DOLLARS AND SENSE Professors and Other Experts Share Advice on Financing Your Theatre Degree - Maryville College
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DOLLARS AND SENSE Professors and Other Experts Share Advice on Financing Your Theatre Degree by Amy Cuomo
M
Most performing arts students have heard that when it comes to theatre, the real work is
getting the job. Just as an actor must audition to get a part, those seeking to finance their
education have to invest time and energy to reach their goal.
This past summer, Southern Theatre surveyed SETC members affiliated with colleges,
universities and training programs and asked them to share financial aid advice for the-
atre students, as well as information on scholarships at their schools. In addition, Southern
See list of
scholarships
at schools that
Theatre asked admissions directors and financial aid directors to share tips for students. participated
The challenges that students face begin long before they step on campus. One of the big- in the SETC
survey at
gest mistakes that Steven Roten, a theatre professor at Meredith College in North Carolina, www.setc.org/
sees is that sometimes students don’t have their financial plans in order before school starts. scholarship-list
“I have had students who have to figure out how they are going to pay tuition each and
every semester,” Roten said. “This adds a great amount of stress to the student and keeps
them on a shifting foundation that makes them question the permanence of their education.”
Part of the problem for many students and their parents is that college is expensive, and
the financial aid process can be overwhelming. A key to success is to make the time to educate
yourself. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help. From government websites to
video tutorials, there is a plethora of information on the financial aid process provided by
experts in the field. Studentaid.gov details comprehensive information regarding federal
student aid, and it publishes a “College Preparation Checklist” that explains the different
types of financial assistance and includes a timeline to map your progress. The website
also incorporates facts and figures for those who wish to go to graduate school and for
adult learners returning to college. For more specific suggestions related to financing your Steven Roten
Meredith College
theatre education, college and university theatre professors can supply valuable advice.
DO FAFSA AND APPLICATIONS EARLY Crook, an associate professor and executive director
At most colleges, universities and training pro- of the Etherredge Center at the University of South
grams, the first step you should take toward financing Carolina Aiken, recommends contacting “the admis-
your education is to fill out the Free Application for sions office to find a list of all scholarships for which
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – and the sooner the you might qualify.”
better, to ensure you have the greatest chance to secure And Deborah Martin, chair of the theatre depart-
assistance. The FAFSA is required for a student to ment at Berea College in Kentucky, says you should
receive federal grants, loans and work-study. Whether not be afraid to ask questions “of the chair, your aca-
your family expects to apply for federal aid or not, demic advisor, your admissions counselor, etc. Don’t Megan Speth
you should fill out the FAFSA. assume that your question is insignificant. Make it Mary Baldwin
University
“While some families may not necessarily qualify your job to read your email every day and respond
for federal funding, many colleges and universities when necessary.”
use FAFSA information in scholarship and other CONSIDER THE COSTS
institutional funding decisions,” said Megan Speth, Knowing how much money you will need for the
director of financial aid at Mary Baldwin University school of your dreams can help you plan. CollegeCalc.
in Virginia. org includes an analysis of each college’s tuition com-
Generally, the sooner you fill out the FAFSA and pared to the national average and estimates the cost
begin applying to the schools that are of interest to of housing, books, supplies and other living expenses.
you, the better your chance of receiving aid. It also reveals the average aid amount provided
“Many scholarships are determined early,” noted to students by colleges and universities. However,
Eric van Baars, an associate professor and director some universities with expensive sticker prices can Eric van Baars
of the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State provide large aid packages, so keep in mind that the Kent State University
University in Ohio. dollar amounts listed on CollegeCalc.org are based
As you navigate the process of applying, Paul on average awards. Your award could be greater or
Winter 2021 x Southern Theatre x 25
Reprinted with permission from the Winter 2021 issue of Southern Theatre, the magazine of the Southeastern Theatre Conference (www.setc.org)
those add up quickly,” he said. “Even at the
more prestigious schools, remember that
you are interviewing them as much as they
are interviewing you. While a program may
seem fantastic and have tons of exciting
alumni, no program is perfect for everyone.
You are looking to find the right fit for you.”
Public institutions usually are less
Paul Crook Heather McMahon Carrie Klofach Tom Burch expensive than private ones, although
University of South Maryville College Milligan University University of North private schools sometimes offer substantial
Carolina Aiken Carolina at Charlotte
scholarships that bring the costs more in
smaller depending on your circumstances. opportunities because you assumed you line with public school tuition. Professors
“Don’t be put off by the sticker price,” couldn’t afford it,” she said. “Your financial at two-year institutions note that starting
said Heather McMahon, a professor of aid package will look different at every out at a community college, where tuition
theatre at Maryville College in Tennessee. school.” is lower, and transferring to a four-year
“Apply and wait for offers so that you can In looking at the cost of attendance, stu- institution as a junior may also cut educa-
compare the actual cost of each institution dents need to realize that tuition is just one tion costs.
you are considering.” component, noted Tom Burch, an associate “Research community colleges in the
Carrie Klofach, an assistant professor of professor of scenic design at the University area and get your first two years done
musical theatre at Milligan University in of North Carolina at Charlotte. [there],” suggested Jessica Gaffney, chair
Tennessee, also noted that students should “While tuition may look like a ‘good of theatre at Cape Fear Community College
not eliminate schools before seeing their deal,’ many students/families fail to in North Carolina. “Knock out all of your
individual aid packages. adequately estimate the proper cost of general education courses [in community
“Don’t miss out on some financial aid housing/food/books/fees/materials, and college].”
26 x Southern Theatre x Winter 2021
Because living expenses can add sig- major tuition discounts. Most schools offer are offered. Your letter will also note the
nificantly to the cost of college, staying at some kind of financial aid for students that expected family contribution (EFC). Do not
home and attending community college transfer into the program, but whether or hesitate to seek guidance in understanding
for the first two years can save students not it’s going to be a better bargain in the the award letter and your total cost.
and their families a substantial amount of long run is likely determined case by case.” Your letter may include grants and
money. Also, some community colleges In addition to researching the costs of scholarships, which do not have to be
maintain transfer agreements with four- institutions, consider your own financial repaid, as well as options for federal loans
year institutions so that the credits earned situation in making a decision about and work-study. Any costs not covered by
while attending the two-year school can be whether a school is right for you. this aid will have to be paid out of pocket.
applied to the bachelor’s degree. “Have realistic conversations as a family The best kind of aid, of course, is money
While that can be a good option for about what is financially reasonable and that does not have to be repaid: grants
many students, it may not be right for all. At what isn’t,” recommended Jacob Browne, and scholarships. Some grants, such as
some schools, entering as a junior can make director of admissions at Eckerd College in Pell grants, are federal awards based on
a difference in scholarship availability, said Florida. “Keep your options open in case income, while others may be awarded to
Marty Lynch, an associate professor of your ‘dream school’ does not work out people pursuing certain careers or meeting
theatre at Eureka College in Illinois. financially.” other criteria.
“If you absolutely need financial aid, UNDERSTAND THE TYPES OF AID SCORE A SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
you are probably looking at affordable two- After a student is accepted at a college Scholarships at institutions are typically
year programs as well, with the intention of or university, the institution will provide based on financial need or upon merit.
transferring into a four-year program down an award letter that outlines the financial Standardized test scores and grade point
the road,” Lynch said. “Some scholarships aid package offered to the student. Award averages are often factors in the award of
are only available to incoming freshmen. letters vary from institution to institution merit-based scholarships.
If you transfer in as a junior with an AA but generally provide an estimated cost of “Our university offers students merit
[degree], you may wind up missing out on attendance (COA) and any aid that you awards as soon as they apply,” said Michele
ROCK
THE
BARD
MLitt/MFA in Shakespeare & Performance
at Mary Baldwin in partnership with the
American Shakespeare Center
www.marybaldwin.edu/shakespeare
A RENAISSANCE EDUCATION IN RENAISSANCE DRAMA
Winter 2021 x Southern Theatre x 27
Pagen, a professor of theatre at California design at the University of Tennessee,
University of Pennsylvania. “The amount Knoxville.
increases according to GPA.” F. Randy deCelle, head of MFA design
In addition to the general merit-based and technical production at the University
scholarships that all students vie for, you’ll of Alabama, notes that “the department is
also want to explore theatre-specific schol- going to have the most up-to-date informa-
arships. Information on those is usually tion regarding department-level scholar-
found within the theatre department or ships, work-study or even potential paid
theatre program. College and university positions with the given department. And
faculty members responding to the Southern the bigger the university or college, the
Theatre survey reported scholarships for more important it is to contact the depart-
theatre majors in amounts ranging from ment directly first. Start at the websites.”
BA/BS in Theatre under $1,000 to as much as full tuition, with If you are interested in acting or design,
some scholarships renewable for all four you often need to audition or create a port-
NAST Accredited
Scholarships Available years. (See the list of school scholarships folio that you can share. Professors will be
provided by faculty in the online survey at looking for “a very strong audition and
www.radford.edu/theatre www.setc.org/scholarship-list.) portfolio,” said Roger Del Pozo, director
540-831-5141
Once you’ve decided on a school that of outreach for the New York Film Academy.
you may wish to attend, theatre profes- Timing is important in receiving both
sors say it is important that you reach out general school-wide scholarships and those
beyond the admissions office. specific to theatre. If you wait too long to
“Talk to the department and individual apply, scholarship dollars may already
faculty members,” suggested Christopher be committed. Timing also can play an
Pickart, an associate professor of scenic important role in how much money you
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS Minors
Bachelor of Fine Arts • Music
• Acting
• Musical Theatre Certificates
Bachelor of Arts • Theatre
• Music • Production Technologies
• Theatre
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Music
Master of Arts
• Musical Theatre • Musical Theatre
• Piano Performance • Worship Leadership
• Vocal Performance & Theology
Bachelor of Science Master of Music
• Music • Music Education
• Music Education Non-Certification
P-12 Teacher Certification • Piano Performance
• Music Education • Vocal Performance
Non-Certification
• Worship Leadership DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
• Production Technologies Doctor of Musical Arts
• Vocal Performance
A P P LY T O D A Y A T U M O B I L E . E D U / A P P LY
1.800. WIN RAMS | UMOBILE.EDU | #BEKNOWN
28 x Southern Theatre x Winter 2021
receive at many schools.
“Audition early to be considered for
the highest scholarship amounts,” said
Tara Warfield, chair of the Department of
Theatre and Musical Theatre at Shorter
University in Georgia.
Also, consider the best times to visit
schools. Avoid contacting the theatre
department in the summer months if pos- Jessica Gaffney Jacob Browne F. Randy deCelle Tara Warfield
sible, deCelle recommends. Cape Fear Eckerd College University of Shorter University
Community College Alabama
“For many places, the absolute worst
time to reach out to theatre practitioners As you begin to get offers from different The freshman scholarships aren’t the only
working in academia is during the sum- schools, you shouldn’t base your decision opportunity for merit-based aid.”
mer,” deCelle said. “Many are working to attend strictly on how much scholarship Professors also urge you to ask questions
summer stock or other positions during help you might get as a freshman, advised and state your needs clearly. Don’t be afraid
the summer so may not have access or time Britton Lynn, a professor of theatre at Hard- to ask for more aid if the package you are
to appropriately deal with all of the ques- ing University in Arkansas. Some schools, being offered is not enough.
tions. The biggest mistake is to just show up he noted, may offer larger amounts to “Advocate for yourself!” recommends
unannounced at a department during the returning students. Natalie Robin, head of the Theatre Design
summer… However, if [potential students] “Don’t use the amounts awarded to and Technology Department at the Uni-
make contact with the department ahead freshmen as the only factor,” Lynn said. versity of the Arts in Pennsylvania. “Ask
of time, typically someone, likely the chair, “We don’t want to give away the bank just questions. Push for more aid. Be honest
will be glad to meet, because, after all, it’s based on our first impression. We want to and upfront about what you actually need
all about the students.” reward consistent strength and growth. to make it work.”
Winter 2021 x Southern Theatre x 29
SEEK SCHOLARSHIPS FROM to really use the profile feature that each
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS website has. They will ask all kinds of
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
While financial aid awards received questions about your interests, where you
LINDA BERRY STEIN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
directly from institutions often comprise a live, extracurriculars, etc. These allow their
THEATRE significant amount of the money students
receive for college, outside scholarships
site to narrow down and send you scholar-
ships that you might qualify for. Everyone
can help defray some of the additional applies for large scholarships, but there are
expenses. As with applying for financial some really specific scholarships – maybe
aid, it helps to start early in applying for one for a student interested in theatre from
these scholarships. Many of the award a county in Georgia who has danced for
applications are due in the fall for the fol- more than five years. If you don’t answer
lowing year. the questions in the profile, you might not
Organizations dedicated to theatre often be sent that scholarship.”
offer scholarships. For example, SETC While you may be able to find some
awards the Steve Bayless Undergraduate theatre-specific scholarships online, don’t
Scholarship, which provides $2,000 to a limit your search only to those, recom-
high school student on entering a college mends Crook of the University of South
or university in the SETC region to major Carolina Aiken.
in theatre. SETC also provides a number of “Do your research online to see what
awards for graduate students. View SETC other entities are out there offering schol-
scholarships and awards here: setc.org/ arship money,” he said. “From churches to
scholarships-awards/scholarships. civic organizations to national essay com-
Playbill offers a list of “Thirteen College petitions, there is a lot of money out there
Scholarships for Arts Students” online. The for students, if you only take the time to
focus of the list is on the performing arts, look. And don’t scoff at what you think is
including several one-time scholarships a ‘small’ amount. Remember that you can
for students who intend to study theatre. stack scholarships on top of each other, and
U N D E R G RAD UAT E
Beyond that, you can search the web every little bit helps.”
DEGREES: for arts- or theatre-related scholarships. Klofach of Milligan University notes that
Bachelor of Fine Arts in However, Wilmani Humphries, senior students may also be able to find scholar-
Theatre Performance financial aid advisor at the University of ships offered by organizations where indi-
West Georgia, cautions that students need viduals in the family are members.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in to be careful in their online searches. “Make a list of family connections – non-
Theatre Technology “A number of websites exist only to steal profits, heritage organizations, veterans’
student data and personal identifying infor- associations, churches, employer scholar-
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
mation,” he said. “To avoid this, ensure the ship programs – and do some research
website is not requesting money upfront, into scholarship programs they may have,”
L E AR N M O R E AT : guaranteeing that you’ll win, or has very she said.
few eligibility requirements. Also, check Benard Cummings, an associate pro-
www.ju.edu/cfa
the ‘About Us’ section of the website and do fessor of theatre at Southern Methodist
AP P LY N OW: additional research about the organization, University in Texas, noted that major com-
www.ju.edu/apply based on the content they have provided panies also offer scholarships.
there. Remember that if it sounds too good “Talk to your high school counselor
to be true, it usually is.” about all of the wonderful scholarships
Speth of Mary Baldwin University says and grants offered by major companies,
the two major sites she recommends to including Fortune 500 companies,” Cum-
students searching for scholarships are mings said.
2800 University Blvd N. Jacksonville fastweb.com and scholarships.com. Simply keeping your grades up in high
FL 32211 | (904)- 256-7370 “Both are legitimate sources that have school also may open doors to additional
been vetted,” she said. “The key here is money. Alan Yeong-Marcello, a professor of
30 x Southern Theatre x Winter 2021
Natalie Robin Wilmani Humphries Benard Cummings Alan Yeong-Marcello
University of the Arts University of West Southern Methodist University of West
Georgia University Georgia
theatre at the University of West Georgia, ADD LOANS AS NEEDED
noted that some states offer scholarships Scholarships are wonderful because
to high school students who graduate they are “free” money that does not have
with grade point averages above a certain to be repaid. But most students also need
level. to take out loans in order to pay for college.
“Do excellent work during your high There are two major categories of stu-
school career,” he recommended. “There dent loans: federal and private. You must BFA Theatre & Dance
are many state scholastic scholarships fill out a FAFSA in order to receive a federal with concentrations in:
[awarded] to those with excellent grades. Stafford loan, which is either subsidized
In the state of Georgia, for example, incom- (if family income meets certain criteria) or
ing freshmen could qualify for the HOPE unsubsidized (for those above that level).
Scholarship or the Zell Miller Scholarship. Students do not have to pay interest on
Continue your highest pursuit in your aca- subsidized Stafford loans until after they Follow the Creative Impulse
demic goals, and opportunities will come.” graduate or cease to attend college, while
Because of the time that it takes to apply unsubsidized Stafford Loans accrue inter-
BFA Theatre & Dance
for scholarships, especially if there is an est immediately. The FAFSA also must be with concentrations In:
essay involved, you need to work strategi- completed for parents to apply for PLUS Acting
cally to increase your odds of success. loans, federal loans that parents can receive Dance
Design
“You want to ensure you meet the basic to help pay college expenses for the student. Musical Theatre
eligibility requirements for the scholarship, Private loans are usually obtained
BA Theatre & Dance
but never discount yourself,” Humphries by students and/or their parents to pay
with concentrations in:
of the University of West Georgia advised. expenses in excess of what the aid package
Acting
“Scholarship searching can be frustrating, will cover. Interest rates and availability Dance
but it’s important that you don’t give up. are based on credit ratings. There are other Design
You’ll likely apply for quite a few scholar- types of loans available for those seeking an
Located close to Nashville, in
ships before you are awarded one, but undergraduate or graduate degree. You can Clarksville, Tennessee, APSU has a
that’s additional funding in your pocket find more information at Debt.org. student-centered training program
that is focused on giving you the
that doesn’t have to be repaid. To increase The significance of taking out a student skills you need to work in a
your odds of success, apply and search for loan can elude students. Student loans competitive industry. With
six shows
sh a year and multiple
scholarships throughout the year, not just don’t go away even if you declare bank- connections to professional
during the summer. Also, ensure you apply ruptcy, and you will have to pay back troupes, our students get
opportunities from day one to work
for scholarships for which you meet the significantly more than you borrowed.
collegiately and professionally
criteria. Finally, ensure your essay(s) have This doesn’t mean students shouldn’t bor- in a supportive environment.
been proofread by multiple professionals row money to go to school, but planning is
you trust. Once you have enough essays, essential. The reality of paying off student apsu.edu/theatredance
you’ll want to save them somewhere safe debt can be a harsh one. This is the reason Austin Peay State University does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
so that you can refer to them in the future that ascertaining the exact amount you will gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected
veteran, genetic information or any other legally protected class
or make small edits to submit them for dif- need to take out in loans is so important. with respect to all employment programs and activities sponsored by
APSU. www.apsu.edu/policy. Policy 6:003 AP44/9-20/1
ferent scholarship applications.” (Continued on Page 34)
Winter 2021 x Southern Theatre x 31
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
YOUR CONTRIBUTION CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
WE ARE 110% COMMITTED TO OUR CONSTITUENTS, INCLUSION,
AND THE CRAFT OF THEATRE.
It is rare that a non-profit organization operates like SETC. We rely very little on fundraising,
but rather we sustain on event registrations. However, these times of industry shutdown and
social quarantine make it apparent that we are going to need a helping hand.
HOW WE IMPACT THE INDUSTRY
• SETC connects many emerging artists with • SETC organizes hiring events for theatres and
their first professional job. production companies of all sizes to produce
• SETC helps students be recruited by their their best possible work.
dream college, university, or program. • SETC promotes and nurtures networking
• SETC provides training and workshops to moments turning new colleagues into artistic
inspire career trajectory. collaborators.
• SETC offers commercial opportunities for • SETC creates experiences where everyone
realized business growth. feels accepted and free to flourish as
theatremakers.
• SETC fosters collaboration to face challenges
and bring forth new ideas.
HOW TO MAKE A GIFT TO SETC
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE ONLINE
Return the enclosed envelope with cash, check, Visit setc.org/donate
or your card information. (Inserted in this magazine)
UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA 2020
THEATRE COMPANY 2021
SEASON
DARING, DYNAMIC, DEFIANT: YOUR WORLD IS OUR STAGE.
P L A Y W E S T.NAST Accredited • Access to professional theatre artists
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre • Access to industry standard software in theatrical sound, lighting,
costume, and scenic design
BFA in Theatre, Acting Concentration
• Performance and design opportunities starting in freshman year
BFA in Theatre, Design/Technology Concentration
• Design lab, lighting lab, sound recording studio, large scene shop, and
Musical Theatre Certificate new costume shop
• Internship programs (local, national, international)
• Practical experience in all facets of theatrical production
FOR MORE INFORMATION • Student scripts from playwriting course are produced in regular season
678-839-4700 or theatre@westga.edu • Student-directed and designed theatre productions
• Conference participation and travel opportunities
WESTGA.EDU/THEATRE • Strong alumni contacts
MAKE UWG YOUR DESTINATION FOR THEATRE.(Continued from Page 31) at 4.5% and pays the loan back in 10 years,
C The common factor linking federal and
private loans is that they charge interest.
the cost of the interest is $6,019.27. Using
the same calculator, you will find that if a
O Few students entering college understand student borrows $35,000 at 4.5% interest
L how interest is calculated. It’s crucial to
know this information to anticipate the
and pays it back in 20 years, the cost of the
interest is nearly three times that amount:
L amount of money you will need to repay. $17,916.10. Private loans, which often come
A Collegecalc.org includes a calculator that
will estimate the total cost of a loan as well
with higher interest rates, can add even
more to the total price of an education.
B as monthly payments. For example, if a stu- Once you analyze the impact of taking
O dent borrows $25,000 (in subsidized loans) out loans to pay for your education, you
R
A BIGGEST MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE
T • BA in Theatre with RESEARCHING SCHOOLS NEGOTIATING AID
E Performance and Production
Concentrations
“The biggest mistake I see is depending
on people to lead you along. You have to
“The biggest mistake families make regard-
ing financial aid is not applying. You may be
. • Annual Production in London be proactive. Do your research and be eligible for assistance and not even know it!
ready with questions to ask your admis- With many programs, the financial aid pack-
at the International Youth
C Arts Festival
sions and financial aid officers.” - Paul age isn’t completely determined until after
R State of the ArtLearning
Crook, associate professor of theatre, admission is offered. Don’t let concerns
• Experiential in University of South Carolina Aiken over tuition keep you from applying and
Facilities
E • Acting Scholarships and “Simply not asking enough questions.
finding out what opportunities you could
have.” - Mica Harrison Loosemore, director
A TechnicalAvailable
Make us look for answers within our
Assistantships of recruitment and enrollment, Carnegie
own university.” - Kelly Berry, director
T
Mellon University School of Drama
of theatre, Georgia Southern University
“They don’t ask for an increase. If a student
E ForLeemore information, please contact: “They only see the sticker price of a col-
Neibert, Director of Theatre at lege and don’t further investigate other wants to attend a specific school, oftentimes
. (864) 503-5987 or lneibert@uscupstate.edu sources of aid.” - Jacob Browne, director
of admissions, Eckerd College
students can negotiate to get a better offer
and that will be enough to allow them to
800 University Way
C
attend the college of their choice.” - Tara
Spartanburg, SC 29303 “Not asking questions! There are so Warfield, chair, Department of Theatre and
O
many amazing people willing to help. Musical Theatre, Shorter University
Ask as many questions as you need.”
N - Kristen Bennett, visit/performing arts
recruitment coordinator, Alma College
“Students and parents just take the first
offer or don’t bother applying at all.” - Natalie
T “Focusing on the award amount and
Robin, head, Theatre Design and Technol-
R
ogy Department, University of the Arts
not the overall program costs. Always
reach out to programs directly.” - Eric van APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
I Baars, director of the School of Theatre “Not doing a FAFSA and not applying for
B
and Dance, Kent State University specific scholarships. Nearly all of our
U
T
E
Kelly Berry Kristen Bennett Mica H. Loosemore Richard Dunham
Georgia Southern Alma College Carnegie Mellon Radford University
www.uscupstate.edu/theatre University Uniiversity
34 x Southern Theatre x Winter 2021can better determine how large a role they amount of debt they take on.
should play in your financial aid plan. Noel “Student loans can be part of an over-
Rennerfeldt, an associate professor of sce- all financial aid package if it can allow
nic design at Austin Peay State University, attendance at a school that is a good fit,”
says students should guard against “tak- he said. “An education is an investment in
ing out higher loan amounts than what is yourself. Conversely, too much debt can be
needed.” debilitating. Don’t be lured into a program
Daniel Gordon, chair of the Theatre and you cannot afford. The best program in
Dance Department at Winthrop University the nation is the one where you will fully AU students
in South Carolina, advises that students engage and distinguish yourself, and this studying in
London
look for “a reasonable balance” in the is based more on you, not the reputation of
WHEN SEEKING FINANCIAL AID
awards require submission of a FAFSA scholarships have far fewer applicants
whether a family needs or doesn’t need than they should. Students aren’t taking
financial aid. At the end of the recruiting advantage of all opportunities.” - Gregory
season, we actually had more scholarship A. Mach, associate professor of theatre,
funds that we could have handed out to West Virginia Wesleyan College
incoming freshmen that went unused.”
“Not doing enough research, and not
- Richard Dunham, chair, Department of
starting early enough looking for non-
Theatre and Cinema, Radford University
university-specific scholarship opportu-
“Students neglect to search additional nities.” - Tom Burch, associate professor
scholarships offered by various theatre of scenic design, University of North Join our theatre family and
organizations. They need to be proactive Carolina at Charlotte learn to become an entrepreneur
to seek those opportunities.” - Alan Yeong- “Never tell a department you are audi- in film and theatre.
Marcello, professor of theatre, University of tioning for that this is the only school you
West Georgia are applying to. Scholarships are used
to attract students, not to reward loyalty.”
➞ 120 films a year
“Continue to apply for scholarships after
your freshman year. Every year, apply - Daniel Gordon, chair, Theatre and ➞ 10 stage plays a year
for new ones as they apply to you.” - Jeni Dance Department, Winthrop University
Parker, assistant director, School of Theatre COMPLETING PAPERWORK Performance and study
and Dance, East Carolina University “Not filling out the proper forms on time.” - opportunities include Shakespeare’s
“They don’t apply to everything that’s out Chris Flynn, theatre and speech instruc- Globe in London (pictured above), the
tor, Pearl River Community College
there. We have so many students that Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland
participate in our productions that could “Not filing state financial statements and 2nd City in Chicago.
have received an award had they only required for financial aid.” - Brian Jones,
auditioned. If a student sings, audition for chair, Department of Theatre, Dance
the music department also. Stack up as and Performance, Indiana University of Learn more and apply now at:
many scholarships as possible. The SETC Pennsylvania
asbury.edu/Theatre
Contact: jim.shores@asbury.edu
Jeni Parker Gregory A. Mach Chris Flynn Brian Jones
East Carolina West Virginia Pearl River Indiana University of
University Wesleyan College Community College Pennsylvania
Winter 2021 x Southern Theatre x 35Noel Rennerfeldt Daniel Gordon Ryan Long Anna Filippo
Austin Peay State Winthrop University Huntington University Berry College
University
the program. Take responsibility for your marketing, etc.),” said Anna Filippo, direc-
education.” tor of theatre at Berry College in Georgia.
Others also recommend being strategic In addition, students often can find paid
in deciding what you can afford. Ryan work in residence halls, admissions, the
Long, chair of the Department of Theatre library or other offices, such as study abroad
Arts at Huntington University in Indiana, or university communications. While jobs
noted that borrowing a large amount for on campus often do not pay as well as off-
college can actually limit students’ options campus jobs, they have the added benefits
after graduation. of easy accessibility and an employer who
“Don’t let student loan debt turn your understands class schedules.
dream into a nightmare,” she said. “Gradu- FINANCE YOUR FUTURE
ating with as little debt as possible (prefer- So, what are the benefits of investing
ably none!) will allow you to take a low- time and money in a college degree? In
paying gig that you love and really want to “Measuring the Value of Education,” Elka
accept, rather than your job opportunities Torpey writes, “It’s hard to quantify the
being dictated by the student loan bill you full value of an education. But U.S. Bureau
have to pay each month.” of Labor Statistics (BLS) data consistently
WORK-STUDY CAN HELP show that, in terms of dollars, education
Another way to help pay for your edu- makes sense.” Statistics reveal that, on aver-
cation is through a federal work-study or age, students who have a college degree
campus job. Federal work-study jobs are earn more than those who have only a high
typically offered as part of the student’s school diploma.
aid package and are available on both the For theatre practitioners, higher educa-
undergraduate and graduate levels. Other tion training provides an opportunity to
campus jobs can also provide a source of learn new skills and hone your craft, as
income. well as to make discoveries about yourself
Often, students can get theatre experi- and your abilities. A college or university
ence through work-study. For example, a education can lead you to career paths that
THEATRE & DANCE theatre student might be offered a position you have yet to imagine. Taking the time to
STUDY ACTING, DANCE AND
PRODUCTION DESIGN WITH A as a house manager or usher, or a job in the figure out how to finance this venture can
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN scene or costume shop, the box office or help ensure your future success. Get started
THEATRE OR DANCE marketing. Some schools also offer jobs not on your planning today to help make your
associated with work-study that allow stu- theatre dreams a reality tomorrow. n
dents to be paid as they learn about theatre.
For more information: Amy Cuomo is a professor of
Program of Theatre & Dance
“Instead of work-study, we offer paid theatre at the University
at the George Washington University
Corcoran School of the Arts & Design
positions in our theatre company, learning of West Georgia. Her short
814 20th St NW, 3rd Floor
the skill sets that help our students get plays have been produced in
Washington, D.C. 20052
202.994.8072 onstage@gwu.edu several states and her play
paid summer professional theatre work Happy was a finalist for the
202.994.8072 • WASHINGTON, DC • ctad@gwu.edu (carpenter, box office, stitcher, recruiting, Heideman Award.
36 x Southern Theatre x Winter 2021You can also read
