Visiting Virtually: How to Decide on a Program in the Time of Corona

525,600 minutes.  How do you measure a year in the college audition life?  In research, in essays, in prescreens, in “Waiting for host to start this meeting”?  In uploads, auditions, the long and painful month of March?  Well, how about (self) love?!  You made it to April!  You finished the college audition process.  Show yourself some love and pat yourself on the back right now.  That’s right, really get in there.  I like to wrap my non-patting hand around my elbow to pull the arm closer, so I can really do myself justice.  Alright, now that we have that important step out of the way, let’s talk about how in the world you are going to decide on a program to commit four years and thousands of dollars to if you can’t visit in person.  Spoiler alert: it’s going to be okay.  Deep breaths!

As we already well know, this year is not normal in any sense of the word.  While some schools have in person events planned for accepted students, many may not.  You might live far away, making it difficult to travel safely to see the campus in person.  Or maybe making a big trip to check out schools just isn’t financially doable right now.  If any of these are true for you, know that you are in good company.  Many students will be choosing a program sight-unseen this year, and that can feel seriously daunting.  But, I am here to remind you that you have put in a lot of time and hard work for these programs, and now it’s time for these schools to roll up their sleeves and show you what they’ve got.  Here are six ways to get all of the intel you need to make a solid decision that you can feel confident in, even if you can’t set foot on campus before doing so...

1. Observe a class

A sure-fire way to get a sense of whether or not a program is a good fit for you is to literally put yourself in the Zoom room where it happens.  Some schools offer sign-ups for virtual class observation as part of Accepted Student Days.  Even if it’s not clearly offered, ask if you can observe a class.  If they can make it happen for you, they will!  If not, onto the next step -

2. Meet with a faculty member or program head

Another great way to get first-hand information and a strong sense of the program is to talk to someone who shapes it.  Whether it’s a faculty member or the head of the program, talking to someone from the performing arts department can be extremely useful.  It’s also a great way to begin a relationship if you do end up at their school!  Here are some questions that would be good to ask a program head:

• What are some core values of the program, and how do those show up in the training and the attitudes of students + teachers? 

• What are the performance opportunities like and is there guaranteed casting?

• Do you offer a showcase?  If so, where is it, is casting guaranteed, and can you share any recent success stories?

• Do you encourage students to audition for summer work?  How do you support this?

• What is your program doing to promote diversity, social justice, representation, and anti-racism? Do you feel teachers and students are actively working to address their own biases?

• How do you support students after graduation?  Is the alumni network strong?  Where do students end up after graduation?

• Any questions that are unique to your interests, curiosities, or concerns are questions you should be asking.  Whether it’s inquiring about advanced training opportunities for dancers, flexibility to take courses outside of theatre or study abroad, checking the temperature on how faculty react when students raise a concern, or asking about how feedback is given in the classroom, there is truly no bad question.  This is your four years - you’re in the driver’s seat now!

3. Meet with a current student

Meeting with someone who is currently in the program (and maybe steering clear of your friend who you already talked to) might give you an idea of what your life could look like at that school.  While one person’s experience of a program certainly doesn’t indicate everyone’s experience, there are some questions you can ask to make sure you’re getting a 360 degree view:

• What do you love about your program and what do you wish you could change about it?

• How did the program/school handle COVID-19?  Do you feel they adapted your training well? 

• Have you had ample chances to perform?  Do you feel the casting processes are fair?

• Can you describe the culture amongst students in the program?  Is it competitive, warm + fuzzy, or a mix of both?

• How does your program’s diversity and inclusion work show up in and out of the classroom?

• What mental health resources are available to students?  Do you feel you are well supported? 

• Anything else that’s on your mind!  How the jury system works, what students do on weekends, what the dorms are like, etc.

4. Take a virtual tour

If you’ve followed steps 1-3 and are still interested in the school, now is the time to let yourself fall in love with the campus.  See if the school has posted any virtual tours or “day in the life” videos made by students in your intended major, or ask your admissions contact if they can set you up with a student to FaceTime you for a stroll around campus.  Notice the feel of the campus - is it urban, rural, or somewhere in between?  Are the performing arts buildings in decent shape?  Does the cafeteria seem to have food that fits your dietary restrictions?  Also, try to notice the energy of the students in general.  Oftentimes, you can get a good read on the culture of a student body, even through a screen.

5.  Research, research, research

Now that you’ve gotten some hot takes and had a cute virtual campus romp, it’s time to sit down and examine the facts and evidence.  Here are a few resources you can consult as you pro/con each program in front of you:

• Look at the curriculum for each year of the program.  See how your hours will be spent in the studio and classroom over your four years.  Of course, there are many opportunities outside of the classroom that should inform your decision, but the curriculum breakdown is the map of your education.  I recommend pulling curriculums for every school you’re considering, removing the school’s name from each one (or having a parent cover it up), and see which one(s) you’re truly drawn to.

• Watch their most recent showcase video (if it isn’t publicly posted online, ask the program head to send it to you), videos on their YouTube channel, or see if you can Zoom in to observe a rehearsal for their upcoming showcase.  As you watch these videos, ask yourself if you like the work the students are doing, if the material they’re presenting excites you, and if you can see yourself collaborating with those artists. 

• Look up their recent alumni and see what they’re up to.  Don’t just look at the folks with the shiniest credits!  See if alumni are consistently working, what cities they move to, and if they have agent representation there.

• Check out recent seasons of shows they’ve produced on the mainstage.  Do those shows excite you?   Who is directing mainstage shows?  What do those seasons say about the type of work the program values? 

6.  Trust your gut

Now, it’s time to let all of the information you’ve gathered sink in, sit back, and trust your gut.  What did you feel in the audition room?  How have the students and faculty you’ve interacted with made you feel?  Can you see yourself being happy and challenged there?  I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s just plain true: when you know, you know.  At the end of the day, this is not about which school has the “best reputation” or the most famous alumni.  This is about where you want to plant yourself and grow for the next four years of your life, and what kind of people you want to do that with.  Empower yourself.  Advocate for yourself.  Trust yourself.  Ask your own questions and get your own answers, and I promise you will be on your way to finding “the one.”