Future theatre major here, and the more I look at forums and the more I see where my actor friends are getting accepted, the more insecure I’ve been about my college choices. I live with my single mother, and we don’t have the money to send me to a Vassar or CMU type of school. State schools are what’s most doable, and I’ve toured Bridgewater State and Salem State and been impressed by their theatre programs, and I’ve heard good things about UMass Amherst, but I can’t help but compare them to the “big name” acting schools my peers are looking into. I don’t know if I’ll feel fulfilled or if my education/training will be seen as less valuable when put up against somebody who went to say, Emerson or somewhere like that. I applied to RIC as they’re financially reasonable and have a good local reputation for theatre, but that seems to be my only realistic option outside of my state schools. It’s not too late to apply to a couple more schools, and I’d really like to attend a school where I’ll be able to thrive as an actor. Does anyone have more insight into theatre at Umass / Massachusetts state schools, and which ones would offer me the best training?
David Korins (set designer for Hamilton) is an alum of UMass Amherst (1999), so someone taught him something there. :))
You are fortunate to be living in Massachusetts as you have so many work opportunities in the summer, from summer stock on the Cape to the Berkshires, as well as summer stock in VT, NH, and Maine. It makes great financial sense to keep your costs down for your education and take advantage of nearby theatre work in the summers.
My son, who is in tech, felt the same way but his state program is top notch, he is very happy and he will graduate debt free, which in this field, is a blessing. I can’t give you any advice as to Massachusetts schools, but I am sure that there are some that would be a good fit for you.
Good luck.
Many private schools offer generous scholarships for test scores, GPA and talent that make the price of attendance the same as at in-state schools. Use the net price calculator or search scholarship calculator at schools you may be interested in.
SUNY Purchase OOS is $32K for tuition, room and board. It’s around 3 hours from Boston.
UMASS Amherst is $29,200 for tuition room and board instate.
SUNY Purchase has a well known theater program. Maybe it’s worth considering.