Grad potential

Friday was accidentally a very exciting grad day. But since I was so busy trying to get organized for my little trip, I didn't post about it.

For those following this absurdly long saga, I have been applying to graduate schools for over a year now. I have been pretty focused on MFA in Directing programs, which are rapidly going the way of the dodo. I like the idea of a practical degree in theatre. I also like the idea that it is a terminal degree that could enable me to work professionally and/or teach at the university level. Both last year and this year, I have had an initially great interaction with South Carolina. I have enjoyed the interviews and approach. They offer the MFA, working closely with one mentor, on projects that increase in complexity of staging and style.

But both last year and this year, they have gotten flaky, then downright negative. The conversation would start strong, then they would disappear, only to reappear much later. I went down to Columbia to visit and do another interview last year, only to be rejected. And they want me to do it again this year. The professor has been very clear about what he wants to see (he wants to see the "tough woman who can command older actors"). While a trip to balmy South Carolina might be nice, it would also be a serious chunk of change for what is at best a gamble.

This year, I started thinking about pursuing the MA-PhD. It is much more academic and detached, but could be another way of teaching and directing. It is also rapidly becoming the preferred degree in academia. I found that Ohio University offers an MA in one year, which is unusual.

Ohio University has been very responsive. They know my name. And on Friday, I had a phone interview with the head of the program who kept repeating, "VERY impressed", "stellar candidate" and other things that make my ego glow. And while he could not make me an offer, he did mention money.

Shit.

Do I want an MFA in Directing from a school that is consistently a pain in my ass? Do I want a "backup plan" MA from a school that really likes what I have? Do I really want to pursue a PhD? Where do I want to spend the next year or three of my life? How much can I read into my initial interactions? SC has either been amazing or dreadful. Ohio has been consistently nice. Do I really have the cash to take off 3 days of work to fly down to South Carolina, rent a car, find a NOT-shitty motel, and try to impress people I met last year? Do I take the money talk as an unofficial offer?

Thoughts?

Right now, the most solid, unbiased logic belongs to my cousin, who voted for Ohio because they have the highest chicken-per-capita.

on iTunes: "Sparks" - Coldplay