UMich vs USC--Theater Director

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

Hello! I was very fortunate to get into several of my top choice theater schools (including Northwestern, NYU, UCLA, U-Mich, and USC)! Right now, I’m really leaning towards the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. I think they’re both great schools, but I’m not sure which program to pick. Here’s my dilemma:

At Michigan, I’ve been admitted to the BFA Directing program, and at USC I’m a trustee scholarship student in the BA Theater program (I didn’t apply for BFA acting because I knew I wanted the BA). I’ve directed a good number of shows in high school, and although it’s hard to say 110%, I think more and more directing is what my true passion is. However, I also am interested in the business/producing side of theater, and want to get a strong, well-rounded college education (for example, I want to make sure I can write well when I leave college, too). I see a lot of pros to both schools, but in cross-examining them, here are the concerns I’m hoping someone can address:

My concerns with U-Mich:
-Limited flexibility as far as taking classes beyond theater, and (although unlikely) if I suddenly decide I want to study something else, I can’t really move around or explore as much
-Not sure if I can get directing jobs with a BFA instead of/as opposed to having an MFA. I think this is my biggest issue–can I really start directing with just a BFA, or would I really be better off setting my sights on an MFA?
-Not sure what my FA/merit aid package is yet
-It’s cold in Michigan (okay, not really a major concern but still)

My concerns with USC:
-I may not get to fully direct many shows, or take as many directing courses as those opportunities are more limited
-Although a great well-rounded experience, I’m not sure if I’m fully prepared to start working upon graduation with just a BA (again, not really sure about this one though)
-After four years of not really directing much, I may no longer be a strong applicant for an MFA directing program if I wanted to go that route

Also, can anyone speak to how either of these schools work to get students employed after graduation?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

2

My son has a BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University. He did some directing while he was there, and he is now more interested in directing than in acting. From what he says, nobody is going to hire you as a director right out of college, no matter what kind of degree you have. You have to “pay your dues” for a number of years working as an assistant director, which is kind of a thankless job with little creative scope. It’s just the way things work.

If you want an MFA in directing, you also have to have some working experience under your belt, in addition to your college training,for a program even to consider you.

3

I can’t speak for USC but my son is a BFA Theatre freshman at Michigan. Unless the directing is different there are opportunities to take classes outside your major or even double major especially if you have AP credits that eliminate some of your requirements. There are an incredible amount of opportunities to direct in the student run productions. It is a small tight knit group with amazing professors who personally support every student. He is very happy there. I would recommend that you go to the Admitted Student Day for both schools where you can attend classes and meet fellow students…it is much more informative than a campus visit. Good luck…you have two great choices.

4

Thank you for your posts!

NJTheatreMOM-Yes, my understanding is that one ADs and gets smaller directing jobs until someone eventually “picks them up” and then they direct a big successful show, and become a resident director. However, if I’m going to have to “pay my dues” after getting an MFA, I’m thinking why not just get the BFA and start paying my dues sooner?

compadv–Thank you for sharing his experiences! Upon closer examination, it looks like the Michigan program does have more flexibility than I originally thought. Do you happen to know about how many shows the student groups put on a year? I’m hoping to attend one of their campus days soon!

5

I would say there is a production of some kind almost every weekend. Check out the facebook page for Basement Arts. You can also subscribe to the schools newsletter. There are many other non main stage groups too. He has done 3 shows this year including Chekov, an opera and a modern Shakespeare…all with different groups.

6

Theaterkid101, I’m not sure that you would need to do much “dues paying” after getting an MFA in directing. An MFA in directing gives you ample opportunities to direct, and should qualify you to go right into directing jobs.

  • Get either a BA or a BFA in theatre.
  • Get AD experience to build up your directing resume.
  • If you are not yet getting directing jobs after a period of ADing, consider applying to an MFA program.
7

Thanks for all your help! It sounds like I can follow the same process and reach my end goal in either program equally, then.

8

Even students with BFAs in Directing (there are not many), may end up finding that an MFA in Directing is another step in the development. NJTheatreMom’s advice is great! re #6 – Yes, you can follow a similar process and reach your end goal in either program. :slight_smile: Congratulations on your terrific acceptances.