handfulofdust

Does this mean Columbia has sent out interview requests already?

From what I've heard, Ohio has a great network to other big cities - particularly NYC/Chicago - and they're intentional about prepping students to move directly to those cities after graduation. That being said, I completely understand wanting to move! That's a big part of the reason I didn't apply for any programs on the West Coast. East 15 was a tough nut to crack in terms of information - I applied last year and got an interview (but was subsequently wait-listed), so I was able to glean a lot from that that made me want to apply again this year. I also have a few friends-of-friends who did the program and were able to fill me in on what their experiences were like. Ultimately, what I have been told is that it is a bit mixed - the school definitely doesn't offer the same kind of budget for student shows as the Ivy Leagues do, but I tend to work (and almost prefer to work) in scrappier theaters anyway, so that doesn't bother me much. The program tends to be more heavily based around physical/devised work, which as mentioned before, is my focus area. It's also almost 100% practicum, which is what I was looking for. My undergrad was much heavier on theory and written work, and of course it's much easier to put physical techniques into practice when you're learning them as you go rather than sitting around. I also like the way it's structured - you only take one (occasionally two) module per quarter, which basically entails 6-8 weeks of very intense study of one subject. I prefer learning by focusing heavily on one or two concepts at a time, then building from there, so this was more exciting for me than programs that involve taking multiple classes for a sustained period of time. The only big bummer is that I've heard there aren't many opportunities, if at all, for student teaching. Not my ultimate goal anyway, so not a huge loss, but it is disappointing as I've enjoyed teaching workshops/acting coaching so far. Also, not as much of a network in NYC as, say, Columbia would have access to, but the trade-off is a great network in London, which is what I'm looking for.

Congrats on the interviews! (And for what it's worth, I had a good director/choreographer friend do Ohio's MFA Directing program and she really loved it.)

Thanks! Good luck with your URTA interviews. I'm not sure who is doing the E15 one, but if it's Matthew I found him friendly and easy to talk to. They have some small scholarships for international students (I think like 3-5 thousand pounds) but honestly 14,000 pounds a year is so much cheaper than some of the other schools I've been looking at that it feels doable. If I got into Columbia with anything less than a full ride there's no way I could make it work! Brown's full ride is great but their program isn't as experimental as I'd like.

MT isn't my primary focus but I have been spending more time doing musicals than usual the last 2 years, so good to see you here! I've heard good things about Penn State - I chatted with a grad I met a few years back and she said that while the program is exceptionally demanding, Susan is also incredible to work with and a great teacher/lots of connections.

Anyone heard from Columbia yet? Guessing no since the deadline was only recently, but I'm antsy. I heard word from East 15 a week ago - I got in! Excited but want to make sure it's a good fit. I've heard mixed things from past graduates but so far seems like it would still be great for me personally. Anyone here know more about it or know folks who went through it? It's either this or Columbia I think. Trying to pull together the last of Brown but the holidays are sucking me in. Good luck to everyone!

I know that in the UK, if you get a Tier-4 student visa, your partner is automatically eligible for a Dependent work visa if you are either married or have been living together for at least two years. I'm not sure how it works in Canada, but if it's similar, you should be okay. I think that for the UK, they want to encourage international students, so they make the visa process much easier than getting a regular work visa.

Hey all! Same as most of you: first time poster, long time reader. I tried to apply last year but only got around to East 15 because I was working on two large shows back-to-back right when everything was due. Got waitlisted, which was a bummer, so hoping for better luck this year. Already submitted my application again to East 15, and now wrapping up Columbia and starting The New School and Brown next. I've been doing as much research on all of these as possible (I have friends in a few of the programs) but of course, if anyone has any thoughts, I'd welcome those as it's a tough decision. Also - I don't think I'll apply this year since it's too close to the deadline, but Yale is a future possibility if this year doesn't pan out. I can't decide if it's worth it or not though. Most of my work is in Shakespeare/musicals, but I'm trying to move towards devised & physical theatre as it's what I've been doing the last couple of years and I really enjoy it, so I'm just not sure if Yale will put me where I need to be. Good luck to the rest of you!