Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 9/21/2007

Question
QUESTION: Thank you for your last quick reply. Do you know of US colleges that award their students points toward their actor equity card? I only know of University of Connecticut and I think Iowa. Thank you - again.

ANSWER: Quickly I found that Syracuse and Sarah Lawrence do.  But I think you have to work with an Equity theatre that is connected to their theatre program..You don't just get points for studying theatre there.  I have never understood the appeal of equity points. It is better to earn you equity membership via SAG or AFTRA or getting a role in an equity play.  I gather you want to be a stage actor.  There are very few colleges I would recommend. I all ready mentioned Queen's in Ontario, There is Purchase College in New York and Yale Drama School and very few others.  Most college theatre majors are a waste of time. Choose carefully. Best wishes, Doc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks I will look into Purchase & Queens. I'm a junior in highschool so I'm looking for a good college education. I agree there is a lot of bad theatre programs not good ones around me(in massachusetts so I'm willing to travel). Then there are reg. non degree schools, there is vancouver's actor's studio - what do you think of actor studio schools?

Answer
Acting schools, like colleges vary from terrific to terrible.  I think if someone wants to be a professional actor that he wastes 4 years in college when he could be out there trying to establish a career. He can also do that in acting school. And it makes a difference if you are only interested in stage.  If you are mostly interested in film or if you are interested in both stage and film, it makes a difference also.  Why don't you write me at kencosp@aol.com and we can discuss your acting training in depth.  doc