Hey guys,

I know you’re probably all wondering where the shrewmaker has been. I know this because I don’t actually know this.

Fyeahtheatremajorshrew was really fun to run, and I’ve seriously loved hearing from you all and swapping theatrical experiences. I am now even more convinced that theatre majors will someday take over the world.

However, all things have their time, and this blog’s time came about 4 months ago. Again, sorry for the extended absence, and please keep being awesome outside of these memes. Or inside them, whatever. They just won’t be on this blog anymore.

That’s all, folks. It’s been a real slice.

Lots of shrews from me to you,

Sam

Happened the other day.

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Anonymous asked: CCM in Cincinnati has a very respectable stage management program, but it's apparently really selective.

Haha yes… although a lot of theatre schools pride themselves on being “selective.”

WE RUN THE WORLD.

Anonymous asked: Providence College is a great small private school that's good for theatre. Our department is well known for our great facilities. The professors are very intune with their majors - if you want to SM, we will make sure we have a SM path for you specifically. Not everybody is the same. Since we're smaller, there's a lot of individual attention. At those big schools where everyone does theatre, you won't have as many opportunities. PC is a rigorous academic school as well.

Yep yep, thanks anon. Similar to what I said to theschrammy.

warningstandbygo asked: Throwing in my two cents in regards to stage management in college! My advice is this: Don't write off schools that don't have a "stage management" major, or schools that aren't an "arts" school. UMBC, for example, is best known for it's heavy engineering focus, but we have an AWESOME arts department. I love it here and would highly recommend it (it's a state school, and a WONDERFUL, intimate theatre program - we're getting a brand new building next semester!) but don't be afraid to explore!

Absolutely, I agree with theschrammy. It’s easy to just look at the big schools that are famous for their arts/theatre programs, but just because they have a big name doesn’t mean that they’re the right fit for you. There are plenty of other factors that go into looking for your alma mater. Keep in mind that you might even change your mind about your major when you get to uni (even if you’re “totally sure” about theatre), so don’t base your choice entirely on one program in the whole school. Make sure you’re choosing the college for the right reasons. :)

kstoffers asked: For the Junior looking into stage management: Check out Ball State University. It's where I go, and it's a pretty rigorous program. Stage Management majors are only accepted by interview and we only accept 6-8 per year. The generally SM/ASM at least one show a semester and we have great professors. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for inexpensive state schools where you'll get a great education.

Sounds like a strong program.

notexzachtlygolden asked: Another for the College inquirer, I might just be pushing it because I attend it. But TCU has a great but small theatre program, I am a production major there and are plenty of opportunities here for Technicians. It is a private school but we do have a great Technical Theatre program.

Private schools are boss. :)

hampuckett asked: For that college asker... In terms of state schools, Southern Oregon is a phenomenal theatre school. It works hand-in-hand with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. U of Michigan is a great one too. In terms of private schools, Drew (in NJ) has the top ranked theatre program in the country, and DePaul is known for it's list of alumni. I only have knowledge of these bc that's where I applied. Hope that helps!

Interesting… thanks very much, I appreciate the help. I love theatre people. We take care of our own. 

wonderlands-real asked: For the junior interested in stage management: I don't know too much about it because I'm a BFA Musical Theatre major, not Stage Management, but I do have a good friend at USC majoring in SM and she absolutely adores it there. :) I also believe UMich has a very reputable program!

Yes, goodoldmoon, listen to this lovely lady.

hummingbirdhearttt asked: Hey, I'm a high school junior looking at theatre colleges (I'm interested in stage management), which ones have you heard about that are good? Any suggestions/tips/etc.? Thanks. :)

Off the top of my head… Emerson, USC (woot), UCLA (but don’t go there), Carnegie Mellon, NYU. Personally, I’m not in stage management so I’m not sure if there are particular schools specializing in stage managing programs in comparison to those for design/directing/acting/writing/etc. If anybody else wants to comment on that, feel free to add your expertise! But anyway, what I did was create a resume of all the productions I ever worked on (and I think it helps if you work on shows outside of just school… like if you get involved in summer programs, etc., to show you’re serious about what you do) and submit it to each college along with the essays and rec letters. If you’re truly passionate about theatre, let that shine through in your essay(s). But also, don’t be worried about not getting in if you’re still unsure about theatre. I myself was unsure about my emphasis; I came in wanting to design, then I wanted to act, and now I’m writing. Who knew.

You have some time yet, but you sound like a super proactive person, and I’m sure that will come through in your apps. Don’t stress. :) Good luck! P.S. I’m sure UCLA’s theatre school is very respectable, but I’m sort of obliged to scoff at them, because I’m a Trojan…

Here, there is no such thing as personal space.

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