<p>I am learning so much about the world of theatre schools. I see a lot of posts about the elite/top tier schools. As much as that would be a dream come true, we have to be realsitic about our chances. So, I would love to hear about those schools that are not "at the top," but offer a strong and developing BFA/BA program. With my daughter's grades (3.3-ish) and her less than stellar test scores, we need to make sure we include plenty of "good" but not exclusive schools. We are in Georgia, so please keep that in mind. She is technical theatre, no performance. What are some of the lesser known and talked about schools that we might need to consider? (Yes, we are going to apply to a few of the more mentioned and more well known programs, but the chances of those are slim.)</p>
<p>ugadog, there was a thread started on this subject a little while ago, that you might find interesting:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1328690-up-coming-acting-bfa-programs.html?highlight=up+and+coming[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/1328690-up-coming-acting-bfa-programs.html?highlight=up+and+coming</a></p>
<p>There also is a thread on “slightly less selective” auditioned programs, which is referenced on that thread. </p>
<p>We all know how you feel, and everyone had to make a list with a varied amount of selectivity. I hope you’re reading the Technical Theatre thread, too.</p>
<p>There are SO many BA programs they are impossible to list. I’m sure people can continue to give you some good specific suggestions that will work for your D’s stats - which really are quite good, so please don’t worry! Give us more information on her likes, dislikes and needs, and we can give you more BA suggestions.</p>
<p>Our biggest issue is academics. There is no pretty way to put this: she has no motivation in academic (core) areas. Her grades could be much better, but she doesn’t care to make them higher. She is diagnosed ADD and has math deficits. I think a BFA is her best bet, but as we have discovered all BA and BFA schools are so different with their course requirements. We have a good list going, but we want to make sure we aren’t missing something that is less well known but could be a good fit for her. She doesn’t mind being out of state, but perhaps not too many states away (although she says that doesn’t matter). Her focus is technical theatre…period. The size of the school doesn’t matter, she says. I will check out the other threads, too. </p>
<p>I just don’t want her to put all her eggs in that far reaching, probably not going to happen, top tier school basket.</p>
<p>What does she like about technical theater? That might help her narrow down schools. A neighbor of mine’s d is very into makeup (and hair) and so she is looking at conservatories that have that as a major component (like UNCSA). Another student at our hs is very interested in set design and he is exploring programs that really focus on that (he discovered set design through a photography class he took for fun). Does costuming interest her? There are so many programs out there… or does she just want a general overview of the tech side…</p>
<p>I apologize for being MIA on the thread. Last night was the final performance of our spring musical, so it was quite a late evening. </p>
<p>She is very interested in stage management. (not theatre managment, though) However, she has also enjoyed lighting. </p>
<p>Ole Miss had been on our list until last night. After speaking with one of our moms whose daughter is now a freshman at Ole Miss and transferring, my daughter realizes it isn’t for her. So, that means the big SEC type party schools with lots of sorority action and extremely clique-y will probably not be a good fit for her. At least we now have something to say that she doesn’t like. </p>
<p>I still think a conservatory type program is her best bet, or a small (ish) theatre program that may not be as well known but is, nonetheless, a good program. </p>
<p>Can anyone tell me about Western Carolina’s BA in Stage and Screen?</p>
<p>I would recommend you check out Virginia Commonwealth University. It is in Richmond. One of the kids from my D’s high school is also interested in stage management and this was one of her top choices. My D did their summer intensive in theater last summer (her focus is performance) and was very impressed by their resources, professors and the productions that she has seen. She did get into their BFA in acting, but it wasn’t the right choice for her for a number of reasons, but it was still an impressive program. Additionally, their academic requirements are not quite as stringent as some of the other programs we investigated.</p>
<p>Thanks, Kelly. That’s one I have not seen anything about yet. I’m off to check out the website.</p>