Point Park vs UARts (Acting!)

letsfigureitout
Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:28:36 +0000

This is an interesting discussion. . .Living in Pittsburgh, knowing a number of students in the acting and MT programs, having seen many shows at Point Park (and around town, where students and faculty perform), and having had two kids apply to Point Park, I think I can BEGIN to address the “question” of training at that school, at least from the perspective of an outside observer. In sum: While it is not a Juilliard or CMU in terms of reputation, it seems to be getting better and better all the time! Considering the admission stats quoted three years ago and this year, it seems that PPU is more competitive to get in. The students we know there are happy, feel they are getting great training and opportunities, feel supported by the faculty, and get along across the disciplines (acting/MT/dance/film/etc.). They share classes, and they both audition for all shows. The student shows are quite professionally done, and there are opportunities for students to perform in the professional arm of the theater offerings. PPU students, faculty, and alums are frequently cast in productions and are repeatedly given rave reviews by theater critics in the region. Students do showcases on both coasts, and alums are working in the field, so they are competitive.

There are no doubt things that should be considered when choosing a school, such as location, whether one enters as a BA or BFA, class size, who the teachers are, facilities, opportunities to learn related skills (or minor in something), etc. If there are specific questions that related to the Point Park experience, I would suggest you get in touch with the program itself or some students who are currently in it.