Getting into Performing Arts Schools
Searching for the right performing arts school? Here's how to find the perfect school for you!
Getting into a performing arts school requires research and dedication. No one set factor will determine if a school is the right choice as each person’s circumstances are different, which makes choosing a performing arts school a bit challenging. With a variety of benefits and programs available, researching the schools thoroughly is the only way to single out the best school for your needs.
There are several factors that you should keep in mind when you are trying to get into a performing arts school. Before you start researching schools, the first step is to figure out how much tuition you can comfortably afford. Consider that student loans must be paid back whether you get hired after the program or not. Once you have narrowed down your tuition rates, you can begin searching schools by their programs.
Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university with nearly 16,000 students. Established in 1929, the university offers accredited AA, BFA, BA, MFA, MA, and M.Arch programs in 15 areas of art and design emphasis...
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division is the leader in online creative arts education. Offering 16 academic online degree programs, were here to help you get the education you need to launch or enhance your creative career...
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Digital Media Arts College offers accelerated Degrees in Animation or Graphic Design, incredible 24 hour facilities, first semester design on computers, and an intimate "Artist Designed" environment. An education with DMAC will prepare you for careers within video game design...
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Creativity. Imagination. Original ideas. The entertainment and creative industries thrive on fresh original stories, design, music and art. But no matter where your passion lies, one of the keys to a sustainable career in the future will be the ability to think creatively and have the skills to bring your ideas to life in a meaningful way...
Read More GET FREE INFODepending upon the type of program you wish to enroll in, you want to choose courses that are tailored specifically to your needs. For example, if you wish to seek out a career in acting, drama and theater courses will take up the majority of your curriculum. Find a school that offers the type of classes that you wish to take and request more information on the program. The program should be clearly defined and offer progressive levels of study.
In addition to researching the programs, you will want to research the faculty. Most websites will offer a biography about the staff for your review. Seek out a school that has faculty who has succeeded in the field of the courses they are teaching. Faculty members should have years of experience both in the field and as a teacher. New teachers are not to be disregarded, however, but should exemplify some degree of success.
Location may not be a problem if you are willing to travel or stay on campus. If you are looking for something close to home due to obligations such as work and family responsibilities, request information on local programs. Do not discount your local community college as it may offer a performing arts program. At the very least you can take preparatory classes. One last thing to keep in mind regarding location is the ease of which you can access the school. Urban areas tend to have more public transportation options, if that is a necessity. Rural areas may offer some forms of public transportation but having your own transportation may be necessary.
Most performing arts schools require a submission of a portfolio. The portfolio can consist of headshots and a short video or recording of your talents in action. Take extra caution and be sure to fulfill all of the requirements on the application to avoid rejection for an incomplete application. Performing arts schools typically get a plethora of applications each enrollment period, so expect the application process to take up to several weeks, possibly months. If your application is rejected, you can always apply for the next term.
Following the tips above, you should be well on your way to finding a performing arts school that you wish to apply to. A school may be very highly rated, but not suited to your needs, which is why research is important. Things to remember when researching schools are tuition rates, program requirements, level of faculty and location. Once you have established which schools you want to apply to all that is left is to send in your portfolio and you will be well on your way.
