kedstuff

While I know USC doesn't link its MT minor in the music school with its BFA acting degree, I wonder if anyone reading the CC MT forum knows of students who have opted for USC, either with the BA in acting (making them eligible to take the MT minor) or the acting BFA, augmented by elective classes in USC's strong music school. I know the university well so my questions aren't about the overall USC educational experience. I really am interested in the experience of students enrolled in the theater school, and/or vocal performance who have opted to study lots of acting. Does the school facilitate opportunities to work in the area (for example, I know a number of undergrads were cast in Dead End this fall at the Mark Taper Forum; other opportunities might include TV or film)?

Thanks!

opranoodlemantra

Um i dont go to USC but a few years ago i did an interview with the head of the theater department and i learned some stuff there. The BFA is extremely time consuming. It is mainly Shakespeare based and you only have 4 open courses to take classes that arent within the BFA program. So you could not get an MT minor with it. She said that how she looks at the difference between the two is that the BFA program is for people who can only act. They can't do any other career because acting is their only passion. Then the BA program is for people who have a passion for acting but also have passions for other things (ie people who want to minor in something else). I have a friend there who is an MT freak and instead of doing an acting BA with an MT minor she is doing an acting and music double. She loves it. She took an entire class last semester on JRB (ohh i am so jealous). From what i remember the BFA students are not encouraged to explore Hollywood during their four years but any BA student will defiantly have time. It is a little secret passageway into Hollywood because of the film school (i know that will ferrel and topher grace both got their start at SC). I have another friend who is in the film school and she told me that movie studios and tv shows film there almost every week and always come to the film school asking for extras. So it can be a great place to start out for hollywood.

Mary Anna

I had one student accepted into the BFA in acting and I have three students currently in the BA in Acting. Two are double majoring, neither in a music related field.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Great school, though and they have retained such a high standard of excellence in their BA while in tandum with the BFA. It's remarkable. Just shows it can be done.

Good luck. Wish I could still be a "California Girl".

xxx,Mary Anna

kedstuff

This little thread might be useful to post now within the listed schools on the forum...can someone move it?

Thanks!

freelance

kedstuff,

My D took a good look at USC (at NYC Unifieds) last year and we were very impressed. We know a talented young lady who graduated last year--she did a MT track.

Although is doesn't have a set MT /BFA program iUSC has a very intense conservatory-style acting program within a huge University. They also have a Theatre BA that incorporates a MT minor. The Dean (can't remember her name) who spoke to the group at the Unifieds said this MT minor comprises of a 27-unit program incorporating the study of acting, dance or movement, vocal arts and related musical subjects (in addition to all the BA Theatre credits). She that this group of MT kids are a large presence. You must audition separately to do this minor. They do two large musicals a year in addition to their many other productions. You also get all your voice lessons from the faculty of their respected Thornton School of Music. the way to There always snag famous guest artists. In the past few years they've had Jason Robert Brown, Twyla Tharp, Jason Alexander and Moises Kaufman (Laramie Project). I need not mention all the obvious Film and Television resources on and around the campus. It is worth a look. One must pass academic muster (very competitive) as well as an artistic review.

kedstuff

Dear Freelance,

It sounds like you learned enough about the admission process to have a sense of the weight factors given to audition, grades and SATs. I know that for a "typical" BA admit to USC the GPA needs to be in the 3.5-3.8 range for competitive college prep curriculum and the SATs around 1300 for regular admission (not merit scholarship consideration, which is higher). Do you have a sense of how much the audition influences the admission decision for the BFA program (how much below the averages I cite above are they going for students they really want, based on audition)?

Thanks

kedstuff

I was obviously "living in the past" with my SAT score of 1300 but I hope you'll translate that from the "old" SAT. Currently, I guess that would be in the range of 1950 to 2000? (I've actually not seen many combined scores for the new SAT yet.)

freelance

kedstuff,

I would contact USC admissions AND the Theatre Dept. and get the skinny from them. Maybe they would give you the average stats for last years admits. I really can't speak for them, although it sounds like your grades are in their ballpark.

Good luck!

Mary Anna

http://www.spartanburg6.k12.sc.us/dh...n%20chart.html

Here is a handy link to convert new SAT scores while we all become accustomed. It also has ACTs

Since MM has only a MT minor and they are listed in the sub headings, maybe the moderator would add USC to the sub headings


Thanks,

xxx
MAry Anna