Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/BA-BFA decisions

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Expert: - 2/17/2010


Question
Phil, I am trying to make a decision on type of acting program to attend.  As a potential employer, how would make a decision on an actor with similar skills for a part that was trained as a BA in theater at USC (obtaining a more liberal arts degree) or a BFA in drama at one of the NYU studios.  With the industry as tight as it today, how do you view the options of a liberal arts education with an acting focus compared to an acting focus with some liberal arts. Thanks Mike

Answer
Mike,

Thanks for writing. You've asked a great question. From where I sit, when I see a BFA degree from a noted program, I KNOW the actor has received good, solid, professional actor's training. If I see a BA degree, I don't believe that the actor has received the same level of training. Does that mean I won't audition the actor, no. If he has a good resume, or has worked with some directors or acting teachers I know, then I'll still probably audition him.

At the end of the day, it comes down to talent and the audition. If you have talent, your audition went well, and I can see you in the part, you'll get the job regardless of your degree or where you studied.

Phil  

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Phil Nemy

Expertise

I am a motion picture and television producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am also the author of the book GET A REEL JOB: Finding Your First Job In The Motion Picture Industry In Los Angeles. I can answers questions on a variety of subjects about careers in film from acting to directing to crew work, getting into the unions, successful strategies for networking, etc.

Experience

Former VP, Production for The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Supervised production on such films as ARMAGEDDON, THE PRINCESS DIARIES, REMEMBER THE TITANS, PEARL HARBOR, CON AIR, ENEMY OF THE STATE, THE ROCK, CRIMSON TIDE, COYOTE UGLY, A CIVIL ACTION, ROMY & MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, NOTHING TO LOSE, EDDIE and others. Worked as an actor, stage manager, director on broadway and regional theater as well as L.A.' Equity-waiver scene. Former Associate Artistic Director of Los Angeles Equity-Waiver theater.

Organizations
Director's Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, Actor's Equity Association

Education/Credentials
BFA in Acting/Directing from Carnegie Mellon University.

Past/Present Clients
I've worked with such filmmakers as Jerry Bruckheimer, Tony Scott, Steve Zaillian, Scott Rudin, Garry Marshall, Frank Marshall, Michael Bay, etc.

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