School's "Type"

College Majors Theater/Drama Majors
1

<p>I keep on reading on threads people saying “the audition told me I wasn’t their type.” What exactly does that mean? I mean, aren’t schools looking for a “diverse ensemble”?</p>

<p>In your opinion what are these school’s “type”:
Purchase
CMU
UNCSA
DePaul
Rutgers
Pace
Ithaca
CalArts
BU</p>

2

<p>Sometimes when a school says you’re not their ‘type,’ it is a polite way of saying you’re not ready yet for their program. Other times it can literally mean you’re not their type, but that could mean that you’re talented in, say, dancing, and their program’s focus is classical theatre. I think though you’re referring to looks and ‘type.’ In my kids’ personal experience, they haven’t yet heard of a college saying this outright to students. Some schools may have ‘types’ they might prefer based on class composition and other factors, but I’m not aware of anything official. And I’m sure it varies each year based on their current vision. The best way to find out if you’re a match for the program is to look at their website and read carefully about their teaching philosophy and their course requirements and schedule, to visit the program if you can, and to talk to current students and school representatives.</p>

3

<p>I can’t speak to any other schools, but at my Depaul audition, the kids they called back were completely diverse - there were multiple ethnicities and body types represented. I used to think about the question of type a lot and worry if I were the right one for the schools I’m auditioning for…however, I’ve really done away with that whole thought process now. In my opinion, it’s useless to worry about it - because even if you know what a school’s “type” is (if they have one), you shouldn’t change yourself to try and fit in with it. I’ve learned that being yourself is your best asset at your auditions, and ultimately what will make you want to attend a school is if you feel that the training really caters to your particular needs and allows you to be yourself freely. Best of luck :)</p>

4

<p>I can only speak for my own school. The CalArts “type” is hard to define, because it’s not something that is apparent or superficial. The ACTORS who go here are usually:

  • Extremely passionate
  • Very hard working
  • Have a very strong artistic vision or want to develop one
  • Like to try new things
  • Committed to the program. Don’t expect to be able to miss classes or do outside auditions or even get a regular job. If they call you at 8pm on Sunday because they need someone for wardrobe crew in half an hour, you are expected to be there.
  • Very talented, but sometimes this talent has not been fully discovered yet
  • Very smart. In all my GenEd classes, the actors are the only ones who have something to say and bring up interesting topics to discuss
  • Have interests in other areas/métiers (can play an instrument, sing, dance, draw, paint, etc) - it’s funny because there are many of us who applied to other majors at CalArts as well
  • Not a stereotype. We have very few stereotypical actors (like the blonde girl+blue eyes who always plays the ingénue), most of us are not a set “type” and therefore can play many diverse roles.
  • In good physical condition. This is important because if you’re not healthy, you’re gonna get your butt kicked A LOT and you won’t be able to keep up with the classes and with the busy schedule.
  • Professional. Gossip and nasty attitude are not tolerated at all. If you are rude, stuck up and entitled you can expect to get AT LEAST a Letter of Concern. Also, you probably won’t get cast as often.</p>

<p>These are the things that I can think off the top of my head. There are probably many more. CalArts picks its students very carefully and if they realize they made a mistake, they can ask you to leave. They make it very clear to us that they only want people who are 100% here and if you are committed, they will give you absolutely everything.</p>

5

<p>Love the Barbara Stanwyck, milkshakespeare!</p>

6

<p>Milkshakespeare…we are at auditions and lost your phone number. Call me. </p>