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briansteffy · 01-29-2008, 07:56 PM

channelsurferdud: You probably know more about Pepperdime than I do. I visited once, and it is one of the most beautiful settings that I have seen. It is a pretty conservative and religios (comparatively) college, gaining kudos from some of the most politically conservative observers. The U. was slightly damaged by the fires, but the community reacted well. But I do not know anything about their drama/theatre program. They have an excellent communication program.

Frenchlaw. My son applied to a number of LACs (I will post how many until after the selection process is over) There is a part of me (I do not share this with my S) that hopes he will end up in a LAC, providing him the opportunity (also experience) to get an MFA after 4 years, if he is absolutely confident that he has what it takes to succeed in the profession. I think that ambiguity (BFA vs. BA) is healthy. I am hesitant to state this publically, given my username, but as soozievt suggests, it is a very rational option for those who do not get into a BFA program that they deem acceptable.
I often sit with my laptop as I channel surf. When I see young actors in film posted I google their name and note what college/program they graduated from. Obviously, many BFA students end up on stage and not on the sreen. Still, I am surprised by the number of film actors who come out of LACs and private universities with BAs, and few of these programs offer courses on 'acting for film'. Heck, nobody mentions my LAC when it comes to acting. But since I've been here - and we only have 15 theatre majors total - I've seen 4 end up making lots of money acting on TV/film; they are names hat most of you know. Each year a few go on to get their MFA.
So my S and I keep an ever-shifting list; if he gets into BFA program A, B, C, D, or E, he will go there. But if he gets into BFA program X, Y, or Z, he may opt for Bennington, F&M, Marietta, or Drew (all tuition exchage colleges). There are some BFA programs that, if he is accepted, I will force a discussion along the lines of; well, are you sure? The money is their for getting a MFA if you go to this or that BA. Why not look at this as a seven year investment? It's a tough decision, as my son wants to take theatre courses; he does not want to be ordered to take another year of German, and two science classes, and 4-6 distribution classes, etc. He also does not like the idea of not getting much college credit for working many hours on productions (many LACs max out at one full course credit total for 4 years of production work). Also, he likes 'hanging' with theatre kids, and some LACs have few majors. So he is passionate about going the BFA route. But I am encouraging him to see the benefits of a BA, if its from a quality college. Many LAC kids finally appreciate the broad exposure when they turn 30 and 40.

01-29-2008, 07:56 PM	#192
briansteffy Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lititz, PA Posts: 546	channelsurferdud: You probably know more about Pepperdime than I do. I visited once, and it is one of the most beautiful settings that I have seen. It is a pretty conservative and religios (comparatively) college, gaining kudos from some of the most politically conservative observers. The U. was slightly damaged by the fires, but the community reacted well. But I do not know anything about their drama/theatre program. They have an excellent communication program. Frenchlaw. My son applied to a number of LACs (I will post how many until after the selection process is over) There is a part of me (I do not share this with my S) that hopes he will end up in a LAC, providing him the opportunity (also experience) to get an MFA after 4 years, if he is absolutely confident that he has what it takes to succeed in the profession. I think that ambiguity (BFA vs. BA) is healthy. I am hesitant to state this publically, given my username, but as soozievt suggests, it is a very rational option for those who do not get into a BFA program that they deem acceptable. I often sit with my laptop as I channel surf. When I see young actors in film posted I google their name and note what college/program they graduated from. Obviously, many BFA students end up on stage and not on the sreen. Still, I am surprised by the number of film actors who come out of LACs and private universities with BAs, and few of these programs offer courses on 'acting for film'. Heck, nobody mentions my LAC when it comes to acting. But since I've been here - and we only have 15 theatre majors total - I've seen 4 end up making lots of money acting on TV/film; they are names hat most of you know. Each year a few go on to get their MFA. So my S and I keep an ever-shifting list; if he gets into BFA program A, B, C, D, or E, he will go there. But if he gets into BFA program X, Y, or Z, he may opt for Bennington, F&M, Marietta, or Drew (all tuition exchage colleges). There are some BFA programs that, if he is accepted, I will force a discussion along the lines of; well, are you sure? The money is their for getting a MFA if you go to this or that BA. Why not look at this as a seven year investment? It's a tough decision, as my son wants to take theatre courses; he does not want to be ordered to take another year of German, and two science classes, and 4-6 distribution classes, etc. He also does not like the idea of not getting much college credit for working many hours on productions (many LACs max out at one full course credit total for 4 years of production work). Also, he likes 'hanging' with theatre kids, and some LACs have few majors. So he is passionate about going the BFA route. But I am encouraging him to see the benefits of a BA, if its from a quality college. Many LAC kids finally appreciate the broad exposure when they turn 30 and 40. Last edited by briansteffy; 01-29-2008 at 08:08 PM.