performing arts colleges

[Ethan Barnes]

Where would be the best college to go to for acting on stage and/or camera?

[Rob Walters]

Well Ethan, it kinda depends upon what you mean by "the best." If you mean what schools will equip you with the tools you need to be an actor, there are lots of solid university programs and independent programs you might try. But, if you mean which schools will equip you with a thorough understanding that acting is a business...one that requires constant attention and effort, as well as a firm grasp of craft..that number is rather small. In my experience, most university programs don't want to talk too much about the nuts and bolts of marketing yourself and presenting yourself to casting directors and agents becomes it would make them seem too much like vocational schools.

I'm going to give you some advice that some people might not like. I would say go to a normal college that has a solid theater program and minor in it. They might also have a film school (a lot of college filmmakers don't exactly hold auditions, so you should try to make friends with 'em). Find something else to major in that is of interest to you. Actors have to make money somehow and waiting tables isn't exactly for everyone...I know it wasn't for me. The other big reason is that if you go to a performing arts college, most of the people you will surround yourself with are ACTORS. Actors are special people because they generally act differently from other folks. Interacting with those other folks is kinda important especially if you may have to portray them on stage or screen later.

To answer your question, though...as far as top acting programs...the ones that matter (when I say "matter" I mean that students of those programs are often privy to experiences that help them transition into the professional world easier than a grad from another school) are GRADUATE programs, though their undergraduate counterparts are decent as well. The Julliard School, New York University's Graduate Acting Program, Yale School of Drama (graduate acting program). The Theater School at Depaul University is excellent in it's undergrad and grad divisions. These are the cream of the crop.

I should say that ultimately, talent and drive are also huge components of the equation. You can NOT go to school, be talented, have drive, and take classes in LA/NY and circumvent the whole college equation and still end up working professionally. This is probably the scarier option, though, 'cause you'll have to get a job, support yourself, and find a way to pursue your craft. Hope this helps you out.

[Ethan Barnes]

Yes, Rob, and I was originally planning to go to college for programming and I am doing the Tulsa tech program for web programming for the next 2 years. And you answered my question great, Another question I would like to ask would be, What Oklahoma colleges have a prestigious theater group or more active than the average college theater.

[Rob Walters]

Well, part of what you really want is a college that has successful alumni and a presence in New York, Chicago, and/Los Angeles. Just about all the big Oklahoma schools have some successful alumni and a notable presence in those cities. OU might have more since they have the largest department, but OCU probably has a bigger pipeline directly to the New York/Broadway because of their acclaimed musical theater program. My alma mater, the University of Tulsa, has a presence on the east and west coasts and while we have successful performers, I think we've probably been more successful recently with writers, designers, producers. What you will probably discover as did many of my friends...opportunities don't just come to you wherever you go...you've got to make 'em...which is why so many folks turn to directing, producing, and writing in addition to their performing. This is important because you want to pick a theater program that's doing more than just mainstage shows. Many times the real education to be had is in the productions that students put together themselves. I was in a few mainstage productions at TU, but I think I gained equally valuable experience writing my own plays, writing theater reviews for the newspaper, and acting in productions around town. So, look for a program with a lively second stage, a series of student produced productions, and the opportunity to pioneer some performance opportunities...like a sketch comedy or improv group. Also check out what's happening in town? Is there a summer theater festival that pulls students from the university? Is there some sort of film scene that's happening that could be another performance opp? Hope this helps.





Ethan Barnes said:

Yes, Rob, and I was originally planning to go to college for programming and I am doing the Tulsa tech program for web programming for the next 2 years. And you answered my question great, Another question I would like to ask would be, What Oklahoma colleges have a prestigious theater group or more active than the average college theater.