<p>Chrissyblu’s D,
I don’t think it would look bad. I think they’ll understand and respect that cost has to be a factor. If anything, it would show that you’re thinking down the road and looking out for yourself which could be considered nothing but a plus by any reasonable person who isn’t blind to the realities of the biz. You just need to be diplomatic in your approach. As for theatre vs. film, I personally believe that the best film actors come from an intensive theatre conservatory background although I have to admit that most of the ones I’m nuts over got their training in the UK. But, hey … “The Hoff” went to CalArts! How can you argue with the freakin’ Hoff?! … unless you’re Chuck Norris … ;)</p>
<p>As for the BA vs. BFA question, there are as many schools of thought on that as there are actors. There is a big mix in the middle between the less intensive BFAs and the more intensive BAs training-wise. There are BAs that actually offer more training than some BFAs and while I’m not particularly familiar with UCLA, I would assume them to be one of those. It’s actually a problem in US training that there really is no standard for what does and does not constitute “professional training.” I was actually talking to your mom awhile back when I posted a psuedo rant in the second half of a post that pretty much summarized my view on the issue … <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060537497-post19.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1060537497-post19.html</a> I can’t say for sure, but I would think the UCLA BA would be more akin to a “liberal arts college/university BFA.” It’s not really a matter of which is better. It’s a matter of what’s best for YOU. (As a side, where I’m from, screen acting is considered “commercial” although there’s a difference in that terminology in the actual industry.)</p>
<p>I definitely understand about these decisions sucking … Just so you won’t feel alone, here’s where I was at three years ago … <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/173731-decisions-decisions.html?highlight=decisions[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/173731-decisions-decisions.html?highlight=decisions</a> Just looking back, there are some good arguments offered by Kellster for the BA/MFA although those obviously come from the heads of some MFA programs with that bias reflected. Actually, I didn’t go to any of those three schools since another I had written off as too expensive upped the financial ante in the eleventh hour. The previous year, I dove headlong at a school that offered me a full academic scholarship without even finding out the results from all my auditions. Big mistake … Had I not done that and looked for a balance in expense vs. efficacy, I would be graduating from NCSA this year … </p>
<p>Maybe that’ll help you out some? I’m always a little apprehensive to post on these decisions threads because I’m always afraid of saying something that will hurt more than help. I guess the best I can do is offer some things from my own experience to think about because I would in no way try to answer your questions for you. I don’t have a horse in the race and just want you to come out with what will make you happiest in the long run.</p>