Hi there Night,
Before you get any answers to any of your questions, the folks here at CB are probably going to ask a few questions, at least I am...
1. Where are you located? This is important especially when it comes to deciding how much a college costs. For example, I live in California, but I am planning to attend the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. Unfortunately, Out-of-state tuition is significantly more expensive. (often two or three times more expensive)
2. How old are you? I ask this not because I'm a creeper or anything, but because if you are a senior in high school, then there are very few options left. Most college's deadlines are way overdue. If you are in your Junior year, that's great.
Some considerations:
I am currently in the process of paying for college right now, and I can tell you that doing the research before
hand makes it quite a
bit easier. I was fortunate enough to attend the last two
USITT (United States Institute for Technical
Theatre) conferences, where many technical
theatre colleges are represented. I have only applied to three schools because they are all very specific to my needs and wants in a lighting program. I realize that some might disagree and suggest to apply to a few more backup schools. (Not a bad idea, just not for me)
I unfortunately cannot share any useful information on colleges that are specialized in technical direction, but, in my opinion, the top lighting schools I researched are: SUNY
Purchase, Carnegie Mellon, University of Cincinnati, North Carolina School of the Arts, Boston University, Ithaca, and Emerson. I toured Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY
Purchase, and the University of Cincinnati in March 2008. PM me if you have any questions about the schools.
Last, but not least, here are some of the questions you should ask yourself when looking into a lighting program:
"What sort of facilities are there?" - This is important as your designs will reflect the flexibility and potential of the performing space.
"What sort of equipment is there?" - Don't overlook this. If you are leaning towards becoming a
lighting designer for concerts/commercial events, you should make sure that you are taught about moving lights.
"Who is/are the professor/artists in residence?" - These will be your mentors for the next four years. They will own you and be an incredible influence towards your career."
"Where are the alumni now?" - This too, should not be overlooked. The colleges with a predominant alumni may have an influence when and where you get a job outside of college.
"Is it 'home'?" - I think this is extremely important. You must find a place that is right for YOU! You are the one who will be living there and will be working there. You must be in a comfortable environment in order to perform your best.
I wish you the best of lu...luuu...."break a
leg" I mean. And if there are other things you may want to know, you can PM me or try the "search" function to view previous posts. (You're definitely not the first to ask this question. Hehe.) Oh yes, I almost forgot. If you have not started on a portfolio or resume, start now. I don't care how old you are. You'll need it eventually.
Nik Robalino
[email protected]
Student
Lighting Designer
Flickr: nikgwolf512's Photostream