AthenaL

I really don't know who to ask for a recommendation for a BFA program. I've done shows in the past but I really don't know the director well enough to ask for a recommendation and I really can't ask my acting professor (I'm a Freshman BA Theatre major) because I really don't know her. I'm really confused and feel my lack of experience is going to be my downfall.

NJTheatreMOM

What is the college asking for, specifically? An artistic recommendation from someone who knows your work in theatre, or something more general?

In any event, the kind of recommendation theatre programs want is generally not about talent but about you as a person. You need somebody to who can confirm that you are a hard worker who gets along well with others; that you are reliable and on time and willing to take on extra tasks; that you have an agreeable personality....things like that.

connections

AthenaL, are you applying to transfer to a BFA program for next year? When is the deadline? Is it as a transfer or a Freshman? If you really feel you have no one to ask in school, and you can't work on anything with any professor between now and the application deadlines, you will need to get your recommendations outside. This will take time though. You could find community theatre roles, or professional theatre classes --both of these would give you recommendations. Or you can hire a great coach and work with him/her and this person can give recommendations. Or you can take long term classes at any number of theatre programs such as Circle in the Square, or Stratford in Canada, or well, any number of places. Many are over the summer but there are semester long options. These will cost money though and again, all these will take time to establish the experience and build for recommendations. The thing is: Are you desperately unhappy at your BA program? If so, why are you still there? You can pull out at this point - after this semester - and simply focus on building for your recommendations. Then apply next year.

I'd suggest you take a further step back to evaluate what your long term goals are. If they are to get into a top BFA program and you feel you don't have any recommendations, then an extra semester or even a year - if that's what it takes- isn't that huge in the scheme of things. If money is an issue (it is for us) then you'll need to plan with that in mind. Community theatre is probably the most inexpensive option as you learn 'on the job' and can work in a paying job as you go. There are many fine community theatres; some are much more reputable than others though. It will also depend on where you live. After that, taking classes at a professional theatre is probably the least expensive. MANY professional theatres offer excellent classes for the adult actor and they're taught by well connected directors or professional actors. Check it out. Good luck--take a deep breath. You can do this. :-)

AthenaL

Thank you for the replies. I am applying as a transfer and the schools I am looking are asking for recommendations for people who know my work in theatre or me as an actor.

I guess I could ask the director of the shows I did last year, I just don't know how to word my request since I haven't spoken to her since May and I most likely won't see her again until November. I don't hate being a BA Theatre major, and I am looking at other BA Programs, I just really despise my school. I came here because it was either dorm and get a real "college experience" or commute to my top choice school. My family pushed me to dorm and so I did. I regret my decision. I just want to be a theatre major and pursue acting for as long as I possibly can.

stagemum

NJTheatreMom - AthenaL asked about Pace's BFA program on another thread. I knew that they had more requirements than most other programs we looked at last year (my son did not end up applying there). I don't know of any other schools that demanded the two theater-related letters. I think it's a way of deterring casual, inexperienced applicants. Some other programs (ie. Tisch & Emerson, if I recall correctly) went in the opposite direction, demanding two academic recommendations from teachers outside of performing arts.

NJTheatreMOM

Thanks, Stagemum. I know when my son applied to SUNY Purchase, they requested two artistic recommendations to be brought along to the audition. None of the other schools he applied to required them; he didn't apply to Pace either.

Times3

Hartt requires two also--that's the only other one we've found (so far).

ActingDad

I know there is one on my daughter's list that requires 3. I'm thinking its NCSA but not sure.

TheRealKEVP

The requirement is often phrased (at schools that have this requirement) as "two (or three) letters of recommendation from people who know your work." They are NOT looking for people who know you personally, they are looking for people who have worked with you.

Any professor or teacher is used to be asked by students for letters of recommendation. It's a normal part of their job. Don't be shy about asking these folks.

It doesn't sound to me like you have a lack of experience, you have done shows in the past and are taking acting classes right now. But if you do have a lack of experience, I'm afraid the only solution is to go out and get some experience, as others have suggested.