BFA Theatre Programs and Conservatories (long)

[ugadog99]

Hi All,
Well, my younger DD is in the final week of her junior year in HS. We are now beginning to put together a list of potential colleges. I've been down this road before with my older DD. The difference is my older one was high academics, but this one....yeah, school is where she goes to do theatre.

I've come to realize that applying to "theatre" schools is very, very different from "regular" colleges. First, she is NON performance: all technical work for her. She is leaning toward stage management, but she's also interested in all the other technical areas, too. I know the competition for tech isn't what it is for performance, so she has that going for her.

She is not a strong academic student. She has an active 504 plan for her ADD, math deficits, and some visual processing issues. She is a horrendous standardized test taker. She is not looking at any top tier academic programs at all.

I've spent a large amount of time on College Confidential in the theatre forum. However, most of those parents and kids are performance majors. We know that she'll need to apply to more schools than most regular kids because she must be accpeted into both the college and the theatre program.

Finally, she wants a BFA program. We would love to find a true conservatory or a conservatory type program for her. We are doing research into each school's major requirements. It's amazing how each school differs, even with a BFA, with what "core" they require. Obviously, we're looking for as little "academic core" as possible because, quite frankly, she's terrible at that.

So, I've got a list of schools, but for those of you who know about these things, I wanted to see if anyone has any other school suggestions. While I like college confidential, it does tend to be rather elitist. After all, everyone can't go to Juillard. If you know anything about the schools I'm listing (either theatre or non theatre related), I'd love to know. Also, if you know of any school we might want to consider, please let me know.

Finally, please do not try to convince me that a BFA in theatre is a "waste" of money, time, degree, etc. This is non-negotiable. When you ask your child what they would do if they couldn't do theatre and the answer is "die," then you know this is their destined path. I don't want to hear to make sure she has something "to fall back on" either. She will get her degree and find a way to make a living, so that is the end of that argument.

On to the schools:
Columbus State University (this is our "best" theatre school in GA, supposedly)
Gainesville Theatre Alliance (with Brenau and Gainesville State)
Valdosta State (All 3 of these are in our home state, but they have more core than we would like.)

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (ok...looooooong shot, but you gotta have one of those)
Western Carolina University
University of Central Florida
Point Park University
Shenandoah University
Coastal Carolina University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Webster University

Savannah College of Art and Design (although I can't exactly figure out what they offer in tech theatre)

Well, if you've read this far, thanks! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Melanie

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi All,
Well, my younger DD is in the final week of her junior year in HS. We are now beginning to put together a list of potential colleges. I've been down this road before with my older DD. The difference is my older one was high academics, but this one....yeah, school is where she goes to do theatre.

I've come to realize that applying to "theatre" schools is very, very different from "regular" colleges. First, she is NON performance: all technical work for her. She is leaning toward stage management, but she's also interested in all the other technical areas, too. I know the competition for tech isn't what it is for performance, so she has that going for her.

She is not a strong academic student. She has an active 504 plan for her ADD, math deficits, and some visual processing issues. She is a horrendous standardized test taker. She is not looking at any top tier academic programs at all.

I've spent a large amount of time on College Confidential in the theatre forum. However, most of those parents and kids are performance majors. We know that she'll need to apply to more schools than most regular kids because she must be accpeted into both the college and the theatre program.

Finally, she wants a BFA program. We would love to find a true conservatory or a conservatory type program for her. We are doing research into each school's major requirements. It's amazing how each school differs, even with a BFA, with what "core" they require. Obviously, we're looking for as little "academic core" as possible because, quite frankly, she's terrible at that.

So, I've got a list of schools, but for those of you who know about these things, I wanted to see if anyone has any other school suggestions. While I like college confidential, it does tend to be rather elitist. After all, everyone can't go to Juillard. If you know anything about the schools I'm listing (either theatre or non theatre related), I'd love to know. Also, if you know of any school we might want to consider, please let me know.

Finally, please do not try to convince me that a BFA in theatre is a "waste" of money, time, degree, etc. This is non-negotiable. When you ask your child what they would do if they couldn't do theatre and the answer is "die," then you know this is their destined path. I don't want to hear to make sure she has something "to fall back on" either. She will get her degree and find a way to make a living, so that is the end of that argument.

On to the schools:
Columbus State University (this is our "best" theatre school in GA, supposedly)
Gainesville Theatre Alliance (with Brenau and Gainesville State)
Valdosta State (All 3 of these are in our home state, but they have more core than we would like.)

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (ok...looooooong shot, but you gotta have one of those)
Western Carolina University
University of Central Florida
Point Park University
Shenandoah University
Coastal Carolina University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Webster University

Savannah College of Art and Design (although I can't exactly figure out what they offer in tech theatre)

Well, if you've read this far, thanks! I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Melanie

FSU (Fla State. U) and UF (Uni. of Fla) both have good theatre programs!

However, if her grades aren't the best UF could be difficult. FSU might be a good bet! UCF has an awesome theatre program as well and is probably the "easiest" of the 3 FL schools mentioned to get into.

Best of luck to her! Such a fun field!

 

[ugadog99]

Thanks, Mrs.Duck. UCF has an actual stage management degree, which can be difficult to find. FSU would be awesome IF they offered a BFA in a technical field. Sadly, their BFA program is only performance.

It is a fun field, and it is truly her passion. I want her to be happy, and theatre makes her happy.

 

[sam_gordon]

Sorry I can't be any help, but what's a BFA?

 

[ugadog99]

Bachelor of Fine Arts (with an emphasis in various arts fields)

It's a very intensive theatre training program, much more than a Bachelor of Arts. A BA program requires more of a traditional core academic program the first 2 years then you get into your major classes the last two. In a traditional BFA program (although some schools are requiring a few more core classes), your theatre classes begin immediately in first semester first year with the "core" classes spread out through the entire eight semesters. For a kid like mine, the BFA works better for her. If she had to go the first two years with very little theatre work and classes, she wouldn't make it. She needs the full immersion in theatre from the beginning that a BFA will provide.

 

[mrsv98]

My youngest brother just graduated from Columbia College in Chicago majoring in film. Their theater/film/acting programs are strong. Have a look at this:

http://cccjbar.colum.edu:9040/cgi-b...THEA&incat=UG12&insubaud=TTECBA12&inprog=UNDG

Chicago has a vibrant theater and movie scene so there are lots of opportunities for work. During his college career, my brother was a PA for two films, including Transformers 3. He is a director/editor/producer and is very "behind the scenes" also. Columbia is very good with financial aid also. Additionally, DBro has academic issues also and was still successful at Columbia.

 

[yoopermom]

I'm a well of ignorance in this matter, but wanted to say "good for you" for helping your daughter follow her dream.

I taught many, many years with a woman who's daughter loved the technical side of theatre. She now lives in SF, and is a costumer for a major theatre, and is married to a lovely man who is also employed in the technical side of theatre, so it can be done !

Terri

 

[sam_gordon]

Bachelor of Fine Arts (with an emphasis in various arts fields)

It's a very intensive theatre training program, much more than a Bachelor of Arts. A BA program requires more of a traditional core academic program the first 2 years then you get into your major classes the last two. In a traditional BFA program (although some schools are requiring a few more core classes), your theatre classes begin immediately in first semester first year with the "core" classes spread out through the entire eight semesters. For a kid like mine, the BFA works better for her. If she had to go the first two years with very little theatre work and classes, she wouldn't make it. She needs the full immersion in theatre from the beginning that a BFA will provide.

Thanks

 

[sandramaac]

My best piece of advice is to pick a school in an area with a VERY active theater community---LA, Chicagco and New York. Also possibly a school near or with strong connections to places like Disney and Universal. This way you become a paort of the active community and begin to network. Also, it is important in this day and age not to pigeon hole yourself into one particular field, where a skill set is usable in one very small area. Also it would be important that she train in just not stage management, but perhaps avail herself to also learning another skill set--perhaps film editing, CGI, marketing. But go to school in an area where the action is happening. Virginia and the Carolina's may have good programs, but who you know, and being in the know can only be achieved by being in area's where there is a strong and active theatrical community!!!

 

[Astus]

Hi! I know you said you were looking at a BFA program but I am currently attending college, along with my husband who is a theatre major himself, at Georgia College, but their program is a BA. Georgia College is in Milledgeville and they have a pretty good program. She would be able to take theatre classes as a freshman, and while she would have to take some required acting classes, she would also be able to focus on tech. We also have a community theater here that uses Georgia College students for their tech even though it is unpaid it's great to put on a resume. Sorry, I know this is not exactly what you are looking for but my husband loves the program if it helps. Georgia College is also not hugely competitive academic wise. I believe they only require a 2.5 GPA.

 

[Hannathy]

If she is going to have trouble getting into school I would look at schools that have theater programs but aren't known for it. She will have a better chance of getting in and of actually doing something while there.



I see all southern schools does she not want to leave the area?

Oops just saw Point park , this is the Pittsburgh one correct?


BFA doesn't have to be just theater, it can be in other areas. My sister has her BFA and it wasn't theater it was Art and dancing. Her friend has a MFA in dance.

 

[ugadog99]

If she is going to have trouble getting into school I would look at schools that have theater programs but aren't known for it. She will have a better chance of getting in and of actually doing something while there.



I see all southern schools does she not want to leave the area?

Oops just saw Point park , this is the Pittsburgh one correct?


BFA doesn't have to be just theater, it can be in other areas. My sister has her BFA and it wasn't theater it was Art and dancing. Her friend has a MFA in dance.

Getting into the theatre programs isn't going to be the issue, especially since it's technical. Granted, the more prestigious programs like UNCSA, Tisch, CCM would be more difficult, but she should be fine getting into the BFA program. It's the academics that are the issue. I don't want to give the impression that's she's terrible academically, but it just isn't her strength. She has the portfolio, prompt books, and resume for theatre, but her grades are just average.

We're in Georgia, thus the southern schools. Point Park is Pittsurgh and Webster is St. Louis. And you're correct, BFA covers a wide range of arts programs.

We've looked at Georgia College, but it isn't a fit for her.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

[Hannathy]

My DD was active in theater -but loves science So no interest for a career but a lot of friends did go the theater route.

2 people that went for technical side of theater but didn't go to one of the elite programs went to University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

And her best friend who is majoring in Costume design is going to Hope College in Michigan. She is doing an internship this summer for their summer theater program and they bring in professional touring groups.

My sister went to Slippery Rock University for her BFA, they have a technical degree also

 

[ugadog99]

My DD was active in theater -but loves science So no interest for a career but a lot of friends did go the theater route.

2 people that went for technical side of theater but didn't go to one of the elite programs went to University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

And her best friend who is majoring in Costume design is going to Hope College in Michigan. She is doing an internship this summer for their summer theater program and they bring in professional touring groups.

My sister went to Slippery Rock University for her BFA, they have a technical degree also

Thank you! This is what I'm looking for. Sure, I'd love for her to go to one of the elite theatre schools, and she will apply to some of those. However, we have to be realistic and have a backup plan (or two!).

 

[Carnie]

B "F" A in technical is not really that important, unless she's planning on going to grad school and then TEACHING technical theater.

Finding a school with a strong PERFORMANCE school where the productions are run like Equity shows (some even may offer points) where she can make connections to people in professional union houses that PAY are much more valuable.

Stage management is about being VERY organized and being able to put up with temperamental actors, designers and directors.

She's better off making great connections with people who already work and get paid for it. The only way you get "in" to a working theater as a job is to come recommended from someone involved in the theater to begin with.

I don't know of any theaters who advertise for stage managers and hire someone based on a resume. It's all who you know.

I don't think anyone cares what your degree is in, or what letters you have. They care that you can do the job well, be reliable, dependable and willing to put in tons of hours and deal with lots of pressure.

And a BA (or BFA) have core requirements. These are part of a school's accreditation. You can't avoid it.

 

[Jennasis]

My sister attended SUNY Brockport in upstate NY and was a theater major. I distinctly recall that her bf at the time was also in the theatre program but as a techie and he was simply amazing. The effects and such he could create...anyhoo now he works in Vegas and is the technical director for a bunch of HUGE shows there.

 

[goofy4tink]

My best piece of advice is to pick a school in an area with a VERY active theater community---LA, Chicagco and New York. Also possibly a school near or with strong connections to places like Disney and Universal. This way you become a paort of the active community and begin to network. Also, it is important in this day and age not to pigeon hole yourself into one particular field, where a skill set is usable in one very small area. Also it would be important that she train in just not stage management, but perhaps avail herself to also learning another skill set--perhaps film editing, CGI, marketing. But go to school in an area where the action is happening. Virginia and the Carolina's may have good programs, but who you know, and being in the know can only be achieved by being in area's where there is a strong and active theatrical community!!!

Excellent advice!!! My dd is headed off to college in the fall....theatre arts major...BA.....at Roger Williams University in RI. Now, they aren't 'known' for their theatre program, but it's a very nice program....with everything she needs. She will be taking theatre classes right from the start.
She applied to Emerson.....'the' place to go in NE. But, although her 4 hr audition went very well, her academics fell a bit short...so no go for her. And that's fine. It's inbetween a true conservatory and a liberal arts college. They just don't have enough gen ed classes to make me happy. I want a well rounded student. And a conservatory has no gen ed classes to speak of.

I guess I'm not sure where the OP's dd should be headed. I would find some theatre professionals....does she have a theatre arts teacher in school that can give some guidance??? I would think the the lower gpa might be an issue, but truly?? There is a college for everyone. Keep looking.

I do know that when we went to accepted students day at RWU, a couple of tour guide kids asked the soon to be students what their majors were. When my dd announced theatre, they freaked out. Two different kids came running over to her and asked if she did tech and crew, or just performance. She said she preferred performance but really was looking forward to getting more tech experience. They were thrilled...said they don't have all that many kids that want to do tech stuff full time.

 

[MrsDuck]

Thanks, Mrs.Duck. UCF has an actual stage management degree, which can be difficult to find. FSU would be awesome IF they offered a BFA in a technical field. Sadly, their BFA program is only performance.

It is a fun field, and it is truly her passion. I want her to be happy, and theatre makes her happy.

Oh man! Sorry about that!

 

[sandramaac]

B "F" A in technical is not really that important, unless she's planning on going to grad school and then TEACHING technical theater.

Finding a school with a strong PERFORMANCE school where the productions are run like Equity shows (some even may offer points) where she can make connections to people in professional union houses that PAY are much more valuable.

Stage management is about being VERY organized and being able to put up with temperamental actors, designers and directors.

She's better off making great connections with people who already work and get paid for it. The only way you get "in" to a working theater as a job is to come recommended from someone involved in the theater to begin with.

I don't know of any theaters who advertise for stage managers and hire someone based on a resume. It's all who you know.

I don't think anyone cares what your degree is in, or what letters you have. They care that you can do the job well, be reliable, dependable and willing to put in tons of hours and deal with lots of pressure.

And a BA (or BFA) have core requirements. These are part of a school's accreditation. You can't avoid it.

I agree with this 100% and goes with I said--a program in a major theatrical city were she can be knee deep in the theatrical culture and make connections with others in the field!!!

 

[ugadog99]

Oh, there are definitely some core academics required, but the number required vary greatly from a BA to a BFA, in most cases. I've done so much research pulling course requirements for so many schools. The list I have now has schools where the core is something she will realistically be able to handle. Motivation is as much an issue with her as academic ability. She just isn't motivated in normal academic classes. Her GPA is going to be in the 3.0-3.3 range. She has some "advanced" classes but AP or Gifted level classes.

Interestingly, even with her ADD, she is very organized when it comes to stage management. This past year she has been SM for one show and Director's Assistant for the musical. Again, it has to do with her motivation, I think. If it's about theatre, she's all over it. If not, ehhh....not so much.

I'm also looking carefully at what the graduates of these programs do after finishing the school. Obviously, Webster, UNCSA, etc have pretty amazing statistics for placement after graduation.

It's interesting that you mentioned teaching because that is actually something that she might pursue in the future. So, all of that comes into play in the long run.