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Columbia College |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an audition to begin the major?
No audition required to begin the Theater Major. Check with the Undergraduate Admissions Office for all requirements for new students.
2. Can a student audition for a show right away?
Yes. Currently enrolled students, new freshmen to seniors, can audition for Department productions. There is no pre-casting. Shows usually rehearse evenings and weekends.
3. Can you audition outside the Department for professional theater?
Yes, you can audition for off-campus shows, as long as it fits around your class schedule.
4. Will there be jobs after graduation?
If while at Columbia College you learn your craft, which includes how to get the job, yes there will be work for you after graduation, not necessarily paying initially.
5. What about Senior Showcase?
Senior Showcase is held each Spring semester for students who have all the prerequisites. Invited guests include working professionals, directors, agents, producers, casting agents, and production managers.
6. Is there help with jobs or are there some kinds of internships?
Yes. The Theater Department does have an internship coordinator. Internships are only available to juniors and seniors.
7. Can I take other Theater classes outside of the requirements?
Yes. Students must complete all general study and major requirements in order to earn a degree. However, students are encouraged to enroll in other courses, special workshops, etc.
8. Can we start major classes right away?
Yes. New students are encouraged to start general study course requirements, ex. English Composition I, as well as beginning level courses in the major in the 1st semester.
9. Is it safe here? At night?
Yes. Always remember that you are in downtown Chicago as late as 11pm; security guards are located in each campus building; security can also provide transportation to local train stops. Walk with others.
10. Are there scholarships from the Department for new students?
The Department offers several scholarships for students after their first year at Columbia College Chicago: Outstanding Freshman, Betty Garret for Musical Theater Majors, Murbach for Design, Talbot for Directing, etc. through the Admissions Office. Check there for 1st semester, new student scholarships.
11. Who is my advisor?
You will have two: an Academic Advisor, and a Departmental Advisor determined by your area of concentration. Concentrations offered are acting, directing, Musical Theater, design, technical theater, or playwriting. Your Departmental Advisor for your entire time in the Department will be posted early in your first semester.
12. Where are theater classes located? Where are the performance facilities?
The Theater Department is located at 72 E. 11th St. and at 1415 S. Wabash for technical and design courses. We have three theaters – The Getz Theater, a 400 seat Art Deco proscenium, and two black box theaters.
13. How many shows can I do each year?
Students can audition for several shows during the year as long as there are no time conflicts involving scheduled auditions, rehearsals, performances, and classes. Maintaining a good gpa and class attendance are also important.
14. Who are the theater faculty?
The faculty is made up of professionals in their areas of expertise who work in the Chicago area. There are part-time faculty, artists in residence and full-time faculty, as well as occasional guest lecturers.
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