Let's rack up more student loans! (grad school investigation)

1.      Practical MFA program: My practical MFA program would be the graduate program at the University of Houston. This is a good fit for me because Houston is the city that I want to be in. The graduate program at U of H is a two year program and consists of studio training, production experience, a and professional networking. The 5 qualities that they pride themselves on assuring their graduates have are imagination, agility, precision, passion, and speed. The website gives a breakdown on how the program works in greater detail.  The U of H page does an excellent job of laying out semester suggestions for students as well as how to apply. First, I would need to contact someone in the theatre graduate program to schedule an audition then apply on apply Texas.

http://www.uh.edu/class/theatre-and-dance/theatre/graduate/acting/index.php

2.      Dream MFA program: My dream program would be the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music graduate program. I would like to pursue a degree in music, musical theatre, or opera. I like this university’s programs because they seem to be interlinked between the 3 art forms. In order to apply I would need to apply to the program and contact each department to schedule an audition. 

I need a job!!!! (Professional theatre & teaching)

P  1.  Professional Theatre Job in Texas-This is an audition with the WaterTower Theatre in Dallas, Tx. Though I do not necessarily want to live in Dallas, this is a great opportunity. This is a SPT/ SPT 6 (Small Professional Theatre) contract show that pays $417 minimum a week. The Show is Dogfight book by Peter Duchan, music & lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. The listing gives more information as to what to bring to the audition as far as material. Though this is SPT contract show they encourage Equity as well as Non-Equity actors to audition. I am interested in this because I would like to audition for musicals after I finish my degree in vocal performance in the near future.  http://playbill.com/jobs/find/job_detail/59336.html

2.      Pro Theatre in Texas don’t qualify: The Houston Ballet is hiring a production assistant. The job qualifications that were posted on tcg.org were as follows:
HOUSTON BALLET seeks production assistant for 2014/15 season. PA works with Houston Ballet and Houston Ballet Academy to serve day to day operational and performance related needs at the Houston Ballet Center for Dance and other venues as needed. Ideal candidate will have a stage management background. Start date is May 26, 2014 and end date will be May 31, 2015. Additional information can be found at: http://www.houstonballet.org/Inside_Houston_Ballet/Employment_Opportunities/Production_Assistant/
I think that this would be interesting because it deals with a different art for and I could use some of my training from SHSU in this position. However, I am not qualified because I do not have an experience in stage management. I think that if I were to start at a community theatre as an assistant stage manager and build up my resume credits I could possibly apply for a similar job in a year or so.  http://www.tcg.org/artsearch/ad_detail.cfm?adx=225677982

3.    Pro Theatre not in Tx I qualify for: I found this listing on Playbill.com and I thought that it was interesting. I like working with younger children especially in theatre settings and this is what this company does. The listing is as follows:
Jam with Jamie is a children's musical entertainment company that does birthday parties, playgroups, and music classes for babies, toddlers, and pre-teens. The entertainment we provide is very interactive with props and instruments. Songs range from Rock/Pop to classic children's songs. Parties and Playgroups are led by one or two entertainers. We are comprised of a lot of actors and musicians and we are flexible with schedules! Most parties are on the weekends and majority of our classes are on weekday mornings/afternoons. LOOKING for upbeat entertainers who are great with children, sing, and can play piano or guitar. (or both!) Interested in entertainers who play other instruments as well. Experience with children a huge plus! Please go to www.jamwithjamie.com for more information. TO BE CONSIDERED Please email your headshot/resume and any links to video samples of you playing an instrument. Something that shows your personality. Please specify in your submission what state you are applying for.
The company is based in 4 different cities: Miami, New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. The listing is for the Miami location. I qualify for this because I have lots of experience in working with children and I play 8 instruments.

4.      Pro Theatre not in TX don’t qualify: The Peninsula Players are holding auditions for their 2014 season. They are looking for male and female actors. The pay starts at $724 a week. This theatre interests me because of the location, Chicago, IL. I know some people who are from the city and who currently live there and they say that I would love it. This is an opportunity that I do not think is available to me because I am not an Equity actress.

5.      Traditional Certification @ SHSU: To graduate from SHSU with the teacher’s certification, I would essentially have to take a minor in education and complete those requirements which include student teaching. After this, I would then need to take the content and PPR tests in order to receive my certification. This does not fit into my plans because I plan on graduating in December of 2014 and this would delay my graduation date.

6.      Alternative Certification: In order to receive alternative certification, I would go through iTeach Texas.com because it was highly recommended. Like traditional certification, I would have to take a content exam in order to enter into the program. Then, I would be required to take teaching courses. I would probably do the online method because it would allow me to work and to do the work at my “leisure”. Once these courses are completed, I would then do my clinical which could be on the job if I am already the teacher on record or I would be assigned a school and teacher to do my teaching under a sort of mentor. After 12 weeks of clinical I would be eligible to take the PPR and then apply for certification. This program is about $4000. This is a little cheaper than a semester at SHSU. This option would work best for me because I could do this while working and I could possibly be certified in more than one field. Some schools also reimburse their employees for these classes.

7.      Community College job: Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA is looking to hire a full time drama professor for a year. They are looking for someone who is not only qualified to teach acting, but directing, and theatre history as well. They also want someone who is able to direct and assist in other areas of production which are not specified in the posting. The listing does say that a candidate should have an MFA or PhD in theatre. The salary grade is dependent upon each candidate’s experience and education. In order to obtain a position like this, I would need to complete my bachelor’s degree and then pursue my MFA.  http://www.tcg.org/artsearch/ad_detail.cfm?adx=788997861

8.      University job: Sam Houston State University is seeking an Assistant Professor of theatre specifically a musical theatre choreographer. This is a full time position and the salary grade is dependent on each applicant’s qualifications. Applicants must hold a terminal degree in musical theatre, theatre or dance and must have professional experience in musical theatre as well as a positive record of teaching, or choreographing. This position in interesting to me because I love teaching at my alma maters. I have returned to teach at me high school alma mater and I would love to return to SHSU. In order to apply for a position like this I would need to graduate with my bachelor’s and I would like to be in excellent standing with all faculty members. Then I would need an MFA in theatre as well as a few years of working in professional theatre.