Need Help Finding A BFA or BA Acting Transfer School

realjoy
Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:28:09 +0000

My daughter is finishing her freshman year at one of our state universities in their BA theatre program, with the plan of auditioning for their BFA Acting program. She has learned a lot about the program in her first year, and has become quite disenchanted and realizes that the program (even the BFA) and the academics are just not what she wants. I am hoping some of you knowledgeable CC’ers can give some school suggestions.

Her ideal school would offer a BFA in Acting, but not a conservatory-type of program, so that she can take a variety of classes that interest her (I know, that probably doesn’t exist). Otherwise, she would want a BA with an Acting concentration. In short, she would love a LAC type of theatre program housed in a major university. She really wants to be able to take lots of different acting classes, be challenged and stretched as an actor and have mainstage opportunities. She would also like to be able to take voice-over and film acting classes, and also find a program that offers a senior showcase or one that partners with a theatre so that the students can earn their equity card.

One thing she dislikes about her current school is that the casting is very political, they tend to pigeon-hole you and then give you those same types of roles over and over, and they want you to look how they want you to look (ie: she couldn’t go crazy and cut or color her hair). It is also a cut program. These are things she definitely wants to avoid.

Here are the other things she is looking for in a school:

*large uni with a large student body (not a commuter school)
*vibrant college town or at least a lively area with shops, stores, restaurants within walking distance
*Friendly student body
*Lots of student activities
*A large variety of academic class offerings
*A relaxed atmosphere (not highly competitive)
*Prefers the northeastern part of the US, but is open to going almost anywhere for the right fit

We so appreciate any advice or recommendations!