Dear Babs,

I want to be an actor on Broadway or in Hollywood one day, so I’m looking at college theatre and drama programs. It seems like there are a lot of good schools in New York and California, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to make a huge move like that yet. Any advice?

Signed,
I Wanna Be Famous

Dear Famous,

New York and California are certainly where many film and theatre people live and work. And sure, there are definitely excellent undergraduate programs in theatre and film in these cities; Wagner College, New York University, USC, and UCLA to name just a few.

However, don’t believe for one second that NYC and Hollywood are the only options you have when looking for theatre and drama programs. There are many schools throughout the country with excellent programs that will prepare you well, regardless of their location.

Don’t believe me? I contacted the folks at some schools outside of NY and La-La Land and here’s what they had to say:

From Linda Essig, director of the School of Theatre and Film in the Herberger College of the Arts at Arizona State University : “I usually advise students to follow their passion. But for many students, NY or LA are mythological rather than real places. There are excellent, professionally oriented programs in theatre and/or film throughout the country.  Students should look at who is on the faculty and what their professional activities are on a national and international level.”

From Chris Roberts, Chair of the Dept. of Film, Video, and Theatre at Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College):  “We encourage our students to work on the films that come right here to Maryland, and also to intern at the local stations in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. We also have many students employed at Discovery Communications in Silver Spring. There are over 50 theatres in the Baltimore/Washington,DC area, and we encourage our students to take advantage of those opportunities as well. All of our full time faculty are actively working in the field which gives our students plenty of networking opportunities.”

Ha! Take that, NY and LA!

Check this blog next week when Babs gives more tips on film and theatre programs! As always, feel free to e-mail her questions about your college search.

In its effort to reach out to even more high school students who have questions and concerns about applying and making the transition to college, CampusCompare is happy to debut its new advice column, Dear Babs. This week, Babs will be writing her column based on the many questions and comments that have been posted on the CampusCompare website. Do you have a question for Babs? She’d love to help.

Dear Babs,

All of my friends seem to already know what their majors will be in college. I’m a pretty good student, but I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. I’m finding it hard to decide what schools to apply to as a result. Any advice?
 
Signed,
“Undeclared”

Dear Undeclared,

Don’t fret—you are certainly not the only high school senior unsure of what to study in college. Keep in mind that most colleges do not require you to formally declare a major until the end of your sophomore year, so you’ve got plenty of time before you need to do more serious soul-searching for your future profession.

I’ve got two words for you: liberal arts. During your college search, take a closer look at schools that offer a wide range of majors and subject areas, often grouped together under the term “liberal arts.” Large universities are great for undeclared majors because there are so many academic options within the various schools that you don’t have to transfer to a different school if your interests change. Want a smaller school? There are hundreds of smaller liberal arts institutions, too.

A liberal arts school will allow you to explore different interests until you find a good fit. It is not uncommon for college students to jump between wildly different majors; in my own college experience, I knew a pre-med student who switched to business and an art major who is now a successful dentist!

Remember, they don’t call college “higher education” for nothing. Not only will you eventually figure out what interests you, but you will begin to figure out what you want to do in life.

Collegially yours,
Babs