TIPS for BA Interviews
The B.A. in Theatre Studies is a broad liberal arts degree that offers students the
opportunity to pursue professional theatre training as well as the flexibility to pursue
other courses of study. The ideal candidate for the B.A. program is a naturally
inquisitive, self-motivated student who intends to explore multiple disciplines in the
theatre, including directing, playwriting, performance, history, dramaturgy or stage
management.
Even if your secondary school experience has been focused in one discipline--for
instance, performance--a theatre studies candidate will have discovered and perhaps
pursued other interests in writing, directing, design, tech, or management. Successful
candidates often have interests outside theatre, including academics, sports, clubs,
community service, and are often avid readers and writers. Your experience at Ithaca
College will broaden these experiences, introduce you to new interests, and allow deeper
study into one or two of those areas. For instance, many theatre studies majors carry a
second major in psychology or sociology; some may carry two minors in areas like
French and art history (even taking a semester in Paris!)
All prospective students will interview with members of the theatre studies faculty. We
encourage prospective theatre studies students to interview on the Ithaca College campus,
which will provide you with the opportunity to meet current students and faculty, and to
discover how a large, dynamic theatre department thrives within a small liberal arts
college.
Tips for the interview:
Do your homework.
Study the Ithaca College Theatre Arts website. Be prepared to ask questions about the
program, and how it may match your needs and interests.
Review and bring copies of your resume.
Don’t worry that it’s short. Don’t apologize for the lack of experience. You’re all in the
same boat. We all know you’re just beginning as a theatre artist.
Think about why.
Why theatre? What theatre have you seen, read, and experienced that has led you to this
moment?
The big picture.
Be ready to talk about other stuff, too. We want to know the whole person. What’s
important to you? What do you read? What activities do you pursue outside theatre?
Practice.
Have a friend, mentor or parent sit down with you for a practice interview.
Most of all.
Relax. Be yourself. Your BEST self.