<p>Hello, I’m a BFA 1 Acting student at an arts college. I am currently unhappy with my school and am looking to transfer, ideally next year. Since this is a decision that has to be made carefully, I don’t mind taking a gap year starting next fall if I find the best school for me.</p>
<p>I am looking for a program that focuses mainly in theater and ensemble work. I am not interested in a curriculum with acting for the screen and musical theater as big components. I would like it to be in a big city or close to one and somewhere where I wouldn’t need to have a car. I don’t want a program that is affiliated with only one acting technique (e.g. Meisner, method, etc). I’m also looking for a school that lets freshmen audition OR that have some sort of performance opportunities for freshmen and that keeps us busy all the time.</p>
<p>It can be either BFA or BA (I had lousy grades in high school, but my grades this semester are very good).</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Can someone help me?</p>
<p>Your question is a very broad one, MaggieTheCat. Most theatre programs discussed on this forum do <em>not</em> have MT and acting for the screen as large components, and a great many do not teach only one technique.</p>
<p>To a certain extent, you may find fewer performance opportunities in a BFA program than in a BA program, because BFA programs tend to focus on training.</p>
<p>In terms of wanting to be busy all the time, my son’s BFA seems to result in 14-hour days even without being in a show! </p>
<p>Many people seem to worry a lot about whether freshmen are eligible to audition for shows. I know quite a few parents of BFA freshmen, and virtually all of them report their kids have more than enough to do. The ones who are auditioning for shows are wishing they didn’t have that additional stress, and the ones who aren’t auditioning are grateful they don’t have to cope with that.</p>
<p>Maggie, look at Hartt. Very stage oriented-- lots of classical training and a ‘toolbox’ approach with lots of techniques taught. And a full range of dramatic acting from Sophocles to Mamet. Total ensemble-- your AT class will work together in 12 plays by the time you graduate. NO performance freshman year, though you’ll be so busy your head will spin. And Hartford isn’t really an exciting city. (zzzzz) But 2 hours by bus to NYC or Boston. I’d consider UMinn/Guthrie too if I were you, and UNCSA. Just off the top of my head-- I know there are more.</p>