Hey everyone!
I have been having a hard time deciding between which school to commit too. From my research so far, I have learned that a BA in theatre at USC will give me a chance to take acting courses while also double majoring or declaring a minor. However, participating in productions is not guaranteed.
At NYU Tisch, I have learned that the conservatory-style training is very rigorous and in-depth, allowing me to develop and polish my acting abilities. Students are also able to double-major and minor, but doing so seems to not be recommended, as studio training can interfere with other courses. Unlike USC, however, participating in productions is guaranteed.
Between both programs, which will benefit me most as an actor? Does one school offer more opportunities compared to another? How do both schools compare? Thank you for your help!
My D is at Tisch and is double-majoring BFA + BA in an academic subject. Especially if you come in with AP credits it’s not that hard to arrange and I have never heard that it is discouraged? Not sure where that came from, her Tisch advisors have been super helpful in making it happen.
@blue835 I don’t think you can make a bad choice so step away from the training aspect and look at the two schools as the place where you will live for 4 years. Both are massive, private universities but they have very different “feels”. USC is all about school spirit and has a real campus with all the college-y things: sports, activities, frats, etc. It also has outstanding weather. 
NYU has NYC at your feet but no true campus, no super-energy school spirit, sports are low-key as are frats. Activities are not well-attended, even though they try. Students are busy out and about in the city and that’s a really different life than being out and about on campus. What kind of college experience do you want more?
Thank you @CaMom13 for the response! The location of both schools appeals to me. I do appreciate USC’s sense of community and a real campus. However, NYU’s Tisch Drama program is very distinguished in the acting community, making the choice between the schools difficult.
I was wondering about some details regarding the NYU Tisch Drama program. What are some opinions that you have towards the studio training? How about the productions? Do students often seek performance work outside of school? Lastly, how much exposure do Tisch students have to industry professionals? Are these professionals centered around stage performances or television and film?
My D is in the musical theatre studio and she is very happy with her training. You can get other perspectives on Tisch by looking at the Tisch/MT forum where there have been past discussions on what it’s really like to attend NYU for Drama.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/nyu-tisch-mt/
In terms of performance opportunities - it’s not a performance-heavy program. Each studio has guaranteed casting after freshman year but the actual role or play might be much smaller than what you’ve done in HS. Students do audition for professional work while in school but it’s not encouraged by the program or faculty. If you can take on a performance commitment without slacking on your schoolwork, they can’t stop you and some people manage that. The exposure to stage professionals in school is unparalleled - the teachers are mostly working professionals, there are guest artists and directors constantly participating in different classes, Broadway professionals attend some of the student performances. The professionals she has been taught by are almost all from Broadway/Off-Broadway and not Film & TV. There is a Film & TV studio at NYU but it’s for upperclassmen so I can’t speak to who teaches there or what guests they bring in. But contact with professionals is constant and very much a part of the Tisch education.
I’ll be honest with you - if you want a traditional college experience, you would probably be happier at USC. My D would never have considered USC and it’s not because the name or training isn’t as good - USC is about as close to a Hollywood “feeder school” as there is - but a. she wanted stage connections, not Hollywood and b. she wanted urban and NYC. I sense that you’re thinking you’ll be further ahead in your career if you choose NYU and unless you are happy there - you won’t. Choose where you fit and where you can thrive. It’s doesn’t matter if you have the best school name in the universe on your resume unless you excelled in learning your craft, made close connections and found your acting niche in the process of getting that degree. Choose “fit”, not name!
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