<p>You are missing my point, I think. The experience I am talking about during four years of college is not JUST training. While in college, you can be in plays/dramas, new works, films, and so on IN school, as well as outside of school, and in summers. It is not like if you go to college, you don’t gain experience. And the experience I am talking about is far better than being an “extra” on a film. </p>
<p>Where did you get that more agents attend the AMTC convention than a college showcase? Come again? I can assure you that agents and casting directors are attending the showcases from well regarded BFA programs. My kid was just in one. She has responses from various agents from it. Also, look at WHICH agents attend. There is some difference in that regard. </p>
<p>Now, you are asking how many kids made it from a BFA in acting program? As you know, this is a very difficult field. Many will not make it. But the same can be said about someone with no degree in the field or no college. Very few make it even from that pile as well. </p>
<p>College students can be in films by the way. They can be in student films or films in the industry as time allows, including in summers. A college student can gain BOTH training and experience…and both are important. </p>
<p>If you wish to pursue film acting without a degree in acting, that is cool. It would make sense to just go for it and take some classes and not bother with college at all. Why bother to study journalism? That will not only use up plenty of time (college is nothing like high school) and you won’t be able to do work like you are talking about doing. Or you will be pulled out of school and lose your tuition. Why bother to go to college if all you want to do is audition and get work? Move to LA and do it then. </p>
<p>Your opinion that AMTC convention is just as good as a college degree in acting says a lot. They are not comparable.</p>
<p>I truly welcome your opinions, early_college. We come from different perspectives and that is totally fine. Your perspective is one of a 15 year old actor and I respect that. My perspective is simply different, not better or more right. Mine is from the vantage point as a parent of a 20 year old actor who has been in the field her entire life, has auditioned in NYC, has had an agent, has worked professionally, and is finishing up her BFA degree program and meeting with agents and about to hit the audition circuit. As well, I am a college counselor who advises students applying to college with an additional specialty/expertise in theater and musical theater college admissions. We simply have different vantage points. That’s OK!</p>