Ask me about USC Theatre!

LunaLovesGood
Sat, 19 May 2012 09:19:24 +0000

I’m fairly sure BFA Students are not “not permitted” (as in if they do the iron fist of the law will come crashing down on them) to do outside work but it would be EXTREMELY difficult because of the way their classes are structured. It would, perhaps, not be so much of a problem the first three semesters when they aren’t required to be in a show but the 6-10pm Mon-Fri and sometimes Saturday rehearsal schedule for SOT (School of Theatre) shows is allot. You can, however, always switch to the BA program if you are in the BFA one if something comes up so I wouldn’t base your decision solely on that if you’ve been accepted to the BFA program.

It should also be noted (possibly contrary to whatever the SOT admissions people are saying these days) BFAs are not “not permitted” to do a show their first three semesters they just aren’t guaranteed to be in a show. Most SOT shows at USC are BFA or MFA class shows or B.A./Minor only shows but freshman and first semester sophomore BFAs can audition for the extra spots in other class’s BFA shows and the open cast ones as well as do ISPs (Independent Student Productions) or whatever else fits into their schedule. I’m sure, at least on some level, it is discouraged but hardly prohibited (evidenced by the fact that they allow it to happen).

And, in all honesty, I don’t think your GPA matters much when it comes to the BFA program. It’s mostly audition (or portfolio) based.

It’s true that the BA program is as rigorous as you want it to be. You can take 4 years of acting as well as movement, voice, and all the other things just like the BFAs if you so desire. You can choose the same teachers as well. I don’t know if the approach is different because I’ve never taken a BFA class but is somehow doubt it. You also can (and should, lol) audition for the SOT shows. There are BA only shows for BAs and if there aren’t enough BFA’s for the class shows you can audition for those too. With ISPs and other performance opportunities (improve groups, dance companies…) there are plenty of chances to perform. So, in essence it’s really what you make of it. You have to push yourself in the BA program because no one will do it for you but there is plenty room and opportunity to flourish.

The concentration of other subject matters is also what you want it to be. ALL students have the GE requirements (6-7 classes in various subjects and two writing classes) they have to fulfill. The only difference there is that BFAs don’t have the foreign language requirement (passing a level 3 class or testing out of it). So it really depends on what you personally mean by “well-rounded education”. For some that’s more than enough others might want more like a double major or minor. The BA makes it REALLY easy to double major or minor (even 2 minors) and the BFA program makes it basically impossible.

Someone mentioned the showcase. BAs can audition for the showcase and there are spots reserved for BAs. How many spots depends on the size of the BFA Class. This year 5 or 6 BAs got in but the BFA class is fairly small. Right now my year has 20 BFAs so there will probably be less spots when I’m a senior. From what I’ve heard the showcase can be a good jumping off point and most people in it get picked up by someone through it but it’s by no means a guaranteed of success.