<p>This is Chrissyblu’s D. I should really get my own one of these. I just wanted to say thanks for the article and the help. I think Cal Arts may offer me some financial aid - the gentleman in charge of that is contacting me via phone. I am starting to understand the BA thing and not really get so caught up in it. I don’t think it’s as big as a concern with these two schools. I had a teacher who’s friend was in UCLA’s BA and MFA program and she liked the BA program better - one of my concerns is a school with a big MFA program would give more attention to the MFAs. I know for sure that is not the case with CalArts - because the BFAs and MFAs work together. Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>Chrissy and Chrissy’s D…I’m glad you also enjoyed the article. I also felt it was one of the better I have read on the subject. A large personal concern for us, after considering whether a particular program will provide great training, is what can we do with this very expensive degree acquired if my D isn’t able to support herself in the business or wants to pursue another career. One thing she has considered is law school and so considering whether a law school will be more impressed by her BA or BFA has been a consideration. </p>
<p>Believe it or not I remember a time when you could rise in a corporation with a high school education. I have watched a BA become mandatory and then an MBA or PHD. Now a corporation life is different than theatre…we all know there are some successful people without any college. However just based on watching success in this field I really wonder if there is not a trend towards more training/education. (setting aside the exceptions). I have often read the philosophy that an MFA is only for people that want to teach. (although I personally like the backup option that would create for my D) But recently whether looking at Tony winners or Playbills I have noticed more and more people that pursued a BA followed by an MFA. </p>
<p>My D is taught by MFAs, sees them in performances, performs alongside them. At least where she is she is amazed at their talent. Two basic thoughts keep resonating with me…first, if there is an MFA program that has to mean there is MORE to learn and if there is more to learn, there has to exist the possibility to be better in your field. The second thought is …well…Meryl Streep has an MFA. Here is one opinion…</p>
<p>[ActorsLife.com</a> : Feature Article: To MFA or Not to MFA… That is the Question](<a href=“http://www.actorslife.com/article.php?id=141]ActorsLife.com”>http://www.actorslife.com/article.php?id=141)</p>
<p>Hi everyone. First, I would like to thank each and every one of you who has provided such valuable insight to help my D reach her important decision. You have made great suggestions, given wonderful pep talks, and overall helped us throughout this incredible journey. </p>
<p>We are pleased to report that my D has reached her decision. The winner is UCLA!<br>
Much was involved in reaching this decision, but after my D talked with one of the professors last week and we spend a full day on campus at the Accepted Students event, she made her choice with the biggest smile and joy I have seen on her face in a long time.</p>
<p>UCLA made the most incredible presentation. First, they have what is known as the “freshman experience.” All of the Theatre students take nearly all classes together their first year. This is for MT, Acting, Directing, Playwrighting and Production. They learn how to read a play and read a different play every week, and must each work in labs on each area of production: lighting, set construction/design, wardrobe. They take Tai Chi together, and the Actors and MT take Ballet together. First quarter, they have no general ed courses at all. Second quarter, they may take one general ed course, usually writing. They don’t begin specializing until sophomore year. Then MT and Acting continue taking acting in mixed classes together, but movement is different, with MT dancing, and actors begining more traditional movement and combat courses. They also offer combat on film (which I have never seen anywhere else.) </p>
<p>The actors often work closely with the film students who are in the same school. All of the student actors on stage said they had been in student films. What a great experience! Actors are allowed to addition for and be in the musicals, and in fact, 2 of the actors are in “Anything Goes” this term with the MT students. </p>
<p>You don’t study the Classics until senior year. Also in senior year, they take acting for the camera and work with a casting director on learning the business. They must have an agent as a requirement of one of their classes. So you can’t graduate without lining up an agent. Students are successful. The professors regularly see their former students on t.v. and films.</p>
<p>Casting directors regularly come into the school to teach master classes, see the kids, etc. So do Hollywood types. Annette Bening. Dustin Hoffman. Anthony Hopkins. The kids spend time at special screenings and then those involved in the films talk to the students of the School (this is the actors, and film students.) So, for example, last year they screened Milk and the screenwriter of Milk then spoke to the kids. </p>
<p>They have classes in direction and playwriting which they are encouraged to take. This helps the kids understand their art. They can minor in film. (Yes, at the famed UCLA Film School.)</p>
<p>And its in the middle of Westwood, a fun and happening part of LA.</p>
<p>Then there is the BA. This is a real BA. They take a year of foreign language. They have writing and literature course by the boatload. They must take science, and history, and social studies courses, but no math. At lunch we met a current Freshman Acting student. She turned down CMU to go to UCLA. We asked her why she would turn down CMU. She said it was because of the BA. She said “How can you do a play by Chekov when you don’t understand anything about the Russian revolution?” That pretty much put that thought into a nutshell.</p>
<p>Then there was the interaction between the faculty and the students. First names. Lots of joking around. Laughing. And a very intellectual banter I never saw at any of the other schools. They think about acting not just in how to do it, but why they are doing it, and what happened to help them learn how to do it that way. And the kids themselves… the ones who will be in my D’s class… the nicest kids. My D felt that way about the CCM kids. She was hoping that the UCLA kids would be as nice as the CCM kids. They were. She already is texting and facebooking several of them. </p>
<p>So, that is why she and I headed to the bookstore and she bought all her UCLA gear, including a sticker for her car. And that is why we did her statement of intent to register last night.</p>
<p>Once again, thank you to everyone for all your help and guidance this last year. We couldn’t have gotten here without your help!</p>
<p>Chrissy - A Bruin Mom</p>
<p>Wow, Chrissy, that is a testimonial to end all testimonials. Brava to you and your daughter for her choice of school and all that the two of you have gone through during the long process!! </p>
<p>Boston University is a little bit the same as UCLA in the first year because it has a performance core where students in various tracks study together. Another similarity is the niceness, intellectualism, ease with the faculty, and happiness and laughter. </p>
<p>BU is a little more classics oriented, I think. UCLA sounds more film oriented. That BA does sound absolutely fabulous!</p>
<p>Best regards from “Terrier Mom” to “Bruin Mom.”</p>
<p>I must echo Chrissyblu. My daughter and I were there for the day at UCLA and were totally blown away by the faculty and students who were present. This just reinforced my daughters earlier decision to commit to UCLA.
The theater facilites alone are amazing, but when you add to that the film/TV facilities and opportunities as well as the beautiful location it is just a deal clincher.</p>
<p>BTW Chrissyblu, did you find the store with the TFT clothing and stickers?</p>
<p>No… we didn’t find that one. I think it is the one that is to the left of the school as you are facing it. We saw it only after we had bought the standard UCLA gear, but I think that my D will have plenty of time to “gear up.” But we bought the ASUCLA store out! The way she told her dad that she decided to go to UCLA was to buy him a “UCLA Dad” t shirt. Then she played like she hadn’t made up her mind on the phone, but when we walked in the door, she threw the shirt at him and said “I got you something.” He looked at it and got a big old grin on his face and got up and hugged her. He is a Bruin. He is very happy.</p>
<p>YAY!!! So glad the Chrissyblu family has come to a happy decision!!! :D</p>
<p>P.S. Don’t get me started on the Russian Revolution. I’ve been geeking on that period since high school. Lotta ways to skin that cat … ;)</p>
<p>Chrissy: Congrats to your daughter.</p>
<p>Good for you Chrissy! You and your D worked hard at this decision,a nd you both should be commended! It was lovely meeting you at Cal Arts, and my son will miss having your daughter as a classmate 
Best of luck to you both!</p>
<p>chrissyblu - Congratulations to your D on her choice of UCLA. It sounds like the right place for her to be!</p>
<p>Thanks, Hedda! I hope your son is very successful and happy at Cal Arts!</p>
<p>bumping…</p>