my daughter got into carnegie mellon's drama school

[Anonymous]

My roomate was CMU drama. It's intense, but seemed very rewarding if you're into drama. She should try to tour campus and see if she'll like it or not. They used to have a "sleeping bag weekend" program where you stay in the dorms with a current student, but my guess is that's on hiatus due to Covid.

[Anonymous]

OP

Pittsburgh is an amazing city.

For Drama students, there is so much to enjoy.

If this is not the school for her that's fine. She should choose her school.

[Anonymous]

My daughter just did a tour there. She’s interested in applying. Did you use a consultant to help prepare for the screening videos resume ect. ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The drama school has a very different vibe than rest of the school and drama kids tend to stick together.

I went to Pitt, which is right next door. And I am a lifelong theater fan. Was involved in my high school drama club and my kids have done crew. My older son has high school classmates in the technical theater program at Michigan.

I believe it's accurate that drama kids stick together on any campus. Just like high school.

There is some local theater community nearby in Oakland. Both at Pitt and Point Park College. And there's more downtown, like a local pro theater series (Civic Light Opera).

I think it should be fine but your daughter may need some strategies to work around any initial shortfall in bonding opportunities. A more in-depth campus visit might help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter just did a tour there. She’s interested in applying. Did you use a consultant to help prepare for the screening videos resume ect. ?

PP, I just responded after you. Then realized OP's post is pretty old. You may not hear back.

[Anonymous]

Are you rich?
Paying $$$ for drama school sounds crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My roomate was CMU drama. It's intense, but seemed very rewarding if you're into drama. She should try to tour campus and see if she'll like it or not. They used to have a "sleeping bag weekend" program where you stay in the dorms with a current student, but my guess is that's on hiatus due to Covid.

What's your roomate doing now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow congrats! My spouse was in grad school there and it definitely has a stem, dorky (to me, this is a compliment) vibe from what I could tell. Others with experience should opine on what the undergrad experience is like, but the drama department is so good I would strongly consider it.

Not in the theater department that's not the vibe.

[Anonymous]

Did she apply to NYU or Yale? Maybe even SUNY Purchase? Maybe those are more her vibe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow congrats! My spouse was in grad school there and it definitely has a stem, dorky (to me, this is a compliment) vibe from what I could tell. Others with experience should opine on what the undergrad experience is like, but the drama department is so good I would strongly consider it.

Not in the theater department that's not the vibe.

The arts are a different animal, true. I still wouldn't send a kid to CMU though. Such a miserable place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many, many famous actors went to CMU drama school. Where does your DD want to go? Does she definitely want to do drama? Can you swing a quick trip to Pittsburgh to take a second look?

I don’t think this is true. They claim Ethan Hawke but he didn’t even attend a full semester.

[Anonymous]

CMU drama is one of the best in the country. And yes, all of their drama students are different than most CMU kids.

She doesn’t seem to have any appreciation for what an achievement and gift this education is for her field. That’s too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, that is an enormous achievement. She must be an amazing actor.

Employment in theater is going to be 100% based on talent, and her skill as an actor. She should go to the school where she thinks she her skills will develop the most. It doesn't matter if the name is less prestigious.

Where else did she get in?

More like 95% luck and whether an actor has the right look for a given project, and 5% talent, but okay.

or more like 60% family connections, 35% luck, 5% talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CMU drama is one of the best in the country. And yes, all of their drama students are different than most CMU kids.

She doesn’t seem to have any appreciation for what an achievement and gift this education is for her field. That’s too bad.

+1

Why did she apply to CMU if she doesn’t like it at all. Even if she enrolled, she will be miserable. What a waste of an opportunity and waste of a spot.

Both DCs are at CMU for another major CMU is known for. They absolutely love it there. They are also musical and athletic; have found time to continue to pursue those interests in their free time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many, many famous actors went to CMU drama school. Where does your DD want to go? Does she definitely want to do drama? Can you swing a quick trip to Pittsburgh to take a second look?

I don’t think this is true. They claim Ethan Hawke but he didn’t even attend a full semester.

Leslie Odam Jr. and Zach Quinto are two of my favs. Also, Suri Cruise is there now.