I was accepted to Vassar College RD and am currently trying to make the decision whether or not to go there. I’ve heard good things about their theatre program, but I had a few questions that I hoped current Vassar students or parents could answer.
- Does Vassar do musicals regularly? If not, how often do they put on a musical?
- Is the “non-conservatory” approach beneficial to someone wanting to go into professional theatre, or would you be better off with a BFA degree?
- How much does Vassar prepare you for MFA programs in theatre and for the real world?
- Does the emphasis on creating a rounded experience in theatre arts of all sorts take away from the acting training?
Thank you so so so much.
We attended concerts regularly but did not attend many theater productions, The ones we saw were excellent so browse the Vassar website for events and I am sure you will see what is happening in theater there. I think the non conservatory approach would work very well for your development as an actor/actress because the breadth of classes will give you perspective and insight into the roles and historical context of the productions. Vassar graduates have gone onto to get MFA degrees but I can only comment that the people we knew who pursued MM degrees in music and they were very well prepared. Think about how you want ‘your brain’ to develop over the next four years, if you want a more focused theater experience, that is fine but also you may want to take advantage of the flexibility and ‘intellectualism’ involved in choosing from many subjects since there are only a few distribution requirements at Vassar. Years ago, I attended a conservatory but double majored in a science in the university part of the the school so my perspective may be from that experience. I think you will enjoy Vassar and can focus as much or as little as you want on theater there and Vassar will provide the foundation you need.
Vassar will prepare you well for a professional career in theater. Do not worry about that. The nonconservatory approach has produced many fine actors over the years, and many fine original productions. Vassar prepares you for the real world and for theater. Just google the various actors that have come from Vassar. There will be some who are alreayd professional or semi-professional, I’m sure. It’s a great school for theater. Congratulations on yoru acceptance.
Do you love theater? Or is it just something you want yo wear around for a little while and then cast aside? I see the conservatory approach as more meaningful than just about anything else in life, and I majored in Mathematics while at Vassar, which was like a conservatory approach to put you in my shoes. I see that there are bigly done things, and there are less bigly done things, and if you wanted to major in something other than theater while at Vassar, you might be right on spot joining the Vassar College life.
Can someone answer the question regarding travel expenses for Vassar music/drama/arts program that engage in local and/or international travel to perform? Who pays for the travel expenses, students or the college?