Why I chose a B.A. over a B.F.A
College. It's a very big decision. I remember being a junior/senior in high school constantly thinking about "the next step", and finding that "right school": the school that would "determine my future". The constant question was BFA or BA? In my mind BFA was the superior. My thought process followed a pattern of : "Those kinds of programs occur at serious schools, filled with serious actors, who will become a serious someone. BA programs are for those who just can't cut it."
BFA programs tend to be more concentrated in a specialized theatre area (such as Musical Theatre, Technical, or Acting). However, as I have come to find out, BA Programs aren't half bad. I ended up choosing to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and will earn a BA in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre. It wasn't because I didn't get into any BFA programs, or because my parents decided I should go to PBA. I chose to attend PBA because its BA program fit my lifestyle better.
- Smaller Departments- I enjoy the ability to connect and learn from those around me. I have had more one-on-one connections with my professors than ever before. They are just as concerned with what's being taught in the class as what's being preformed for audiences. My classes are intimate, with the average size being 12. In my dance classes I receive individual corrections, and my acting classes are focused towards our needs. A small BA department allows for more concentration in my craft and for mentorship to reign.
- Learning it all- in a BA program (or at least at PBA) we do it all. If I'm not cast, I'm downstairs in the shop building a flat, spattering the floor, or putting a prop list together. Sure I've taken the Stagecraft class, and the Costume class as so many in a BFA program do, but I have received countless hours of practical application. I have learned the importance of every single position involved in putting on a theatrical production. This not only gives me a greater appreciation for others when I'm performing, but it also makes me more marketable. The experiences I've had will enable me to get jobs that might not necessarily be onstage, but still in the arts.
- The opportunity to be onstage- With a smaller department comes more chances to be onstage. It is nice to be in plays and musicals. Though I am a musical theatre concentration major, I recieve the opportunity to be in a musical, a Shakespeare, a drama, a comedy etc. I have been challenged to grow my skills in all areas.
- Community- I love supporting my peers. I have discovered that in a BA program, competition is fierce yet not hostile. Truly we want everyone to succeed and grow in skill. Some of my best friends are within the department and we enjoy spending time with everyone. We learn to be a family. We work together as performers, as builders, as team members, and as collaborators,
- The ability to be involved- This is a chance like no other. I am involved in not just the theatre department, but in the University itself. I am able to hold a part-time job at PBA, as well as serve on multiple student-run organizations. Yes I am busy, but because of the structure of a BA program I have more time to devote to things other than theatre. I am able to develop different skills, meet friends, and attend school events that I would not have the chance to. I can truly say that I am not just acquiring a degree in Theatre, but that I am a part of a university that has helped me grow into who I am today.