BFA A Strong Advantage...?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/17/05 at 11:03pm

I'd never thought I'd be asking a question about college, but here goes.

I've been told by professors in several different colleges that I looked into that there is no real advantage in a BFA over a BA in terms of landing a job.

However, I have recently seen some professional regional productions and in the programs, I see nothing but "BFA in Theatre from Blahblah University." No one mentions a BA.

Is there an advantage?

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 12:37pm

In my opinion, and from my experience, it's not a huge advantage. I've spoken to casting directors and agents, all of whom have said that training is the first thing they look at on a resume, but good training can be found all over NYC.

There are some acting teachers who actually say it's important to get a BA in something other than performance- literature, etc. You can always train in addition to your classes or after graduation.

Also, 4 yrs of training is great, but it's no guarantee you'll be a great artist. I know people with BFA's who in my opinion, are horrible performers. And a BFA has no way of preparing you for the fact that at the end of the day, it's often "how right" you are for something, even if you gave a great audition.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 2:20pm

This makes me feel better as I'm just getting a BA and my school has done away with their BFA program for awhile.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 2:50pm

Doing away with the BFA program? Interesting...

In my opinion, just get started in a good technique or scene study class and stick with it.

I have a B.A. in Anthropology and Literature, and I've been very close to booking 2 B'way musicals and some national tours. I'm basically paying my dues at this point. But I'm in scene study, I study dance at B'way Dance Center, and I work with a voice teacher and coach, so I'm definitely trying to keep on top of the training (as $$$ as it is!).

Best of luck!

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 4:22pm

I'm getting a B.A. in theatre (my degree is general theatre, not specifically performance or tech... I'm getting a basic background in everything) and I'm not worried. I think that when it comes down to auditioning, the liklihood of me getting a role will have more to do with my ability than the type of degree I earned.

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 6:08pm

This is actually good to know. I am not sure if I am going to get into the BFA program (or want to be with the people who are currently in it) this semester, and I was wondering if a BA would just be a waste of time. The only thing is that, the BFA are trained for Broadway style auditions, and getting a lot of casting stuff thrown towards them. I do not know if the BAs are treated the same way, or if they are considered nonperformers. An acting teacher at my school told me that the BFAs were for students whose main goal is to perform and act professionally, or in a professional setting. A BA is someone who wants to explore other areas of theatre. I do NOT want to explore other areas---meaning, I want to be a performer. But its good to hear some other opinions on the matter.


Did I make any sense?

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 5/18/05 at 6:18pm

Ok here's the thing about a BFA. A BFA shows that you worked hard in one concentration (ie acting, design/tech). While a BA is looked at as a more general degree. Most BFA's are listed in your concentration. Like last may I got my BFA in Acting, not theatre. BA's tend to be listed by area of study and not concentration. SO even if your school offers concentrations in Acting, directing, design/tech, your BA is still a BA in Theatre.

However.........if you go on to do grad work non of that matters with a BFA. Because an MFA pretty much negates a BFA. As grad work is where some people feel you are supposed to do your concentration and use the undergrad work to build your general knowledge.

So in a long winded kinda way. A BFA is preferable if you plan on stopping your college education after 4 years. While a BA tends to look better with an MFA attached. Either way you get the education and Talent has an advantage over a degree any day.