Contemporary/innovative/raw acting program?

billyliar13 · 10-28-2009, 05:02 PM

I really would like to focus more on contemprary plays than Classical and Shakespere, what college programs have this focus? I know every BFA acting program will do both classical and contemporary, I would just really like to attend a school the explores the contemporary relm a bit more.

I was looking at BU and really liked what I saw, but then I read that they're main focus is Shakespere. Is this true?

I am also very interested in independent film, does anyone know of any schools where the acting students work very closely with the film students?

A raw, interesting, "edgy" acting experience is what I'm looking for and I desperatly want to be a part of cool, innovative, exciting plays. This is not to say that Classical plays can not be any of those things, I just feel as though contemporary holds more of my interest.

If anyone knows of a school like this, PLEASE share! I'm coming down to the wire with all this application/audition stuff and I'm kind of freaking out here!!!!

stagedad · 10-28-2009, 07:11 PM

you should check out CALarts, might be a good fit for you

*KatMT* · 10-28-2009, 07:42 PM

You do not talk about your academic profile, but if your academics are in range NYU may be worth exploring. You do your first couple of years in your primary studio but have the option to audition into a new studio in your second two years. Upper level studios include Stonestreet (film focused, I believe) and Experimental Theatre Wing.

Son of Tranquil · 10-28-2009, 07:43 PM

yeah the first school that came to mind for me was definitely CalArts. I would check out UArts as well.

NJTheatreMOM · 10-28-2009, 08:23 PM

If you are interested in Boston University, you should call and talk with somebody in the School of Theatre.

BU has a conservatory-type BFA acting program. Most such programs do devote time to the classics in the third year, so that their graduates will be well-rounded enough to act in any kind of play.

That doesn't mean the BU program's main focus is Shakespeare. My son is a freshman there and I've never heard anybody say that.

Regarding film, I do know that some of his classmates have already performed in student films.

BrownEyes · 10-28-2009, 10:14 PM

Also check-out CCM Drama - I believe the focus there is more contemporary than classical. Best of luck to you!

chrissyblu · 10-28-2009, 11:20 PM

I would definitely say you would thrive at CalArts and your academics don't matter there. Having been through the process all the way through my D being admitted and going to new student admissions, I have a good idea of what they program is like. They accepted a "slam poet" artist into the program and made him an amazing actor. They are definitely innovative and work a lot with the film program there.

littlemermaid13 · 10-30-2009, 10:30 AM

check out cornish in seattle

Blueroses1 · 11-01-2009, 05:48 PM

SUNY Purchase!! Definitely....you still get trained in classical technique...but our overall aesthetic seems to be raw and contemporary in a lot of respects

Nabende · 11-02-2009, 07:22 PM

Sounds like you need NYU. Not only is the film school the best in the country (and speaking from experience, the film students ALWAYS need you), but you'll get top-notch training in the drama program. And even if you get placed in one of the older, traditional based acting technique studios you can transfer out by making enough noise within the first couple of weeks or just wait till you've finished your first two years and then move into a different studio. You sound like you'd probably want something like the ETW, Atlantic, or if you have any interest in eclecticity and don't mind exploring other aspects of theatre, Playwrights.

chrissyblu · 11-07-2009, 03:24 AM

I think the film students at USC and UCLA would probably debate you on the issue of who is the best.....

billyliar13 · 11-09-2009, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Purchase is for sure one of my top choices. Do acting students get involved with the film students?
Any additional information on CalArts and Cornish would be amazing.
I've never heard anything about Cornish, what's it like?

complexlife · 11-10-2009, 12:43 AM

I would say check out SUNY Purchase and Juilliard.

Yes, the Acting program students are used in film projects.

chrissyblu · 11-12-2009, 01:10 AM

At Cal Arts they promised my D that if she got her name out (in other words, responded to requests for auditions), she would have a full reel of both voice work (so that would be like cartoon voice over, etc.) and video (for film, television, etc.)

forrest · 11-12-2009, 08:09 AM

I don't think you have too much to worry about this because Shakespeare is (sadly, for me) becoming less and less a part of training, even in the top conservatories. Please understand that I am not picking on you when I say this, because I have friends who feel just the way you do. It has just always been difficult for me to wrap my head around the idea that one would want to be an actor and yet not want to do Shakespeare. There are more great characters, more raw emotion to be played in Shakespeare than in most of modern drama. Also, for me Shakespeare teaches the actor a lot about storytelling. It can be done without sets, lights, effects or any other modern contrivances, because all those things are contained in the text. And I have yet to find a play of any genre or time period more "edgy" than Othello. I hope you can see your way clear not to exclude Shakespeare from your world. The very fact that you want to be a part of edgy, meaningful theater demonstrates that you have the need that most artists have - to challenge yourself. And, as an actor, you will find little more challenging than Shakespeare. Sorry for the rant. I wish you all the best, whatever path you take.