<p>What you were told about grad students at Tisch is entirely false information. In fact, the graduate program is completely separate from the undergraduate drama program at Tisch. The drama/musical productions are also completely separate. Therefore, students who are undergrads are NOT vying for roles with the grad students. They are not even in the same productions. Every role in the undergraduate productions (and there are over 100 productions per year of all types) are filled by undergrad drama students. The graduate program has its own theater productions.</p>
<p>I have a daughter at Tisch and she loves it immensely and has had wonderful opportunities there of all kinds. Her experiences have been very positive and it has been the perfect match for her. </p>
<p>It is not necessary to go to college in NYC if you want to study theater. You certainly can study elsewhere and eventually come to NYC following graduation. I do not believe one should narrowly look for a college in NYC as a prime goal. HOWEVER, I must admit that now that my D is at NYU/Tisch, the networking and opportunities that are due in a large part by both being at NYU and being in NYC have been plentiful. When she graduates, she will already be immersed in theatrical and performing arts pursuits in NYC and be connected with others in the field both due to who she has been in contact with at NYU but also in the city itself. </p>
<p>I strongly stuggest that rather than talk to those OUTSIDE of a BFA program or college, to talk to current students and recent graduates of those who ATTENDED the program, as well as faculty/administrators.</p>
<p>PS…one neat thing about the graduate school though…is that Tisch has a unique graduate program in Musical Theater Writing and there are many opportunities for a MT actor that can arise from association with the graduates in that program. My D has experienced that in several capacities so far, including paid opportunities.</p>