I applied to U of Hawaii for an MFA in theatre with a concentration in playwriting. I emailed them Feb. 22 and asked when they were making decisions. I got a response that said they were going to start discussing the applications March 7 and from then till the end of the month, make decisions on admission and financial aid.
When I applied I had to fill out an application for graduate assistantships. If I got one, I would get at least a half tuition waiver (maybe full, if I got a half time position), plus a stipend, and possibly health insurance. Hawaii makes you tell them which assistantships you think you might be qualified for, so I just marked EVERYTHING down that I might POSSIBLY qualify for.
Examples: Acting Lecturer (I also act in musicals, as well as write, although I have never acted professionally); Children's Theatre Coordinator (I submitted a childrens' play and have worked with children in the past); Costume Shop Assistant (I sew Ren Faire and other period piece costumes). The teaching assistant position was also an option, and I marked it down as well. They all give the same amount of money/benefits, so it just depends on what they can offer you.
I just got an email from the Costume Shop. She wants to talk to me about my experience with sewing. The application I filled out specifically says that MFA design students are given priority for the costume shop assistantships.
So... my question is: does this sound like a good sign for admission? I haven't even heard that I was admitted.
It just seems strange to submit a potential candidate for an assistantship if I wasn't a strong candidate for admission. And then, on top of that, why would they submit a playwriting student for the job if there were other, more qualified design students.
Any thoughts?