Florida State University

Date: Dec 07 2003
Major: Perfomance Arts (This Major's Salary over time)
I was a theatre major a FSU for four years. The school of theatre is highly competitive in the bfa program, regular ba admittance is open. If you are not accepted into the bfa program, dont take it too hard, you were probably just not as good looking as the others. Rarely does it have much to do with talent. The ba students compete with the bfa students, however, few, if any, ever won. Bottom line, if you want to get cast in a show at FSU, it is almost necessary that you are in the bfa program. If you can't get into the bfa program, you MUST approach the professors, and get to know them well. All bfa students work closely with the professors, and attend classes that are not open to regualr ba students. The professors know them well. They only cast who they know, and no, your talent isn't going to win them over.

This program is what you make of it. Don't expect to get cast in the mainstage general casting call auditions. You are lucky if you get a call back in your four years. What you can do is take the initiative, and get involved in the community theatres, the community college theatre, and making your own da*n performance spaces. There is an excellent student run theatre on campus which you can direct, produce or act in productions of your choosing. Theatre is doing, so don't wait to get cast, make your own theatre. You'll find the faculty supportive of this venture.

What the FSU school of theatre does do is prepare you for real life as a theatre professional. The program is all about who you know. Just like real life. It is at times unfair, harsh, and disheartening. Just like real life.

Good Luck, if you survive, you'll be stronger.