Nyu tisch

Posted: 5/6/13 at 11:04pm

Im sixteen years old currently a junior in high school living in Cali. Lets say for instance I do get accepted next spring how the hell can I get by living in New York and paying for school and a roof over my head? Both parents are unemployed and Im barely getting by living with them.I'm aware NYU is at least 60k a year. And NY is super expensive.

Im not taking 'its not possible' as an answer. No one understands how driven I am to be a music theatre major for the rest of my life, whether I make it to broadway or just off off broadway. Money is secondary to me but It still has to get me by. I don't have desire to go to an arts college in Cali because I'm much more Broadway then Hollywood. I'm looking for strict serious training that doesn't beat around the bush. I love Cali but time for me to hop outta the nest and fly away.

So... HELP. Please and thank you ??

[BwayTday]

Posted: 5/6/13 at 11:09pm

If you are really serious about being a musical theatre major, I'd suggest looking into schools that are not NYU. There are a lot more affordable options. You also don't HAVE to be a musical theatre major in order to be successful in this world. You just need good training. (And that often lies outside of NYC)

You don't want to be saddled with a bunch of debt after graduation, because this profession doesn't exactly have money security.

Also, if that's you in your icon, you're gonna wanna audition for 10+ programs. Just based on logistics/how competitive it is.


Updated On: 5/6/13 at 11:09 PM

[Eris0303]

Posted: 5/6/13 at 11:14pm

Nothing is impossible if you work hard enough. But realize that NYU isn't the end all as far as theatre training goes. The University of Michigan has produced a good many working actors. My brother went to Tisch and I know what a good school it is. But look around and see what else is around. More eggs in more baskets

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 5/6/13 at 11:26pm

You will have to apply for financial aid and scholarships. There is no possible way anyone in your situation would have to pay the full price of admission or anywhere near it.

However, you shouldn't get your heart set on this one school, especially since it's so competitive to get into, especially the musical theatre program. As someone previously said, you should put lots of schools on your list. You definitely need backup schools. For developing your list, the forums at talk.collegeconfidential.com are a great resource. I am also a junior planning on studying theatre, and that website has been a really great help for me to figure out where to audition.

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:08am

My problem with varying where I apply is traveling. Not only will that mean I need more money just for applying, but to travel for auditions. Online auditioning is an option, but I wouldn't know how to get ahold of anyone that could record me in good fair quality, and I'd prefer meeting the faculty and seeing the campus and observing the campus myself. I'm probably coming off as stubborn or picky since I may seem unopened to exploring my options, but Im stuck on the fantasy of New York, possibly because that's where a lot of opportunity is at. Then I am also aware of reality. I'm doing real big talk and chances of living the broadway dream is super slim. Plus the money issue. I really am willing to pull a lot of strings for financial aid/scholarships/grants/loans. I have fair grades and a resume. I'm working part time as a host at Chilis I don't know if that counts for anything.




Idk idkidkidk Or i could just an indecisive teenage theatre kid that's thinking too much with her heart and not her brain

[BwayTday]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:16am

I don't know where in Cali you live but Los Angeles Unified Auditions could be an option. NYC is an obvious draw for all people wanting to go into this business, which unfortunately means these programs get a ton of applicants. So just realize, NYC isn't the only theatre town, and you DON'T need to be there to have opportunities. Many schools are connected to Equity Theatres in their area and that can be a great way to get into the union and build your resume. There isn't one path to success, and wherever you go, you get what you make out of your education. Audition for a variety of programs (BA, BFA, BM, Acting and MT, etc) and realize that the smallest school in the tiniest town might turn out to be perfect for you.

[AlfieByrne]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:23am

I'm working part time as a host at Chilis I don't know if that counts for anything.

That's going to be a huge boost to your resume. Definitely sell that point when you're auditioning.

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:24am

Also, if that's you in your icon, you're gonna wanna audition for 10+ programs. Just based on logistics/how competitive it is.
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Hahah screw you I like my icon..... You don't have to worry about my looks winning me into a school they can be the judge of my ugliness

[ggersten]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:32am

Be aware that, reportedly, Tisch does not let you audition while a student there. They very much frown on it and supposedly take attendance strictly. You are there to be a student and to learn - and not to live the Broadway dream. That could be very frustrating since the dream is within reach, but you are not allowed to touch it.

If you are in California, there is UCLA (audition) and UC Irvine (non-audition to get in, but audition for BFA Musical Theatre once there) with strong programs - and those are state schools which are a lot less expensive than NYU. Go to collegeconfidential.com and explore the message boards there for musical theatre and theatre majors.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:32am

NYC is immortalized in songs, books, poems, etc for good reason. It's the stuff dreams are made of so to speak. And it's great to have goals and dreams. But it's also good to remember that dreams involve lots of little steps.

And it's not so much the name of the school as what you put in/take out of it. Look up the bios of a few working Broadway actors and look how many of them didn't go to NYU. I just grabbed my Drood playbill and two performers had their college in their bio. Janine Divita - University of Michigan and Jennifer Foote - UC Irvine. Two actors with Broadway credits who did not go to NYU. And, there are many more

[BwayTday]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:33am

No I was saying you're a white girl. That is biggest group of auditioners. You look quite nice in that picture. Sorry I wasn't trying to insult your looks.

(Also I didn't wanna bring this up but reportedly the MT program at NYU has kind of fell apart since parting from CAP21. The acting studios are much stronger than the New Studio on Broadway program. It is hardly the be all and end all.)



Updated On: 5/7/13 at 12:33 AM

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:11am

Also, CSUF has a great non-audition program, where you assess in to a BFA program for musical theatre.

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:11am

Be aware that, reportedly, Tisch does not let you audition while a student there. They very much frown on it and supposedly take attendance strictly. You are there to be a student and to learn - and not to live the Broadway dream. That could be very frustrating since the dream is within reach, but you are not allowed to touch it.

If you are in California, there is UCLA (audition) and UC Irvine (non-audition to get in, but audition for BFA Musical Theatre once there) with strong programs - and those are state schools which are a lot less expensive than NYU. Go to collegeconfidential.com and explore the message boards there for musical theatre and theatre majors.
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Oh I know that about auditioning. I don't know I just really felt NYU I would get most out of because I know they rip you to shreds and that's what I want. a guarentee that ill get a lot out of what im putting time into, but Thats even if I were to get accepted. But thanks for the info! I'm actually going to UC irvine this July for a week to for music theatre to get some prep for college auditions. I feel like california is really overrated when it comes to theatre opportunities but i could be wrong, maybe just sick of it. Alot of things offered here is a scam. I love cali but I'm more east egg style then west egg. Haha. But I'll consider CSU or UC irvine.maybe cal arts.. UCLA I wouldn't stand a chance.

[wizard2joe]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:14am

How are your academic grades? California has CalGrants for students with a GPA over 3.5 (I think?). Also, if you are eligible you can apply for FAFSA! Go talk to your school counselor, there are ways to pay for college.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:17am

NYU isn't the only school in the city with a good theatre program. If your heart is set on going to school in New York, there are other cheaper options.

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:40am

How are your academic grades? California has CalGrants for students with a GPA over 3.5 (I think?). Also, if you are eligible you can apply for FAFSA! Go talk to your school counselor, there are ways to pay for college.
reply to this message
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I have a 3.7 (10-12 academics), I'm taking two APs next year to boost my gpa (even though its pointless since admissions are fall of my senior year) I havnt gotten my SAT scores back yet. and ill look into Fafsa with my conselor! I did apply for a SRA scholarship already I had to write an essay for but they havnt gotten back to me yet.

Posted: 5/7/13 at 1:44am

NYU isn't the only school in the city with a good theatre program. If your heart is set on going to school in New York, there are other cheaper options.
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Honestly my heart really is set on New York and I appreciate you for recognizing that fact. But I mean I am willing to go somewhere in Cali. Besides NYU what really are my other options? I'm not interested in AMDA or AADA. Steinhart (spelt it wrong) yeah but might as well go for Tisch if Im gonna go for that.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 2:04am

Pace is the only other school in the city with a BFA in Musical Theatre. It is highly competitive to get into the program but the school does give very generous financial aid.

[FishermanBob]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 5:02am

Here are my thoughts which you are probably not going to like. If both parents are unemployed and you are barely getting by living with them and going to High School which has no tuition (assuming you're not going to private school) and I'm guessing that you have minimal savings, you are probably not in a financial position to be able to go to college outside of California. That's reality. You need all the tuition reductions and scholarships your California residency can get you. If you live in the L.A. area, there are loads of theaters there. Find a state school which hopefully has some courses in theater or at least acting, live at home to enable you to build up your savings, audition for every possible local theater production to build a resume and learn from more experienced actors and then maybe consider Tisch for a Master's program after you get your B.A. I encourage you to follow your dreasm but those dreams will still be there in 4 or 5 years. You've got plenty of time. Given the reality of your financial and family situation, that's your best bet.

[all that jazz]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 7:20am

Don't worry about auditioning for colleges outside of NY, as most top schools hold auditions in NYC, even London schools, so you don't really have to tour the nation. You can have all your auditions on the same trip.

I agree with you wholeheartedly about NY, even though it's certainly not the only place to study theatre, it does feel like that's where one goes to achieve one's dreams.

I'm auditioning next year for Pace, which is my first choice, Tisch, Carnegie Mellon, Ithaca, and possibly about 3-5 more. Since all of those programs are VERY competitive, probabbly my other picks will be safe choices, I advise you to do the same, try to have as much options as you can because the competition is beyond ridiculous.

Updated On: 5/7/13 at 07:20 AM

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 9:29am

I'm always curious where the notion that Tisch's Musical Theatre program is going downhill comes from. Most of the faculty are from Carnegie Mellon, and they're all working professionals. All the people I know in the program love it. It may very well be true that it isn't what it used to be, I have no way of knowing that. I just find it odd, that the program is being judged when the first group of admitted students will not complete the program until May of next year. There's no alumni to measure the program's success, and also as others have said, it's seemingly impossible to audition and attend NYU.

Updated On: 5/7/13 at 09:29 AM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 9:41am

Life upon the wicked stage ain't ever what a girl supposes.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 9:49am

Don't worry about auditioning for colleges outside of NY, as most top schools hold auditions in NYC, even London schools, so you don't really have to tour the nation. You can have all your auditions on the same trip.

That supposes a trip to NYC is in the cards financially.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 12:39pm

It never ceases to amaze me when schools like Wagner and PACE are left out of the NYC theatre schools discusion.

Depending on where in California you may live, the cost of living may not be as much of a shock as you think. But if price is a big factor, don't limit yourself to NYU; they are not known for giving money.

Allow me to echo those saying to widen your search (in terms of location).

I'd check this thread out. But, don't limit yourself to a BFA. BAs are just as good, and sometimes even better. The latter pages have the most recent information: https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=854618&page=14

[ggersten]

Posted: 5/7/13 at 4:33pm

I don't want to discourage you from NYU Tisch. If that's your dream, then go for it. BUT, do take time to think about all aspects.
On the financial front, the other thing to consider is that four years at NYU is $250,000, PLUS. Even if you get scholarships for half - you leave owing $125,000 and entering a very competitive career with limited jobs at probably not very good pay particularly if you want to act on stage - and as a female, limited in time to make it. That debt could be crushing and force you out of your dream early. You can stay in LA with a private acting and voice and dance coach for much less. The BFA programs are structured in a way that at many schools there is no time for a "fall back" major - unless you can go a fifth year - and that's another 60k, plus. As a data point, Chenowith and OHara are from Oklahoma City University. I think the jury is out on whether the programs elevate someone over what they otherwise might have achieved. Would Megan Hilty be where she is without Carnegie Mellon? Or did she have it within her such that had she gone to Muehlenberg (a non-audition school with a strong program) she still would have succeeded? There is some self-selection going on as there are so few spots at the "top" programs that the schools are taking the "best" who have the best chance at success. The other day I was talking to the head of a BFA Acting program in a major midwestern university and his advice was to study film acting in California. That's where the jobs are, he said.