UCLA vs EMERSON vs FORDHAM

madbean
Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:29:23 +0000

sandkmom, thanks for the wonderful post.

OP, my S2 was also accepted to UCLA for Theatre BA and we attended the audition/interview/portfolio review section on campus in L.A. At that presentation, the BA program was described as a hybrid BA/BFA in that the students were immersed in theatre courses from the very beginning (they have a Freshman Experience, where all incoming BAs take a full load of theatre courses together–the better to bond into a tight unit within the larger university). The acting program was clearly described as one that focuses on training (so not the theory-heavy focus you mentioned) as opposed to performance. That might be startling as they do not emphasize traditional performance opportunities and do not guarantee student actors will be cast in many full productions! However, in their training focus, they are near-conservatory in intensity, excellence of faculty, and reputation. The hybrid part comes from the General Education requirements of UCLA, where the Theatre BAs need to keep up with this very academically rigorous university. UCLA Theatre BAs tend to be smart, gifted students as well as gifted actors/designers/directors. When we attended the presentation, we noticed some students present were not excited to hear about the challenging GEs, and the director suggested not everyone was looking for this rigor along side such demanding theatre training.

Now, we do not have knowledge of how the program works in reality. But this may help you round out the info you gathered yourself on what the program is intended to be.

To rate your excellent choices I’d suggest–

Emerson BFA for least academic demands of your 3 choices while getting a full-on conservatory based program in the great city of Boston, not far from NYC. Well thought of school. Very well thought of BFA.

Fordham for more academic challenge plus well regarded (and highly praised above) BA program with excellent Lincoln Center/NYC location.

UCLA will likely provide most academic challenge of the 3, with a hybrid BA that boasts near conservatory-style training (within its own highly coveted School–Theatre, Film & Television) in Los Angeles–the best weather, Hollywood connections by far of the 3. And the Theatre major here is referred to as among the top-ranked in the US. But, keep in mind UCLA is a public University and the state budget is in trouble. No telling how fast the tuition will keep rising or how the program may have to change. :(

Hard choice. Best of luck!