doctorjohn

CCM has an Acting program (separate from its MT program) which mounts a showcase in NYC (along with Baldwin-Wallace, Penn State, and Otterbein) and a stand-alone showcase in LA.

knoxcounty

What is Rutgers reputation as a theatre program? I had not even considered it until I checked their website and found that they offer a BFA in acting and juniors spend a part of their year studying at the Globe Theatre in London.

thesbohemian

I think it would be safe to say that you can probably count Rutgers/Mason Gross among the top twenty or so BFA Acting programs in the country. Definitely reputable. They certainly have a long list of working alums. Their department chair is William Esper and there is a strong affiliation among their faculty with the Esper Studio and the Neighborhood Playhouse, so it would safe to expect the training to have a strong Meisner influence. On the down side, they have a very good MFA program and I’ve heard that BFAs often have a hard time getting cast in mainstage productions. There is also an MFA showcase, but none for the BFAs. The "RU Screw" is known to sometimes make it difficult to get to class on time, too.

emom

Hello - I visited Rutgers with my daughter not too long ago. The MFA actors are actually jealous of the BFA actors feeling that their program is better. This was verified by both BFA and MFA actors. It sounds like the BFA program is on the way up and that the MFA is in transition - think they have a new director or something - but anyone seriously interested shoudl check my facts on that.

I'm wondering if anyone out there knows anything more about De Paul's program? My daughter was accepted there and now is accepted at Rutgers.
We had visited De Paul in the summer and considered going back but since they wouldn't let her see any classes and it was quite far away we didn't go.
Unfortunately we found out later that seh could have spent the night in a dorm. We weren't informed of that when we called about visiting.

They accept 52 and cut to 26 at the end of the year. This coming year will be the first with tha tsystem. Prior to that they accepted 50 adn cut to 35 the second year and 20 the last. With that cut system my daughter wasn't interested in applying but with the switch decided too. The program sounds interesting - they bill themselves as a "toolbox school" exposing students to a variety of methods. They also believe in learning by doing and students are cast ina show every quarter from second year on with first year's doing tech assignments.

De Paul students do three showcases apparently - in Chicago, LA and NY. Think they raise the money themselves to get there - but not totally sure ono that.

Anyway does anyone out there know anyone who has been a student there? or has anyone seen any of their shows? Any comments on quality? Chicago would of course be a great theater town to be in. I'm just feeling a little nervous sending her off without really having seen the product! And it's more expensive than Rutgers.

Any comments accepted. I've skimmed this whole thread and don't see too muchabout De Paul here.

Many thanks,

emom

emom

Just glanced at the previosu post. Rutgers does have a BFA showcase.
The kids had just gotten back from it when we were there. This year everyone got at least one call from someone. They do it only in NY. But one of their graduates from last year just got ? was up for? an Emmy for some soap and is the poster child of their program now out in LA. A very friendly school and the kids all their LOVE the program. Just didn't quite click for my daughter - though wish it had!

thesbohemian

Wow. One of the reasons I didn't apply/audition for DePaul was because of that cut system. Good to see they're doing away with it. It's definitely an elite program.

This thread has gotten incredibly long, so here's a link to Part 8.

CollegeMom

I am closing this long and terrific thread as it is so long and Thesbohemian so nicely started a Part 8 to continue the discussion and has included links there to Parts 1-7. Thanks Thesbohemian!
CollegeMom

Link to Part 8:
Theatre/Drama Colleges Part 8