<p>Even after visiting and reading the website, I'm looking for more information on how the experience is at UMinn in the Guthrie program. Is there much space for a broader liberal arts experience? Is there room in the Acting program for significant study of other aspects of theatre (such as design, directing, dramaturgy)? How would someone compare the BFA with the BA experience at UMinn?</p>
<p>Any current students or parents are welcome to chime in. Thank you!</p>
<p>Hi Emmy-- D was told by friends who have BFA’s from Guthrie that it is acting, acting, acting…no design/production at all. When she said she was looking for something more rounded they suggested the BA there. But it is very classically oriented, so I’m guessing dramaturgy plays a part. Second hand, but something to begin with…</p>
<p>In some of the information we’ve read, BFAs at Minn claim they can even double major. But the “word” around the school is that their experience is very controlled. There’s nothing wrong with this; I just want to know what the real experience is. </p>
<p>And there’s nothing wrong with an acting program being limited to Acting, not theatre “arts,” but I am still curious since if kids could double major I would think they could do theatre arts, too. It’s confusing. </p>
<p>The BA looks very strong and certainly has more flexibility by definition. My D is trying to decide about applying to both of them, since she likes the University so much. But as much as she loves Acting, she would like to have some of those broader options, as many BFAs do. </p>
<p>Also, the “classical” focus they talk about at the Guthrie program - does anyone know exactly what they mean and what that experience is like?</p>
<p>I know you’re wishing for someone more in the know than me–I’d love to see that too! Meanwhile, what I mean by classical focus is that they spend a lot of the curriculum on Shakespeare, Moliere, etc. and the students come out very accomplished as classical actors. (This I have seen with my own delighted eyes.) The Guthrie has always had a particular focus on Shakespeare and that made a natural connection to the BFA program.</p>
<p>Hi! It’s been awhile since I’ve been on CC, so I’m pretty excited to see that people are asking about my program :)</p>
<p>The Guthrie is known for producing the classics…it would therefore be expected that the BFA program have the same focus. Students come out having worked on many classical projects–Shakespeare, Greeks, etc. This doesn’t mean that work on contemporary works is non-existent. One of the final projects in the Senior year is a new work.</p>
<p>You can certainly double major. It helps if you come into school with AP and college credits. You can still, however, if you come in with no credits. One of the girls in my class came from an arts school with no AP or IB classes, so she doesn’t have any credits. She is planning to double major but expects to have to stay a fifth year to complete her second major. There’s a couple other people I know of who are doubling but graduating on time…many of them have taken some form of summer school though be it at the U or at a community college at home. The main problem with doubling is the difficulty finding classes that fit around your BFA schedule that also fulfill the requirements for your secondary major.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about the broader theatre arts experience, however. We are required, actually, to take a few semesters of basic design/tech classes. I’m hoping to take a costuming class next year if it fits into my schedule actually. I don’t think there are too many limitations on what classes you can take as long as it doesn’t interfere with the BFA core. A guy in my company just told me he’s going to assist our design/tech professor who often works as a lighting designer at the Guthrie on something soon…apparently he just asked and our teacher agreed to it. As far as dramaturgy…I’m not even too sure if there’s a dramaturgy class offered in the BA program. I would contact Judy Bartl for more information…she probably would be able to answer better.</p>
<p>The main difference in the BA in comparison to the BFA is that it is now moving its focus on developing and working on experimental forms of theatre. Two of the people in my company actually were BAs last year…they say great things about it. The reason why they chose to audition for the BFA was their desire to have more structure and intense study. They and many of the faculty in the BFA program are constantly raving about some of the faculty that teach acting in the BA program. I just watched show this weekend called the Woyceck Project that was developed by some of the BA faculty after the BA program performed Georg Buchner’s Woyceck back a couple years ago. It featured a good number of current BAs along with local actors and dancers. It was really exciting to see the type of work the BAs are doing. </p>
<p>I hope I was able to answer some of the questions you had. If you have any more, feel free to ask. In all honesty, however, if you have questions on program specifics and what you can and can’t do, the best bet would be to email Judy Bartl your questions…she would probably know best.</p>
<p>I also forgot to mention the Free Play project that Seniors get to do. It’s basically free time put into the Seniors schedule to work on a project of their own choice. One of the seniors are working on a documentary and another is producing their own show…I’ve heard there was a student in the past who used the time to paint. So if someone has interest in directing, this would be the time for them to do so.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! This is exactly the stuff I was curious about.</p>
<p>When you said some people came over from the BA into the BFA, does that mean there is a second chance to audition? You can start a BA and then switch?</p>
<p>This is really helpful. I’m so glad you’re happy there.</p>
<p>Yes, thank you thank you CCer 2014! It sounds like you’re having a great year! Can you keep up voice lessons while you’re in the BFA?</p>