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Author Topic: Schools (undergrad)  (Read 7388 times)

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Lauren

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Schools (undergrad)
« on: Jul 22, 2009, 01:52 am »
I am currently a rising senior in highschool in Northern Virginia and have chosen Stage Management as something I want to do for the rest of my life (thus I am finding colleges with SM as a major). I have researched things and I think I have a pretty clear idea of what the real world holds. I have truly fallen in love with Stage Management as a position, and am trying to gain as much experience with as many different groups as I can.
I have read every thread on this child board in the last few days (I just closed a show, so suddenly I have time... strange concept that it is. :)), and have found some very useful information, but much of it is at least a few years old. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions that can be given (and am terribly sorry if this topic seems redundant to many of you).
The schools I am looking at are:
UNCSA
Syracuse
Boston U
Emerson
DePaul
Penn State
Webster
Western Michigan
I am looking for a BFA program in Stage Management (not a tech track with a concentration), preferably conservatory. UNCSA is my top choice currently (I really love the campus, the atmosphere, the spaces, and the people...I also went there for a couple of dance intensives when I was younger, so I am biased), but I haven't had the chance to visit more than 3 of these schools.
Also, any and all suggestions regarding financial aid for any of these schools, or just generally would be much appreciated. I have very good grades, GPA, classes, etc... but affording college is a major concern for me... I do realize that there are other, cheaper options, and I do have one fallback, in-state school (to make my concerned, but supportive mother happy), as long as I'm shooting, might as well shoot for the stars!
Thank you all.
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KMC

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Re: Schools (undergrad)
« Reply #1 on: Jul 22, 2009, 08:56 am »
I am an alumnus of the Penn State program.  I graduated in '06 and the program certainly set me up for success.  I have had full time employment (save for a 4 week gap between jobs) since the day I graduated.  The campus life outside of the school of theatre is also wonderful.  With such a large student body there's a very diverse group of interests and definitely something for every taste.  It is a big party school, though, and that is the predominant social activity on the weekends and can be hard to avoid.  Out of state tuition for Penn State is quite high, especially when compared to other public universities, so this can definitely be an issue for some people. 

There is a certain stigma that comes with an NCSA degree.  The facilities are certainly top notch, but there is a sentiment in the industry that NCSA people only know the "NCSA way".  While no sweeping generalization is ever entirely accurate, I can say from my experience working with NCSA alum that this assumption is not entirely without merit.  The few I've worked with seemed lost in the professional world, unable to adapt and ultimately didn't survive their first contract.  I am sure that is not the case for all, but is certainly something to keep in mind.

A word of caution in general, and I've stood on this soap box many times in the past few years.  Be careful when talking to alumni of different programs, and take everything with a bit of salt.  People are generally biased to their program and think their program was the absolute best, yet 98% of those people have no idea what other programs are like and have no frame of reference to make an objective comparison.  Certainly listen to what alumni say, but do take it with a grain of salt.  Try to visit the campuses yourself and see if it's a good fit for you.

Good luck in your search and do keep us posted.
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MatthewShiner

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Re: Schools (undergrad)
« Reply #2 on: Jul 22, 2009, 12:23 pm »
I would second the following opinion:

Quote
There is a certain stigma that comes with an NCSA degree.  The facilities are certainly top notch, but there is a sentiment in the industry that NCSA people only know the "NCSA way".  While no sweeping generalization is ever entirely accurate, I can say from my experience working with NCSA alum that this assumption is not entirely without merit.  The few I've worked with seemed lost in the professional world, unable to adapt and ultimately didn't survive their first contract.  I am sure that is not the case for all, but is certainly something to keep in mind.

I have run across many, only one was worth their weight - and she was amazing - but on the flip side, I think she was amazing going into the program.
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sievep

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Re: Schools (undergrad)
« Reply #3 on: Jul 22, 2009, 01:31 pm »
I agree with Kevin and Matthew regarding NCSA, and will also offer this . . .

I would not recommend Webster University, and I am an alum.  I have much concern and feel very strongly about this.  If you'd like further details please PM me.
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MatthewShiner

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Re: Schools (undergrad)
« Reply #4 on: Jul 22, 2009, 02:45 pm »
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