About Arlene Schulman Expertise As a professional director, dramaturg, acting coach and actor for over 25 years in the NYC/NJ area, I can help with questions on acting technique, character development, audition and rehearsal techniques, dealing with directors and stage managers, what directors are looking for, and other aspects of the acting and directing professions.
Experience A professional director, dramaturg, acting coach and actor for over 25 years in the NYC/NJ area, I have directed in professional, university and amateur theatre and have directed and acted in dramas, comedies, musicals, Shakespeare as well as collaborating closely with playwrights in the development of original plays and musicals.
Organizations SSDC associate member Advisory Board - Isle of Shoals Productions Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of America associate member Shakespeare Association of America The Shakespesare Institute -
MA "Shakespeare & Theatre" candidate, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Expert: Arlene Schulman Date: 4/15/2008 Subject: where to go?
Question Hi my name is Anna and I am 17, starting to seriously look for colleges with good theatre/film programs. I have never had a doubt in my mind about what I wanted to do with my life because I am an actress! I have done community theatre for many years as well as school shows. For years I've done extensive research on backgrounds of actors I enjoy to see where they have gone, but I'm not the best student. I don't fail classes but I wouldn't say I'm going to Harvard. I really just need some guidance on where to start, and I'm also not sure whether I like theatre or film better. If you have any suggestions on where to start it would be greatly appreciated. (I'm open to international suggestions as well because I'm in the U.S.)
thank you for your help
Anna
Answer Hi Anna,
Most undergraduate theatre programs are focused on giving you a solid foundation in theatre - acting, directing, voice, dance, stage management, design and technical theatre - even for those who are ultimately looking for a film career. Remember that, whether it's for stage or screen, acting is acting, and before you can specialize you have to learn the basics skills that are needed for any kind of acting. Many schools these days also have additional classes such as acting for the camera, sometimes even technical film classes, for those who are looking for experience in film.
There are hundreds of good University theatre training programs in this country as well as internationally. While I can't personally know the programs and advantages of all of them, I can recommend an excellent resources where you can find out exactly the kind of information you are looking for.
Check out the Directory of Theatre Training Programs. This is a wonderful book that is updated every year, and lists over 500 College, University and Conservatory theatre training programs all over the US and beyond. They are listed state by state, as well as by country, and each listing includes the location, size, programs, faculty, facilities, entrance and financial requirements, and more. It also includes several articles on how to chose the best program for YOU. I highly recommend it. You can find and buy the Directory online at http://theatredirectories.com/training.html
I wish you lots of luck in your search for the right program, Anna.
