Hidden Gem Theatre Schools

EmmyBet
Sat, 22 Dec 2012 11:56:47 +0000

My D just returned from her 3rd semester at Adelphi University (auditioned BFA). I have to say that once again we all are thrilled with the curriculum and opportunities she has there. She is getting strong, comprehensive training in Acting, and also will have significant tech/design experience, plus several courses in Directing, Theatre History, and numerous other electives. She’ll do a semester at LAMDA (next year!!!), and has gotten great advice and referrals for summer theatre work as well. Her performance opportunities have been varied and all very valuable - from mainstage work onstage and in tech, in class projects, and in student-directed work (Senior Capstone projects). In addition, she has been able to take advantage of her proximity to NYC and sees on average 12-15 plays per semester (at great discounts).

One thing that impresses me is that at the end of every semester each student (there are 15-20 per class) sits down with their theatre professors and has a frank discussion of their strengths, their challenges, and their goals. The feedback is invaluable, and the overall feeling is a team approach to learning. My D feels respected and cared about, and she is more than ready to take the next steps in her professional and personal development.

As for academics, while the gen eds are easy for most students to get done with quickly, there also are great opportunities to do solid, college-level study. My D is in the Honors College and also is considering a minor in an academic field. Adelphi is a moderately selective school academically - pretty safe for a B student with decent scores - and has lots of merit scholarships for students with higher stats.

As for BFA selectivity, while the chances are, as always, low, they are higher than big name schools that audition thousands of students. Adelphi probably auditions 400 kids and accepts more than the 20 that end up attending. They do not go to Unifieds, but they have several on-campus audition days, take personal appointments, and also accept video submissions (and they do accept by video).

Adelphi also has a substantial film/TV/media department and many Acting students take classes there and perform in student films. They also have an auditioned Theatre Minor, and do regularly take transfer students.