<p>Hey everyone, so far i got accepted into UCLA/FORDHAM BA Theatre and EMERSON BFA Acting. I'm an international student so my source of information about these schools are very limited. I know its hard to compare the three schools, but in YOUR point of view which school do you think provides the "best" education in acting? Or if you could atleast outline the advantages and disadvantages of each school, that would help a lot too! Sorry for asking such a naive question. BUT IM DESPERATE!</p>
<p>My only concern for UCLA is that, at the information session (on the audition day) the director of theatre said that theatre in UCLA is heavily based on theory where you are required to constantly write essays. From what you have heard is this true? and if so, would there be a lot of practical work as well?
In addition, although I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Emerson and Fordham, I have never been to UCLA, so I don’t want to finalize my judgement just by experience. Although I like the fact that Emerson provides at BFA in acting, I’m also considering the location, reputation, image of the school in terms of acting (Fordham’s location is definitely a plus). I know UCLA is a well known/recognised school, how well known and popular is Emerson and Fordham for acting in America?</p>
<p>I did not look too deeply into any of these, but I say UCLA hands down if what you want is a career in tv and film. That is where the action is. It is a BA in name only because it has more training than a lot of BFAs. Emerson cuts to a number in case you didn’t know. UCLA also has a much higher ranking for academics than the others and the weather is a million times better. The biggest drawback is earthquakes. haha</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptances! You have some wonderful choices! Allow me to give you some info on Fordham. My S is in his 2nd semester and has loved every minute of it since Day 1! :)</p>
<p>Fordham, as you know, is a BA program in a Jesuit university with a large core curriculum. If you are interested in a well rounded liberal arts education bc you have a wide variety of interests and feel that knowledge gained from courses outside of the Theatre department will help you in your character development on stage, then Fordham may be the school for you. If you are only interested in Theatre and Theatre related courses and don’t want to study anything else, then I recommend you go elsewhere.</p>
<p>Theatre students at Fordham are primarily happy but BUSY. 1st semester you will take Acting I with lab, Collaboration I with lab which is with all the Theatre majors in the class (Performance, Playwriting, Directing and Design/Production) and all the Freshman professors together. You will also be required to work 50 hours in the Scene shop to be scheduled as you see fit. This leaves room for 3 core classes…my S took English Composition II (he placed into II based on SAT writing score) which every incoming Freshman must take, Art History which was selected for him based on a preference survey and is tied to housing, and a Theology course. 2nd semester you will take Acting II and Collaboration II both with labs and you will be required to be on run crew for a show which means attending pre-tech and tech week and of course, all performances. I do believe that some students did run crew last semester and scene shop this semester and that this is assigned by the Theatre dept. Additionally, strike the sets are mandatory. This semester my S is also taking Playwriting (his double major), French and another English course that was required and preselected for him.</p>
<p>There are 20 Theatre students in the Class of 2014, 16 Performance majors, 1 Directing, 2 Design/Production and 1 Performance/Playwriting double major…my S! 19 of the 20 freshman are very happy with their choice. Only 1 has said that he would be happier if Fordham were more of a conservatory and less of a university. </p>
<p>Fordham has a highly reputable Theatre program. The Theatre professors are all outstanding and my S’s academic advisor is the head of the department…he has been truly amazing in mentoring and guiding my S. Several of his professors are very well known and also privately coach some VERY famous actors who have come in to Fordham to talk with the students. Last semester, Dan Lauria met with them. </p>
<p>The Lincoln Center location CANNOT be beat for a Theatre major! My S runs in Central Park, goes to the Met, gets plenty of free or student rush tix, goes ice skating in Bryant Park, etc. but he doesn’t limit himself to the Lincoln Center or Times Square area either and has been to the beach in the Rockaways, Governer’s Island and anywhere he pleases! He has also on occasion taken the Ram Van over to the Rose Hill campus for activities being held there.</p>
<p>There is one dorm at LC and it is apartment style and very nice. This year he is in a forced triple and there is still plenty of room plus nearly $4k was knocked off the room and board, and the second bedroom of the apartment is a double. Together the 5 of them share a full kitchen, DR/LR and full bathroom. Next year he will be in a 3 bedroom apartment that is larger and has 2 bathrooms for the 6 of them. </p>
<p>Fordham LC doesn’t have a typical dining plan although freshman are required to put $1600 on a declining balance card for the small cafeteria. The hours are not great and the food is primarily pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, etc. although there are vegeterian options and a terrific smoothie bar. You can add more to it if you need to and the money will carry over until you graduate. However, bc there is a full kitchen it is expected that you will be cooking for yourself which means you also will be food shopping. And groceries in Manhattan can be expensive. For that matter, so can everything else! </p>
<p>Fordham LC is a small but tight community. About 50% of the students are commuters though and they have to work a bit harder to feel like they are part of the community. Of course, people have been known to create drama and gossip but my S stays away from all that. He also stays away from drugs and alcohol. He doesn’t feel left out socially bc of it since there are plenty of other like minded people. He works VERY hard in all of his classes and very rarely misses any of them…Fordham is NOT an easy school…but so far it has paid off with excellent grades. He feels like the Jesuit administration has lived up to their promise of care for the whole person. They know him by name and go out of their way to assist with every concern no matter how small it might be. He has also gone out of his way to cultivate these relationships though and get involved in service opportunities and campus ministry as well. The Jesuit presence is certainly part of the school’s identity but they are welcoming of people of all faiths or none at all.</p>
<p>Hopefully some people with actual knowledge about the other two programs will chime in. I also recommend that you attend the Spring Preview which can really help you determine if Fordham is the school for you. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Sandkmom, thanks for this info on Fordham! My daughter is in 11th grade but Fordham is on her short list. She had some reservations about it being a BA program-- but you have clearly outlined the advantages. She is also a playwright, so she will be particularly interested in the double major. Thanks again for the detailed post.</p>
<p>sandkmom, thanks for the wonderful post. </p>
<p>OP, my S2 was also accepted to UCLA for Theatre BA and we attended the audition/interview/portfolio review section on campus in L.A. At that presentation, the BA program was described as a hybrid BA/BFA in that the students were immersed in theatre courses from the very beginning (they have a Freshman Experience, where all incoming BAs take a full load of theatre courses together–the better to bond into a tight unit within the larger university). The acting program was clearly described as one that focuses on training (so not the theory-heavy focus you mentioned) as opposed to performance. That might be startling as they do not emphasize traditional performance opportunities and do not guarantee student actors will be cast in many full productions! However, in their training focus, they are near-conservatory in intensity, excellence of faculty, and reputation. The hybrid part comes from the General Education requirements of UCLA, where the Theatre BAs need to keep up with this very academically rigorous university. UCLA Theatre BAs tend to be smart, gifted students as well as gifted actors/designers/directors. When we attended the presentation, we noticed some students present were not excited to hear about the challenging GEs, and the director suggested not everyone was looking for this rigor along side such demanding theatre training.</p>
<p>Now, we do not have knowledge of how the program works in reality. But this may help you round out the info you gathered yourself on what the program is intended to be.</p>
<p>To rate your excellent choices I’d suggest–</p>
<p>Emerson BFA for least academic demands of your 3 choices while getting a full-on conservatory based program in the great city of Boston, not far from NYC. Well thought of school. Very well thought of BFA.</p>
<p>Fordham for more academic challenge plus well regarded (and highly praised above) BA program with excellent Lincoln Center/NYC location. </p>
<p>UCLA will likely provide most academic challenge of the 3, with a hybrid BA that boasts near conservatory-style training (within its own highly coveted School–Theatre, Film & Television) in Los Angeles–the best weather, Hollywood connections by far of the 3. And the Theatre major here is referred to as among the top-ranked in the US. But, keep in mind UCLA is a public University and the state budget is in trouble. No telling how fast the tuition will keep rising or how the program may have to change. :(</p>
<p>Hard choice. Best of luck!</p>
<p>I’m glad I could provide some insight as to what a student’s life at Fordham might be like! 
I remember wishing there was someone writing about Fordham last year and the year before when we were in the search process so while I wrote for the OP, I hope that anyone interested will come and visit what has turned out to be such an excellent choice for my S! I would also like to add that we took him kicking and screaming to the first of many visits the summer before Junior year…he had his mind made up that he would be attending NYU before he even understood the difference between a BA and BFA program! Ultimately his decision came down to the two schools (he was accepted to Tisch New Studio for MT) but he felt Fordham was a better fit and choosing the program with the right fit is absolutely priceless! </p>
<p>I did want to add that Fordham’s Theatre classes ARE practical training. There are assignments and even tests but the classroom work is very practical with vocal and movement labs as well. It is not simply theory. Yes, it is a BA but there is a reason that you have to audition for the program instead of simply declaring it as a major. They need to put together a class that fits and can grow as actors individually as well as together. My S hopes to start a theatre company someday and he has already talked to some of his peers about joining him in that endeavor. </p>
<p>[Training</a> & Curriculum](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/training__curriculum/index.asp]Training”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/training__curriculum/index.asp)</p>
<p>I didn’t want to compare the three programs for the OP bc I have no actual knowledge about Emerson or UCLA…even Fordham I really know about from what my S has told me but he has never had the time or desire to come on here and post himself. But I will say that I don’t believe that just bc UCLA is higher ranked than Fordham that it will automatically provide a greater academic challenge. Fordham students are bright, too! Particularly the LC kids! My S was a top student and while he certainly encounters some kids who do not impress him and are in college just to get out of the house and party, for the most part he finds the classroom environment to be very academically stimulating and engaging. Perhaps that has something to do with the nice merit packages offered to their top applicants. He found out about his scholarship after he decided to go to Fordham so it was a very nice bonus and just confirmed for all of us that he was ending up in the right place! </p>
<p>Again, though…I want to mention that Fordham has a VERY large core curriculum…it is part of the Jesuit philosophy of education. My S came in with 24 AP credits and only 6 counted toward the core. The rest were accepted as electives which doesn’t really mean anything given that he is trying to double major and won’t have room in his schedule for electives anyway! </p>
<p>[Core</a> Curriculum – Fordham University](<a href=“http://69.7.74.46/section8/section85/index.html]Core”>http://69.7.74.46/section8/section85/index.html)</p>
<p>[Core</a> Curriculum for Class of 2013 and Beyond – Fordham University](<a href=“http://69.7.74.46/section8/section85/section1696/index.html]Core”>http://69.7.74.46/section8/section85/section1696/index.html)</p>
<p>The fine arts requirement is the only core course that is waived for Theatre majors. Ironically, not only did my S take AP Art History which would have covered it but he was placed in an Art History class first semester based on an interests survey so the waiver meant nothing to him! He actually enjoyed the class though and felt it was much more in depth than his HS class…he particularly enjoyed all the assignments at the Met. He actually had assignments all over NYC from all of his professors, they really do take advantage of all the city has to offer…it’s a big part of their education. Yes, this very large core speaks for itself but I do want to point out that some classes WILL count for more than one requirement. And this is where I think his advisor has been so outstanding in helping him select classes so that he can actually graduate with his double major on time even if it means taking some summer classes. </p>
<p>And speaking about summer classes, I don’t actually think my S will ever be coming home! If you are a McMahon Hall resident…that is the only dorm and it houses undergrads and grad/law students…you can live there all summer if you are either taking classes, have a full time job or a full time internship. So basically, my S does not have to move out and move back in again…he just has to move apartments, and the cost of housing from the end of Spring finals to the beginning of the Fall session is $2370 for a double or $2790 for a single. Originally, I was going to have him commute but nobody gets an apartment in LC in NYC for that kind of $$! So my S will be taking one class for each of the two summer sessions and performing (hopefully for a stipend!) in an Off-Off Broadway play which will run for three weeks. The only thing he is finding difficulty with is finding a part time job bc all of his offers have been for full time work for the entire summer and he won’t be able to get work-study. </p>
<p>The only other thing I would like to add is that NYC, Boston and LA are all great but very different cities. You should keep in mind your end goals when you are choosing your school but you should also realize that they might change. So try to visit all three schools and spend some time in the city to determine if you can see yourself there for the next four years bc each city and program has its own distinctive personality. I think you can logically make your decision and any one of these schools could be a good choice but this is one of those situations where you really just have to trust your gut to make the best decision…for YOU! Then don’t look back! Good luck! :)</p>
<p>sandkmom, thanks a second time for even more detail. Much appreciated!</p>
<p>^^^You are welcome! I really think I’m about “detailed” out! ;)</p>
<p>thank you very much everyone! I just found out today that I also got into BU!! More options to choose from… But now I think I have a better idea of what Fordham and UCLA is like. Not so much about Emerson, but I preferred BU over Emereson anyway so I guess its down to BU vs UCLA vs Fordham</p>
<p>If you are a girl or have a D considering Fordham be aware that the administration is terrible about sexual harassment issues/ date rape. One girl that I know on Bronx campus lost her scholarship because she filed date rape charges with NYPD after campus officials refused t look into her complaint. Another girl filed a complaint because her ex boyfriend hit her after she broke up with him… so they switched HER to a different dorm.</p>
<p>^^^I would be willing to bet there is more to the story but even so, you can find stories on every college campus…“stuff” happens everywhere and sadly, it isn’t always all good. Fordham Theatre applicants should also know that these particular stories you are reporting supposedly happened in the Bronx. The Theatre Dept is located in Lincoln Center which is an entirely different campus with its own security and administration.</p>
<p>Ditto everything sandkmom wrote above.</p>
<p>The post gave me pause because my daughter has put Fordham near the top of her list and because my sister, now a political theorist at a top university, had problems with a sexual assault case at Princeton in the early 80’s-- the local police wanted her to press charges against the well-known-to-them hockey player who attacked her but the campus refused to support her; after much anonymous pressure (hang-up and anonymous threatening phone calls-- this was before email, cell-phones, and caller ID), she decided not to charge him or try to pursue the case. It was a terrible time for a 19-year-old girl. </p>
<p>This is a different time, different era. But I googled the purported case referred to by bxvillemom and found nothing to support her allegations. If she reads these posts, I’d be interested to know more details.</p>
<p>But such things happen at any school. I would not consider NOT applying over such a thing to a school that really matched me. For example, even though that bad incident happened to your sister at Princeton, I still think Princeton is a great school to attend.</p>
<p>I think you have missed my point, soozievt, or perhaps I was unclear. bxvillemom was immediately shouted down for her post, but for the wrong reasons. Her accusations seem unsubstantiated, yet I have checked her previous posts, and she is a legitimate user, not someone who made an account with an axe to grind, so to speak. </p>
<p>I also want to clarify what is being said here. “Such things happen at any school” refers to what? Date rape and sexual harassment? Yes. But bxvillemom wrote that the administration was unsupportive and even vindictive towards alleged victims of these crimes. That does not happen at all schools. </p>
<p>bxvillemom has made a serious statement, but has not backed it up. She should come forward and explain what she has said.</p>
<p>Let me clarify that in no way did I (and I assume the same of sandkmom) assume that bxvillemom was not a legitimate poster! Or had an axe to grind. </p>
<p>But I have seen many posts on CC over the years where someone relates a story that happened to one person at a school…such as a disciplinary action not handled fairly in their view, a suicide, a rape, etc. and tell people to stay away from that school. I’m just saying that I would not avoid a school due to one incident with another person that may have no bearing on my experience there, let alone is not unique to that school and happens at many schools. But that’s me. </p>
<p>I understand your point, glassharmonica, that the issue is not simply that these incidents happen at all schools but the perception that Fordham was allegedly not supportive of victims or didn’t handle it well. HOWEVER, I would reserve judgement of all of that until I had all the facts. And since I don’t, it’s different. I would be very leery of posts to stay away from a school because of one person’s experience that may not be my own experience, not to mention that it is a fifth hand account and not enough information to go on.</p>
<p>Lastly, I would really hate to see your D not consider Fordham based on what one person says or comments about incidents they weren’t directly involved in and haven’t presented the facts. Also, the theater students go to school at Lincoln Center. I would garner direct information and perspectives from MANY currents students and alums, and not go by one, let alone from someone who was not directly involved.</p>
<p>60 Minutes just ran a story on this case, which happened fairly recently at University of the Pacific. According to the version that ran on TV, this is a problem on many university campuses, where judicial review board type organizations hear these cases, rather than the local police. This situation is far from limited to Fordham:</p>
<p>[The</a> case of Beckett Brennan - 60 Minutes - CBS News](<a href=“http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/17/60minutes/main20054339.shtml]The”>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/17/60minutes/main20054339.shtml)</p>
<p>If anyone is interested in this issue on a campus…they should read the policies and procedures in such cases. They also should read the crime statistics. </p>
<p>For example, for Fordham, you may wish to view:</p>
<p>CARE
Campus Assault and Relationship Education
A Guide for the Fordham University Community </p>
<p>
</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/images/student_services/health/care.pdf[/url]”>http://www.fordham.edu/images/student_services/health/care.pdf</a></p>
<p>This can definitely happen anywhere and is what created the “fishbowl” I found myself in at the first school I attended freshman year. Knowing that is why I’ve never said exactly where that was. It is good to see that the government is stepping in to try to create some consistency and perhaps alleviate some of the hypocrisy in the way these things are handled.</p>
<p>I found it a bit ironic that the school refused to get involved in my case because it happened off campus, but had me on the carpet for interrogation within hours of three large, athletic guys - one of whom bore an uncanny resemblance to my big brother - rearranging the face of the guy who raped me outside his off campus apartment. I can say that now that the statute of limitations has passed … </p>
<p>Girls, just be careful who you trust when you first get to whichever school you choose. Not paranoid, just careful and smart. I’m tall, athletic and mean as a snake and if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone …</p>