Florida Colleges/Universities for Theatre Major?

[ugadog99]

My younger DD (a sophomore) is beginning to think about colleges. I posted on here a while ago about her interest in graphic design. I knew the love of theatre was there, but she had always wanted to do graphics. Anyway, she is pretty much set now on a theatre degree. So.........I'm looking for recommendations about theatre programs in Florida. (Yes, I know it would have been better from a financial standpoint to have moved to Florida for the scholarship program. However, I have 27 years of teaching experience in Georgia. A move isn't happening until AFTER I retire.) Of course, she will very likely end up in Georgia, but we want to look at some Florida schools, too. I'm open to all ideas and suggestions! Thanks! (FWIW: interests lie in all realms of theatre: performance, technical, and theatre ed.)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am not to familiar with it, but I have heard wonderful things about FSU.

UF seemed to have a decent set up when I went there. But for someone reason, I am recalling FSU as a stand out program. I would look there.

 

[princesspiglet]

I have a BA in Musical Theatre and while I was looking at theatre schools, Florida State came up as a consideration . I was told that it was the best in Florida.

BTW- My BA is from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

[lillygator]

FSU has a wonderful theatre department.

 

[ugadog99]

Yes, FSU is THE best. It is also HIGHLY competitive! I'm not sure she is "good" enough for that at this point. Any other suggestions?

 

[Feralpeg]

I agree with the others...FSU. They have a wonderful theater program and it's a great school. Look into the semester abroad program for theater majors at FSU. They spend a semester in London studying theater. Great experience!

 

[Alphabetsoup]

Not in FLA, but my alma mater is close to GA....Western Carolina University in NC. They have a Theatre Department.

That said as someone who advises students in a communication/theatre arts department, I would be wondering what she hopes to do with a degree in theatre? Theatre companies are very hard to get in to. The work is 'iffy' at best. Pay is inconsistent. Unless you are a top notch actor or get a dual degree in broadcasting, theatre is not a good degree choice as the career choices are severely limited.

I have several friends with theatre degrees -- they did NUMEROUS shows while in high school, college and even grad school. Not ONE of them is still in theatre because they couldn't make a living. One is now working for the department of motor vehicles in Atlanta after spending the last 10 years bouncing from odd job to odd job, another was out of work so long that she has been unable to find anything else (and she had a GREAT theatre resume -- but lousy for doing anything else). The only theatre grad I know who is doing okay is one who specialized in lighting and stage management, and did a dual degree in broadcasting. He is now at a local NC news station as an assistant stage manager.

I'd hate to see a child of mine do a degree, take out loans to fund it and then not be able to find a job in that field in order to pay back those loans -- particularly out of state loans!! (OUCH!!)

I would strongly suggest that you steer your daughter into doing a double major. Some good choices that work well with theatre are: journalism, broadcasting, general communication, education (can always teach drama!).

 

[simba20]

Back in 1994, FSU was my top choice of colleges to be a theatre major. However, I thought other people were better than me, and allowed fear to sway me from choosing theatre/performance as a major.

In Georgia, I wouldn't overlook Berry College. One of the best actresses form my high school went there, strictly for the theatre program. If your daughter's high school attends/participates in the Georgia State (not the college) Thespian Conference, then she may have the opportunity to audition for a scholarship to Berry.....of course I don't know if they still do that (have the scholarship audition or not, but I know in my high school years and Thespain Conference attendence (1990-1994) they did.

 

[shortbun]

My nephew is at FSU in their theatre/directing major. He had to submit a porfolio, go for an interview and compete for one of 26 spots they offer every year in their directors/film school. I remember talking to him about it and why he wanted to go there. He told me then that they had one of the best programs in the United States. He seems really happy there. this is his sophmore year.

 

[princesspiglet]

I would strongly suggest that you steer your daughter into doing a double major. Some good choices that work well with theatre are: journalism, broadcasting, general communication, education (can always teach drama!).

ITA. Speaking from someone who has a BA in theatre and has never used it! I also have a BA in Communications and have been working in that field since I graduated from college in 1996. In my graduating class of 73 theatre graduates, I only know of 1 that is actually working in that field. He is an amazing stage actor living and working in LA, but he is close to 40 years old and has not been "discovered" yet. He barely squeaks by and has a few side jobs to keep him from getting evicted, but he doesn't seem to mind. I could never imagine living like that, so I decided back in my sophomore year to add on another degree, just in case. I'm sooooo glad I did!

 

[ugadog99]

OP here. Sorry I was MIA for a while. The cast list for spring musical went up yesterday afternoon. It was utterly shocking and disgusting (the cleanest words I can use on the boards). While my daughter got ensemble (and that was all she wanted), others were totally ummmm....cheated (again, cleanest word possible). Yes, I know it's "show biz" and all the other cliches, but these were seniors who have helped the director build this program from NOTHING. The fact that he literally stabbed them in the back is mind blowing. I spent the evening empathizing with kids and parents. So, back to the topic at hand.

To the poster who mentioned Berry: that is actually the second state school on her list. Columbus State (the "best" theatre school in Georgia) is first and Berry second.

To the poster who mentioned Western Carolina: Yes, this is her "stretch" school. My goodness, Terence Mann??? That's all that needs to be said!

As for her actual major and career direction: Her director (although right now I'm using that term loosely) strongly recommends a BFA in Theatre Arts. Theatre Education is more than likely her final destination. With the BFA instead of the BSEd only, there will be more initial opportunities for her. I don't think she wants to immediately go into teaching. Her focus is primarily Technical Theatre. She enjoys performance, but she is much more comfortable in the tech end. She will also have a "fall back" major: either graphic arts, communications, or history (emphasis on teaching again).

Some background information on me: I was initially a history/theatre double major. Because of EXTREME pressure from parents ("Girls aren't theatre majors. You will NEVER work with a theatre degree, etc, etc....), I changed to elementary ed. I wanted to major in theatre, work for Disney, and then eventually do theatre ed. The BIGGEST mistake of my life (and one that I regret every single day) is not staying with theatre. The only two places I have found that I feel ALIVE are the theatre and Disney. It's a little late for me in theatre (except community theatre), but I do plan on retiring from teaching soon, moving to Orlando, and working for Disney. I will NEVER discourage my daughter from theatre. I won't have her be a 47 year old looking back and wondering what if and regretting her decisions. So, I understand the need for a "fall back," but if she wants to go for theatre then I am one million percent behind her.

Now, back to the question (modified a bit): Besides FSU, can anyone recommend theatre programs in Florida? What about UCF?

 

[Rora]

FSU has a great program!!

If you're looking for somewhere else, definitely check out UCF. It's a big school, in the heart of Orlando, etc.

I went to a Performing Arts High School and many of my fellow theater friends went to UCF. Some had internships at Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc. UCF has great connections.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. FSU is the probably more prestigious but UCF has got some great things going for it's department too.

 

[ugadog99]

FSU has a great program!!

If you're looking for somewhere else, definitely check out UCF. It's a big school, in the heart of Orlando, etc.

I went to a Performing Arts High School and many of my fellow theater friends went to UCF. Some had internships at Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc. UCF has great connections.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either. FSU is the probably more prestigious but UCF has got some great things going for it's department too.

Thanks so much! That is exactly what I needed to know. There are many variables to the situation and knowing that UCF has a good theatre department helps.

 

[shortbun]

I'm curious as to how the theatre coach/director 'literally stabbed' the seniors in the back. If they didn't get leading roles because he/she thought someone else( a lower classman) was better for the role...then they do not belong in theatre. The show is cast with the best choices and college will be SO about that. I was a music/theatre major in high school and college. we ALWAYS knew the cast was what our coach-director thought best for the show. Anyone with their nose out of joint could and should keep quiet or walk away because life's a beach, competitive and the show will go on without petty, silly, jealous reactions to the cast list.

 

[minkydog]

Since your DD will have GA residency, don't overlook Valdosta State. They have a great theater department. DD17 has looked at several GA schools and she likeed their options the best. They have communications, mass media, theater, musical theater, dance, and a whole lot more. Not sure where you live, but VSU is only 4 hours from Atlanta and 14 miles from the Florida state line. Three hours from WDW! Woot!

 

[lillygator]

rora ---- what high chool?

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I would say to look at UCF. A bunch of my friends go there and love it. Plus I've seen a bunch of shows there, and they were fantastic. UCF is partnered with the Orlando Repatory Theatre (which puts on amazing shows), so you get to work with a lot of professionals too.

I was a theatre major at Gettysburg College in PA, and I had a blast as a theatre major. She's gonna love it!

 

[ugadog99]

I'm curious as to how the theatre coach/director 'literally stabbed' the seniors in the back. If they didn't get leading roles because he/she thought someone else( a lower classman) was better for the role...then they do not belong in theatre. The show is cast with the best choices and college will be SO about that. I was a music/theatre major in high school and college. we ALWAYS knew the cast was what our coach-director thought best for the show. Anyone with their nose out of joint could and should keep quiet or walk away because life's a beach, competitive and the show will go on without petty, silly, jealous reactions to the cast list.

I wish I could agree with you on this. However, in this case, it was a clear vendetta and a true stab in the back to our two most talented seniors. Keep in mind, our spring musical is called the "Senior Musical," and is to traditionally be filled in the leads with seniors. These two are BY FAR the most talented students in our department. The director did this because he could. The female was state one act best actress. The male has been accepted into TOP theatre school around the country. This was a stab in the back, and I have lost all respect for him. Unfortunately, my daughter is only a sophomore, so we have to find a way to let it go and work with him the next two and a half years. I have to admit that after seeing his behavior, I am now reexamining my current and future position and participation in booster club. I fear that in two years my daiughter will be in the same position as these two.

 

[SydSim]

ugadogg, it's never too late for the theater. This 46 year old short, fluffy lady has a callback on Tuesday for a commercial, and just did one in August

Actors can work until they take their last breath. LUV the theater!

 

[ugadog99]

ugadogg, it's never too late for the theater. This 46 year old short, fluffy lady has a callback on Tuesday for a commercial, and just did one in August

Actors can work until they take their last breath. LUV the theater!

That's awesome!!! Congrats!