothing more than vicious and troublemaking for their own pleasure) along with and this is even worse- lifting and using my name and email to solicit others for an array of activities that had nothing to do with me personally. It included infiltrating the CC site and College sites that I had talked about on CC. Obviously, I had to stop. I steadily, warned as many as I could, changed my email and security ids profile etc and patched what I could with industries that were infiltrated by a virus that attacked them through me. This, I should say was over and above all my security protection on the internet I thought I had secured.</p>
<p>This thread of Theatre/Drama is an excellent one for those seeking solid information and direction. I congratulate all those that went through the grueling process this past year, have graduated and now reap the fine rewards to move on to their chosen College/University schools. You will all do well no mater where you are because of one thing and that is your intent.</p>
<p>For those new to this site, I wish you all the best1</p>
<p>The anticipation of Senior year and all its expectation along with the anxiety of anticipation of where one will go to college is huge and quite normal. For the students and Parents. The good news is Time takes care of itself (even when you think it could ever be) and this time next year when hats are thrown in the sky of completion and knowingness of their future, Parents too can take a deep sigh of relief and really enjoy the fruits of their labor.</p>
<p>The Theatre/Drama Thread is an excellent one bent on providing solid information. I encourage any who are seeking - to follow its leadership and sage advice.</p>
<p>Look for my post on this thread titled UCLA and College
Selection Advice for further information.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I once again applaud and congratulate those that have completed this last year and encourage those looking at the year ahead with high dreams and expectations. AS I have always said to my children - Reach for the stars and fall on the moon one will never go wrong with that kind of attitude or expectation.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Valerie</p>
<p>For those that know and for those that dont a year ago my son was accepted to the professional school of Theatre, Film and Television at UCLA.</p>
<p>He went through a grueling year of applications and auditions and in the end the decision was down to NYU or UCLA.</p>
<p>Mind you there was a lot of heated debate from all corners as to whether this school and its BA in Theatre vs. going to NYU with its BFA was the right decision.</p>
<p>My husband and I rung our hands over this dilemma and nearly drove ourselves to insanity with delirium of self doubt for his future.</p>
<p>When I discovered CC. I received saged and wise council for the two choices and all the pro and cons.</p>
<p>In the end we choice UCLA over NYU because of what they were offering our son and TOO, because we thought of what would be wise for him in the long run vs. the short term of name of a program.</p>
<p>UCLA was chosen for its excellance and what the campus as a whole could be avalible to our son now and in the future. Also, I have to underline the fact, that my husband and I were very concerned with the issues of NYC as a whole. The psychological fallout of some of their students and the fact the NYU was a city campus separated by many blocks if not miles of classes and some of those classes in Theatre were outsourced on a contractual basis. Too, and this should be underscored; our son had been schooled in a private boarding school for the performing arts through H.S. accepted as a freshman in the junior year concentration of a major in MT, directing, stage management, lighting , costume design, construction and crew.</p>
<p>In essence he was a California student with a well developed background in Theatre stage.</p>
<p>In the fall of 2004 he became a UCLA freshman given lots of perks and suite housing and loved the atmosphere. AS I write this evening he is home for the summer. Very busy in his own pursuit of theatre and other interest. His first year on the UCLA campus and his position as a Theatre student could not have gone better. He was very busy in all assignments given to him which were pretty complex and he made himself very busy in pursing graduate level and undergraduate level acting where it was for a school project or else. In his second semester he took several general studies of course which augmented his Theatre studies. I am happy to say that his interest in biotech research and seismology classes has more than peaked an interest. He continually garnered As or strong B+s in all his classes and made himself available to his teachers for extra coaching where he felt needed. He also discovered the campus archives of TV and Film and had the best time renting out episodes of Howdy Doody and movies with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodger, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Charlie Chapin, Barrymore and such.</p>
<p>This next year coming up which will be his sophomore year, he has decided to pursue the theatre conservatory track that is available to all students in Theatre vs taking a straight B.A. track. Too, he has developed and started his own production company that he is pursuing with writing grants for performance along with directing and selecting students for roles and procuring his own venue of furniture and props to pursue his goals.</p>
<p>This next year will also see him in is own apartment off campus with another intent Theatre director student. He is quite pleased and taking on a purpose of his own.</p>
<p>There is much talk to be said about whether one should peruse a BA or a BFA track in college for Theatre/Drama.</p>
<p>If I may, give my humble experience to those that are sleepiness deprived because of which way to direct and then invest in their childs future let me say this </p>
<p>IT DOES NOT MATTER</p>
<p>The most important thing parents and students need to realize is what is going to be a good fit for the next four years. That, and what else does the campus offer if one decides to change their mind and go a different course. </p>
<p>Some students need a small campus, direction and a collegiate atmosphere. Others do well on a larger campus, not well focused or on a city campus that does not provide the collegiate atmosphere of unity.</p>
<p>Some students need the security of a campus that will lead their way when not in classes and others dont give any mind to riding the subway or taking a public bus to get from point A to B.</p>
<p>Let it be said though, that my husband and I do not believe in freshman having cars on campus so whether your student his on a UCLA campus filled with campus transportation and lots of directions to go and be off campus or whether you student has to find their own way let it be said where there is a will there is a way. I can not tell you how many phone calls I received from my intelligent son who downloaded bus information or rail information to get him from one place to the other that found himself on the other side of town, in the middle of no where or ensconced with the well used people of the Greyhound depot in the middle of L.A. or worse dropped off in West L.A. having no clue where he was or when the next bus was coming or where it would take him.</p>
<p>I make it an absolute must to see my hairdresser every six weeks to cover my grey hairs my massage therapist kneads out my tight knotted worry muscles and when left to my own I have learned to sleep with a sleep mask over my eyes and NOT answer the phone unless it is an immediate programmed alarm!!!!!!</p>
<p>There has also been much talk in the pass about whether schools any schools for that fact equal the ivy leagues on the EAST Coast.</p>
<p>Let me a sure you that even though California is in the midst of a nightmare of funding its State and University schools let alone any of its other utilities for existence that there are some very highly profile schools in California that exceed the East Coast or on par with heir excellence.</p>
<p>Saying that means I have to back up what I am saying and I will say this. As a whole schools are what they are no matter where they are located. The East Coast is known for Old Money, it philosophies, literature, history and politics along with is publishing and romantic languages. Too, finance and international law. The West Coast is known for their politics, publishing, biotech, science exploration into astronomy, their math and computer science. The Midwest is known for their finance, Marketing, literature, agriculture and medicine. The Southwest for their arts and culture and sport management, the south for its sports, architecture and excellent schooling. The southern south for its oil, finance, cattle and civil engineering. In other words even if one were to go to school in Minnesota where they are known for their hockey or Alaska where they are known for the new frontier or Washington State for where they are known for their acute critical care medicine or industrial arts; a student and their parents must choose a school that resembles and most reflects the innate ability and give challenge to their child. Saying this does not mean that going to ones one State school or University is a no-no. But does it fit the students needs.</p>
<p>Students have a way of evening themselves out by the end of sophomore year wherever they attend. If left alone on their own accord they will seek out and follow their true path. I have met and known more biotech and NASA mathematicians who went to a non descript school in the middle of tin buck to that most wouldnt give two hoots about. So, the bottom line is explore a lot of schools of interest, weigh them all for affordability and possible future possibility.</p>
<p>Since this is a Theatre/Drama Thread, let me add that when seeking to look at different schools, go to the faculty directory of the Theatre department and read where the faculty went to school; how many are employed in theatre or theatre academic outside of the school; how many hours and buildings are devoted to the kraft; the teachers theatre experience and then the faculty experience. One will become quite familiar with the fact that most teachers or current PLAYBILL actors did not go to any BFA conservatory undergraduate school. Most however, did pursue a graduate degree in Masters of Theatre ARTS after their undergraduate degree. Whether they went on to graduate school right away or took a few years off to work or find themselves before pursuing Theatre. Too, look closely at your Regional actors vs. the Broadway actors or those you are aware of from the TV Screen, Broadway or the movies. It is you Regional Actors who learn their kraft on the stage that do well in the long run no matter what venue they pursue. </p>
<p>Finally, look at a school that doesnt necessarily have a degree in Theatre but are very strong in their English Departments and put on a lot of plays or thespian speeches and acts. Like the University of Chicago or Marquette University. Wesleyan College is another example, just to name a few.</p>
<p>There are lots of little private schools that are excellent choices for a student. The small Christian University in Naperville, Ill and the huge Universities like the University of Nebraska.</p>
<p>And Finally, Finally, students who are ever so talented or bent on the intent of pursuing Theatre need to seek out all avenues for internships, summer employment in the venue of theatre like jobs at Disney World or local theme parks, shuffling clerical papers for a local playhouse and summer stock. Too, working at a local camp with children in the arts and being tour agents at the local airport or in the closes city to where you live. Not to mention summer opportunities in theatre overseas during the summer where they gain school credit toward graduation and have in some cases their tuition reduced by going to overseas campuses.</p>
<p>There are all sorts of opportunities it is not all tied up in where one goes to school or what diploma one receives.</p>
<p>Valerie</p>
<p>Last summer when my husband and I were visiting UCLA, we arrived just as the white security helicopters were hovering close to the tree tops on campus as President Reagan's body was being moved from his home to the medical morgue in preperation for his wake. It was to say the least a beautiful sunny day in the midst of mourning.</p>
<p>As we toured the campus we felt like it was home for our son and had a delightful time with our thee day stay there. Unfortunately, due to my health (we were unable to really research the area for other fine Theatre Schools or programs like I had promised CC I would do) and shorten our trip to fly home for rest and medical care.</p>
<p>However, in the midst of all of this I did come across a lovely College that should not be overlooked when one is looking for a smaller campus to pursue the arts.</p>
<p>The little gem of a school I found is call Loyola Marymount and is an excellant choice in more ways than one. Indeed if one were to seek out the beackground of its theatre personnel one would not be dissappointed. Most are Master graduates of UCLA and have extensive background in applied Theatre experience..</p>
<p>There are however, many schools in the Southern region of California that are well recognised and one surely can not overlook the many fine schools and theatres in the State that have excellan talent and programs.</p>
<p>But, if one were to ask me what is the one "little gem" of a theatre program at a college I would not hesitate to say Loyola Marymount.</p>
<p>You won't be dissappointed.</p>
<p>Valerie</p>
<p>Hello,
I am going to be an incoming freshman at Rutgers University next year as a B.F.A. Acting major.<br>
First of all, I was wondering if any of you are going to be attending Rutgers as a B.F.A. Acting major or if you knew anyone who was that I could get in contact with.<br>
Secondly, I have already done the college search/application/audition process with 17 different schools at the Chicago Unified auditions. Cornish, UCLA, CalARTS, SMU, Webster, Northern Illinois University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Carnegie Mellon, University of the Arts, NYU, Juilliard (not in Chicago), SUNY Purchase, Ithaca, Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts (LIPA), Emerson and Rutgers. I visited a lot of the college campuses, am familiar with many of the colleges as well as several others not listed and can help with any questions you may have about colleges or the college process for a perspective theater career, although it seems there has already been some good advice provided on this Thread. :)</p>
<p>Yay for Valerie being back! You did a very good thing when you started this thread. Good to see things have improved and I'm glad your son is enjoying UCLA! :)</p>
<p>Welcome, Tsperling. Seventeen auditions in Chicago? Wow! Were some of them walk-ins? What was it that set Rutgers apart for you when you made your final decision?</p>
<p>Hey tsperling - WOW that is ALOT of auditions lol! It's pretty impressive you were able to just handle to do them all, and I'm sure they were all great auditions! Anyway, ya as thesbohemian said, why did you decide on Rutgers?? And if you don't mind me asking, what other schools were you accepted to that you said no to in favor of Rutgers? Thanks in advance for the insight</p>
<p>tsperling05-</p>
<p>Inquiring minds want to know! Do tell, if you a comfortable doing so, how many acceptances out of the bunch? Did grades keep you out of some programs or did you have good stats? I noticed that USC was not on your list. Why? Did you visit Cal Arts and if so what was your take on it?</p>
<p>Hello all,
Such speedy replies! Well, here are the results: </p>
<p>Acceptances:
Cornish, Webster, University of Michigan, SUNY Purchase, Ithaca, SMU, Emerson, Northern Illinois University, Rutgers. </p>
<p>Wait-listed:
CalARTS, NYU, LIPA </p>
<p>Rejections:
Juilliard, UCLA, University of Minnesota, University of the Arts, Carnegie Mellon. </p>
<p>Thesbohemian - Surprisingly I only did 1 walk in (Northern Illinois) and was somehow able to fit all the other auditions into my 4 day schedule. It was a tough decision in the end, but I chose Rutgers because the program was perfect for me. Their focus is on emotional truth, which I believe is the core of acting. They use the Meisner method to help break you down to the point where you are only reacting to what the other actor is saying/doing instead of "acting." Also, junior year, the entire junior class goes abroad to London and studies at Shakespeare's Globe in London for the entire year!!! I am so excited for that opportunity!! And finally in the senior year, there is a showcase in NY (I believe it's NY, I could be wrong though) which I think is a big help as a pushing off block into the business. And the campus is about 45 minutes away from NYC by train, so you're not in the city, but you're close enough. </p>
<p>hayhayden - see above :) </p>
<p>wct - I had pretty average stats (1160's on the SAT's and a 25 on the ACT) and good grades throughout high school. This could have been a factor in some of the schools, but as far as I know for most B.F.A. programs, it's about 80% audition, 20% everything else. Some schools vary, but you just don't fit for some schools, ya know? It could be a thousand different reasons.<br>
I visited USC and saw a production of the Laramie Project there. I loved the campus and the atmosphere, but I was not impressed with the production at all. My dad and I walked out and actually asked directions from an acting teacher who worked at USC who had also walked out of the production because she didn't like it. This could have been a fluke production, but that's the impression I walked away with, so I decided not to audition. I had several friends who liked it a lot and auditioned for it though.<br>
CalART's was actually one of the only campus' I did not visit, but I have a friend who's going there for tech and he did visit and told me it was very high-tech, very cool and seemed like a positive place to grow. I had a great time at the audition, the people were very nice, and it was one of the top schools on my list throughout the process.</p>
<p>Thanks Thesbo for your reply. Its been some kind of year. You yourself have had a pretty tough year and yet seem to have come up on top of it all. My best wishes to your mother.</p>
<p>Also, I think you have a calling here with CC. Your post are most informative and complete. How helpful to all those looking for good honest information in the Theatre/Drama area.</p>
<p>Wear warm clothes in College. it gets cold in Evansville!!!</p>
<p>Valerie</p>
<p>"Some schools vary, but you just don't fit for some schools, ya know? It could be a thousand different reasons."
Nicely said. Sounds like you stayed focused on how and what you want to learn. Hope you have a great year. Update us with your progress.</p>
<p>Valerie,
Thanks! Mom is back at work and doing great! I wouldnt wish my winter of 04-05 on my worst enemy. My teachers seemed to think it added depth to my acting, but there must be a better way ... The pimp coat collection is already off to a good start. ;) Fortunately, UE is a small campus, so I won't be out in the coldness that is the Indiana winter for extended periods.</p>
<p>Thesbohemian - Congratulations on Evansville! I assume you're going to be an entering freshman this fall. What make you decide on it? Where else did you look at/apply to? I didn't look at Evansville, but have heard great things about it!</p>