I've started to see a lot of my junior friends thinking about what they want in a college (and summer program: more on that later!). So I thought I would share the list of questions to ask yourself about what you want that I was given when I first started out looking.
As someone who has only recently discovered what I like in a theatre school, I just want to say that everything changes even as you go through the process. Some things confirmed what I always knew, and others shifted, and one or two even rotated 180 degrees. Also, I would definitely say that if you have any special interests at all, really, take that into account. At first I thought I was willing to give up management for acting but came to realize I could do both. Not only does it eliminate a lot of programs, schools love to hear that you're not solely interested in performing. At least, the ones I auditioned for did!
Anyway, here it is!
Ask yourself if you want a school...
- close to or far from your home
- in a city, small town, or rural area
- where you will spend all your time with other theatre students
- where you can pursue another passion, such as sports or visual art
- where you can have the "traditional college experience" with football and keggers and stuff
- with Greek life
- where you can unwind in nature (this is kind of like the city question)
- where you have the freedom to create or participate in student run projects
- in an area with urban nightlife
- where you can have a city's cultural opportunities: museums, shows, shopping, etc.
- with a certain type of culture (either in the school or department--ask current students about this!)
- where certain dietary needs can be met (i.e., Kosher or Halal, vegetarian, allergies)
- where you will be supported academically
- where you will be challenged academically (this was a big one for me!)
- what sort of program style you want: conservatory (2 or 4 year, usually 80+% studio classes), conservatory style (usually 1/3 to 3/4 studio classes), or liberal arts (1/2 or less studio classes)
AND ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. And then apply wherever you want because who knows what scholarships and aid you can get. But keep in mind that it really sucks to get in and not be able to go because of money. Or have to take on incredible amounts of debt because it's really hard to have a job and audition/be in a BFA program. Also, this can be super tough for parents. My family lies right in that awkward middle-class-own-4-cars-but-have-nothing-saved-but-make-well-above-the-average-US-income pocket so I know how it is. Or will soon.
When you're looking for a program, here is what you should ask (of yourself for what you want, and of the school for what is provided):
- How many acting classes are there over the 4 years?
- Will we dance every semester/year/day?
- Will we take voice every semester?
- Can I choose my voice teacher? (as the child of musician parents who send kids to music school, this one is more important than you might think)
- Is the voice faculty from the music department? (Most are. My voice teacher has told me about students of his that struggle with the 100% classical training. Pretty frustrating for us belters!)
- Are BAs cast in the main stage shows?
- Can freshman perform?
- What sort of tech requirements are there?
- Do you offer classes in playwriting, directing, or another specific theatrical interest?
- What is the Shakespeare training like?
- Is there a cut or review system? (In a cut program, more freshmen are accepted than the school can graduate, so at the end of a year they cut back to a specific number. These are going extinct. In a review program, you have juries at the end of every semester/year where the faculty determines whether you have been progressing. If not, you're put on probation and eventually asked to leave. Beware of juries as well! A girl I know said they really stressed her out her first couple of years even though she never had a problem passing.)
- Are there opportunities to be involved in show choir, student productions, a cappella, dance ensembles, etc.?
- How does the program/faculty feel about students taking leaves of absence to be in professional productions?
- Does the school encourage and/or facilitate auditions for summer stock, etc.?
- Are there classes in the business of the business?
- Are internships available/required?
- What sort of industry connections does the school have? (Showcase, workshops, etc.)
- Is study abroad available/required?
These sorts of questions will be important all through the admissions process. You can certainly save some of them for info sessions and auditions! Good luck (is break a leg applicable here?) determining what you want in a college!
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