Expert: Phil Nemy - 4/6/2010

Question
Hi and thanks in advance for reading and answering my question.
 I have been accepted to New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Boston University's College of Fine Arts. Currently, my heart is being torn in two about where I should go. I love the fact that BU employs a toolbox method and has a smaller program than NYU. But NYU is located in New York and is known for its excellent program. Really, what I'm looking for in an acting program is strong teachers and passionate students. When I get out of school I want to find work. No matter where I go I figure I'll eventually end up in NY. Do you have any thoughts/inputs on the two programs? Is one program better than the other?
Thanks!

Answer
Molly,

When I studied acting for the stage in a conservatory program, there was a consortium of schools that were considered to have the best training programs. The consortium was called The League of Professional Training Schools and they all had professional actor training programs. Among the 10 or so schools who were part of this consortium was NYU and BU. I am assuming that they have both been able to maintain their level of training for their students.

Both are good schools with good programs. Both would give you what you seek. The downside to NYU is that it IS in New York City, and as such, you may be tempted to try auditioning for productions outside of school, stealing your focus away from your training. The League Schools stressed that the first 2 years, no student should be auditioning for ANYTHING ANYWHERE as each school would attempt to break the bad habits of their current students. After 2 years, you finally began performing in school productions and they would allow you to audition for summer stock between junior and senior year.

While you may not agree with this approach, a lot of very talented and successful actors followed these guidelines.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil