Chris Andersson

Founder & CEO of Nothing But Drama

“Find something you’d be
willing to do for free.

Then find someone to
pay you for it.”

Career advice from my grandfather to a little me. I pass it on to you.

A quick hello!

And a free video…

Greetings! I'm Chris. 

I was the Director of Admissions for the Drama department at NYU Tisch School of the Arts for 12 years and now lead an educational consultancy that advises students who want to pursue an education in the arts. My team supports theatermakers, filmmakers, writers, musicians, dancers, visual artists, architects, photographers, and those who want to work in fashion, too! We provide guidance for applying to undergraduate, graduate and summer high school programs in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand — really any English-language arts program anywhere in the world. To serve young artists in the best way possible, I founded Nothing But Drama in 2014.

Why me?

Students and families come to me for my expertise gained from 25 years in higher education administration, working exclusively with theatre students. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) as the Vice President for Ethics & Standards of Practice and as a member of the Global Committee. I have also been IECA’s Chair of the DEIA committee and Co-Founder of the LGBTQ+ & Allies affinity group. I am also a member of the International Association of College Admissions Counselors (International ACAC), the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and a former member of both Actors Equity Association (AEA) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). I completed the UC Irvine Certificate in Independent College Consulting for which I received a Student Achievement Award at graduation and later a Distinguished Alumni Award from UCI’s Alumni Association, representing the Division of Continuing Education (see photo above). I have a B.A. in Theatre & Dance and an M.A. in English: Writing, Rhetoric & Media Arts, both from Trinity College in Hartford, CT.

Why NBD?

Nothing But Drama has expanded to support students in all arts disciplines. We have gathered a team of specialists to help students develop their artistic material for auditions and portfolios for programs that span the globe. I’ve known most of our team members for many years, either personally or professionally, and am happy to give them an opportunity to share their expertise with you!

Our 12-hour Artistic Review Support package consists of various kinds of guidance. The NBD admin team helps students with research, planning and organizing, interview prep, résumé building, artist statements and the myriad questions that surround artistic review. The arts specialists focus on helping students develop their artistic material. We throw in a few wild card meetings to be used for whatever you need. Join us for a Meet & Greet to discuss further!

All gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome here.

Banner photo of New Zealand lighthouse by Chris Andersson. Portrait photo by The Booth.