Author Topic: Transferring?  (Read 5911 times)

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SeaTownSM

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Transferring?
« on: Dec 04, 2009, 10:33 am »
Hi all,
I have been a member of this site for a quite a while now. I created a new profile for this topic. I am currently a sophomore (in my second year) at a college with a stage management program (I am purposefully keeping the name out, if you really want to know PM me). It is not as strong as I had hoped for and I am not sure its the best fit. I am starting to look into transferring and wanted to see what others thought. Would it be difficult to transfer into something as specific as stage management? Most programs are very structured, so I realize it would be hard to complete the program in two or three years.

I am also looking into schools again, I have a better idea this time but any suggestions would be helpful. I am interested in DePaul, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Boston University (need more info on program), University of Southern California (need more info on program, the website was really vague), University of Alberta (again, need more info on program, the website was really vague). Those are just a few I've come up with within the last day or so as I just made the choice to transfer. I love Chicago and would love to go to school there. I also like Boston. I did originally apply to Emerson and got in, but did not decide to go there nor do I want to now. I am looking for a more structured BFA program, however my current program requires outside academic electives so I am ok with having general classes to take.

One big problem I have now is too many SMs in the program, not enough shows. This leads to competition and having to "prove yourself" but it is not positive. It has been a very negative experience so far and the support from the faculty/SM teachers is basically nothing. In addition, the upperclassmen seem to look down upon the freshman and sophomores instead of collaborating with them.

I understand that many programs are small and competitive, however I feel like many would have a much more positive and supportive vibe.

Any help is greatly and much appreciated!
Thanks!

deletedoldnotanymore

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #1 on: Dec 04, 2009, 07:08 pm »
Hello!

I don't know how it works at other schools, and I know you said you aren't interested in Emerson, but here is how we handle transfers.  It is possible to transfer into our BFA program, but it would almost certainly take 3 years (though depending on your credits and if you have done any internships, it could be 2).  We have a few students who have transferred in.  Some of them decided to move into the BA program in order to graduate faster, and some stayed in the BFA program.  Either way, you can receive assignments for Mainstage shows as well as find work on student shows.

I hope this helps, if not you, someone else!

Christian

theatreannie

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #2 on: Dec 04, 2009, 09:59 pm »
If you want information on Rutgers just send a message.  I am an MFA there.

Every undergrad has a show assignment every semester as either an ASM/PA on the mainstage or as a SM/ASM in the blackbox theatre.  Sometimes you can get two assignments in a semester, for better or worse.

We take transfers but you may have to take a bit more time to graduate depending on what credits transfer

Libby

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #3 on: Dec 05, 2009, 12:42 pm »
I know there have been transfer SM students at Boston Univeristy. I've been out of the program for about 3 1/2 years now, but I can answer any questions you have about the program, or put you in touch with some of the people in the classes below me (even some transfer students). Feel free to PM me.

Amie

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #4 on: Dec 05, 2009, 04:42 pm »
Hi -

So a few things popped out at me as I was reading this:

>>I am also looking into schools again, I have a better idea this time but any suggestions would be helpful.<<

What exactly are you looking for in the program?  Play based? Musical based? Dance?

>>Those are just a few I've come up with within the last day or so as I just made the choice to transfer.<<
Do you know what attracts you to the programs you've mentioned?  All great schools and I've both applied and interviewed at U of Illinois.  The program is very competitive but the facilities are excellent.


>>I understand that many programs are small and competitive, however I feel like many would have a much more positive and supportive vibe.<<

You sound like you are coming from a very frustrated place. I encourage, if not stress, to you to call schools and visit locations, as well as what you are doing: reaching out and asking other possible students/faculty on this site what they recommend.  I would imagine that most people here will speak strongly and positively of their academic experiences, including those who may attend the school you've chosen wisely to disclose.  It would be unfortunate for you to transfer to another school out of frustration for your current program only to find yourself in another frustrating situation.  So be clear about what you are looking for in the program, aside from a positive atmosphere. Ask lots of questions, including how often you will get the opportunity to actually stage manage and what kinds of events/productions the program offers, etc.

Best of luck to you.
~ Amie ~

“This whole creation is essentially subjective, and the dream is the theater where the dreamer is at once: scene, actor, prompter, stage manager, author, audience, and critic.”

SeaTownSM

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #5 on: Dec 05, 2009, 06:41 pm »
What exactly are you looking for in the program?  Play based? Musical based? Dance?
>>I am looking for a program with a strong theatre program. This does not necessarily mean it has to be all plays all the time. I am open to other types of theatre such as dance, opera, and even smaller events. One thing however that I am really looking for is for the stage management program be pretty structured. I like to know what classes I would be taking and for their to be a wide selection of courses I would need to take. Some programs I have looked at have one or two stage management classes, a few other theatre classes, and thats it. I also like having a well rounded education. So classes in other areas of the theatre, acting, classes outside of the theatre, etc are a plus. <<

Do you know what attracts you to the programs you've mentioned?  All great schools and I've both applied and interviewed at U of Illinois.  The program is very competitive but the facilities are excellent.
>>I really have not looked into them to much, but they seem to have fairly structured programs with lots of opportunities for everyone. Having good facilities is a plus for sure. I partially answered this above. <<

You sound like you are coming from a very frustrated place. It would be unfortunate for you to transfer to another school out of frustration for your current program only to find yourself in another frustrating situation.

>>Exactly. I am completely aware that if I were to transfer, I would need to make sure where ever I went I was happy before starting if that makes sense. <<

Something I forgot to add in my first post was the general school atmosphere. My current school is a huge party and sports school. Additionally, the people here seem somewhat snobbish and rude. I am looking for a school with a diverse student population and a school with a wide range of activities to do besides just party. I realize that any school there will be partying going on, and its fun. But when its the only thing to do it gets old.

Thanks for all your help!
« Last Edit: Dec 05, 2009, 07:46 pm by SeaTownSM »

BLee

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #6 on: Dec 05, 2009, 09:05 pm »
Based on how you answered those questions I think you should look into Stephens. I transferred here into the stage management program 2.5 year ago. It is structured as a 3 year 2 summer program so you are going to school almost year round (with generous breaks). It is a private woman's college, but that means that the sm program is wide open. I was the only 100% SM for my year and am graduating with 9 SM credits and 3 ASM credits (one of those was an internship I did during my first summer after the school program ended). On top of that I have numerous other credits in design and backstage work.

For class you are required to take 2 SM courses, plus you will end up taking extra SM classes that related to which shows you SM for class credit and one-on-one time. You are required to take a lot of design courses and the level one courses for every section of theatre. They encourage well rounded education, but the emphasis is in theatre and your career as opposed to too many general education courses. All of my credits transferred in, which put me ahead of the crowd here.

As a matter of fact...I'm going to PM you more details so I don't crowd up the boards. :)
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Candy0081

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #7 on: Dec 06, 2009, 12:53 pm »
Hey Sea Town

I suggest you take a minute and read MattewShiner's post in the Best School for SM thread.  He has outlined some fantastic questions to answer about any program you are looking into.  If I'm doing this correctly the link is below.

Candy

http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,3825.0.html


SeaTownSM

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Re: Transferring?
« Reply #8 on: Jan 03, 2010, 12:35 am »
After much thought, I am simply just gonna try to transfer to DePaul. I originally applied there, long story short I did not attend (luckily all they have to do is reopen my application). I was able to get in contact with two current students and they answered all my questions plus some. I figure I know what the program and the school is like. Applying to other places gives me no grantee that it will be any different than my current program. This upcoming week I have my interview, and am well prepared for it. While there is no guarantee I will be able to transfer into their program, its worth a shot.
Thanks for all your help, this site has been incredibly helpful.

 

riotous