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I'm looking for information on colleges that have musical theater programs(mainly on the east coast.) Surprisingly there aren't that many. There are alot of theater programs, or voice programs or dance programs. Here is the list I have come up with. Am I missing any? You hear alot about the best schools, but they only accept between (3-10%),so alot of talented people are going to be rejected. In what order would you rate the following schools. I'm trying to figure out where I should audition next year it's easy to find a reach school, but good match and safeties are a little trickier. So much relies on that one audition, how many schools have other musical theater majors auditioned for and what kind of results did you have?

CCM - Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
Carnegie Mellon
NYU
Boston Conservatory
Syracuse
Ithaca
Shenandoah
Hartt
Catawba
Point Park
Michigan - Ann Arbor
Florida State
Elon
Penn State (even they only take 10 kids each year)

By Roger (Roger) on Friday, April 05, 2002 - 08:45 pm: Edit

Hi, Cathy, welcome to College Confidential! An article here about choosing a musical theater major suggests the following top schools: Carnegie Mellon University, Emerson College, Ithaca College, New World School of the Arts, New York University - Tish School, Syracuse University, The University of the Arts, James Madison University, SUNY Potsdam, University of Hartford - Hartt School of Music, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NY.

There's a lot of overlap with your list; of course, this is one author's opinion. CMU, toward which I am biased due to my attendance there in the preceding century, is at the top of both lists - they have a great tradition in musical theater. I always scan Playbills when I go to a musical, and I usually seem to find someone from CMU in the credits.

One good thing about this major: I'd say hiring depends far less on where you went to school, and much more on what you can do. A Harvard degree and little else may get you a job at a big-city bank, but it won't even get you an understudy role in a local musical production unless you can perform. Certainly, you can hope to develop contacts at college, but in an audition-based hiring environment your college will be much less of a factor than in most fields, where hiring starts with a resume review. In looking at the Playbill bios, I've been amazed at the diversity of backgrounds in any given production.

I'd recommend visiting as many schools as you can, and identify those where you feel comfortable and think you can learn the most. Talk to people in the business and get their suggestions, and of course talk to students at the schools you are interested in to get their first-hand impressions. Good luck!

By Kelsey Formost on Thursday, May 23, 2002 - 11:18 am: Edit

How about a list of colleges/universities with great Musical Theater Programs on the West Coast??? Or a comprehensive list of the best Musical Theater programs in the United States??That would be REALLY helpful to me! I love this site! thanks for the info - Kelsey Formost

By Kelsey Formost on Sunday, May 26, 2002 - 09:07 pm: Edit

How about a list of colleges/universities with great Musical Theater Programs on the West Coast? Or a comprehensive list of the best Musical Theater programs in the United States? Thanks- that would be really helpful! Kelsey Formost

By Chris Simmonds on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 05:29 pm: Edit

Hi I'm 18 and i live in maryland and I am looking for a musical theater major as well. I have never auditioned for a school before and what do you think they are looking for in a male student.

By Dadster on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 10:42 pm: Edit

Each school should tell you what to prepare in their audition instructions. As a musical theater major, you would probably be expected to demonstrate vocal and acting ability. No doubt you've had to audition for school or local productions - this won't be that much different with the exception of higher standards. Crank up your killer version of "Music of the Night" and you'll be all set...

By sarahweinstein on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 06:02 pm: Edit

Hi -
Im looking to transfer schools in my Junior year. I'm in Oaklnad, Ca at Mills College currently and I've been researching outstanding acting schools with emphesis on Musical Theater. NYU - Tisch, AMDA, and the ones posted on this website that i came across that we're all writing to. I'm having a difficult time getting everythig organized and sorted out. I just feel a bit overwhelmed on deciding where the right place for me is, getting to the auditions , getting transfer applications started,etc...-
If there are any words of advise or suggestions you can think of - please write back. Thank you! and good luck to everyone!

By Sarah Lindsay Miller-Henderson on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 02:40 pm: Edit

I am entering my senior year of high school this year. I want to major in Musical Theater. There are three schools that I am auditioning for. Western Michigan University, Michigan State University and The American Musical and Dramatics Academy. I saw a list of some of the other schools on the east coast that have good programs. I would like to know if I should audition for more schools or what? I would appreciate the help!

Thanks!

By Shennie (Shennie) on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 04:56 pm: Edit

Sarah- Deciding on how many schools to audition for is a really personal decision. Auditioning requires traveling and missing a day or 2 of school each time. The cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals add up fast. So you need to decide with your parents what might be feasible for you. Have you had any contact with anyone at any of these schools? Have you any indication that your audition will be well received?

My son did music auditions this year at 4 schools. He was accepted at 2 and waitlisted at 2. He would have been happy to attend any of them and felt confident that he would get accepted to most of them. (He was not too far off.) We know students who auditioned for 8-9 schools, but I think this is excessive. Choose your schools carefully and prepare your auditions for those schools. You may want to add one or 2 more to your list but not more than that.

By C.M.F. on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 04:45 pm: Edit

One great musical theater program in Washington, DC is not very well known...It's at Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome schol of Music. You receive an excellent education in music (a Bachelor of Music, actually) and DC is a top theater community. Look into it...It is an amazing program--not cut throat. Very supportive atmosphere.

By Eric on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 12:52 pm: Edit

I am also planning to go the musical theater route. Seeing as how four people in my family will be attending college at the same time, I was wondering, what are some good, affordable colleges and Universities in New York State that offer a musical theater major that I should look into attending? I know of SUNY Fredonia and Niagara University, but what else is out there?

By Amy on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - 06:18 pm: Edit

I would like to strongly recommend Oklahoma City University as well. They have recently been ranked 5th in the National Association of Musical Theatre as one of the top musical theatre schools in the US, and is the only school west of the Mississippi to achieve this honor. They have a resident program called Polaris which introduces all new and potentially successful musical theatre works in which OKCU students are cast in and therefore given exposure. Some of their alumni includes tony award winning actress Kristin Chenoweth, and they currently have alumni starring on and off broadway, in plays such as The Sweet Smell of Success, Les Miserables, The Music Man and many others. They have an amazing opera programs, as well as very good dance and tachnical theatre programs. If you don't want to go too far east, OKCU is definitely worth considering.

By Sammyam on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 05:20 pm: Edit

I'm one of those who is definitely looking into a career in musical theater. What i'm looking for is a college that is small, yet still has a good musical theater program, and i'd like it to be in or close to New York State. Any suggestions???

By Emily Olson on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 04:50 pm: Edit

I want to pursue a career in musical, but I'm having a difficult time choosing a college. I'm looking for one preferably on the west coast. It would be great if you could list some suggestions! Thanks.

By cynthia on Thursday, August 15, 2002 - 10:40 pm: Edit

Juilliard is a good school..

By Lizzie on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 02:57 pm: Edit

well if you've been really serious about music then Juilliard would be an awesome place to audition for..but it's really tough to get in!! for musical theater..The University of the Arts in Philly has a really great program too...

By singsweet on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 10:11 am: Edit

Actually, Julliard doesn't have a musical theatre program. I went there a few weeks ago because I was interested in the school, and they only have music, drama, and dance. You must concentrate on one specific major and you may take only a few classes (electives) in another field. There are no double majors or major/minors. I was disappointed-don't make my mistake.

By Heather Ann Ault on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 02:10 pm: Edit

I am really searching for a West Coast musical theatre school as well, any suggestions??

By Colleen on Sunday, September 15, 2002 - 01:42 pm: Edit

NO one has yet mentioned SUNY Purchase? That's another good one to look into.

My question is, would you consider a Gilbert and Sullivan aria, such as "Sorry her lot", "The sun whose rays", "When Maiden loves", etc. to be classical?

By Janet on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 06:34 pm: Edit

I am interested in finding information on the audition process for BFA Acting programs. Does anyone have any advice for the audition process?

My daughter is looking at SUNY Purchase, North Carolina School of the Arts, University of the Arts, The Theatre School at DePaul University, and Carnegie Mellon.

I am also interested in finding out if her choices are realistic in light of the admissions criteria at these institutions. Sure, everyone says the audition is all that matters, but I'm not convinced.

She has a 2.7 GPA (with mostly honors classes for 9th through 11th) and is currently enrolled in a local community college through the MN post-secondary options program for her senior year, taking Minnesota Transfer Curriculum classes. She did poorly on her SATs (980 combined).

Any advice?

By shawn hudson on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 03:03 am: Edit

Schools are not easy to get into. I auditioned last year and didn't get in anywhere I wanted. What I can tell you is just be yourself at auditions, choose pieces that show who you are. DO NOT choose pieces that are popular and these people are going to see 100 times.

Boston conservatory
CCM-Cincinnati
Webster University
Carnegie Melon
TISCH-NYU
North Carolina School of the Arts

These are schools I was looking at last year and am looking at again.

By Eve on Saturday, September 21, 2002 - 11:32 pm: Edit

Hi, I am really interesting in a musical college. Are there are any good ones in Missouri?

By Mackey Atkinson on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 04:36 pm: Edit

I am a sophomore in high school. I have taken ballet for about 10 years, jazz for 3, and I'm performing in a good student company right now. I sing in my shcool's show choir and I'm on the drama team. My love is musical theater, but I will probably try to get into college in dance, because being ethnic and male, I think my chances are better for dance. My question is: How easy is it to change majors once you are in college? Do you think I am on the right tract to be thinking that my dance experience will give me an edge? I live in the Southeast, but my dream is to go to college in New York, preferably New York City.

By Brian on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 - 12:41 am: Edit

I'm a senior in high school and I am planning on majoring in musical theater. Right now I'm just looking for schools with good, established and respectable theater programs. I don't know a lot about different colleges and universities and their programs, but I do know of some good places like Carnegie Melon, Syracuse, NYU and AMDA. I would like to go somewhere in New York but right now anywhere on the east coast or around Ohio would be fine. My top two choices right now are Syracuse and NYU only because they are the ones I have had time to look into. Could someone give me a list of the top 10 or 20 musical theater schools in the country/on the east coast? That would be greatly appreciated.

By MelanieDionne on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 05:10 pm: Edit

Hi there. I'm glad I came across this website- it's wonderful to see so many people just as "confused" as I am! I've tried 3 different schools, all of which did not have a musical theatre major (just theatre, dance or vocal performance). I've done professional shows and work at a studio teaching performing arts, but I have the itch to go back. East Coast schools are so darn expensive, that doesn't mean they have better programs. Wichita State University in Kansas incorporates everything in their Musical Theatre Major Program and for out-of-state, it's about $10,000. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

By txtoo on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 08:11 pm: Edit

I'm pretty sure U. of Oklahoma has an active Musical Theatre major. You might check their website.

By Luanne Lopez on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 01:23 pm: Edit

My daughter has aot of experience in musical theatre,taking voice,dancing,acting for years,and has some experience in acting in Hollywood,her expertise being voice though.She attends a private high school,and I dont think her SAT's are going to be high.She is graduating a year early,wants to attend JR college 1 yr.Will this hurt her chances of getting scholarships?She will have a 3.4 upon graduating probably.She has directed plays also.Where do you suggest applying?We live on West coast,but we're open on locations.She has a friend at NYU TISCH,but she had exc SAT's and grades,She says they only offer scholarships to freshman.Help please! This site is great,so glad I found it!

By Liza Webb on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 02:56 pm: Edit

I am interested in a list of colleges/universities with great musical theater programs on the west coast?

By Ally McBeal on Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 04:27 pm: Edit

I love to act even though I'm only 12. I love acting, singing, and dancing so much and I want to pursue a career in acting/dancing. I have been in Godspell in a children's choir, Wizard of OZ as a lollipop munchkin, and Music Man as a lead dancer. I am interested in a list of colleges/universities with great musical theater programs in the U.S.A., because people are always tell me I have a great voice, and that it is never to early to think about colleges.

By Leslie Ellen on Thursday, October 24, 2002 - 06:46 pm: Edit

Hi I currently am a BFA Musical Theatre major at Emerson College in Boston. I know tons of people that go to other schools and are miserable or are getting education that isn't well rounded. I just want to say that Emerson College is amazing. If you want to be a well-rounded actor, learn real life skills for a career, deal with talented, highly motivated, truthful people, this is the place for you. I'm in my first semester and I really feel like there isn't better place to learn to become an actor. Even though it's hard and everyone's disgustingly talented, I feel like the environment makes me grow to be the best actor, singer, and dancer that I can be. If you aren't sure where you want to go to school you should definately check it out. I feel so lucky to be here instead of NYU or CMU where I also applied and was accepted. It's a real place to grow as a person and make connections that will help you for the rest of your life. I only found out about it by chance, and it was the luckiest thing to ever happen to me. Hopefully someone else out there will come to know just how perfect this school could be for them. It's in the most beautiful part of Boston with the public gardensand Boston Common in the middle of the campus and we get an opportunity to perform at The Majestic which is owned by Emerson and in the heart of the theatre district. The best actors are teachers or guest speakers here. And they are really showing me what will help me as far as getting jobs in the future. I wish I could tell musical theatre people everywhere about it. Good luck in applying to schools!

By Sandy on Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 04:14 pm: Edit

I am interested in a list of colleges on the east coast in the NY,NJ,PA,CN area that have good theater programs.I am a senior in high school. Private or public, please.

By riemer on Saturday, October 26, 2002 - 05:29 pm: Edit

How do obtain or find a comprehensive list of U.S. colleges or Universities that offer a musical theater major?

By Jesi Moore on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 11:02 pm: Edit

I'm a senior in High School and i am trying to find a good musical theatre college in Chicago. Do you know of any?

By Chris Rupley on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 12:00 pm: Edit

My son is a sophomore in high school, and we have just begun to search colleges for musical theatre majors. We are going through the College Handbook state by state and marking schools. So far we have about 25 schools. They are U of Arizona, Cal State Chico, U of Colorado - Boulder, U of Hartford, Florida State, Columbia College in Chicago, Rockford College (IL), Wichita State U, Boston Conservatory, Emerson, Hampshire, Michigan, U of Minnesota - Duluth, Ithaca, NYU, SUNY - New Paltz, SUNY - Fredonia, SUNY - Geneseo, Syracuse, Elon, Kent State, U of Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City U, Carnegie Mellon, U of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. We still have some more to go but that is what we found so far. We are just starting to look, but want to plan where to visit over the next couple of summers. A couple of the schools on the first list don't list musical theatre, just music and theater, but maybe there is more info if we were to visit their websites. I was surprised by the near absence of programs in California.

By Luanne Lopez on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 01:31 pm: Edit

ok,so,any suggestions?I posted above. My daughter has experience and strong vocal skills.She wants a BFA in musical theatre.and/or directing.She attends small private school,her SAT's will be low, her GPA 3.4,what schools does anyone suggest which arent outrageously expensive,and are based more on talent than grades and SAT's?We live in Calif,open to locations.Which school are good with scholarship packages also?Any suggestions?Thanks!

By Chris Rupley on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 02:42 pm: Edit

I forgot Webster University on our list of schools. I would love to know which programs are better. Some of the previous comments on this list are helpful. But, Luanne, I thought of Webster because a friend of ours sent their son there a few years ago. He was very successful (in another major) and his high school records were not as high as your daughter's. From what I've read, it sounds like their musical theater program is good. We live in Tucson, and scholastically U of A is not hard to get into. My son wants to be farther from home, so it will not be his first choice. What about Cal State Chico? Is their program any good? You can go to collegeboard.com and search academic requirements for any school.

By Andrew on Friday, November 01, 2002 - 04:02 am: Edit

I am currently a freshman in college and I am thinking of transferring to a school with a musical theater major as well as a good academic program, and a small university environment. What schools are out there that fit this criteria. There are so many that it is hard to know where to begin. Thanks a lot.
Andrew

By Luanne Lopez on Wednesday, November 06, 2002 - 01:05 pm: Edit

Chris:You are doing your research also! Chico State is in a nice rural enviornment(small town type)I am not familiar with their theatre programs.Has a good rep though overall.Thanks for your suggestions....Luanne Lopez

By Dale Ortman on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 12:08 pm: Edit

Here is one parent's experience that may be of use to prospective musical theater students and their parents. I've a daughter that recently graduated from CCM at the University of Cincinnati. I can highly recommend the school to those who are truly serious about musical theater as a career. However, those considering CCM should understand that it's a grueling program that only accepts a few students and then weeds out the weak ones. Of the 600+ kids who auditioned with my daughter, 17 were accepted into the program and of those approximately half survived to graduate. Musical theater is a brutal business, and CCM subjects it students to the same rigors they will experience in their careers. This is not done out of cruelty, but because it takes much more than just extreme talent to be successful and happy in the theater. It takes knowing how to fail, and get back up again as a stronger person. CCM is one of the few programs (and for all I know may be the only musical theater program) that requires students to audition at the end of each year to be accepted into the next. And it's not a formality, they can and do eliminate students who are not making the required progress in either ability or attitude. Although, in reality any student who makes it to the 3rd year of the program is highly likely to graduate. OK, so much for ranting and raving about how tough it is to get into and out of CCM, the real question is, "is it worth it?" The answer is absolutely yes. As a parent I know my child grew in ability, confidence, certainty of path, and especially in inner strength as a result of attending CCM. CCM is a place for those obsessed with musical theater. If you can ask yourself, "what will I do if I don't succeed in the theater?" and you have an answer .... don't go to CCM ... it's a place only for those who simply can't do anything else. For the truly obsessed, it's a place that will take you beyond your perceived limits.

By Elia on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 06:24 am: Edit

Hi I'm 26 years old and I live in Cyprus. I'm looking for information on colleges and Universities that have musical theater programms(mainly in Europe).
Which one would you recommend.

By rayflip1818 on Saturday, November 16, 2002 - 02:37 pm: Edit

Hey I'm 17 and I'm both a volleyball player and a theater performer. I plan on playing DI or DII volleyball to hopefully get college payed for, but I also want to major in theater. Most of the best theater schools are not great athletic schools or they are high divisin I. Right now I'm looking at schools like Wagner and Adelphi in New York and Rider and Fairleigh Dickinson in NJ. (Just a few to give you an idea) They all have theater programs, but I don't know which ones have the best ones. Could you possible find some schools that have good theatre programs, but also have top athletic programs as well. I don't really care where, but the East Coast would be most convenient.

By Allie Vernasco on Sunday, November 17, 2002 - 08:57 pm: Edit

I was considering singing simple joys of maidenhood for my audition. Is this too popular??

By madturk on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 10:03 am: Edit

My daughter is a junior at a performing arts high school here in Fla. and plans to attend college to pursue musical theater. How much emphasis is put on dancing ability during the audition process since this is her weakest area? Besides grades and SAT scores, what else do they look for? What kind of scholarship money can you expect, if any for a top theater program? Thanks

By MusicalTheaterDad on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 04:08 pm: Edit

To Madturk:

Your daughter (and you) really have a primary choice to make, does she attend a conservatory program or pursue a more traditional college or university experience? A top conservatory program will prepare her for a career in musical theater, and virtually nothing else. Therefore, if she goes the conservatory route things like grades and SAT's are secondary to talent, obsessive drive, and work ethic. The more traditional college or university degree will emphasize much more than musical theater, but she'll receive less training in her chosen craft. In short, at a conservatory she will be trained, at college she will be educated. The choice is very personal and depends on many factors. Of course all this also depends on where she is accepted (openings at top conservatory programs are very limited and the competition is fierce)as well as basic finances.

In general, there simply is no scholarship money available for conservatory programs. That's not an absolute, but will generally hold true. The college or university route offers many more scholarship opportunities. From our experience, my daughter was accepted at every college or university to which she applied and was offered financial support (including a couple of full rides) at virtually every one. However, in the end she elected to attend a conservatory program without any financial aid. I must admit, it was a much more costly approach but it was the right choice for her. Also, be aware that the time demands of a conservatory program will essentially eliminate the potential for the student to hold a part-time job.

As for the emphasis on dance, that's really up to each individual school, but I believe dancing comes in third after singing and acting as the emphasized skills. Again, from our personal experience, my daughter went to a conservatory recognized for turning out triple-threats, but she had virtually no real dance training before starting the program and after only four years can hardly be called a dancer. She's a singer/actor who can move well. So it's not necessary to be a trained dancer to get into a top program, but it always helps.

FYI, if you don't already have one get a copy of K. Callan's book "The New York Agents Book". It primarily focuses on the relationship between the actor and agent, but it is also full of other very useful insights and information. It's well worth reading for anyone considering the theater as a career.

I hope this helps.

By madturk on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 04:42 pm: Edit

Thanks for the info MTD, it was very inciteful. I'm glad to hear your daughter made the right choice. Fortunately we have one of the better musical theater programs in the country here at Florida State, so that's always an option, and in-state to boot. Just out of curiosity, which program did your daughter attend?

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 01:36 pm: Edit

To Madturk:

Good for you guys, I understand FSU has a very reputable program. Does FSU showcase their seniors in New York? While not the final decision point, if a school has an established New York showcase it jump starts a career and indicates that graduates are likely already networked into the industry. By the way, have you talked with Seaside Music Theater in Daytona Beach (www.seasidemusictheater.org)? From their website it appears as if they are involved in theater education and may be a good source of information. As for your curosity, she attended CCM at the University of Cincinnati. When offered a spot at CCM there was simply no other choice, the family found the resources to give her the opportunity. Watching a child enter such a potentially heartbreaking profession is both thrilling and very, very scary. As a parent you need to be as well prepared as possible to help your child make the right decision. If our experience can be of use to you, I'll be glad to pass along anything I can.

By madturk on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 04:03 pm: Edit

Thanks Again MTD. I am waiting to hear back from FSU regarding some questions I had and the NY showcase will definitely be on the list. FSU does have some affiliations with some equity programs, hopefully NY would be on the list. Yeah CCM looks like the place to be from what I've researched. It looks very intensive but I know a little about the show biz industry and it can be extremely brutal, so any program that prepares you for the rigors of a professional carrer is obviously advantageous. I will check out the Seaside Theater. Thanks Again!

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 05:31 pm: Edit

To Madturk:

I peaked at Seaside Music Theater's website again and found it a bit hard to find the link to their student page. Here it is, and by the way they certainly think highly of FSU.
http://www.seasidemusictheater.org/youth/college.htm

Also, CCM's site that can be found through www.uc.edu has an extensive area on the audition process. It's aimed at their requirements, but would certainly apply to any top program. If you like you can contact me via the e-mail address that is accessed by clicking my screen name at the top of this message. Having gone through the process, I know I would have liked some insight from someone who had already been there.

By showstopper on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 10:10 pm: Edit

has anyone heard anything about Marymount manhattan in new york? I would like to know if this school has a good standing? thanks.

By Jamalh Wallace on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 01:09 am: Edit

I'm a senior in high school and picking a college has been hard work. I'm looking for a school where I can get stage time as a freshman or sophomore, can anyone help?

By MusicalTheaterDad on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 03:35 pm: Edit

Jamalh,

I'm going to get up my soapbox here and do a little parental ranting and raving. Please take it for what's worth to you.

You're going to make a major trade-off if you insist on stage time as a freshman. Do you want to be on stage, or do you want to go for a top program? It's rare for a really top program to cast freshman (except maybe as spear carriers in mob scenes). Casting is competitive just like in professional theaters and it's only the very exceptional freshman who can truly compete with the more advanced students. In fact, it is not all that uncommon for someone to actually graduate without ever having had a major mainstage role. The vagaries of casting apply as much in school as they do in the profession and regardless of talent there just may not be a suitable role in the schedule. Or, more often than not, there's just someone better than you.

Typically, there are studio productions that give students opportunities beyond the fully produced mainstage shows, but even those are competitively cast. I'm aware of at least one top school that has a Freshman Showcase specifically to allow first-year students to get on stage, but it's a bare bones production for family and friends and is a far cry from playing to paying theater goers.

You need to look into your own soul and see if the need to be on stage outweighs your love of and commitment to musical theater. If so, you may want to question whether or not this is the right direction for you. Remember, most of time in both school and a career you will not get the role. If to get on stage you settle for being the proverbial big fish in the little pond, you'll never know how you measure up against the best, and it's best who will be among those standing beside you at all those future auditions (at least if you have your eye on New York).

So, to avoid a miserable existence it's time for a gut-check to honestly answer if you are able to sustain continued rejection without having it destroy the core of your being. If the true answer is "yes," then forgo looking for a school that will put you on stage, and strive to get into the very best program you can. But if it's "no,' or "not sure," maybe a degree in accounting is more suitable.

By Kim P on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 04:53 pm: Edit

hi, could you tell me of any good musical theatre programs in michigan (excluding Western Michigan University)?

Thanks, Kim

By Marie on Friday, November 29, 2002 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Musical theatre dad,

is there really an advantage to going to a well known school if you don't get experience because you've had no stage time while being there? it seems like it would be an advantage to go to a less competitive, but decent school and get some stage time. i believe that stage time is the most valuable thing for growth and experience for an actor.

Marie

By MusicalTheaterDad on Saturday, November 30, 2002 - 11:33 am: Edit

Kim P,

Check out Ann Arbor, they have a very good program that has recently started to be mentioned in the same breath as the Boston Conservatory, CCM at Cincinnati, and NYU among others.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Saturday, November 30, 2002 - 12:38 pm: Edit

Marie,

I assume we are discussing a making a living in the musical theater as opposed to an avocation. To pursue that goal stage time will always be secondary to superior training. There are two primary reasons for striving to attend a top program, one for the craft and the other for the business. The well known superior programs have that reputation because they consistently graduate young people who are able to compete in the top levels of professional theater. To do this, they offer top-flight training in the actor's craft (as well as demanding absolute commitment from the students) coupled with a no-nonsense exposure to the business of theater.

You should strive to come under the guidance of the best people with the most proven track record of turning out successful professionals, not to just find stage time. Being on stage in second-rate productions does not provide the best opportunities for personal and professional growth, expanding one's craft, or getting a job. It's romantic to believe success comes from honing one's craft on stage. However, it really comes from practice, practice, and more practice under the discerning eye of an excellent and critical faculty, AND working with the most talented and professional group of fellow students. There's a much better opportunity for finding this combination at a well known school with a proven program.

None of this is to say that a specific actor with a BA in Theater from Backwater State can't be successful, but the odds go up drastically for the person with a BFA from NYU, U of M, CCM, or FSU. Simply playing the odds, on the order of 90 percent of graduates from the best programs make a living in the theater, and that's in a profession where less than 5 percent of the wannabe's routinely work.

So, in the end is it more advantagous to attend a top program than seek stage time? If you want a career the answer is absolutely yes.

By Bway Baby! on Saturday, November 30, 2002 - 02:39 pm: Edit

Most people don't know this.... but most of the smaller SUNY (State University of New York)colleges (Oneonta, Columbia Greene Community College, Schenectady County, and others) have really exceptional programs. I attended Suny Oneonta for 2 years just to start off and the professors there are unbelieveable. John Gorscak has to be one of the most amazing professors I have ever had. (and I've worked with some truly professional people) and he rose above them! But check them all out, just because they are high name.... doesn't always mean they are better!

By luannelopez on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 01:21 pm: Edit

What's the difference between a double major and a major and minor? Is it easier to get into a good theatre program as a minor ? My daughter wants to attend a school where she will be performing and/or directing. She is concerned about applying where she has to do a dance audition.She is good,but not her main focal area. Singing is.We live on West Coast.Open on areas. We know of the big schools,Boston,CCM,NYU,Emerson,Fl,Michigan,Webster,No Carolina,Univ of Hartford.Any other suggestions?She may apply at Chapman Univ in Calif.How do you know if a school puts on musical productions?Perhaps she should enter as a drama major or music major? I majored in Music,but things have changed.Also,what is difference between BFA in Muscal theatre and a BA?Thanks!!!

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 02:42 pm: Edit

BB,

Thanks for pointing out that the name-brand schools do not hold a monopoly on developing professional musical theater performers. That is not so and is not the basis of the advice to Jamalh and Marie. Instead the discussion was intended to focus on the relative benefit of attending a universally recognized program, and assumes the student has the good fortune to have a choice among schools. Also, the discussion assumes the student is pursuing a full-time career in Equity musical theater productions cast in New York City. Therefore, the fundamental question is, "Does graduation from a recognized top program increase the likelihood and/or rapidity of successfully starting such a career?" The answer is undeniably, "Yes."

A school's program gains recognition because of the success of its graduates. This follows a circular chicken-and-egg process that goes something like this: a program starts developing recognition, which entices more and more prospective students to apply, which allows the school become increasingly selective in who they admit, which raises the level of talent and work ethic for the overall group of students, which causes the school to graduate a high percentage of people who succeed, which gains the school recognition, and the chain of events repeats itself. It follows that, as a result of this process, a top school is recognized as such because of the percentage of its graduates who earn a full-time living as performers, not the success of any particular graduate.

Also, a typical hallmark of such a program is an annual showcase performance held in NYC by the graduates for agents and casting directors. I leave it to you to judge if it is beneficial to graduate from a program that routinely turns out entire graduating classes able to entice industry professionals to spend their time watching them. It is typical for the majority of these graduates to be approached by one or more agents wanting to represent them. I'm aware of one case this year of a student being approached by five agents and one casting director at the reception following a showcase performance. It is obvious that having agents seek out graduates of a program gives them a leg up in their career.

Therefore, assuming a prospective student has a choice among schools, graduating from one of the recognized top programs is most certainly an advantage in starting a career. However, this does not mean that graduates from other good programs do not go on to successful careers, only that the path may be a little steeper. There is hardly a more individually competitive business than musical theater at the NYC level. So if the opportunity is there to increase the odds in your favor it certainly makes sense to avail yourself of it.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 06:02 pm: Edit

Luanne,

That's a lot of questions and all are good. I'll try to give you one perspective, but will jump around a bit in the discussion. What's the difference between a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree? Essentially, a BFA is trade school, albeit at a very high level, and a BA is college. Although there are core general education courses required in most BFA programs, especially if the program exists within a university, they are limited to the minimum acceptable by the parent institution. The emphasis is primarily placed on training and practicing the craft of musical theater. When stripped down to essentials a student pursuing a BFA better be very sure of their path, because they will not receive a well-rounded education. On the other hand, a BA degree denotes the typical liberal arts education with an emphasis, but not an obsession, in a chosen area.

Here it should be noted that degrees specifically in musical theater are highly specialized, combining acting, voice, and dance, and are most likely to be BFA's. The BA degree will usually be found in one specific area such as drama, or voice, or dance, or general theater arts. You will find programs specifically in musical theater are pretty rare. One reason is that the parent institution must maintain a high level of support for all the areas of expertise required of the performer, as well all those needed to routinely mount productions, such as orchestral music and the myriad skills of technical theater. Then the institution must create a department and support a faculty specifically focused on combining all of this into one, very focused, program. It's expensive to do well and has a limited number of students who are interested (they are obsessive students, but there are really very few of them), so an institution must be truly committed to musical theater or it just won't work.

Of course most schools with theater programs put on musicals, and typically they are quite enjoyable. However, all you need do is attend several of them and then go see a production at say NYU, CCM or a similar program; I promise you will recognize the difference.

I assume because you participated in this forum devoted to musical theater that your daughter is specifically interested in musical theater instead of the many other forms of performance. However, you mention her primary skill is voice, but her main concern is the dance. What about her acting skills? You can succeed in musical theater without being a truly proficient dancer. However, you must possess the acting skill to make it seem natural to burst into song when your dog dies. Let's face it, musical theater does not imitate life and the performer must make the audience believe it's perfectly normal behavior to sing and dance when faced with a major life crisis. So acting is as necessary to a career and singing. It's usually a different skill set than practiced on the legitimate stage, typically broader and somewhat larger than life, but totally necessary for the performer to master.

What about majors, minors, and getting into a good theater program as a minor? A major is the student's primary area of study; a minor is a secondary area of study. There are no truly good programs devoted to musical theater (if there are any at all) that offer it as a minor. General theater, yes; drama, yes; music, yes; but musical theater, no. Which brings us back to the question about specifically pursuing musical theater as a career. To focus on the musical theater and increase the probability of success typically means a BFA with a major in musical theater. And since there are no minors, the only way into such a program is straight through the front door. Meaning the audition process, and to call the competition fierce does not do it justice, it's brutal. It would not be stretching the truth too far to say that maybe half of the students accepted into the really top programs have their Equity cards (meaning they are already professional performers), and virtually all will have a resume replete with lead roles in musical productions. These roles will most likely not be in high school productions (unless they attended a performing arts high school); more likely they will be commercial and/or top-notch community theater productions.

Now for performing and/or directing. In regard to performing, the same advice given to Jamalh above applies here; if you focus on performing in your first year and you are fortunate to be accepted to a top program you will most likely be very disappointed. Freshman rarely get on stage. You may be required to audition, but it's for the practice, you must wait until the second year to have any credible shot at stage time. Because, even if you're very, very good, the more advanced students are a whole lot better. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for kids who have had success all their lives in getting the best roles to be psychologically ill prepared not to be cast. Some can't handle the rejection, equate it with failure, can't come to terms with failure, and quit the school. But worse by far is when a parent puts the onus of failure on the kid, and that certainly does happen. On the other hand, some students go their whole school career without ever getting on stage. I know of one young man who never sang a note in a main stage or little theater production for four years, but he persevered and is now working in Le Miz on Broadway (now that is one tough kid).

As for directing, in most musical theater programs, performers perform and directors direct. It's the rare person who both can and is given the opportunity to do both. Mixing it up is more common for those pursuing the legitimate stage.

Living on the west coast is definitely a disadvantage for musical theater education. There's just no really top program available close to home. There's everything else, with special strength in film, but the musical theater revolves around New York and the institutions willing to focus on it increase as you move east. To find out about a specific school such as Chapman, write, call, e-mail, use carrier pigeon, but just ask them. They'll be happy to give you all the information you want. If you can, set up a visit and talk to somebody. Have them show you around and discuss their program, what they do well and what they don't do. If they claim to do it all, and you're not at CCM or some other monster school of the performing arts, they are not being truthful and judge them accordingly. Especially ask about the track record of their graduates and see if you get specific and insightful answers.

In the end though, it's a screwy business. This tirade is directed at the academic route to pursuing a career, and is focused on earning a living performing for pay. People can and do successfully get into the business in other ways than formal training in a degree-granting program and do many other things than perform. It's also not meant to scare you off, but just to make you think hard about musical theater as a career. However, if you want it badly enough, believe you have the necessary skills, and have an obsessive work ethic, by all means go for it.

By Karen on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Hi folks,

My daughter is very interested in musical theatre, but has a practical bent and would like to double major in theatre and psychology. I discovered that American University offers a *B.A.* in musical theatre as well as a BA in psychology, and the requirements for each are reasonable enough to double major. I have two questions:

1 - Does anyone have an opinion about the program at American?
2 - Are there other schools where such a double major is possible? Lots of schools offer a theatre major (BA), but there's a lot of non-performance related coursework, where my daughter is interested in acting, voice, and dance.

Thanks!

By madturk on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 03:15 pm: Edit

MTD thanks for your insight. I did get to talk to the Florida State folks and maybe I can share some of the information with those interested.

FSU's musical theater program has a very intensive audition process like most of the other top programs in the country. Of the three disciplines, their audition is skewed more to dancing ability than most of the other major programs. The woman I spoke to said they are continuously told that their dance audition is about as tough as it gets. This from kids who have auditioned for other schools. I believe the dep't head is a choreographer which only favors more of a dance discipline. Anyone with an extensive ballet background would definitely have an advantage here, according to what I was told.

Since my daughter's forte is singing and acting it probably would prohibit her from getting accepted into the musical theater program. The good news is, she can apply and audition to get in as a music major. The audition process is three-fold like the musical theater program, and you audition in front of the same panel but the emphasis is on singing (four song audition instead of two through the musical theater program) The curriculum is fairly similar to the musical theater program but obviously with more of an emphasis on music. The music majors also audition for all the musical productions and all seniors in both programs are showcased in NYC.
Last year of the 217 kids that auditioned, only six were selected into both programs, so obviously they are very selective.
The music major might be an option worth looking into for some. I don't know how many other programs offer it in conjuction with a musical theater major. Hope this helps.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 06:07 pm: Edit

Karen,

Hmmmm . . . a practical person with an interest in musical theater, now that's a conundrum. I'm kidding, but practicality and musical theater don't usually fit in the same breath. I can't help you a whit on whether or not American University has a credible program, but I suggest helping your daughter critically consider her dreams and aspirations. Does she want to take a fling at the theater in her 20's, and if that does not catch move on to something else? Will she be satisfied with less than the big time, or is it New York or nothing? Is professional performing the goal, or will a teaching career be equally rewarding? Would she be fulfilled feeding the stage lust in nonprofessional theater, and earn her daily bread doing something else? In short, is she obsessed with the theater to the exclusion of all else or not? I'm guessing she is not the obsessed type, and if that's the case you really should be happy. From close observation of students attending one of the leading musical theater programs in the country it's patently obvious they are mostly a pretty dysfunctional neurotic group who are driven by their obsession with the theater. In general, they do what they do because they simply can't help themselves, and they happen to have been gifted with the physical tools to have a chance at making it all work.

So, spend some long evenings delving into what she wants out of life, or as much as anyone ever knows about such a thing. If her interests are more diverse than just the theater she would most likely get more out of a more normal college life with a partial emphasis on things theatrical. Nothing will prohibit her from trying the musical theater to see what happens. All she needs is to move to NYC, find a day job (more typically a night job) that allows her to make it to the cattle-calls, the patience to wait in endless lines of fellow hopefuls, and the resilience to bounce back from seemingly never ending rejection . . . . and who knows, it just might work. At least she'll have some great stories to tell her psychologist colleagues.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 06:57 pm: Edit

Madturk,

That's great information and kudos for taking the time to share it with other parents and prospective students. There are certainly other avenues to the profession than just a degree specifically in musical theater. Six out of 200 is a fairly common acceptance rate for the top programs, something on the order of 3 percent. Which is why those programs have such an inordinate percentage of graduates who make a living in the business, they have the luxury (or maybe the audacity) of skimming only a select few from the top of the barrel. If you want drop me an e-mail address, I'll be glad to pass along some information that may help you in your quest but I'd rather not do it in an open forum.

By Kendra on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 06:21 pm: Edit

I am a sophmore and would like to go to college for musical theater but I have a problem. My sister is going to college this year and my brother in a few years. I'm worried my parents will not be able to affored for me to go to a good college. Also all I have ever wanted to do is perform, nothing else, but the only experience I have is from School events such as Select Vocal Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Chorus, and School Musicals. Is that not good enough? Any advice on helping me get started and options on where I could go would be much appreciated! Feel Free to email me if you have any info that might help me

By Daddy on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 11:35 am: Edit

I am a father of a high school senior who is interested in attending a liberal arts college with a strong musical theater department. Is she better off to apply to a school such as University of Michigan regular admission and then audition for shows (she looks to have a so/so chance of getting in) or to audition for the dept. now and include that as part of her application? If she is not accepted into the musical theater dept. would they still consider her application under regular admissions?
Daddy

By MusicalTheaterDad on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 12:26 pm: Edit

Kendra,

Finding the money can be a problem, but there are ways to accomplish it if you have the dream, the talent to give the dream a chance, and the drive to make it happen. But first you need to take a hard look at the dream. Is it to perform or make a living performing? Both are possible, but the later is the more difficult road. Try not to get scared of the task, but also try to make a totally honest appraisal of your skill set to judge if "I can do that." Sometimes this is the hardest part as those closest to you may not be able to give an unbiased judgement, don't want to hurt your feelings, or conversely may want to live their dream through you regardless of the reality. On the other hand, some may unwittingly hold you back through fear of what chasing such an "impractical" dream may do to you.

Do you have a good school within in driving distance? If so, go see a couple of their productions and ask yourself if you really can grow to do what you've just seen. I'd suggest finding someone with experience in appraising talent (try your local community theater, or if you have access to local professional theater companies go to them, or maybe the theater department at a local college) and convince them to review your audition. Get some feedback, see what they suggest. It may not be easy to get someone to take the time, but if you are insistent and have the necessary spark there's a good chance someone will lend you a hand.

Of course, one way is to let the application process be the judge, audition for several programs and see what happens. Unfortunately, auditioning itself bears a cost (you have to go to them) and you don't know the outcome until way late in the game. Another approach is to look for schools that have the components you can mix to support you in musical theater (voice, acting, dance, theater arts), but may not have a specific degree program in musical theater. Apply to these schools as well as the specific musical theater programs.

As for the cost of school, talk with your parents about it. Find out the reality of what they can afford so you can work from a position of knowledge. It's not a secret though, for state schools (and there are many very good ones) in-state will cost less than out-of-state, staying at home is less expensive than living elsewhere, and of course private institutions are the most costly. So start looking close to home and work your way outwards. Start contacting schools and don't be afraid to ask how much it costs. Find out every avenue for financial assistance. Yeah, sometimes it feels like you're beating your head against an uncaring bureaucracy (especially at large state schools), but persevere. And don't forget some of the odd ways to help with the cost, I know of a couple of kids of limited means who made it through an absolute top BFA program by being dorm monitors. It may not have been the most enjoyable path, but it worked.

Break a leg.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 01:11 pm: Edit

Daddy,

Is your daughter "interested" in musical theater or "obsessed" by it? Is it what she is going to do, or something she would like to do? Is it an avocation or a vocation? Does rejection make her stronger and all the more determined? Is she very, very talented? Does she know she's very, very talented? How does she handle being around people who are more talented? Has she ever lost a lead role when she had the absolute best voice, but was 2-inches taller than the leading man? Can you watch her repeatedly get her heart broken and be there for her every time? Sound scary? The answer better be yes, but if this is her dream you need to accept being scared a bit.

On the assumption that she wants a career in musical theater she'll be better off inside the department than outside. I'm not specifically sure about U of M, but it's highly doubtful that non-majors stand a chance of being cast, even if they are allowed to audition (which is unlikely). A school with a specific program in musical theater will typically reserve it's productions as a training ground for the majors, and at a top flight school like U of M it is highly unlikely that a non-major will have the skill set to compete.

As for a dual application, one for admission to the general student body and one for admission to the musical theater department, that's a question for the individual school. But I don't see any reason why you could not do it. If it's a good overall school, such as U of M, your daughter certainly will have the opportunity for an excellent education regardless of whether or not she goes the musical theater route. However, that's not universal. Case in point, CCM is one of the largest and best schools of the performing arts in the country and pretty much on the top of the musical theater heap, but as an academic institution the University of Cincinnati has been in decline for a long time.

By LuanneLopez on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 - 08:28 pm: Edit

MUSICALTHEATREDAD:Thanks!Powerful info you gave,appreciate it!My daughter has done over 20 productions,was in the "Young Americans"so yes she has experience in musical theatre.She is a big girl,yrs of dance,acting and voice.Her size may deter her from musical theatre,although she has friends at Emerson,NYU-Tish,Univ of Hartt,they all have worked w/her and they say APPLY!Her grades are 3.3,SAT's will be low.She has also done some TV work,acting workshops.She's a broadway belter,she has the pipes.She wants to apply at 12 schools,think that is practical?She wants communication major also.Wonder if she should apply as that major,or musical theatre?I think her talent will get her in and/or scholarship money,versus her academics?She has directed three plays,etc.I know what the competition is like,she does as well.She just loves theatre though,what can I say? I try and steer her toward something else,majoring in voice,etc,but...she loves doing productions,being on stage,etc,etc.I WISH she would take my advice.Narrowed down to:NYU,Emerson,Ithaca,Syracuse(Friend attends there also)AMDA,Univ of Hartt,Chapman,U of P,Pt Loma College,help!Thanks and good luck to all of you applicants!!

By MusicalTheaterDad on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 10:46 am: Edit

Luanne,

Good to hear from you. Sounds like your daughter (and you) know what she's getting into. Don't be concerned about her being a big girl. One of the things about the musical theater (as with all theater) is that it uses people of all types and voices. True, for young female performers there are typically more roles for the soprano ingenue, but there are places for everybody. It can be more of a struggle if you are physically or vocally a bit out of the mainstream for your age, but it can still be done.

As for applying at 12 schools, are these all audition programs? It certainly raises your chances of admission, but it will be pricey to do that much traveling (even with the unified regional auditions) and you may well find several time conflicts among the auditions. Wanting to combine a communications degree program with opportunities in musical theater will move her more into the college mainstream and away from the conservatory programs. As for how she should apply, that depends on what she wants the most and the opportunities at each school. Be sure to check and see if non-majors are allowed to audition for productions (and, if so, do they really ever get cast) or even take advanced theater classes. At schools with BFA programs or conservatories within a larger institution (such as CCM) it is unlikely non-majors will be allowed to enroll in any classes.

Anyway, best of luck (no jinx intended) to you both (as a parent you need it as much as your daughter), and please report back on your journey. This is a great forum for prospective theater students and parents to assist those setting out on the musical theater path.

By Luannelopez on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 02:45 pm: Edit

MUSICALTHEATREDAD:Thanks!Any suggestions on monologues or songs for auditions? We are doing regional auditions in LA(as it is about an hour distance).How did your daughter find her monologues or songs for her auditions? Thanks!!

By theatreparent on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 07:31 pm: Edit

MUSICALTHEATERDAD: I too am another father whose daughter is obsessed with and taking the musical theatre route. She's a jr in high school and we're starting to embark on a college search. I came across this forum by accident and think your advice is fantastic! We live in NJ and have considered PSU as one of our choices. I don't see it mentioned in any of the discussions. Do you have an opinion. My daughter has a very impressive resume (both amateur & professional) with a 4.3gpa & 1250 sat's. We are in NY almost every week auditioning for either commercials or film. She's performed everywhere from Boston to Fla. on an amateur basis. Has done National Anthems from Fenway Park to Madison Sq Garden and every sports venue in NJ & Pa.
I have a feeling that I know you from the advice you have been giving. There are many clues to who my daughter is in the discussion. Are you her vocal coach? If so, let me know. If not, what would be your top 5 choices for Musical Theatre. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Fred

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 12:24 pm: Edit

Luanne

Sorry, I don't have any good suggestions for monologues or songs. Essentially, both the monologue and songs (typically two) must be selected to demonstrate the particular gifts of the performer, and as such have to be tailored to the individual. In addition, the very choices themselves will say something about the individual, and hence should be selected by them. Therefore, the act of finding and selecting the pieces is a creative exercise that is best left to the individual. However, there are some simple guidelines, (a) don't ever get anything out of books of monologues, (b) with a choice between great writing and good theater, choose the good theater, (c) read the entire work so you know the context for the piece, (d) avoid works that are overdone, (e) avoid like the plague monologues or songs from current hits, (f) never use an accent, costume, or make-up, (g) never do something inappropriate for your age, (h) don't try a song that is difficult to perform, remember you don't get to rehearse with the accompanist, therefore don't do Sondheim, (i) know the rules for the audition, they do apply to you, (j) and above all else, have fun.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 12:27 pm: Edit

Fred,

Thanks for appreciating the advice, but please realize you're reading only one person's opinions and those come from a very particular set of experiences. Also, I'm not in any way professionally involved in either theater or education, just a dad who followed a kid on her journey to a theatrical career. So to answer your question, I'm certainly not your daughter's vocal coach (as they say, can't carry a tune in a bucket), and my only time in NJ has been passing through the Newark airport.

Choice of a school is very personal, what's good for one may be a disaster for another. So, I'm hesitant to try to list a "Top 5", but there are some general guidelines for taking the academic route to an Equity musical theater career. First and foremost, look to schools with a high percentage of graduates who work. Go ahead and ask any prospective school for a list of its graduates for the last 10 years and what they are doing now. Search out each name on the internet (it's amazing what you'll learn). Check to see if the school showcases its seniors in NYC. Attend at least one production, a musical of course, done by the school (yeah, I know it's expensive, but you'll be able to judge a lot about the school by seeing its product, especially the professionalism of its overall program). I have a CCM bias, I think it's well earned, but it's a bias none the less. The school is blessed with an extraordinary patron in Patricia Corbett and a very high level of community financial support. The new 100+ million facility didn't come just from state coffers. And, while money and a new physical plant don't automatically equate with success, it can't hurt.

By soprano on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 01:04 pm: Edit

RE: Webster U. I can tell you that the location is in a suburban community called Webster Groves about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. The university is home to the St. Louis Opera Theatre--totally incredible productions held in the spring/summer of operas sung in English. It is also home to the St. Louis Repetory Theatre. Webster is an incredible school for the arts and I would consider it but it is in my home town and I want to go away to school. The campus keeps expanding. The music department and several others are in very large old mansions next to the hilton theatre that the school has. The suburb is filled with old homes, many over 100 years old, and "downtown Webster" has an intellectual air to it. It is very different in feeling than other suburbs like Ladue or Frontenac--no sense of community just vulgar displays of money. Webster is a great school. I recommend it. I love the suburb too.

By Disappointed on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 12:25 pm: Edit

My kid was was accepted to Webester with substantial financial aid. It was among our choices up until visiting the campus and sitting in on a couple of classes. It may have just been a fluke or a bad day, but several musical theater students were having trouble staying on key. That struck the school from our list.

By Megan on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 03:34 pm: Edit

ADVICE to all:

There's no need to tell you that the course of life you've chosen is a difficult one. I am currently attending Berklee College of Music, great school for music, if anyone's interested. Hopefully, soon I'll be transfering to Boston Conservatory, I'm not sure. So anyway my advice on musical theatre schools is that you don't need to find the most expensive college out there. There are great colleges with musical theatre programs. From NYU to Barry University. In most decent colleges you'll learn the same types of things. My advice is to save your money that you would spend on college and spend it on personal trainers. Get an amazing private voice coach. Take dance classes in New York. Go to workshops. These things will allow you to get the one to one study that you need. Broadway Casting Directors don't really care what college you attended. All they see is your ability and talent. A lot of the acting world is now polictical. You have to take that into consideration and hope that one day you'll have the break you need. Another road to follow is attending a college that has a New York City Showcase. A showcase is where casting directors come to find new talent. This does not mean you are given the lead in a new demo musical, but it's a start.

By MayaLiz on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 - 03:54 pm: Edit

Musical theater is my life just as the rest of the people who visit this page. I am a senior in high school, taking college credit classes. I'm looking at College of Santa Fe...and I'm wondering if any of you have anything good/bad about this particular school. Greatly appreciated.

By begumm on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 02:23 pm: Edit

hi my name is begum and i'm from turkey... i want to do my major on musical theater but i'm an international student as you can guess but i really believe that i have the talent. i'm having a half education in a turkish conservatory on musical theater .....

can you give me some university names that has musical theater major? and also do i have any chance? cause i'm not an american person so do they accept me?! thanks a lot

By Mackey Atkinson on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 02:07 pm: Edit

Musical Theater Dad,
Since I don't have a Dad I'll use you for some advice. I posted earlier, but will give you my information again. I am a sophomore in high school. I have taken ballet for about 10 years, jazz for 3, and I'm performing in a good student company right now, and I received a scholarship for American Ballet Theater's Summer Intensive. I sing in my shcool's show choir and I'm on the drama team, and I've gotten superior ratings at regional theater competitions for musical theater vocals. My love is musical theater, but I will probably try to get into college in dance, because being ethnic and male, I think my chances are better for dance. My question is: How easy is it to change majors once you are in college? Do you think I am on the right tract to be thinking that my dance experience will give me an edge? I live in the Southeast, but my dream is to go to college in New York, preferably New York City. And yes, I am OBSESSED with musical theater. Thanks, "Dad" for any advice.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 04:08 pm: Edit

Mackey,

I'll be glad to offer any requested advice. Please realize you're hearing one person's opinion, so be sure to bounce your ideas off of as many people as you have available. It sounds like you have access to pretty good resources, please be sure to use them all. Also, I'm glad to see you getting started early in thinking about school. You've got enough time to really take a good hard look at your options.

As for changing majors once you're in school, that really depends on the individual school and what you want to do with your career. If you are focused on being an all around musical theater performer then I'd counsel you to look to a more inclusive program. However, go ahead and ask each of your prospective schools what they would suggest. You need to see how each school will let you structure a program, and whether or not you can include the necessary acting and voice work with your dance. Also, whether or not you will be allowed (or really stand a chance) of being cast as anything other than in the dance ensemble. Be sure to ask about the chances to change majors. There's probably more of a chance for that in a college setting with a BA degree than if you attend a conservatory program or are pursuing a BFA.

I guess it gets right down to what's your passion? Dancer's are a very obsessive breed whose need to express through movement is rather manic. If that fits you, then you may well want to focus on the dance to the exclusion of the other aspects of the musical theater craft. On the other hand, the working life of a dancer is typically pretty short, especially at the Broadway level. And, in all truth, the opportunities typically relegated to ensemble work. Currently, to be a male dancer on Broadway you must be a true 10 for looks, and when you inevitably loose that fraction of step (I know at your age it seems like it will never happen, but you will grow older, get a few wrinkles, and slow down) there will be a hoard of younger hard-bodies to take your place. Not that this "fact of life" should deter you, just be aware it's there. The odds for a performing career, especially one with a longer life, will go up if you train to be a triple-threat.

Being an ethnic male should not be any hindrance in getting into school, whether or not you focus on the dance. When you get right down to it, there are more male roles in musical theater than female, so that's a help, but even in today's industry casting is rarely colorblind. However, as for casting, to be black, Hispanic, or whatever is really no different from being six-foot-two or a little chubby . . . if you fit the director's vision you stand a chance of being cast . . . if not, you don't, regardless of talent. But that's something you can't change, so don't worry about it.

With dance as a strength and already living in the southeast, why not take a look at FSU. It seems they really want strong dance skills for their musical theater students, and they certainly have a successful program. I know this is a bit rambling, but I hope it gives you some food for thought.

By Istanbulamerican on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 05:57 pm: Edit

Hi Im a sophmore in highschool lookin for colleges to go to. Could someone help me find some musical theater colleges in the west coast, perferablly in New York. Thanks

By David Meyers on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 02:39 pm: Edit

Dear Leslie....who pose before and goes to Emerson! Hi my name is David and I am in the acting conservatory at Boston U. I happened to stumble across this website and saw your post! I love musical theatre...more than straight theatre(I am a little out of place here) and I am also a freshman. I woud love to talk to you if you happen to read this..my email is Dave98432@aol.com ....By the way BOston U is one of the few colleges that still has an Acting Conservatory and it has been a great place to study at thus far

By Jamalh on Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 11:25 pm: Edit

MUSICALTHEATERDAD,

I just read your posting to me, thank you! Performing is what I love and I know I can stick it out no matter what it takes. I have a question about grades. Can you be accepted to a good program with slightly below average grades? Are there any schools that accept for talent only?

By soprano on Wednesday, December 25, 2002 - 01:42 pm: Edit

There are many schools where talent can trump grades. The only exceptions I am aware of are two: Northwestern in Chicago and Rice. Both are consistent in almost requiring a strong academic and strong sat/act performance. (min 600 on SAT)

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 11:51 am: Edit

Jamalh,

As for grades and schools, it depends on whether or not your grades are just low, say mostly C's, or in the tank, lots of D's. Low grades should not be much of a problem as long as you can meet the minimum requirements of the school. Conservatory programs will usually count talent and drive over academic achievement. But, any program that is part of a larger university will still require you to be admitted the university as well as to the musical theater program. And, although academic stardom is not what they are seeking, poor grades may well be taken as an indication of less than an obsessive work ethic. And work ethic will count as much a talent at a top program (as well as in a career). For regular college degree programs the same academic requirements will apply for theater students as with any other applicant. I suggest you pick a representative cross-section of programs, contact someone at each, and simply ask what they typically require in terms of grades, SAT's, ACT's, and the like. Find out what the minimum academic requirements are for admission. They know, and will be happy to tell you.

By sophomoremusicaltheatremajor on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 03:47 am: Edit

For those of you who want a school that has a strong musical theatre degree not too far from the west coast, check out the University of Northern Colorado.

By Laura on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 02:45 pm: Edit

I am a senior in high school, dancing for 13 years, acting for 10, two awards from the Theatre Association of New York State, constantly doing community/regional theatre (constantly meaning 6-8 productions per year at various theaters), including a few productions at a LORT theater and 4 paid productions, blah blah etc etc. Basically, I've committed my life so far to theater.

Anyway I had a big surprise a few days ago, as I didn't have a grea audition, yet I still got accepted to the Hartt School for musical theatre, and got a performing arts scholarship as well for talent! I'm really happy about that, but am still auditioning at Boston Conservatory, CMU, Emerson, NYU (Tisch, not Steinhardt), SUNY Buffalo (already did the audition, loved the school, but my audition was not very good), Syracuse, UArts, UMichigan, and Wagner (safety school, I'd prob choose Hartford over Wagner, but I already applied and paid the app fee so I might as well audition now). I also applied to Cornell University in case I decide not to go for musical theatre (parental pressure to "be practical" and go to an academic school).

Several questions:

-Does PSU have a MT program??? As far as I know, they only have a drama degree... did they add MT?

-How does Hartford fit into scheme of things? Obviously I'm going to get conflicting advice about anything I ask different people, but I've heard mixed commentary on the program at Hartt. I have two friends who have been at Hartt for MT... one is still in the program, and the other graduated last year. Interestingly, I ran into Jess (the one who graduated) at the Miss Saigon tour, where she was at the stage door to see her best friend (who graduated with her) and was fight captain in the show Jess herself had done some smaller productions, and was heading back to NYC to begin the rounds of auditions for national tours and such. Clearly their graduates are successful, but of course, it's always hard to tell whether success is a result of the training at the school, or if they simply had a few people who were already talented. ANY opinions on Hartt would be appreciated.

-I have heard a lot about a ranking list of MT schools, and heard many friends claim "my school is #1" "mine is #1" etc etc... often it's conflicting rankings/advice; everyone wants to believe that their school is at the top. Where can I find this list? IS there such a list? Obviously I won't be making my decision solely based on "the list", but I'd be very interested to know.

-I've been trying to pick mostly triple-threat schools, knowing that this is what will help me in my career most... do any of the schools I've mentioned have a strong focus one way or another? That wouldn't necessarily knock them off my list, but it's another factor to consider, and I'd be interested to know what the focus is on.

One last thing - for anyone worried about grades, I have been told at several schools that 80% of your acceptance is your audition, and 20% is your grades. HOWEVER, there are many schools (like Emerson) that seem to do it completely separately... i.e. you audition, and maybe get into the theater program (they don't look at grades at the audition), but you may or may not get into the college itself. If you don't get into both, you can't go, and they don't necessarily tell you whether you didn't get into the school or the theater program. Harsh, I know.

Thank you for any help/advice anyone can provide

By Jana Sunshine Emmons on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 06:31 pm: Edit

Hi my name is Jana Sunshine (a.k.a. Sunnie) and for starters I can't spell sorry. I live in MO. I went to a Musical Theater class at a small school called Dayspring School of the Arts. It was an excelent experyence. But I'm afraid that if you didn't take more than one class and didn't go to church with the in croud you never got a part. I don't want that happening at the college I go to. I know at least 20 people who go to or went to Webster University. If you want to be in debt for a long time go there. Yes, great school, but still who you know is better than what you know. That is so sad. I also have a question do you have to be an ecsulent dancer to be in musical theater. Why am I asking that Michal Crophered could only do 1,2,3. J/J. I really need help on how to get info on colleges. I'm going crazy. I've been looking since I was 12 and still havn't decided. HELP.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 04:14 pm: Edit

Hello there,

I have a couple questions for those who are currently embarking on the visiting part of the college search.

How would you recommend going about visiting a campus, when all I really care about is the musical theatre department? For instance, I will soon be visiting UC - CCM, Carnegie Mellon, and NYU. Should I sign up for a campus tour? I was thinking that I would try to get a student to show me around, perhaps a student in the department if I could. However, I'm not quite sure how I would go about doing this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

By Shauna (Shauna) on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 04:24 pm: Edit

Another quick question, if anyone has any thoughts...

Differences/similarities and pros/cons between NYU musical theatre at Tisch and at Steinhardt?

Thanks!

By Laura on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 03:18 am: Edit

I've heard that Steinhardt focuses more on voice, but I didn't really research this. The degree at Tisch is actually a drama degree, but you choose a studio at which to study, and you can opt to study at a musical theatre studio (if you are accepted). Hope that helps somewhat, but I was never too clear on the difference either.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Tuesday, December 31, 2002 - 02:36 pm: Edit

Dear Sunnie,

Well, I'm not sure if this is exactly the answer you're looking for, but as I read your message a couple thoughts crossed my mind. I'm going through this process myself, and I have received some very good advice which I'll try to share.

First of all, who you know is very important and may very well get you into a school if you know the right person, but I still say it doesn't hurt to knock 'em dead at auditions.

Second, being a great dancer is always helpful, but not necessarily a must. There *are* people out there that dance like Ginger, sing like Audra, and act like Meryl, and (usually) these are the people get accepted into the top programs. But that doesn't mean that you won't. It all depends on what they are looking for and what they see in you. It's not a very cut-and-dry type of thing.

Now, finding a school. This is something I didn't discover until a short while ago myself, but there are a LOT of colleges out there that offer a perfectly acceptable musical theatre program. Everyone hears of Carnegie-Mellon, NYU, UC - CCM, and Boston Conservatory, and there is no doubt that these are fantastic programs. But in the following respect, applying to a musical theatre program is just the same as applying to a school "normally:" try to have a couple safety schools (schools you're almost certain you'll be accepted to), a couple match schools (schools that are a little more selective and could be a toss-up, but you still have a good chance), and a couple reach schools (schools that you'll really have to knock their socks off to get into).

For instance, as of my junior year, these are the schools I'm going to apply to (although I think I'll add another safety or match before long):

~Carnegie-Mellon
~NYU (Tisch or Steinhardt not decided)
~UC - CCM
~University of North Texas
~UCLA

As has been mentioned, there is (to the extent of my knowledge) no real list or ranking of MT schools. You pretty much have to find out how good a school is by reputation, selectivity, the preparedness/eventual success of its graduates, and by visiting the school yourself. Also, it never hurts to contact the school and ask for information about the program. They are always more than happy to send you materials, and I would highly recommend checking out review.com to help you do this and find out more about whatever school you want to look at. However, the one major drawback of these types of sites is that when you try to search for a major, they don't list musical theatre as an option. Bah, humbug! :-)

Anyway, hope this helped somewhat. Good luck!

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 12:38 pm: Edit

Hi Laura,

Congratulations on your acceptance to Hartt. My daughter is a freshman musical theater major at Hartt and also received a talent scholarship. You sound a lot like my daughter as far as experience and commitment to theater. She wanted a BFA program in musical theater and we looked at most of the schools you mentioned. Our thoughts & expereinces:

Hartt - was her safety school, it was her first audition and she knew by christmas that she was in. She is very happy there. She loves her professors and all her classes. Her private voice teacher also teaches at NYU. The only drawback, or good thing for some people, is that dance is definitely not as important as voice and acting. She only takes one dance class(ballet) freshman year. Which is a big change from high school where she was taking ballet, tap, jazz and modern. My daughter says that there are a lot of really talented kids there, but not everyone is good at everything. I'd be happy to answer or have her answer any specific questions you have.

Boston Conservatory - This was her first choice school. She fell in love with Boston and the idea of living in a brownstone, but didn't have a great audition and didn't make it in. Everyone was very nice here and seemed to really like the program. They are very strong in dance even though they do not have a dance audition. The only drawbacks are that housing is only guaranteed for your freshman year and it is very expensive to live in Boston and the school is very small only 500 students, but there are so many colleges in Boston. I would recommend seeing a show at every school you are interested in. We saw Crazy for You at Boston, it was well done, excellent orchestra, voices and dancing. Extremely lacking in set and costumes.

Penn State - This was a "practice audition" school for my daughter - she didn't like the location. They have a very good musical theater program though. They only accept 5 girls and 5 boys and at least for the girls it seemed like you had to be a good dancer as well as singer and actor. The director was raving about two of his students that were also honors students - so good grades will help here. The thing I liked about this program was that it seemed hard to get in, but you felt like if you did get in they would do their best to make you the best you could be. And of course the price is right.

My daughter has friends who are either in the program or who have graduated from NYU-Tisch, Syracuse and UArts and has heard good things about all of these schools but chose not to audition because of the location or cost.

NYU-Tisch you need the grades and SAT scores and it is over $40,000 a year. You also don't get to choose your studio, it is assigned to you and there is only one musical theater studio (CAP-21). I think Steinhardt is a better program for musical theater.

Syracuse & Ithaca are good programs if you want a real college experience. But my daughter felt it was tooo cold up there.

CCM is great if you can first get in and then stay in the program. They have incredible facilities, the theaters are absolutely beautiful, the costumes are broadway quality. And the show we saw was incredible. But it is a tought place. My daughter's friend that goes there said the students really bond, becuase the professors are so hard on them. You won't have a fun college experience, but you will get excellent training. I was also told that freshman year you have a graduate student as your voice instructor, and considering the fact that if you do not do well you will get kicked out, I was not pleased with that. My daughter did audtion there and said it was the hardest audtion she ever had. It felt like they were trying to intimidate you. She felt her audtions for a broadway show were easier than the CCM audition.

All of the other schools you mention are good, except Wagner. We saw a show there and were very dissapointed. I would compare it to a bad high school production. Unhealthy singing, bad acting and bad dancing. It was so bad we left at intermission. The head of the department listed in his bio that his wife is a talent agent and so I think if you go in there with talent "she" may get you a job, but I don't think you will learn much.

Hope this helps. If you have any specific Hartt questions, e-mail me and I will have my daughter respond. Good Luck!!

By Kathy Franklin on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 02:07 pm: Edit

Dear Music Theater Dad:
My daughter is a high school junior who is obsessed with music theater. I am currently helping her research colleges to apply to next year. We live in greater Cincinnati and she has been taking classes in CCM's prep department for 7 and a half years. She's been dancing since the age of five (that's her strongest area), has had three and a half years of voice lessons, completed a very intensive two year acting certificate program at CCM, is currently working on becoming a certified actor combatant, and has a strong performing resume. I have a couple of questions. First, how much of a liability have you possibly heard having a local address is when it comes to being accepted by CCM? (The school itself denies having any bias against local kids.) Second, because my daughter has studied at CCM prep she has had ample opportunity to see both productions and dance classes. Unfortunately, she has been unimpressed by the caliber of the dancers in the department. (There is also the familiarity breeds contempt problem and the wanting to be away from home issue coming into play.) I've tried to tell her that dance is not the main emphasis at any of the big name programs. She's simply able to see first hand that that is the case at CCM. What is your spin on the dance component of the program? My daughter plans to audition for CCM, but she says that she does not want to go to school there. I am trying to convince her that CCM's reputation makes it a school she should definitely consider(if she can get in)and that compared to many other schools that I have looked into this fall it offers a good blance of acting, vocal, and dance training. Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated.

By mqduke on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 05:15 pm: Edit

I would like 2 lists, please: 1) list of colleges/universities with strong musical theater programs that also offer other curriculums, e.g. Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, and 2) conservatories, performing arts schools that offer musical theater. Many thanks!

By MusicalTheaterDad on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Kathy,

Admittedly, although they tout triple threats CCM places less emphasis on dance skills in their selection process. But that does not mean that accomplished dancers won’t have the opportunity to use or train that particular talent. In essence, it simply mirrors the skill set required for most musical theater work. And, without a doubt, being a truly superb dancer comes in a distant third in the triad of skills. I’d like to know which shows you saw left your daughter with her low impression of the skills of those CCM kids who are dancers . . . did she watch Greg Lofts as Mr. Magix in My One and Only? Tyler Maynard do the Charleston in Grand Hotel? They have excellent dancers at CCM, but that talent is not uniformly distributed among the kids.

However, for whatever her reasons if she does not want to go there I’d advise you honor that desire. CCM is without a doubt a demanding (and often brutal) program, both physically and psychologically, and anyone who starts it not wanting to be there will most likely not make it. On the other hand and especially since you are local I’d advise going through with the application and audition, even if only for the experience. And, who knows, if she is among the successful applicants she may take a different view. And, it will be much easier on your bank account, especially being in-state.

As for a bias against locals, I don’t really have an informed opinion, except to observe that any school that only accepts about 3 percent of the applicants and is sought out by people from a large region is not likely to have many students from the hometown.

By Sherry Atkinson on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 12:01 am: Edit

Musical Theater Dad,
Hi! I'm Mackey's mom. Thank you for all of the advice you have been posting here! Mackey is only a sophmore, but folks tell us to look early, so we are beginning to look now. I am a single adoptive parent of three children and Mackey is the oldest, so finances are of real concern for us. He has his heart set on going to a school on the east coast, preferably NYC, but unless he can hook a big scholarship, that may not be possible. We have some good universities with musical theatre majors here in Alabama. One is the University of Montevallo - not well known, but it was the school of Rebecca Luker of B-way fame and others who have gone on to successful theatre/film careers. I was most interested in your New York showcase tip. Is there any other way to be involved in such a show case upon graduation from college if your school doesn't sponsor one?
Thanks for all of your information!

By Shauna (Shauna) on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 12:18 am: Edit

Thanks for the info on NYU, Laura! :-)

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 12:43 am: Edit

Hi Kathy,

I saw your post about CCM. My daughter auditioned at CCM and while she was auditioning I spent the day in the waiting room talking to all the other moms. One of women I met was also from the CCM area and her daughter had been taking voice lessons there for a number of years. From what she told me there doesn't seem to be any bias towards local kids. Three of her daughter's friends had gotten into the program in the past couple of years. If you are good, or what they want, I would think you would be at an advantage because they know you and what you are capable of. Rather than just being judged on that one nerve wracking audition.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 12:53 pm: Edit

Sherry,

You seem to be on the right track. Even as a sophomore it's not too early to start looking, planning, wishing, and hoping. I agree with Shauna's advice to Sunnie, apply across a spectrum of schools and don't think that just because you may not go to the Boston Conservatory, NYU, or CCM that you can't make it. In the end it comes down to the individual, their talent, their drive, their work ethic, and their luck.

Yes, coming out of name brand program, especially one with a formal NYC showcase, is an advantage, but not a requirement. The showcase is a leg up if for nothing other than getting a free shot at being courted by an agent or two, remember it's a business and obtaining representation frees more of your time to try and earn a living while auditioning. I don't know of any other way to get that initial exposure other than attending a school that arranges its own showcase performance. However, that's a great question to put out in this forum.

By the way, go to amazon.com and get yourself a copy of K. Callan's New York Agent Book (about 15 bucks used). While not focused directly on schools, it gives lots of very useful regarding musical theater as a business.

By Kathy Franklin on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 01:22 pm: Edit

Dear Musical Theater Dad,
Thanks for answering. Of course, my husband and I will not force our daughter to go anywhere she does not want to go. We are simply trying to encourage her to think a second (and third, and fourth) time about CCM, since it is one of the top 3 programs in the country. She did by the way see "Grand Hotel" and last year saw "Song and Dance". She was attending a jazz class last year that some of the best MT dancers at CCM were taking. (It was being taught by a CCM dance major-a 25 year old woman who is a superb jazz dancer. The course was being offered by the prep ballet department, but several dance and MT college majors were taking the class.) At the present time, I would say that my daughter outdances all but one of the MT majors. This judgement comes from observing dance classes at the college, seeing who has been tapped as dance captain in productions, and who has been chosen to teach lower level prep MT dance classes. That is why she is looking for a school that has an especially strong dance component in their MT training. She, like most kids, hopes someday to have something other than a chorus role. She knows that singing and acting skills are of prime importance. However, she knows that most of the jobs are in the ensemble. It certainly helps to be able to dance well in order to garner those parts. Hopefully, as you said, she will rethink her position regarding CCM. We'd like to see her go to a school that has an excellent reputation and one that does a New York showcase. Being able to live at home would certainly be an economic advantage. Unfortunately, she won't have the benefit of in-state tuition. We're a Kentucky family. We know that a lot can happen in a year. Right now, most of her information about colleges is coming from friends and her teachers. She has just begun her search. I, on the other hand, have spent the entire fall researching. I think my daughter is finally ready to begaun looking at the information I have ferretted out for her. Hopefully, as we begin more serious discussion about the pros and cons of various programs, she will view CCM in a better light. Thanks for your insights.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 05:21 pm: Edit

Now that my daughter is off to college (Hartt for a BFA in musical theater) I start the process of looking for a college for my son. He's a junior interested in musical theater, but does not want to actor professionally. He thinks he might want to be a theater teacher or work in the business end of the industry. Can anyone suggest any good BA programs on the east coast with an emphasis on teachiing or business? Or can anyone suggest any other websites to check? Most of what I've been finding is for performance majors?

By Laura on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 06:36 pm: Edit

I know that Ithaca College and University of Pennsylvania have theater management degrees, but I really don't know much about it. Sorry I can't be of more help!

By Kathy Franklin on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 03:40 pm: Edit

Dear Shauna,
When you visit schools ask if you can sit in on some MT classes. My daughter and I did this over a two day period at UC last April. We got to see an advanced MT dance class, an advanced tap class, and a freshman acting class. The musical director talked to us and gave us audition and other advice. We spoke to both of the dance teachers and we got to talk to a couple of students (I highly recommend this). Everyone was very helpful even though my daughter was only a sophomore at the time. We visited UC early because we live in the area. UC will set up a visit to the MT department on pretty short notice. I would advise trying to visit any school you are interested in at a time when you can see one of the major musical productions. At UC, the tickets go very fast. Good luck!

By Allison Keogh on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 09:30 pm: Edit

After reading all these messages I feel so out of place! Im really interested in musical theatre there's only one problem, Im a Junior and I'm just getting started. I've started lessons in singing and dancing but i feel im to old to even consider getting into a good college because i'm a late bloomer so i'm looking for a good junior college . I live in Texas and i'm looking in the TX,LA,OK,Miss,Tenn area. What junior Colleges have good musical theatre programs if any? Thanks Allison

By e on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 09:32 pm: Edit

SUNY Purchase is a wonderful, often-overlooked conservatory about 45 minutes from NYC. My sister goes there. It's a great program.

There's Emerson, NYU, etc.

Also, Marymount Manhattan is a performing arts college in NYC, it might not have the caliber of NYU but you get the NYC resources for a lower price, plus a good musical theatre program.

By KMod18 on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 10:44 am: Edit

how about financial aid/scholarships... any good websites or other ways to apply for any of these schools???

all of your imformation has been very helpful, i'm so glad i came across this site!

By KMod18 on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 11:45 am: Edit

also, what about more colleges in Florida, or out west?

does anyone have a compiled list of all the schools that offer MT?

By Laura on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 02:49 pm: Edit

I have a list of all schools with MT majors, but just so you're aware, a lot of schools seem to be offering a major in theater with a concentration in MT, rather than a MT major. My list doesn't include these schools.

Please e-mail me privately (Star2Be@dork.com), as the list is quite long.

By Laura on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 11:16 pm: Edit

My earlier post was only answered by one person (very informative, thank you!), but I'd love to hear some other opinions. To recap:

-Where does Hartford stand in terms of the top programs?
-Is there a ranking list of musical theater schools, and where can I find it?
-Most places, while they may try and/or claim to be triple-threat schools, are actually tipped much more in favor of one area of another... anyone know anything about any of these: Boston Conservatory, Carnegie Mellon, Emerson, Hartford, NYU-Tisch, Penn State, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Fredonia, Syracuse, UArts, UMichigan, Wagner.

More info can be found in my previous post, Friday, December 27, 2002 - 2:45 pm.

Thanks for any more help Everyone here is so informative.

-Laura

By Marcie on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 01:57 am: Edit

Laura and others who want more listings of MT programs: I have a book that I have found helpful in our search for an MT program for my daughter.
The Performing Arts Major's College Guide, 3rd ed., by Carole J. Everett, former director of admissions for Juillard.
She lists the best programs for each area with info for each school and her recommendations (highly recommended or just recommended).
Marcie

By Burkart on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 08:56 am: Edit

Soooo confused!!!!! I have twin sons (Juniors in High School) who would like careers in musical theatre and perhaps film one day. They have been onstage since the age of 8. They do well academically and have been told by both teachers and directors to pursue a BA in Theatre to become well rounded and develop a saftey net for job security....after obtaining the BA they should then look into a program that specializes in "skills". However, after researching colleges I have noticed that the BA programs in theatre/drama can't hold a candle to the BFA programs. We have also read that some productions are only open to BFA students.

UW-Minnestoa Twins Cities looks as though they have a really good BA program...any others out there? How about opinions regarding BA vs. BFA?

Please help this confused family....help ease our restless nights of "to BA or not to BA".

By Hockeymom (Hockeymom) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 09:30 am: Edit

Musical Theater Dad is an excellent and reasonable voice. I appreciate his practical advice. Just wondering, though, why isn't Northwestern University on any lists? I always thought it was tops.

By Marcie on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 11:58 am: Edit

Re Northwestern:
We considered Northwestern, but it is very competitive academically first and foremost. We heard you have to have the grades and SATs first. I think if you look at their website that you have to get into the theatre program later after you already are enrolled there. The book I mentioned in previous post recommends Northwestern for drama but no recommendation for MT (and confirms no audition for drama before enrollment). My husband also looked at the campus and did not feel it would be a safe place for our daughter. (Beautiful campus but surrounding area not good.)
Marcie

By Marcie on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 12:04 pm: Edit

Burkart:
BA is a more general college program, more well-rounded education with theatre major.
BFA is performance oriented with fewer classes in other subject areas.
The book I mentioned in previous post explains this and many other things about theatre degrees.
Marcie

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 12:49 pm: Edit

Burkart,

You are facing one (among many) of the quandaries about how to advise your theater enthused kids. I know I've been on this soapbox before, but the BA vs. BFA thing essentially boils down to how obsessed are your sons with a career in the theater. BFA programs are trade school not college, and are best for those kids who are hell bent to pursue theater to the exclusion of all else. If theater is your son's prime reason for existing then they really don't have a safety net anyway and might as well put their energies into enhancing their craft. Of course, this assumes they really are good enough to make it work. That's probably the parent's toughest role in this whole thing, somehow keeping a firm objective grip on their kid's real level of talent, drive, work ethic, and ability to handle rejection. Have you talked with those folks who are advising the BA route? Are they talking about a safety net because they have doubts about talent, commitment, or psychological strength or are they just being "practical"?

On another front, the choice between BA and BFA may rest with the maturity and pre-college preparation of the individual student. A mature young person with a strong academic background and a myriad of extracurricular activities (other than theater) may well be reasonably prepared to handle life and can forgo the rounding that occurs in a BA program. We were very fortunate (and just plain lucky) to have a child who in addition to theatrical talent graduated with a 3.97 in all honors & AP classes, and among other things was student body President & Vice-President, student advisor to the Superintendent of Schools, on the board of directors for the community theater, held an after school job, attended an after school theater school, took voice and piano lessons, and all the while maintained an active and healthy social life. Given this, we were not concerned that a BFA program would not include a broad scope of educational experience, but we gave it some long hard thought.

I applaud your taking the time to worry over your son's future. To me that sounds like you truly have their interests at heart. I know of more than one stage-parent that is living out their own fantasy through a talented child, but the kid has paid a dear price for the whole thing. Making a reality out of the dream of a theatrical career is a heartbreaking pursuit for anyone, let alone a child; to start down that path for other than his or her own wants and needs is insane.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 12:54 pm: Edit

Hockeymom,

Northwestern is a great all-around school. Unfortunately, I can't offer a direct personal appraisal of their musical theater ability. Sounds like Marcie has first hand knowledge and thanks to her for sharing it. Can anyone else out there help with this one?

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 01:12 pm: Edit

Hockeymom,

Missed one good clue in Marcie's discussion of Northwestern, she says it's a non-audition program. A face value that would be a red-flag for me.

She also mentioned that she and her husband questioned the safety of the area for their child. For those parents with kids considering CCM this may also be an issue. Freshman are required to live on campus, but after that it's rare for any to stay in the dorms. In general, CCM students find apartments in Clifton, very near to the CCM complex. Clifton is not a war zone, but it does take street smarts to live there. In three years our kid and her roomie found one drunk sleeping it off on their couch, had their door kicked in(when nobody was home) and apartment robbed, and knew of several beatings occuring on their street. Theater students have to keep very late hours and routinely go from school to home after midnight. But simple precautions like traveling in groups and staying alert work well.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 01:15 pm: Edit

Hey everyone, Laura needs some very specific information. Anyone got hard information for her?

By Hockeymom (Hockeymom) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 02:47 pm: Edit

Thanks for pointing out the non-audition thing. That just seems absurd. I would have thought an audition was a given. See how naive I am.
As far as urban campuses, they will all have an unsavory element. NU is in Evanston, NOT Chicago and really isn't bad. I suspect certain areas of NYC or Boston make Evanston look idyllic. I went to NU and never felt unsafe. We also live in a city and my daughter attends a public performing arts high school in one of our fair city's least "desirable" neighborhoods. I think it's all about what you are accustomed to and how practical you are in dealing with personal safety issues.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 04:48 pm: Edit

Something else I've been wondering about with the talk of selectivity...which schools would you say are selective in the "normal" aspect (grades, SATs, extra-currics, etc.) and yet have respectable MT programs?

From what I've heard, NYU fits the profile. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

By MusicalTheaterDad on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 05:04 pm: Edit

Shauna,

Every MT program that is part of a larger academic institution will require admission to the parent school as well as to the MT program itself. Therefore, you must be able to meet the minimum admission requirements for the school at large (and these will vary substantially among schools). However, assuming you are looking at MT programs that require an audition, if you are granted admission to the MT program you are not likely to be denied admission to the parent school as long as you meet their minimum requirements.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 08:50 pm: Edit

Ah, interesting. The reason I asked is that I have competitive grades/SATs/ECs but am slightly worried about my competitiveness in the audition department, and thought I might have a better shot at a place where the school is more selective as a whole.

I guess no matter where you go, the audition is the most important thing. But it would be interesting to see who a very "normally" selective school would choose: a person with great stats and a decent audition, or a person with decent stats and a great audition.

Edited to add: just a thought on the whole safety issue. Chances are, if you truly want to pursue a career in musical theatre, you're going to have to work in NYC at some point. (And if not NYC, at least a similarly urban area.) The chances also are that you're not going to be incredibly well-off. So if you really have major qualms about living in the less desirable areas of town and are scared of the inner-city, I would really stop and think about what you're getting into. This is not to say that if you decide you want to pursue this line of work that you'll be living in the slums all your life, or that you shouldn't be concerned about campus safety. But let's face it, as an actor living in NYC you're not going to be living on Easy Street. Just my two cents.

By mollykai on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 10:08 pm: Edit

I attend the Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing arts as Musical Theatre Major. I'm now a Junior and the horrifying idea of choosing and being chosen for a school is now at hand. Eek! I have a 3.5 GPA, high citizenship marks, and I get A's in all of my MT classes.
Although I have wonderful teachers in acting and dance at school,I'm afraid that I'm not getting as much training as I need to be prepared for college. I can not afford more than 3 dance classes a month. I can't afford a voice teacher (though I do have a wonderful voice coach at school) nor can I afford to attend any of the acting programs in the city. I had a job, but I found that even though I made enough money to go to class, I no longer had the time.
Do you know of any scholarship programs that might offer help to someone in my situation? Do you have any advice for me otherwise.
Thanks!

By Amy on Tuesday, January 07, 2003 - 10:55 pm: Edit

I posted about 5 months ago regarding Oklahoma City University. At that point, although I was talking it up, largely it was because I was being forced to go there and was trying to validate myself. I was accepted to Boston Conservatory but even with financial aid my parents simply could not afford it. My grades and SATS weren't good enough for Emerson (I had a 3.2 GPA with a 1070 SAT), and although I was accepted (both academically and talent-wise) to Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt, University of the Arts, and Marymount Manhattan, they were simply too expensive.(I didn't even apply to NYU... my parents wouldn't let me out of post 9/11 concern.)

Anywho, I settled for OCU after being accepted to both the college and the opera/musical theatre program via videotape. I didn't really think much of it, either, to be honest. But after one day of classes...I realized that it was where I was meant to be. I was astounded at the number of alumni as well as current students working on Broadway as well as in operas and national tours, and the caliber of people who know about the school and recognize it as one of the best. It is ranked very high, and for good reason. The program is NOT a BFA OR BA, it is a BM--Bachelor of Music degree. This is because the program believes that as well as being a gifted dancer and actor, accomplished musicianship is A MUST. Four years of theory, aural, and piano are part of the curriculum, as well as the usual required dance and acting training. The dance school itself is amazing, specializing in tap and musical theatre dance above all else, and has already been called the 'Juilliard of the West' as far as dance goes. The music school does six mainstage productions (operas and musicals) a year, the theatre school does six straight plays a year, and the dance school has a least four shows a year (that I know of) and three companies.

I really didn't know how amazing OCU was until I actually came. They are the nation's biggest secret as far as amazing programs, talent, and training goes. The shows are Broadway quality, and although the atmosphere is tough and challenging, it is not cruel, like CCM. In addition, I have heard numerous accounts from all sides (including visiting librettists, perfomers, and agents/directors of definite reputation) that although CCM is an excellent place to be trained for the business, that CCM merely trains it's students to be amazing ENSEMBLE members. Although being an ensemble member is work, yes, I have heard that these students lack individuality as performers, and are merely dancing, singing, and acting drones. I also recently met a cast member of one of the national tours of Rent who attended both OCU and CCM at different points in her college career and said the programs were just as demanding and just structured, only OCU didn't opress the spirit--that which makes us diferent and 'special' performers. She basically said a lot of people coming out of CCM and Boston Conserv., although talented and disciplined, were not getting the work they expected, simply because they lacked he 'IT' factor...creativity and passion as performers, perhaps simply ecause they have had it worked out of them as a result of grueling and negatively intensified environments.

Anyway, out of all the seasoned Broadway performers I have met and asked this, they all tell me the same thing... it's all about experience and exposure, as well as whether or not you have 'it'....that 'it' being defined as life experience, ambition, pure talent, or whatever. Anyway, OCU is amazing, for voice, dance, acting, AND musical theatre itself. But don't take my word for it...come see a show, attend a class, or talk to any faculty member or student. You'll be amazed. I was.

By Marcie on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 12:53 pm: Edit

Amy, Thank you for your very informative post. You are an excellent writer! Also thanks to MusicalTheatreDad for all your posts. I have been researching the MT situation for my daughter for a good year, and this discussion here has been one of the most informative sources I have found (wish I'd found it sooner). One of the things that I have found helpful is to thoroughly browse each school's web site. You can learn a lot that way. For example I looked at OCU's after reading Amy's post and you can see all the classes that are required for the major. You can see how focused the program is on music, including intensive piano study. This can help you see if that program would be right for you.
Marcie

By musictoad on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 06:52 am: Edit

Another word on Northwestern--no merit aid, only aid is provided on financial need.
does anyone have info on the area surrounding Peabody (JOhns Hopkins) in Baltimore?

By jameslittle on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 11:01 pm: Edit

Several days ago someone mentioned University of Northern Colorado. I was wondering how their musical theatre program was, as I just received some stuff from them recently.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 03:23 pm: Edit

Thanks to Amy for her rousing endorsement of OCU. It's always wonderful to see someone who has found the right fit for them. From reviewing the OCU website it is apparent that they have a long track record focusing on musicianship, both instrumental and vocal, that is used to support a program in musical theater. In addition, they show a fully formed dance program to augment the musical and vocal work. The school appears to place great emphasis on musical adroitness (not surprising for a School of Music) and requires many class hours of piano. They also seem to have a rather fixed group of core general ed classes to round out the requirements of the university. All programs have trade-offs, here are those that seem to be at OCU. The general ed work does not afford room for electives, although I suppose any student could add courses over and above the minimum necessary for graduation. There is no Drama Department (at least not one that was easily located on the website), therefore the school appears light on the acting side. The Bachelor of Music with specialization in Musical Theater does require acting class and there is one faculty member listed for acting, but required acting class does not appear in the program until the junior year and then only one hour per week. There appears to be no free-standing program in technical theater to support the productions. Students are required to take both a make-up and costume lab, but this appears to be the limit of the available technical theater. Now having a whiz-bang techie program is absolutely not necessary for a school. Productions can and are produced all over the country by schools that do not have full degree programs in the many aspects of technical theater. Having such support makes productions look wonderful, but is really not needed for training the actors (except maybe teaching them to sit for a very long time while being made up by kids working on degrees in Make-Up, squirm while being wired by students in Sound, and avoid scratching while getting their hair from someone in the wig department).

By Greekgoddess (Greekgoddess) on Friday, January 10, 2003 - 09:11 pm: Edit

Im not surprised that Plymouth State College (soon to be university) is not on your list. Their Musical Theatre program is amazing. It is in New Hampshire though. Check out the PSC theatre website at http://www.plymouth.edu/psc/music/theatre
Good Luck

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 12:27 am: Edit

Re: NYU-Tisch

I was in NYC yesterday to see the movie Chicago. It was great! I ran into some third year Cap-21 students and they were talking about their program. They felt they were getting an excellent education, but that the majority of students at Cap-21 are not the friendliest. They said it is very cut throat and not supportive, the attitude in class from most students was clearly: that was ok, but I can do it better.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Thursday, January 16, 2003 - 08:20 pm: Edit

What about the University of Wisconsin - Steven's Point? Anybody have any info on this program?

Also...what do you guys think about musical theatre majors as athletes? Do you think it can be done with the time crunch?

By MusicalTheaterDad on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 04:29 pm: Edit

Shauna,

Can't be of much help with real specifics on MT at Steven's Point except to say that overall it's a very good school. As for mixing atheletics with MT I presume you are talking about intercollegate atheletics that would require a major time committment. That may well work with a BA program, but a BFA with a heavy performance commitment could become a problem. I'd suggest checking this out with your target schools, but unless you are very sure you are going to pursue the atheletics you may want to let this slide until after you know about acceptance to the MT program. If you're chasing the hyper-selective programs you may not want to take any chance on appearing less than totally focused on MT. Let's face it, the selection process is very subjective and it's just not smart to give any reasons to pick someone else over you.

I do know for a fact that at CCM there would be no way to mix intercollegate atheletics with the MT program. The time committment for MT simply would not permit it.

By Arakay on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 12:37 pm: Edit

About Northwestern (it's my first choice college)-- the theater major is non-audition, yes, but you do have to audition for their musical theater program at the end of your freshman year. They take 15 people from the theater department, 15 people from the music department. And besides that, NU has a pretty good program if its graduates are any indication; I see NU graduates in Broadway cast lists just as often as I see graduates of NYU or Carnegie Mellon.

By Laura on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 01:34 pm: Edit

A few days ago, I got diagnosed with a combo of strep throat and mono - nothign short of a catastrophe in the midst of college audition season! My throat has since cleared up, and I never did feel the exhaustion usually associated with mono - the only reason I know I have it is a blood test. I seem to have a mild case, and I'm just waiting for the all-clear from the doctor on Tuesday to jump back into life. My issue is, I had to cancel two auditions this weekend - Emerson and Boston Conservatory. Both schools were very gracious about rescheduling, and I'm supposed to call back once I see my doctor again.

Emerson I'm definitely still applying to - I'm considering doing a BA in MT there (no audition required for that, if I so choose) and double majoring in journalism. Or I could go the traditional BFA MT route, which requires an audition. Still undecided about that, but I like what I've seen so far about Emerson. I've looked at the other audition dates as well, and many of them seem doable.

Boston Conservatory is my concern. I have a friend who's in the MT program there, and he's been talking it up to me. However, one thing that stuck out to me was the number of students they accept. Apparently they accept about 50 freshman - an EXTREMELY high number. I asked my friend about this, and he told me that like most other strong MT programs, students face juries - I think he said TBC does only one, at the end of the sophomore year. However, unlike many other programs, which seem to do them more to let you know how you're doing and maybe give you a wakeup call, TBC makes it a point to keep only half of the original class - leaving it a more normal size of 25. That, to me, was shocking. I can't imagine going to a program for 2 years, spending upwards of $60,000, and then being told that I wasn't good enough. My thinking was I'd rather go to a program where I'd know right up front if I would be able to study there for 4 years (at least, as long as I worked hard and didn't start suddenly showing no talent).

Opinions? I know TBC is considered one of the best schools, but... just seems kind of scary to me. Should I still take the time to audition or make a tape (I was assured that at TBC, they consider tapes just as much as live auditions, especially in circumstances like mine)? Any other thoughts???

-Laura

By chris rupley on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 09:12 pm: Edit

We lived in Stevens Point for 11 years, not at the time our son was even thinking about college. But we did see every musical that UWSP did in that time period. They were very well done, as was the theatre.
I have a question. My son, who is a sophomore now, wants to attend a musical theatre camp this summer. Any suggestions? Interlochen is out as school starts here in Tucson August 1 and they do not finish for 2 more weeks. We have read about a camp at OCU and one at NAU that sound pretty good, but would love suggestions.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 12:28 am: Edit

Thanks to Chris and MTD for the feedback. Chris, regarding musical theatre camps, the University of Miami School of Music gives a three-week summer course in MT.

http://www.pai-miami.com/

Also, CAP21 (NYU - Tisch's MT department) offers a summer program for juniors and seniors. I know your son is a sophomore, but it's something to think about for next year. You can find more info here:

http://www.cap21.org/music.htm

Hope this helped some.

By Liz Haff on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 05:41 pm: Edit

How does Shenandoah Conservatory compare to these schools?

By Broadwaybaybah (Broadwaybaybah) on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 07:24 pm: Edit

I NEED HELP!!

I am sort of in a crisis situation right now where I have procrastinated preparation for college auditions for about 6 months. I am now having a hard time finding a monologue that is actually from a musical.

I know that I am the only one who can decide what kind of monologue is good for me, but I am asking if anyone knows of a place where I can find a large collection of monologues from musicals. That may include a book or a web site or if you have some sort of collection yourself. I have tried searching the web personally with no luck, but if you have had any, please I would appreciate knowing about it.

I am aware of the fact that any good performer should read the whole script, however I intend to do so once I have chosen which monologue to do.

I thank anyone who can help even in the slightest!!

By music toad on Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 08:20 am: Edit

don't know a website, but you could try the Mama Rose monologue from "Gypsy". Don't most college websites suggest what monologues you could use?

By anxiousdad on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 08:34 am: Edit

Hi! Very glad to have found this website, lot of thoughtful insight here, really appreciate it.
My daughter is high school senior in Florida, has applied to some of the out-of-state MT places (Purchase, NC). I would like some info/ranking/thoughts, if anyone can help, on MT programs and schools in Florida. I have heard that U of Central Florida in Orlando is a good program. Can anyone help me? Thanks....

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 11:57 am: Edit

This is a really great discussion, with lots
of good info. I'm reading it with interest
even though my daughter is interested in ballet,
not MT. A friend of hers is very interested in
the T, with or without the M.

By MusicalTheaterDad on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 11:59 am: Edit

Broadwaybaybah,

Have your target schools specified your monologue be from the MT repertoire? Usually, you are free to select from virtually any source. Unless you have been instructed to choose from a MT source you'll find the legit stage a much more fertile source of material or even literature.

By Marcie on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 01:58 pm: Edit

For anxious Dad (from an anxious MT mom facing five auditions with daughter in the next two weeks):
From The Performing Arts Major's College Guide by Carole J. Everett:
Highly recommended musical theatre programs in Florida are Florida State University, Tallahassee, and University of Miami.

Auditions are this month and possibly March at most schools so you will need to hurry if you want to apply to additional schools.

By anxiousdad on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 05:40 pm: Edit

Thank you Marcie, and good luck to you and your daughter. Unfortunately , FSU has no more slots for auditions for BFA in musical theater. Anyone know anything about U of Central Florida?

I would also like to know if anyone could recommend some "safety" theater schools, anywhere. I would like to increase my daughter's odds of getting in to at least one conservatory-type program. Is there any such thing as a "safety" theater school for a B student with 1200 on SAT??? Thanks for listening.

By Shauna (Shauna) on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 06:34 pm: Edit

Safety conservatory programs? I'm not sure any of those even exist. :-) However, I'm considering University of North Texas my safety school, as far as that goes. It is a BFA MT program, offering emphases in dance, singing, and acting. Everyone in Denton is really nice, and even the out-of-state tuition is not as expensive as the likes of the conservatories.

By G Buckner on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 09:33 pm: Edit

How selective are the musical theater programs at NYU, Syracuse and Ithaca? (ratio wise) I am junior in high school and I am wondering if I really have a chance at getting in these schools. I know musical theater is an incredibly competative.

Also can anyone suggest any summer musical theater programs for a high school student? I checked out the ones at Syracuse and Interlochen, but there must be more.

By music toad on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 06:57 am: Edit

Just got a brochure last night for summer programs at UCLA, Stanford, Pepperdine, University of Pacific, and Oberlin.tel # is 1-888-780-camp.
also check with your state dept of education. several offer fully paid programs for the fine arts if you get chosen.

By Marcie on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 01:46 pm: Edit

NYU: The musical theatre program at NYU is extremely competitive. They told me it was the hardest of the theatre programs at NYU to get into. The NYU Tisch admissions office said that 3,000 people per year audition for Tisch theatre and they take 500, including both regular freshman and transfers. Of this number, 1,000 audition for musical theatre and they take 80. Their auditions in NYC include auditions for advanced dancers, so you can imagine how competitive that is. My daughter wants to audition anyway, despite the odds and even though we can't afford it ($41,000/year!!). Someone she met who attends NYU said that you can audition for musicals at Tisch even if you are in regular theatre. If you decide to apply there, be sure to make your audition arrangements according to their deadlines. They do have early admissions.

Ithaca: A girl from my daughter's high school went there for MT. She was good (leads in regular play and musical) but not great, and she got in. She likes it there, but decided not to major in theatre after she got there (and saw the competition?).

Summer programs: Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern.

By marilyn on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 10:58 am: Edit

MuscalTheaterDad

You sound like you have a very sensible analytical approach to looking at these programs.
Very right-brained (or is it left-brained, I always confuse those two). My son is currently
auditioning for several of the programs mentioned here. His current favorite is CMU.
He was there for the summer program and loved it.
I am worried about how to pay for it. This process is very stressful. I have a friend whose son has applied to all the 1st teir engineering schools and they are stressing out right now too, but I told her that she at least doesn't have to worry that if he gets a cold this month it will derail 4 years at the college of his choice or aid that will help him go there.
I have my fingers crossed for both our sons.

By madturk on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 02:42 pm: Edit

Anxious dad, my daughter attends a performing arts HS here in Fla and some of the graduating seniors have attended UCF and seem to be very happy with the program. While it's not on the level of FSU, I think it's a nice alternative to someone considering an in-state program. I think the proximity to Universal Studios and Orlando also make it attractive for anyone seriously considering a professional career. I don't know what type of showcasing they do with their graduating seniors though.
I can't believe that FSU wouldn't make an additional slot for your daughter. You might want to ask them if she can audition through the Music program which is very similar to the MT program but with a little more emphasis on singing. They did tell me that from the over 200 kids that auditioned last year, only six were accepted into both programs.
Hope this helps

By Dancers Mom on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 04:37 pm: Edit

Help!! My daughter, a high school junior, just did a cabaret in my moderately sized mid-western city (home of one of the top 3 MT programs in the country - I won't say more). The music director for the show is working on her masters degree in voice through the music department of the above mentioned school. She is about 30, heavy and has a smoky alto voice. She does not dance at all. Apparently she couldn't get into any MT programs when she was finishing high school because (in her own words) her voice sounded too operatic. It had too much vibrato. She was unable to sing with a clearer, more pop sound. This woman directs a musical theatre training program through the prep department of our local big name school. (My daughter elected not to participate in the program for several reasons. The main ones being that she had already done a more advanced acting training program and was a much more advanced dancer than any student in the program. The director agreed last fall when I spoke to her that my daughter would not really benefit from the program.) I asked her after the cabaret performance what she thought of my daughter's chances of getting accepted into a top MT program. My daughter has a big,legit voice with a lot of vibrato. She has a light-opera sound and in fact sounds best when singing classical literature. She does not belt and both of the voice teachers she has worked with have told her she is too young to do it safely. Here's the problem. She does not know how to sing in a simple, more popular style. I have been getting concerned lately that this is going to hurt her chances of acceptance. The director agrees with me. The night of the final show, she was raving about my daughter's compelling stage presence and her great talent as a dancer. When I questioned her about her singing today, I got a different story. She tells me that my child won't make it into a top program because of her voice type. Her voice teacher, who is a 29 year old working MT professional based in Europe (he's done the leads in tours of Phantom and Jekyll and Hyde) tells me she'll probably get scholarship offers. I don't know what to think. The cabaret director says her voice is well suited for shows like "Phantom", "The King and I", or "My Fair Lady", but says that since she is such a strong dancer her best chance is in shows like "42nd Street". Unfortunately, according to this singer, my kid's voice is wrong for the show. The cabaret featured a lot of pieces from "Mama Mia". My kid definitely does not know how to sing in that style. She's only 16. Part of me believes she still has time to learn. I certainly want to talk again with her teacher about making sure that one of her 2 audition pieces is done in a more direct, less light-opera style. The cabaret music director told me she didn't learn to get the vibrato out of her voice and produce a clearer, more pure tone until about 2 years ago. I'm wondering if some of her very negative assessment of my daughter's voice is due to her own inabilty to get into a musical theatre program (jealousy of a young one with great stage presence and dance skill?) Have any of you got any insight, experience, advice?

By Stephanie F. on Saturday, February 08, 2003 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Hi! I am looking for any suggestions on musical theater schools that have good programs (preferably east coast), but are not crazy competitive. I'm currently a junior from a really small town. I'm not sure how good of a school I could get accepted too, but i don't want to apply anywhere that isn't worth my time. Any ideas?? Thanks!

By anxious dad on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 09:26 am: Edit

Thank you MadTurk, thank you........very helpful insight and advice, and I appreciate it!!! We were very fortunate with FSU; I got a call in mid-week that there was cancellation, so we got an audition slot yesterday!!! I was very very impressed with the MT program, and the school... a lot of warmth, encouragement and positive reinforcement from the faculty. The FSU people talk about taking a total of 10 this year, and there are presently only about 20-25 in the program. In addition, we were lucky to meet a freshman who is planning to major in theater as a B A and lovessss it; she assured us that she can and has participated in all classes, school productions that a BFA could enroll in. Sometimes, I think the emphasis on a BFA is vastly overrated!!! I wish your daughter luck, and I urge you both to consider FSU...everyone there is very supportive, friendly, civil and nurturing, both in theater programs and out.
Really appreciate your insights into UCF....my daughter auditions there at the end of the month. I have heard that they have a new dean at UCF that came in from one of the other top MT schools.. do you or anyone else know anything further???

By Caitlin on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 06:32 pm: Edit

Hi...Does anyone have any info/opinions on Adelphi or Marymount Manhattan, both in NY? They both seem good, but I haven't heard much about them outside my research. Thanks!

-caitlin

By madturk on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 12:05 pm: Edit

Hey that's great news Anxious Dad, I'm glad you were able to get an audition slot. Let us know how your daughter makes out. I particularly would be interested. The people I spoke to at FSU were very accomodating and it's good to hear that your experience was an enjoyable one.
We're very fortunate to have a top flight program which is in-state and one that won't put you in the poor house. With the Bright Futures Scholarship here in Fla, most of or all of the tuition can be paid in full. I know most of the major conservatories offer little in the form of scholarship or financial aid from what I've gathered.
I did not hear about the new Dean they've hired at UCF but if he's coming from a top flight MT school then they're obviously making good inroads with their program. I would venture a guess that UCF is looking to put their program on the level of FSU within the next 5 years or so. My daughter did tell me that one of the girls that graduated from her HS, an accomplished dancer felt that the UCF dance audition was the toughest audition she has ever had to perform. You might want to ask UCF if they showcase their seniors in NY. It's entirely possible that they may do something local since a lot of casting is now done in Fla. Hope this helps and good luck!

By Stephanie F. on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 03:58 pm: Edit

Does anyone have any suggestions on good musical theater programs that do not cost a fortune? I'm worried that even if I get accepted to a top level school, I couldn't pay for it. I am from Western New York and my parents do not want me going as far away as Oklahoma or Florida (even though I would love to!) as a few of you have mentioned, but I don't think NYU or anything that large scale is the place for me. Also, they are worried about the unemployed actor scenerio. My dad, specifically, is convinced that, if I pursue this, I will never be able to make a living. I am not as concerned as he is, but I guess it's something I should consider- does anyone have any experience with job placement? Thank you!!

By DramaMama on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 09:04 pm: Edit

Does anyone have any knowledge or direct experience with the "design your own" musical theatre major at Indiana University in Bloomington? It is a part of their Independent Major Program. Thanks!

By Marcie on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 02:54 am: Edit

Stephanie F.: SUNY Purchase gets mentioned a lot for musical theatre and since it is a state school for you, maybe that would be affordable for your family.

DramaMama: Anything to do with music at Indiana University will be extremely high quality. Their music program is one of the top ones in the nation (supposed to be the best for public colleges). Their dance program is part of the music program (ballet) and is high quality (family friend attends). Vocal music also high quality. (Maybe you already know all this...)

Regional unified auditions Seattle and LA: My daughter just attended regional auditions in these cities--very interesting! Many of the schools were allowing walk-in auditions. The audition for Carnegie Mellon was very long: 3 1/2 hours (a lot of waiting your turn). The dance audition took an hour! Dance professor taught ballet and jazz combinations and then the 24 students in the audition group did the combinations in small groups. They did say that CMU does not expect everyone to be accomplished dancers before entering the program.

By Stephanie F. on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 05:03 pm: Edit

I have looked at info. on SUNY Purchase and I'm pretty sure they don't have a musical theater major. They have conservatory programs in dance, theater, and music, but you must concentrate in a specific area. I know a few girls who attend SUNY Fredonia, but their program is just starting to get recognized. Does anyone know anything about the program at University of Buffalo? Someone suggested it to me, but I didn't even know they had that major (probably not a good sign...). I was also looking at a few other more well know programs. For those of you who have gone through this- if I don't get accepted to a good college for musical theater, would it be better to go to a smaller college for the same program or a better college for music (without the theater)? Some people say small colleges are just as good because they offer more stage time, but I don't know if that is a ligit. agruement. Any ideas??

By Stephanie F. on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 05:11 pm: Edit

About Ithaca- they have a very good musical theater program, but they will not consider you unless you are a belter. However, most of the leads in their shows are vocal performance majors because they tend to do shows that feature the "highlight sopranos". It's kind of odd, but a friend of mine is a vocal performance major there currently and she loves it! She didn't make it into the MT program because of her voice type, but she re-auditioned for VP and has just as many-if not more-opportunities as the MT majors.

By Laura on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 11:11 pm: Edit

Being from NY state, I researched the SUNY schools pretty well. Buffalo, Fredonia, and Geneseo are the only ones that offer actual degrees in musical theatre (BFAs at Buffalo and Fredonia, BA at Geneseo... see some other posts above for more on BFA vs BA), but schools like New Paltz and Purchase are known for their acting programs, and allow you to concentrate in musical theatre (though it will not formally be your degree).

Buffalo is, in my opinion, the best for SUNY musical theatre schools. It's getting a lot of attention lately for musical theatre, and has been mentioned in a lot of magazines/newspapers/books (sorry I don't know which ones, but you could probably e-mail them and find out). Their productions are high quality, and they get some super guest artists in - when I was there, Andrew Lippa (Wild Party) was there to do master classes and see the show. I was very impressed by the program there, and people (students and professors alike) seemed to be very talented, yet still friendly. Also, they have beautiful new state of the art facilities.

As for Geneseo, I have been told by people in the department that it's a waste of time to go there for MT. The dept is exceedingly small, and the program fairly new. The plus there is that it's a BA not a BFA, so you can take other classes and get a more well-rounded education. (I changed my application from BA Musical Theatre to double major in theatre and English.)

Fredonia I don't know much about - I basically just applied there b/c it's a SUNY school with musical theatre. They're next on my list to research. However, from what I have heard so far, it's somewhere between Geneseo and Buffalo.

Lots of luck!

-Laura

By Stephanie F. on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 02:41 pm: Edit

I'd have to agree with you on Geneseo. My sister goes there (for elementary ed.) and I had no idea that they had a musical theater major. Their theater department is decent, but nothing outstanding. I'll have to look into Buffalo more- thanks for the tips!

By Stephanie F. on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 06:31 pm: Edit

I know a little about Fredonia- they have a strong, up and coming MT program. A friend of the family is a MT major there currently and she reallys likes it. She wasn't accepted right off, so she entered as a music major and after taking a few MT classes, was accepted into the program by the 2nd semester of her freshman year. It has a really good reputation from what I've heard and the facilities are great (I've seen the theater). If anyone wants to recommend anything else, I'm more than open to suggestions! Thanks!

By acoustictwilight on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 08:06 pm: Edit

I have my audition for Emerson on Saturday and Boston Conservatory on Sunday... wish me luck!!!! Any tip would be greatly appreciated!!!!

~Gillian

By Stephanie F. on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Good luck Gillian!

~Stephanie

By Stephanie F. on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 04:06 pm: Edit

Alright- question. How important is it for you to be an incredible dancer?? I can hold my own and not look like a idiot, but I am no where near amazing. I do take dance, so I'm improving, but how much will this hurt me??

By Calliegrl03 on Friday, February 21, 2003 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Is Tisch big on SAT's and or grades, I got a 960 on the SAT.

By laura Glines on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 10:51 am: Edit

Does anyone have any information about Shenandoah Conservatory's musical theatre program?

By Mary on Monday, February 24, 2003 - 10:07 am: Edit

I would also like to hear anyones opinion on Shenandoah. I don't think they have a showcase
and I am wondering how strong they are on the acting side since they are a music conservatory.
I am considering this program along with the
University of Miami. I have heard that they have a wonderful reputation but the posters here that are discussing Florida schools for MT do not even mention UM. Thank you if you can help.

By Mikeashton (Mikeashton) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 12:04 am: Edit

I really hate to break the secret but the only best bet for a musical theater education is at Oklahoma City University. It is the only school that has a solid music/voice faculty (that teaches CLASSICAL vocal training - the kind you need for 8 shows a week) and a nationally recognized dance department (why are there six cast member in "42nd St" from OCU..the largest of any school in that show??).

OCU trains you not to be a vocalist but a musician. What does that mean? At OCU, you must be able read music, sight sing, transpose music, write music and play music. You must take two and a half years of music theory and sight singing (more than any other schools). You must take piano twice a week. But you say "All I want to do is sing!". Well, great. But in order to be a good singer, you have to know the foundations of music. And OCU will teach you that.

OCU also stresses acting BIG TIME. You take two years of acting (the post above was incorrect). All styles are taught, including improv. At the end of every semester, you must jury in acting (jury - presenting prepared pieces in music and acting for a select panel of professors).

Dance is taught from OCU's American School of Dance. Musical theater majors have the opportunity (if they are talented enough) to take classes that the dance majors take. This department does not give you any breaks just because you are a musical theater major.

And voice...what can I say. When I researched all the colleges in the US that offered a musical theater degree, most couldn't tell me the methods or style of vocal training they used (an IMPORTANT question for all prospective students to ask). OCU is a classically based school. Besides the muical theater major, they have a large vocal performance major (opera/classical). You are taught vocal technique (what makes you able to keep a healthy voice for years). Each semester you have to learn 4 musical theater songs AND four classical art songs or arias. They don't care if all you want to sing are "Hello, Dolly" selections. You must be able to demonstrate your vocal ability on songs by Rogers and Hammerstien and Wagner. It's this kind of vocal stretching that pushes OCU students to be the best. This is also evidencewd in the numerous wins at regional and OK N.A.T.S. competitions. Plus, each semester, you must jury in front of the voice faculty wher they randomly select three songs from you semester's rep and you must perform them in order to go up another level. Many a student has slacked off and come jury time, has been denied their level. The voice faculty don't play around. They expect the best from you and (most of the time) they get it.

But the big thing about OUC that seperates them from all the rest is....you are not a number but a name. A face. A person. The student/teacher ratio is kept low so that there is no more than 15 students to a class. The teachers know you and know about you. Everyone here wants you to succeed. Having auditioned and been accepted inj a few of the other schools mentioned on this board (CCM, NYU), I can tell you no one made me feel like I mattered like OCU. That's why I came here.

And a school that produces Kristen Chenoweth, Kelli O'Hara (star "Sweet Smell Of Success"), Lara Teeter (Tony nom "My One and Only"), Ron Raines ("Chicago" and CBS's "Guiding Light"), Julie Hanson (Christine tour "Phantom"), Alyson Turner ("Boys From Syracuse", the new "Look Of Love"), Leona Mitchell (NY Met) and Stacey Logan (original "Beauty & Beast", Poll Broadway "Crazy For You" and "Sweet Smell") can't be all that bad.

Check it out at www.okcu.edu.

Hope this helps.

By Surfinpenguin44 (Surfinpenguin44) on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 10:03 pm: Edit

Hey I am sure I want to major in musical theater. I have been involved in theater since I was seven years old. I have taken 2 years of piano and seven years of trumpet. I have taken four years of dance and voice.Ihave taken tap, choreography, Ballet, and jazz. I have also been involved in musical theater High school production since I was seven years old. My GPA is a 3.96(unweighted) and 4.35(weighted). I was thinking about which university or conservatory I should go to so I get the fullest eductaion possible for this major. I would love a school that will teach me CHALLENGING dance, singing and acting. I want to be BROADWAY BOUND. A scholarship would be nice to . I would just like a list of the musical theater schools that will give me the fullest education in this major, where I will be challenged in each and every way. That way I will be ready for professional theater....hopefully Broadway. Please email me your opinion @ Surfinpenguin@bellsouth.net.

By Tapequity (Tapequity) on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 07:53 pm: Edit

I'm really thrilled someone else mentioned Oklahoma City University. As a working professional in the musical theater field, I attended this school and got the best training available. Having worked with people from all schools, I have to say that OCU is in the Top 5 in the nation.

The attitude of OCU is very different than other schools. I left the Boston Conservatory after a year (not as great as people say it is folks!) and found OCU after auditioning and being accepted to Cincy Conservatory and U of Michigan. The environment at OCU was friendly, relaxed and supportive. I didn't find this at the other schools. The other schools wanted the most talented people right then and there. That's how they get such a great reputation. They accept kids who, in a sense, have all the training and talent and could possibly go professional. They just add on to what these people already have. OCU does have a tough acceptance policy, but they are also willing to take a chance on someone who they see has the potential but it might not yet be showing. I was a horrible actor and that could have elminated myself from acceptance. But the MT Director saw there was something and accepted me. I'm greatful he did.

OCU is also very focused on music. Beasides twice a week piano, you have an extensive vocal requirement (work with your teacher three times a week), plus lots of theory and aural skills.

I don't need to brag about the program since the alumni speak for it. Three of my fellow classmates are in "42nd St" on Broadway and Dan Webb is one of the leads (Colliene) in "La Boheme" on Broadway, and Amanda Huddleston is Cossette in the national tour of "Les Miz".

In short, you would be doing a disservice by no checking out OCU. And it costs less than Cincy, UofM, Boston, NYU, and others. I would not have my Equity contract now if it were not for them.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 09:07 pm: Edit

bump

By Stephanie (Stephanie) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Does anyone know of any good- reasonably priced summer musical theater programs in or around New York State? I am looking at one at Syracuse University, but it's $5,200 and I don't really want to spend that much. The only other one I know of is University of the Arts, but that's $4,000. They're all so expensive. I auditioned for NYS Choral Summer School of the Arts, but they only accept about 30 kids and there are 10 audition sites so I'm thinking I didn't make it. I don't find out until May, which will be too late to apply anyplace else. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it! Thank you!

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 11:12 pm: Edit

I am not sure how much help I can be to you. Are you still in high school? That does affect my answer. For now, I will assume you are under 18. There are many colleges that offer summer programs to high school students in theater. You said around NY, and so I do not know that many within that constraint but Tisch at NYU has a summer theater program for high schoolers. Also, there is a summer program at Circle in the Square Theater Progrom in NYC. I believe it is a seven week program. My daughter's voice teacher is on the faculty there and we know people who have done that program. It is for older teens and adults.

Mostly, what I can recommend via personal experience and answer any questions you may have if you are interested....are the two programs my own kids have gone to in NY State. One of my daughters is going for her sixth summer to Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center which is in the Catskills in NY. Participants go up to age 18. I cannot speak highly enough of this program. I will wait to say more only if this interests you. However, it is not cheap. You can go 3, 6, or 9 weeks. My other daughter went for four summers to French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, also located in the Catskills of NY.....also not cheap, and also can go up to age 18, and also for 3, 6, or 9 weeks. Both my kids focused on musical theater at these programs. I shall leave it at that unless you wish to know more.

Susan

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 11:16 pm: Edit

I am not sure how much help I can be to you. Are you still in high school? That does affect my answer. For now, I will assume you are under 18. There are many colleges that offer summer programs to high school students in theater. You said around NY, and so I do not know that many within that constraint but Tisch at NYU has a summer theater program for high schoolers. Also, there is a summer program at Circle in the Square Theater Progrom in NYC. I believe it is a seven week program. My daughter's voice teacher is on the faculty there and we know people who have done that program. It is for older teens and adults.

Mostly, what I can recommend via personal experience and answer any questions you may have if you are interested....are the two programs my own kids have gone to in NY State. One of my daughters is going for her sixth summer to Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center which is in the Catskills in NY. Participants go up to age 18. I cannot speak highly enough of this program. I will wait to say more only if this interests you. However, it is not cheap. You can go 3, 6, or 9 weeks. My other daughter went for four summers to French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, also located in the Catskills of NY.....also not cheap, and also can go up to age 18, and also for 3, 6, or 9 weeks. Both my kids focused on musical theater at these programs. I shall leave it at that unless you wish to know more.

Susan

By Stephanie (Stephanie) on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 05:49 pm: Edit

Susan,
Yes I am still in high school- I'm currently a junior and would like to major in Musical Theater. I thought that, since this is last summer before college, it might be a good idea to find a good program and go for it! I have heard of both of the camps you mentioned and I looked into Stagedoor quite a bit. It looks very good- i haven't completely ruled it out, but the one advantage at Syracuse is you get the training and college credit. I am still trying to decide if I'm prepared to spend that kind of money for any program, but I know that good training costs a lot. Thank you for you help! I would like to learn more about Stagedoor Manor if you have the time.

~Stephanie

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 12:58 pm: Edit

Does anyone have any information on the following schools in Ohio? Wright State, Otterbein, Kent State, and the University of Akron. I am looking for safety schools for my daughter. None of these schools are her top choices, but if she doesn't get into any of her top picks, I would like her to go to a school that has a decent program. If any of you have any first hand info I'd appreciate it. I know that Otterbein participates in the New League Auditions showcase along with CCM, Northwestern, and Baldwin-Wallace. Wright State participates in some sort of New York showcase and seems to have a reputation for a high degree of co-operation between its theatre, music, and dance departments. Kent State is recommended by Carole Everett in her "Performing Arts Major's College Guide" for dance , drama, and musical theatre. The University of Akron offers three ways to get a degree in musical theatre. They offer a BM in music performance with a voice/musical theatre emphasis, a BA in musical theatre through the theatre department (88 out of 130 hours are in the major), and a BFA in dance with a musical theatre emphasis (91 out of 133 hours are in the major). Carole Everett recommends U. Akron for dance. I don't know if either Kent State or the U. of Akron have a senior showcase. I plan to e-mail them for more information this week. If any of you have any insights about any of these programs I would greatly appreciate it.

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 01:13 pm: Edit

Hi everyone,
I thought I'd share a little of my research. This is a list of schools that offer a New York showcase for their seniors.
CCM
Baldwin-Wallace
Northwestern
Otterbein
Boston Conservatory
Florida State
U. Michigan
Webster
Penn State
Ball State (seniors must audition to be allowed to participate)
Wright State
Point Park (in the planning stage)
These are the schools that I am certain about. (I'm still researching some other schools that my daughter is interested in.) Can any of you add to this list?

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 01:15 pm: Edit

Stephanie...I would be happy to help you regarding Stagedoor Manor. Again for a college level program, look into NYU's summer theater program or into Circle in the Square Theater Program, both in NYC. I cannot recommend Stagedoor Manor enough however. This coming summer will be my daughter's sixth summer going there. She attends for six weeks usually, though last summer went for nine (some unusual circumstances arose). You can go for 3, 6, or 9 weeks. Each three week session is an entire entity in itself. By the way, she has many many friends from Stagedoor who have gone on to top theater colleges. Right now, I can think of 9 kids who are attending or been accepted to Tisch at NYU which you know is quite hard to get into and I think is where my 14 year old has her sights set, even at this young age, just cause of influences from her Stagedoor older peers.

Anyway, Stagedoor is for those passionate about theater. It is NOT a normal summer camp at all. Everyone there is very into theater and that is the main thing they do there. It also does not look like a camp as far as the physical plant. It was once a resort hotel that was made into a performing arts training center. You live in a room with five/room with a private bathroom....sorta like a dorm set up. The campus is compact. Usually there are approx. 250 people at one time attending and it becomes like a family. Everyone shares this passion. The friendships/bonds made are one of the hugest aspects of the program. You can go up to age 18. Some people even go the summer before college commences. The experiential level of the participants varies. You get some kids who just have an interest in this area and maybe have just done school shows. Others have done community and regional theater. Many have worked professionally. Many have agents in NYC. They come from all over the country, and a few from out of the country. There are always one or two who have been on Broadway or TV even. Basically, the way I see it, you usually get the best kids from all over. So, it is like taking the leads from all the high schools or community/regional theaters and putting all these kids in one place. The talent pool, while varied, definitely is better as a whole than in your local community or school. So, be prepared for more competition so to speak. Even so, everyone gets to shine in their shows. They keep the casts small....never going over approx. 22, so each person has lots to do and is seen on stage.

Each three week session, they produce 12 full scale productions, thus 36 per summer. About 2/3s of the shows are musicals, and 1/3 are dramas. Every person gets cast in a show. You can specify if you want to be in a musical or drama or if you do not have a preference. My daughter has only done the musicals there. She truly is very into singing, dancing and acting. On the first day of the session, you audition, though not for a specific show. They will then cast you into one of the productions. They also have some younger shows and some older ones. Thus some really talented younger kids can still play lead roles but in shows with younger casts, and also the older shows might be at a higher level or challenge. Frankly the shows are top notch. It is amazing the level of performance when basically they have 2 1/2 weeks to mount the show. Each show has a professional director, music director, and choreographer. It is hard work but the shows are wonderful. They have four theaters, including outdoor ones, plus they have some black box theater spaces for dramas as well. They have a very extensive costume shop.

Besides rehearsing on your show every morning and evening, you take classes every day. You take four per day but enroll in 8 for the session. They have too many classes to list here but they fall into categories such as acting, voice and vocal coaching, many styles and levels of dance (you audition to be placed appropriately, including master classes), acting for TV/film, tech, modeling, etc. My daughter participates heavily in dance there as she studies dance at home a real lot as well. She has taken the highest level classes there including master classes and the dance classes also culminate in a dance performance. She has taken acting type classes and voice and vocal coaching too. Actually she only has taken four classes per session cause she also is in this select musical theater troupe there called Our Time Cabaret. It is by audition only...made up mostly of people ages 12-18, though she has been in it since age nine but that was unusual. This group rehearses daily on top of their rehearsals for their regular productions, so these kids take less classes. The cabaret troupe performs this fantastic review style show of about 40 production numbers, both solo and group...and this show also is put on off site at resort hotel nightclubs in the Catskills. It has been the highlight of her last five summers. Sadly ,the director of the cabaret is not returning this year after 25 years and I am not sure this one thing will be in existance at Stagedoor anymore....In any case, the regular stuff....the shows and training, are all very worthwhile and my daughter LOVES it. I have seen so many shows at Stagedoor.

If you have specific questions, just ask me. I told you the basics. You should contact the director (Barb) or owner (Carl) to get more information, including a video. It is getting late to enroll, I will add. Feel free to say you spoke to Shaina (from Vermont)'s mom about this program...they know her well. Hope this helps and do not hesitate to ask me more.
All the best to you.
Susan

By Lamw (Lamw) on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 08:04 am: Edit

Has anyone heard anything from any of the schools they auditioned at yet.

By Chrisd (Chrisd) on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 08:29 am: Edit

A friend of ours has a daughter in dance. She started out at Point Park, but left. Her dad said the program there seems to groom a handful of students for bigger/better parts, and his daughter was not getting enough parts. She left there, and is now close to graduating from Akron U's dance program, w/ a double major in journalism. She has done much more performing at Akron. According to her, Akron U dance is aiming to make their program one of the nation's best.

By Marcie (Marcie) on Sunday, March 16, 2003 - 05:01 pm: Edit

Susan asked me to share info on auditions for NYU theatre/musical theatre (on another thread). (My daughter Halley just finished auditions for musical theatre programs.) Actually Halley decided not to audition for NYU. She spent some time talking to the dean of the Florida State theatre program, and he talked her out of the whole New York idea, which is best for her. We live in a suburb of Seattle, very small town atmosphere, and we decided, with the help of the dean from FSU, that a smaller program would be better. Also, she wants to be able to continue studying in other areas, so a BA rather than BFA seems best for her.

The musical theatre program at NYU is the smallest of their studios (this info is from phone conversations with the theatre dept.) and the hardest to get in to. NYU decides where you will be placed, so really it is more likely that you will be placed in a regular theatre studio rather than musical theatre. My daughter was going to audition in LA for NYU, but after three other auditions in 24 hours, she was just exhausted and the NYU audition was across LA separate from the Unified Auditions, so we came home.

Something else about NYU: they have separate auditions in NY for advanced dancers. It seems to me that most of the musical theatre kids would come from that group. Halley had 6 years of dance, but had to quit after ninth grade, because at her high school, if you are in theatre, you have to just concentrate on that and be available at all times. Thus, she has strong dance training, but not at NYC advanced dancer level. She is strongest now in acting, so maybe that is where she will end up.

Another theatre professor contact recommended to us that Halley attend a small program where she would be sure to get a lot of attention, so that is what she is aiming at. She has been accepted at the University of Northern Colorado regular theatre program (only 20 accepted), and we are waiting to hear about their musical theatre program. Some schools have you audition separately for theatre and musical theatre; some will consider you jointly for both.

I would recommend that you do not let your daughter get too set on one program, because they are all so selective. It sounds from her experience as though she will have a very good chance at NYU, but you really need to audition at several programs to make sure you can go somewhere. You MUST cultivate the open mind approach with your theatre student because you don't know where she will be able to get in, so you have to set the tone that there are lots of positive options.

My daughter auditioned for University of Northern Colorado, Otterbein, Florida State (did not get in--they took 10), Carnegie Mellon, and Southern Methodist University (regular theatre--did not get in). It's a really nerve-wracking process...also it was hard because we had to do three weekends back-to-back in three different states!

Let me know if you want to know anything else.
Marcie

By Jennysg (Jennysg) on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 09:35 pm: Edit

My daughter is only a freshman but we are doing a lot of research early. These postings have been very informative. I would like to pose a few ??'s to anyone out there that may have info on.
Mention has been made about UNC. Does anyone know anything about the credibility of the school? Is it considered one of the better ones out there....or not.
Much has been said about GPA and SAT scores. How important are extracurricular activities(other than theater) in regards to scholarships? My sis in law teaches High School and says this is a must. But I would think this would be more important for regular degreed programs. As you all know a person involved in the theater (as my daughter is 24/7) one doesn't have much time for anything else. But we will expand if it helps.

By Lisamarie (Lisamarie) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 08:04 am: Edit

I am an eighth grader and vocal major (three years) in an auditioned based arts middle/high school. I am first in my class... and interested in Stanford or Duke or Harvard for biology...but always hope to keep my musical theater alive ( have been in major audition based children's chorale for 6 years... musicals each year)

I have heard about great group offerings at Stanford which could provide me with the extra arts needs.

I do not have high hopes of Broadway... but community theater is a choice I always want in the future.... even with a science career.

Any one in one of these schools?

By Shennie (Shennie) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 05:57 pm: Edit

Jennysq - Extra curriculuars will not matter if you daughter is auditioning for musical theatre or any other performance based major. They will want to know what performanced based activities she has been involved in, competitions she has entered, prizes she has won, etc. in her area, but they won't care if she was a member of the math team or volunteered 2 days a week at the local hospital. That stuff is important for regular admissions, but not for kids interested in performance based majors that require auditions.

By Madturk (Madturk) on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 11:49 am: Edit

Hi Marcie, thanks for sharing your experiences with your daughter. I'd be particularly interested if you could enlighten me more about the Fla St experience as that will be my daughter's first choice for MT program once she graduates HS next year. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter did not get accepted. I know it's small consolation, but that is a very difficult program to get into. I've also been told that, all things being equal, an in-state student will probably get the nod over an out of state applicant. Did they share with you as to why your daughter wasn't chosen?
I know the dance audition is pretty rigorous. Anything light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated. Good luck to you and your daughter.

By Marcie (Marcie) on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 12:20 am: Edit

Hello, Madturk. We were very impressed with the Fla St campus and facilities. It's a beautiful school and campus. I can believe that it might be a little easier to get in as an in-state student. It was quite discouraging to us because the dean of the theatre program overall (NOT the head of the MT program) recruited my daughter at Unified Auditions and helped arrange for her to come to audition. It was very expensive to audition there for us, so it was really a disappointment. This was her last audition and our third weekend in a row, so we were rather exhausted (also had to fly from Seattle to Fla. and it was the orange terrorism alert thing, etc.)

The dance audition was HARD, harder than any other one that she did. She felt she did well at Carnegie Mellon's dance audition, which was over an hour long, not so well at FSU (also about an hour) in the jazz component. There was a ballet component and then jazz, and the jazz had about eight measures, but they did not practice too much. It was really a test to see if you could remember the combinations without much practice. Two current students helped the MT head introduce the combinations. One was an amazing dancer--professional caliber.

The musical audition and monologue audition were about the same as most other places. Portions of two songs and one monologue. A panel of several people were judging.

We didn't get any info on why she didn't get in. She could still go there as a BA theatre major and she might have done that if it wasn't so far away.

Now one other thing: we saw a musical production while we were there (Company). You probably know that you can be admitted to the MT program at FSU through the theatre dept. or through the music dept. MOST of the people in the musical we saw were MUSIC MAJORS, maybe 8 out of 12 in the cast. And there was almost no dancing, just a sort of chorus line thing with twirling umbrellas. That didn't make much sense to me.

The head of the MT program is a dance graduate of FSU (undergrad and grad). So apparently you have to be pretty stellar at dance and stellar at voice is my guess (acting third).

Hope this helps. The day before her audition was a Preview day at FSU. Be sure to go to one of those next year, as you can tour through any of the dorms and there are other programs for prospective students. Our campus tour was great and we toured three dorms. Dorms there are competitive; you have to sign up early and there are two dorms that are selective that require separate application and an essay! Another wonderful dorm is just for music majors, in case she gets in as a music MT major.

I really liked the school and would have been very happy for my daughter to go there. Let me know if you want to know anything else.

By Madturk (Madturk) on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 10:09 am: Edit

Thanks for the additional insight Marcie. Yes I was also told that you don't have to be a MT major to be accepted into the productions which gives you some options. I'm not sure how many other theater programs offer these alternatives. I believe there is still a dance audition if you take the music major route but it's not as rigorous, but you have to do four songs instead of two.
My daughter attends a VPA HS here in Fla and much of the feedback she received from students who have auditioned at FSU is that the dance audition was the hardest they had ever done. And these are students who have danced from the time they were little kids.
Obviously the Dean saw something special in your daughter to have recruited her to come so far and hopefully she can gain something worthwhile out of the experience even though the end result was disappointing.

By Marcie (Marcie) on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Hi Madturk, The kids who were auditioning as music majors for MT at FSU were right in there with the theatre majors for the dance audition. The parents were in the room at the beginning for the introduction. The woman running the auditions explained it all, including the four songs for the music majors. She said you have to have four songs prepared to sing, and the student could pick one and the college staff would pick one (and the other two won't be performed).

It was worthwhile to go to the audition and the dean there is very kind and obviously deeply committed to a high quality program. My daughter took it pretty well that she didn't get in. In fact, she said, "They'll be sorry when I'm famous!"

By Chrismas (Chrismas) on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 05:41 pm: Edit

So I auditioned for Boston conservatory, Hartt, and Otterbein but I don't know which one to pick out of the three. I know that they all have showcases, which was my big worry, but I was wondering if anyone has heard anything, good or bad, about these schools that can help me decide. Ultimately I think that the amount of scholarship is gonna be a big factor but I wanted to get other people's opinions on it. Thanx

By Alanz (Alanz) on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Greetings,

I just found this forum, and have been reading this particular thread with great interest.

The discussions are very timely for my family. We live in NJ, and my older son has applied to nine schools as a Musical Theater major.
In alphabetical order:

• Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Emerson College (Boston, MA)
• Hartt College (Hartford, CT)
• Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
• Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ)
• Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
• Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
• University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
• Wagner College (Staten Island, NY)

By Cookie (Cookie) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 08:33 am: Edit

Is NYU big on the SAT or talent! Please someone answer. I need to know.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 11:00 am: Edit

Alanz,

Your son and mine are leading very similiar lives. My son auditioned for the BFA musical theater programs at CMU, Syracuse,Ithaca, Univ. of Miami, Shenandoah, Webster,Boston Conservatory.
He did not get into CMU and has not yet heard from Boston but he has been accepted at all the others. He also got some scholarship money at most. He also applied to and auditioned at
Muhlenberg. An audition is only required if you apply for scholarship money and it is a BA in
theater with minor in musical theater. He was accepted and got a nice scholarship. This program seems to me to be a nice compromise
between theater training and a liberal arts education, very nice program. But my son
really wants a BFA program and I have to believe that a BFA from a nice university could open many different opportunities and it is his road
not mine, as I keep reminding myself. We are going to Syracuse's admitted students day as this
seems to be his top choice. We know several people who did this program and they only had positive things to say. I think it is fairly
well regarded. My son visited last year and went to a class. He said it was all good.
He was not crazy about Ithaca-nothing specific
just not a fit. He went to CMU's MT program last
summer and loved it. Would have been very happy there but did not get accepted. I wish you and your son luck with your pending acceptances
and choices. Maybe we'll see you at SU orientation.

By Chrisr (Chrisr) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 01:14 pm: Edit

Alanz and Lamw,
It's great to hear of your sons' successes with auditions. My son is a sophomore in high school and thinks he wants the same thing. My question is, how much dance did your sons have. Mine has taken a little tap and is in show choir. He did make all state choir and show choir this year, but he has had no ballet. With the schedule that he has with doing shows in the community, it is hard to fit another thing in. How difficult was the dance part of the auditions? How hard do we need to work to get a dance class in? Thanks for your help and good luck with your decisions.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 03:24 pm: Edit

Lamw and Chrisr,

We heard from CMU yesterday, and he did not get in there. Actually it was a bit of a relief, because CMU is a conservatory and I think we all wanted a more well rounded program for Scott. So it's one less decision to make.

Well be revisiting the schools over the next few weeks. Wagner on April 8, Emerson on April 11, and Syracuse on April 21.

When Scott and my wife visited Syracuse last year, they were underwhelmed by the open house presentation. However, that got turned around quickly when they attended a black box theater production that evening. The students put on a great performance, and they got to talk face to face with the students. So now we have a very good feeling about the school. It's a much larger school than Emerson, and it's got a large campus. Quite a different environment than Emerson. Decisions decisions < s >

We have yet to hear from Ithaca, Northwestern and Hartt.

Scott has had little formal dance training. He took jazz class for a couple of months. The auditions didn't require a lot of prior dance experience... they want to see if you can move, and be taught.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 03:43 pm: Edit

In case any of you are waiting to hear from Northwestern, the results are posted on their undergraduate admissions site.

http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/application

You have to use your account login to access the decision.

We just found out that Scott was accepted to the school... now that makes the decisions more complicated

NU was the only school that didn't take an audition, but required one major essay and five shorter answers.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 09:28 pm: Edit

Alanz and Chrisr and Cookie,

There is a discussion on another board that covers some of these schools that might interest
you.Go to Princetonreview.com and go to the discussion forums, click on the parents forum and scroll down to Other topics,. There is a very long thread on Universities vs. Conservatories. Lots of interesting stuff. It
sounds like Scott has some good options and it will be a tough choice. It is nice to hear that the black box show at SU was good- we have not seen anything there.
Chrisr- My son does not have a lot of dance experience. Most of what he has learned has been
from choreographers when he was in a show. Alanz is right when he says that most programs want to see if you are coordinated and move well and
can pick up a dance routine fairly quickly.
There are a couple of places that seem to place more emphasis on the dance portion (FSU comes to mind) but I think singing and acting far outweigh the dance ability portion of the audition.
Cookie,
My son did not apply to NYU but it is my understanding that GPA and academic record
is an important part of their evaluation.
At most universities you have to meet the threshold academic entrance requirements of the main university whatever they may be.

By Edrobin (Edrobin) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 11:16 pm: Edit

A note to Alanz:
I've looked at all of your e-mails, and, in my opinion, your best bet is Northwestern. An excellent school, and in all respects it is far superior to Emerson. I have a very good friend who went to Emerson, and a number of friends who went to Northwestern. The education at Northwestern will be superior.
My daughter has been accepted at Georgetown and Northwestern so far. Still waiting for 5 more decisions.

By Nickdad (Nickdad) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 11:17 pm: Edit

I just found this board. Wish I had seen it earlier!! We've been helping our son Nick look into and visit musical theater schools since last fall. I thought I'd share our results:

He initally looked at FSU, U of Michigan, CCM, Oklahoma City University, Boston Conservatory, and Syracuse.

Nick started his school search back in September. He wrote letters to the schools asking some specific questions like the number of students accepted, kinds of acting and dance classes, academic requirements, and the performance outlets available. By the end of September, we had only heard from Oklahoma City University. In fact they replied within a week. Plus, the director of the musical theater program called Nick personally to answer some of his questions. We were very impressed. The beginning of October, we got info from FSU which was just pre-printed stuff and didn't answer any of our questions. Then we got the CCM material which was very nice and then Syracuse. All of these schools sent out pre-witten form letters that didn't answers Nick's questions. However, we did get a call from Syracuse making sure we received them info which was nice. In November, Boston Conservatory sent a nice, personal letter answering all his questions and also called. We never received anything from UofMichigan. Nick called U of Michigan and left a message for the musical theater director and three weeks later the guy called to say he was too busy to answer his questions and call the music school office. Least to say, Nick and I were not pleased that he couldn't take a few miuntes to answer some questions. If this is how he acts on the phone, what makes you think he doesn't act this way to his students?

After reviewing the material, Nick was interested in FSU, OCU and Boston. He thought CCM was rather snobby and egocentric. I agree. They sent a flyer talking about getting ready for entrance auditions. It told high schoolers "Maybe you shouldn't have the Double Wopper with Cheese" and "Maybe you should go to the gym" and to take a good long look in the mirror at yourself. Nick doesn't have to worry about being in shape (he's on the baseball team) but our family was very offended that CCM would place such a priority on looks and weight. Sure, we know they do play a part in the business, but come on! These are kids who are wanting to study and learn. They are not people who are ready to hit a Broadway stage. So..least to say CCM was written off.

We made plans to audition at FSU, OCU and Boston. I liked FSU. Nice campus and nice people. Nick liked the dance section and felt it was challenging. His audition went well. We talked to one of the current musical theater students there and got a rather iffy feeling. From her talk we felt that the school lacked a strong drama element to the musical theater program. However, we saw some other students reharsing for a show and were quite impressed. The director of the program took the time to talk to us and answer or questions.

Boston left us cold. Not just the weather, but the staff. I felt as if we were being "allowed" to audition for them. The kids there seemed to be very well off and rather snooty. I asked one person for the time and it was like I asked them for a $1,000 loan! We were rather let down after receiving a nice reply to our inital questions and letters. Nick was not impressed with the dance audition. Boston is the nicest city of all the schools we visited, but the Conservatory didn't feel right for Nick.

Last on our stop was Oklahoma City University. While I'm not a fan of the city itself, I can't say how pleased his mother and I were with the operations of this school. The minute we walked in, Nick was greeted by name which suprised us all! Apparently, the lady who runs it has all the auditioners headshots and people there are called by their name. Rather nice I must admit. Nick had the option of doing a dance audition but apparently it's not a requirement for admissions into the musical theater program (I'm not sure about that). He found the jazz combo easy while the tape very challenging (apparently they really teach tap there). The acting audition was fine. Nick really liked the voice audition. He had to sing a classical piece and a musical theater piece (we didn't have to do that at the other schools..not sure why but guess it's about the voice training). What he really liked was the fact the voice faculty (they are all there watching the auditions) talked to him afterwards about his training, what his goals are and what he thought the school could do for him. They seemed really interested in him and his progress. So we were really happy with the school, although the campus and the school building is rather small. But they're bulding a new music school bulding that opens next year.

We heard back. He got into the Conservatory, but was turned down by both FSU and OCU. He was really dissapointed. Apparently, FSU was only accepting 10 this years. OCU doesn't give critiques but we understand that they were only accepting 20 this year. He's decided not to go to Boston and wait again for next year and try FSU and OCU while going to a local state college.

So, my final opinion is that OCU and FSU are places to look into. Hope this helps!

By Marcie (Marcie) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 12:01 am: Edit

I have something to add about CCM re the weight issue. When we were at unified auditions in LA, a pretty girl in front of us had just auditioned for CCM. She was told "you'll have to lose weight--and right now." This girl was THIN, beautiful, well-proportioned, and very professional looking already. My daughter and I were horrified. Perhaps this is the way the real theatre world is, but to say that to a high school senior who is just auditioning for a college program does not speak well for their philosophy (already explained thoroughly in previous posts by the dad whose daughter is a grad of CCM).

To Nickdad: enjoyed all your information. Too bad FSU doesn't have a bigger program...my daughter also liked it there.

It's really too bad when you work so hard to find a school that is a good match for the student, but the school doesn't see it that way.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 11:36 am: Edit

I'd just like to chime in with my impressions from the prospective of a parent who has her ear to the ground and done some research in the last year. It seems to me that there are programs that are heavily music oriented and programs that are heavily serious acting oriented. If they
are required to take solfege in their freshman year and they don't have an acting course until junior year or something similiar it seems to me to be a program heavily weighted in the music
side of things. And of course just the opposite is true if the curriculum is heavy on acting
courses and only requires one voice lesson a week. I think the best thing is to find a
program that balances both. This was something that we eventually asked about a lot and kept an eye on as we visited and evaluated various
programs. And of course it all depends on which style your student will find is a better fit.

By Laura (Laura) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 01:05 pm: Edit

Chrismas: Have you been accepted to all these schools? Music theater is so competitive that there's not really a point in picking one top school just to be disappointed if you don't get in.


Alanz - I'm going through a similar problem. As a senior in high school, I've been applying for musical theatre, but I'm being encouraged by my parents and others to study something academics. I received a 1500 on SATs, 34 on ACTs, 4s and 5s on 4 AP exams, and have a 92ish average though I am taking all AP/honors/college courses (including some at Syracuse University and State University of New York at Albany - received 4.0s in all of those classes). I applied to Cornell for industrial labor relations (haven't heard back yet), and that's my top choice if I opt not to go for theatre; however, I've been accepted already to Hartt, Wagner, and NYU for theatre. Tough choices. Right now, NYU seems to be my top choice. I like that they offer theatre students the opportunity to double major (you will be very very busy, but it is doable), whereas many schools don't even offer many academic classes. From what I can tell about the Hartt school, I'll take less than one academic class a semester because of my AP/college transfer credit. I don't consider myself an expert by any means, but from my own research, it looks like your son is less suited to a conservatory program (like CMU) and would do better at a school that offers a liberal arts education. Syracuse seems like a great choice because you can spend the first two years in theatre, but at the end of those two years you can take a B.S. in drama degree and spend your last two years double majoring in something academic. Just something to keep in mind


Cookie - both. While most serious theatre schools may look mostly at your audition (I believe CMU has a breakdown of 90% audition, 10% grades/scores/etc), NYU seems to be weighted fairly equally. Everyone else I know who has gotten in there seems smart AND talented.


Lamw - I find it interesting that your son didn't like Ithaca. I visited there back in the fall, and while their program was impressive, there was just something intangible about the school that I didn't like. I don't mind small schools, I LOVE the city of Ithaca (applied to Cornell, which is also there), and the program was great - just something about it made me really dislike it so much that I didn't bother applying. Just found that interesting


Finally, two questions for the world at large I got accepted to NYU yesterday (Tisch School of the Arts, drama), but there was nothing which told me into which studio I have been placed. Does anyone know when I'll receive this info? I was under the impression that I would find out along with my acceptance, but I don't think they stated that directly - just something I had assumed. Also, in the admittance folder there is an invitation to a visit day for accepted students. However, there is a note indicating that this visit day is NOT for those accepted to Tisch. There is no mention of another visit day for Tisch students, and there doesn't seem to be anything on the website about this. Anyone know anything? I'll call sometime this week and find out, but I thought I'd ask around in the meantime.


Good luck to everyone still waiting to hear from schools!

By Jen85 (Jen85) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 05:07 pm: Edit

hey! did anyone here get into CCM....or know of anyone who got in?

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 08:52 pm: Edit

Dear Nickdad,
It sounds like your son really liked Oklahoma City. From your post I gather that he auditioned for musical theatre through the School of Music. Have you considered having him apply through the Petree College of Arts and Sciences theatre department? They have a program called Theatre Performance (Triple Threat) that does not require an audition. If you get accepted academically to OCU you can declare this major. (Or so I gathered from perusing their website and the info they mailed to my daughter.) It might be worth looking into. Good luck to your son.

By Shennie (Shennie) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 12:02 pm: Edit

Laura and Alanz - My son is not in musical theater but is a performance major at Eastman. He, too, is and exceptionally strong student, but knew since 9th grade that he wanted to go into music performance. My husband and I struggled quite a bit with this decision. A lot of folks encouraged him to go somewhere where he could double major so that he would have "something to fall back on". However, as we talked to professional musicians, the advice we got was that if this is really his passion, he should go for it with everything he's got. Trying to do a double major really comprimises the time you have to devote to the music, or the theater or whatever. We finally realized that his intellectual strengths will serve him well in that if he decides when he is 25 that he can't make it in the music world he can go back to school and pick up what he needs to pursue something else. He has already thought that he might go to law school if the music doesn't work out and he really doesn't need to do a lot of specific undergrad course work to go to law school. Just one of a number of options he could pursue. Ultimately, there are lots of careers these kids can pursue in their 20s and 30s, but if they want to do performance, they have to go for it now or they won't have a chance.

That being said, my son has found himself intellectually stifled to an extent. He does not currently have room in his schedule to take anything but required courses. He is going to meet with the dean to see about rearranging his required course sequence to allow him to take a non-music course each semester. These courses will not go toward a specific major but just add in some diversity for him and give his mind a break from the music.

By Madturk (Madturk) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 12:15 pm: Edit

I'm hearing good things about OCU on this forum. I have several questions? Does OCU showcase their graduating seniors in NYC? Also since I assume that this is a private institution, and very difficult to get into the MT program, do they offer any kind of financial assistance?

By Lamw (Lamw) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 08:59 pm: Edit

Laura
Did you hear more from NYU yet? We have a good friend who didn't hear for quite a while which studio she would be assigned to,she was really sweating it since they said you couldn't request and this
could obviously could be a deal breaker. She was
happy when
she finally got it (Stella ADler),but I do
remember her being up in the air for a while.
I see that you have taken some classes at SU
Did you audition there for MT and if not would
you mind sharing why not? (we haven't sent the little card back yet),also my son got much more
talent scholarship and merit aid from Ithaca
and Muhlenberg , has anyone had any luck asking
one college to reconsider their financial award
in comparison to others? I know people have done this for academic awards.I was wondering if it
works for the arts kids. Please excuse the sloppy format. I seem to be having a hard time
with language skills today. Thanks- and again everybody-good luck this month.

By Linton (Linton) on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 12:33 am: Edit

My daughter has been accepted to both Boston Conservatory and Hartt School of Music. Any suggestions on the pros and cons of these schools and whether one is preferable over the other?

By Alanz (Alanz) on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 01:38 am: Edit

We haven't heard from Hartt yet... that's the only one that hasn't reported in yet. Perhaps it will come in today's mail.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 01:06 pm: Edit

Just found I needed to change my username so it's now MTDad (aka MusicalTheaterDad). I've been out of the loop for a bit and it's very interesting to review the last several months postings. With the rush of auditions over and the acceptance and rejection notices going out its just a little spooky to see in others the same emotions I felt several years ago. Now however, a year after having a kid graduate from CCM, I must admit feeling rather detached from the whole school thing. I still want to offer my personal perspective to any for whom it will be a benefit, but now it comes with a year of "real world" observation of the life of the aspiring MT professional in NYC.

Climbing back on one of my pet soapboxes I've seen nothing that changes my opinion that attending one of the top programs is a real benefit in starting a career. From following last years 17 graduates from CCM only about 3 have yet to find a toehold in the industry. Of the others they have found work in Le Miz (NYC), Le Miz (tour), Oklahoma (NYC), Producers (NYC), Producers (tour), Saturday Night Fever (tour), Sondheim Review (Washington), and 8 or 10 other things I can't recall right now. My own kid is following her passion for directing and teaching and, much to the chagrin of her agent, is taking a path away from acting. She's successfully started her own children's theater program and will be offering summer programs at various cities around the country. In addition, she's directing a teen conservatory production of Blood Brothers in the Pacific Northwest, and developing & directing two cabaret pieces that will be going up in NYC this fall. She's also been invited to participate in the Actor/Director Lab at the Ensemble Studio Theater in NYC (this is a pretty major step for someone who's just turning 23), and she's assistant director and a performer in the Voices of Broadway tour going to Egypt & Qatar in May (now that's a little scary for a parent). She still has her agent putting her in for selected roles, but she's simply too busy and too happy to go for anything but the perfect role. Of course, she still mostly pays the bills by tending bar, but she's taken control of her own life and is driving her career forward as she wants it to go.

Yes, of course I'm proud of her, but the real reason for replaying all of this is to indicate that going to (and surviving) a recognized program does help to jump start a career. But then, as was mentioned in one of the prior postings, a place like CCM strives to only accept (and only keeps) those kids who they think really can make it, so maybe there's a bit of the chicken and egg syndrome at work here. Yeah, it can be a weird place (and not always kind) but year in and year out the results speak for themselves.

By Jennysg (Jennysg) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:33 pm: Edit

MTDad.
You always have good info. My daughter is only a freshman. Any advice you can offer to help her get a good "leg hold" on good schools when whe gets ready to audition her senior year? Grades/SAT scores will not be a problem. She currently does many productions locally (PHX, AZ), some in children's theater and some in adult theater if there is a child/teen roll. She takes classes when possible. She takes voice and does dance when she has the time. She could potentially be a triple threat by the time she is a senior. Any other things she should add under her "experience belt" that will help her? Also, some people say that one shouldn't narrow themselves to just MT. That having the talent to do MT but the schooling is straight theater will make them more marketable as an actor than the other way around. What is your opinion? Anyone else?

By Nickdad (Nickdad) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 12:02 am: Edit

Hi all! Glad to har about your kids updates!

While Nick is not planning on attending a major musical theater school next year, I've still been digging around for info.

And I have to say the more information I get and research, the more I am liking and loving Oklahoma City University. I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with the director of the MT program (try that with another university!) and talked to him about everything. He stressed this is not a program for everyone. It is very demanding because OCU has not only a music school, but a theater school and a dance school. All three different schools feed into the MT prorgam. Students are kept very busy. He said the dean said there was no such thing as a well rested OCU music school student! (I assume that means they're practicing or studying). The MT major is very voice heavy - each student has a weekly 30 minute voice lesson with one of the seven voice professors. Plus they have a weekly 30 minute vocal coaching session with a vocal coach where they work on their songs for the semester. Plus they have a one hour weekly master class where each student performs their prepared weekly song. Each MT student must learn 8 selections every semester: 4 classical or art songs, and 4 musical theater songs. The director said they teach a very legit style of singing and that technique is extreemly important (you folks may know what that means). And, every semester each MT student must take a least 2 dance classes taught by the School of Dance. Each MT student must level (starting at one and up to seven) at four to graduate. And apparently the MT students take the exact same classes that the dance majors do...he stressed they get no breaks! And acting wise, MT students must take three years of acting classes ranging from Shakespear to improv to monologues. One of the acting teachers is a master theater professor from Yale.

They do six shows a year (wow..that's a lot..more than CCM or UoM or CCM)-2 major musicals, one staged reading (plus 2 major operas and one staged opera). Every music school student must audition for each show, meaning MT must also audition for operas and vica verse. He said they want to produce the most versitile musicians. And he kept using the word "musicians" and I askied why. He said in today's MT you must be an accomplished musican as well as a performer. That means OCU MT students take two years of music theory and sight singing, plus conducting, music history, musical theater workshop AND three years of bi-weekly piano class (whew!). They have a NY showcase and guest master classes. David Clemmons, who apparently is a NY casting director for Wildhorn shows (do you know what that means?) comes regulary as does an alumni Laura Teetar, who was nomninated for a Tony for "On Your Toes" (again, sorry I don't know him...but I do know who Kristen Chenoweth and Leona Mitchell, alumns, are!!)

OK. SO can I say I was impressed? As I stated above, I'm not a real big fan of Oklahoma City, but the schools in a decent area. The dorms looked fine. They are buliding a new music school (someone gave them $20 million he said!). Also, when we went to the audition, I saw students of all shapes and sizes in the music school.

I was also looking into Shenedoah and have called twice to speak to the director but no one has called me back!! Don't these schools get how important that is!! Geeze!!!

Best of luck to all...keep on hunting!

By Lamw (Lamw) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 09:46 am: Edit

What is everyone's news - Alanz, Laura- My son is trying to choose between Syracuse and
Ithaca- Ithaca having given him a major talent
scholarship. We are headed to both next week.
So glad this is almost over.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 10:53 am: Edit

Lamw,

Scott was accepted into Ithaca (with a nice scholarship), but not into their Musical Theater program.

We expect to hear from Hartt today, it is the only one outstanding.

So at the moment, for Scott, Emerson, NorthWestern, Syracuse and Wagner are the top 4 choices.

My wife feels that Emerson would be the best place for Scott (he got into their honors program), and I probably agree. We're going to visit Emerson next week, and Wagner the week after.

If it were up to me to choose between Syracuse and Ithaca, I'd lean towards Syracuse. However, I could easily be swayed towards Ithaca if the scholarship was attractive.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 12:58 pm: Edit

Alanz,

We have a friend at Emerson - though not in MT-
but he just loves it. He has been in several shows there and finds the opportunities to perform, even for students outside the major to be plentiful. It's a very arts oriented atmosphere. I have no firsthand knowledge of
Wagner but I have read some slightly negative
reviews of it here-I think - and on another board. I do think however that nothing is as
reliable as a personal visit and look see. Let me know your impressions. We have a lot of theater student friends in the grades behind my
son and we all try to share as much info as we can.
Syracuse has been uppermost in his mind, but I think now that he has eliminated all but two schools and we have financial info in hand he
needs to do a direct program quality comparison.
We will let him decide. It means a different money situation for us (for him as well because
he will need to get loans for one and not the other-something I am pleased to say he takes quite seriously) but he knows what will work for him better than we do. Good luck with Hartt.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 03:34 pm: Edit

Lamw,

Syracuse made things a little bit more complicated for our decision. Yesterday they invited Scott into their Honors program. So now that competes with Emerson's honors program offer.

Syracuse has also sent a magazine and some additional literature.

Oh, one thing that makes me think fondly of Syracuse is that the acceptance came in the form of a phone call, followed up by a letter. If this is any indication of the personalized service of the school, it would be a very good sign. The only other school that accepted with a phone call was Wagner.

The college decisions are on hold for the weekend. Last night Scott opened in his final high school play, Guys and Dolls, here in northen NJ.

He plays Nicely-Nicely Johnson. It's a great comic role with some showstopper songs.

In case you're interested, I made some photos of the final dress rehearsal. You can find them if you click here. In the photos, he's the short guy with the light tan hat and purple suit.

The play has one more performance tonight, and one tomorrow afternoon. Then we'll be able to think straight again < s >

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 12:38 pm: Edit

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY PUBLICATIONS (BOOKS) THAT COULD BE HELPFUL IN FINDING A GOOD MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAM?

I ALWAYS SEE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT HOW CERTAIN SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS WERE RANKED -WHERE CAN I SEE THESE RANKS? THANK YOU!

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 02:45 pm: Edit

I'm glad Nickdad is high on OCU, but in the effusiveness there's something needing clarification. Check the following site to see if OCU supports more MT, opera, drama, and musical performances than CCM.

http://www.ccm.uc.edu/events.html

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 02:51 pm: Edit

To Jennysq,

Sounds like you are on your way. As for advice, that's always a tough one, but if there's one thing I'd suggest try to visit your target schools, see a production, talk to the faculty & students, and try to get a "feel" for the place. As you can see from reading all these posts, the schools have varying approaches as well as strengths and weaknesses. It's important to target schools that not only turn out successful graduates, but that are truly suitable for your kid.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 02:59 pm: Edit

To MTkid,

All the "rankings" are subjective and there is no single source. They come from various authors and are generally quotes from a range of theater professionals (mostly agents). If you wade through these postings you'll find most of the publications listed. Give them a look, but please understand they are all biased in one way or another. So I'd suggest doing your own research by directly contacting those schools that draw your interest and finding out the names of all their graduates for the last 5-10 years (and if they will tell you, where they are and how to contact them). Then go on the internet and find them (if they are not there, then they did not continue in the industry or are just starting out).

And have fun checking it out.

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 03:59 pm: Edit

I was wondering if anyone knew of any Musical Theater programs in Chicago. I've checked out The DePaul Theater School and apparently they only offer a drama major. Are there any reputable programs in New York City (aside from NYU) and the East Coast in general (aside from Emerson and The Boston Conservatory)?

By Alanz (Alanz) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 06:58 pm: Edit

If you're looking for New York City schools, take a look at Wagner College. The school is on Staten Island, very close to Manhattan.

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 09:42 pm: Edit

Hi,
I've kinda been surveying this board for the past few months just to read what people had to say.
I applied to musical theatre at Boston, Emerson, Ithaca and Hartt and got accepted into Emerson (Honours) and think i will get accepted, knock on wood, at Hartt. I was pretty upset I didn't get into Boston because I really wanted to go to a conservatory and not necesarily a college.
I was pretty excited about Emerson though until I received info in the mail today. It seems as if it is only 72 credits (plus, I'm assuming, arts and science electives) and there were no synopsises for Dance courses at all. I'm not huge on the dance but would like to at least get some background considering all other musical theatre grads will have it.
Since I'm from Canada, it will take tremendous financial sacrifice to attend Emerson and I'm really starting to wonder if its worth it. Moreover, Hartt, which I had not really been considering, is beginning to look slightly better.
My first question is, has anyone here heard things about Emerson (there doesn't seem to be much talk on this board) in terms of, specifically, how it rates AMONG MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAMS. I don't want to be permanently in debt for the rest of my life for attending a school with only a 'mediocre name.' I would also ask the same of Hartt. I had received bad review but more people on this board seem to have applied to Hartt than to Emerson which has set me thinking...
Secondly, should I simply defer my admission to Emerson and reapply to Boston and Ithaca (and probably also, this time, CCM and Syracuse) next year. I really want to do this if neither Emerson nor Hartt are known for good programs. I hope I will receive honest answers because I am stressing more and more every night!
Thanx for all the information people have posted till now, by the way! Its really been helpful.

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 10:21 pm: Edit

I need some feedback on Hartt (their website isn't exactly overflowing with information) what have people heard from attendees or what was the application process like for those who have applied?

P.S. I can't find the Musical Theatre program at NYU's Steinhardt. Their website is very confusing! Could anyone let me know about the program?

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 12:01 am: Edit

If you are just starting your college search a good book to get is:


Arco the Performing Arts Major's College Guide (Performing Arts Major's College Guide, 3rd Ed)

It's available from Amazon.com

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 12:29 am: Edit

To Broadway67,

Your're in a tough position, but you are certainly asking yourself the pertinent questions. I guess, when it gets right down to it you're facing up to just how much you want to follow the MT path. If your heart is set on the conservatory route, and you are both able and willing to forgo a year it may be the better choice to pass on school for the next year and find a job (and continue to train . . .and work on your audition skills). Of course, the flip side is still that pesky 3 percent acceptance rate at the top programs (remember 97 out of 100 applicants DON'T get in). As for the money side (and here's my CCM bias again), CCM is a state school and even for out-of-state students it's still around $13,000 US a year for tuition. That means if you are frugal you can make it on around $20,000 a year for everything. Not that 20 grand a year is peanuts, but it's a whole lot less than most other top programs. The downside is that in most cases the demands of the program rule out being able to work and go to school at the same time. However, I know of a couple of kids who helped pay their way being dorm monitors (although that was certainly not the most enjoyable thing to do). Outside of that there is pin money to be had singing in various church choirs (it never dawned on me that some churches hire singers to augment their choirs, but they do).

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:55 am: Edit

To MtKid,

NYU's Steinhardt music theater program is is a bachelor of music program. Their website address is:

http://www.nyu.edu/education/music/mtheatre/

My daughter is a freshman musical theater major at Hartt, so "we" just went through the whole college selection process last year. If you have any specific questions about Hartt, feel free to e-mail me.

By Stagemanger (Stagemanger) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 01:22 am: Edit

Nickdad
I'm with MTdad on your recent post. To say that 6 performances a year is more than CCM does is ridiculous. As a student at CCM, I'll tell you right now that we do 2 main stage shows every quarter, 2 studio shows every quarter, 2 unsupported shows each quarter (Unsupported meaning that The Theatre Design and Production program does not provide a set, lighting, or sound) and 1 Ballet each quarter. There are three quarters in each school year, so straight off that is 21 major performances. This does not include any staged readings that students decide to do, or any student written and performed pieces, which we have already had 2 this year. This also does not include the Senior showcase, Junior Boards, or solo concerts. Once you include the nightly recitals and concerts, you'll see we have hundreds of performances each year. MTDad gave you the link to see upcoming performances if you disagree. Might want to think of checking your source next time.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 01:48 am: Edit

Whoa Stagemanger . . . the information is good, but please put the brakes on the attitude. That chip on your shoulder does not put CCM in a good light, and it indicates a goodly amount of growing up is in order. Consider using the same tone in your postings you would use with Aubrey. You may not agree with something here, but respect is in order.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 10:21 am: Edit

Alanz,

OK We just got back from a whirlwind tour of
upstate NY. It SNOWED for us-thank you. We
did the admitted student day at Syracuse- or
half of it anyway. My son went to a class in
the drama department and really was generally
impressed. The parents had an opportunity
to ask questions in a session with department
chair, Mr. Clark. Lots of good stuff here.
The regional theater in the same building is a
big plus for this program as someofthe students
have opportunities there as well as in the drama
department. They are aiming for an enrollment of about 30 freshman MT's. That seems a little
high to me compared to some other programs we
are looking at. They require 18 credits outside
the major plus a couple of writing classes.
The nice thing here is that the outside credits
can be in any other classes, so if you have a particular interest in anything or would just like to try many areas you can do either. The
university,of course offers an enormous choice.
My son felt an energy and an enthusiasm here.
He felt at home quickly. He really liked the
style of the professor in the class he took.We
could not stay for lunch in the Dome-darn- or
for the dorm tours etc. because we had to rush
off to ...Ithaca.
Son has been offered a large scholarship from the drama department that is offered to just 3
people and if he doesn't want it he has been asked to let them know this week so they can offer to another student. So we feel a considerable pressure to make this decision now.
Son also went to classes at Ithaca and liked what
he saw there too. He started the trip with a predisposition to Syracuse but was so impressed with the quality of the work at Ithaca that this decision is really, really difficult.
Hey- Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat. One of
my favorites. Your son looks great in the part.
I hope he enjoyed his last HS show. My son's
HS swansong is this weekend. They are doing Les Mis. He is Javier. We had to rush back from our little factfinding mission so he could be at dress rehearsal on Tuesday.
I think it's wonderful that Syracuse has invited
your son into the Honors program. How does this
work in conjunction with the BFA? Is there a
particular minor that he would lean toward? This
seems like it might be truly the best of both worlds for him. Its so nice when they see that their extrmely hard work pays off for them.
MT Dad- it sounds like CCM was a wonderful experience for your daughter. It is so nice to
hear these things. I have to say that of all
the MT programs in the audition cicuit -so to speak- CCM seems to garner the most atention
both-positive and negative. My son applied but his audition was supposed to have happened on that big President's day blizzard weekend
and needless to say we could not get there. They
called us to reschedule but every weekend was already spoken for by other auditions or personal
commitments. We were feeling that it might be a bit too far away for us anyway. I should let youand others know that last year the tuition for
out-of state students was 17,319 plus some additional fees. Room and board was around 6500
to 7000 depending on dorm and type of meal plan.
This will undoubtedly go up this year. We have
literature and viewbooks on several schools going back two or three years and it is amazing how much tuition has gone up in the last few years in all the colleges. I don't know if aid and grants have kept pace with the tuition.
Alanz- keep us informed and I'll do the same.

By Stagemanger (Stagemanger) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 01:06 pm: Edit

My apologies,
Didn't mean for my message to come off with attitude. Just had a long day when I made the post.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 10:05 pm: Edit

Stagemanager . . . we all have long days, and it takes a big person to own up to it . . . good for you

Alanz . . . . ouch, the prices have shot up . . . still probably a bargin though.

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 12:56 am: Edit

Has anyone been to or know of someone who has done the Musical Theatre pre-college program at the University of the Arts?

By Alanz (Alanz) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 08:50 am: Edit

Scott spent a day at Wagner this week, and we are leaving this afternoon to visit Emerson for their open house. Scott will spend tonight in a dorm, and attend some classes tomorrow.

Anyone else attending this event?

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 04:54 pm: Edit

Hi again,
I really only received one response to my post so I figured I would try again. See, I'm from Canada so whereas I could tell you all the pros and cons of every Canadian schools academic performance and national reputation, I know absoluetly nothing about Americcan schools. I really hope more people here could help me or else direct mme to another board that they might know of.
I really would like to know about the
a) training and
b) reputation
of Emerson and Hartt. If you (or your child) had to decide between attending one of these two schools which one would you/he or she choose. Or, would you suggest waiting a year and reauditioning.
Please, please, please...I really need some advice here

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 07:21 pm: Edit

Dear Broadway67,

My advise would be to go to the school that is offering you the best scholarship. Emerson and Hartt are both good schools and when you are all done you will be in New York on the same open call lines with everyone else and the casting director won't care what school you went to as much as if you are right for the part. If you didn't get into any other schools this year, why would you wait until next year to reaudtion? What guarentee do you have that you will get into another school next year when some schools are only accepting 3 or 4%.

Hartt was not my daughter's first choice, BC was because it has a stronger dance program, but she is very happy with the quality of the program and the professors at Hartt. We don't live far from New York so my daughter had the benefit of some incredible teachers during high school. (example: Her voice teacher was the music assistant for Lion King on Broadway and is also the voice teacher for a number of the Lion King cast members.) She is very happy with the program at Hartt, the only thing she would change would be to add additional dance classes but it sounds like you are not a strong dancer anyway. You would have a better chance of being cast in the chorus of a show if you were a "dancer that sings well", but the program at Hartt will give you enough dance to be a "singer that moves well" which is all that is needed for most shows.

And the graduates from Hartt seem to be working. One of the seniors is already doing an equity reading. Hope this helps. Best of luck with your decision.

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:31 pm: Edit

Musical theatre food for thought:

I was fortunate enough to spend the last couple of days in Boston checking out Emerson College. Having been accepted into both their BFA musical theatre and honors programs, I was excited and anxious to see what they have to offer.

What is stressed right off the bat, and what I've come to like about Emerson, is that they are not a conservatory. Emerson is very high on the fact that they are not out to produce cookie cutter actors, but rather smart, creative, talented individuals. Granted, something like 72 of 128 credits of your college career will go towards musical theatre, but there is still room for studies outside of the artform. In a world in which thousands of actors audition for a single role, I believe that the more interesting person will make the more interesting actor.

I also like the fact that Emerson is right in the middle of the theatre district of Boston, right on the Commons --- a tremendous cultural center of the world. Within Emerson College itself, both mainstage and otherwise, I am told an upwards of 70 performances occur each year. There is always something to do (yes, you can be in most productions as a freshman) and the hardest part for me would be balancing the curricular with the extracurricular. The first two years, all acting and musical theatre students take the same classes and then break off into separate paths as the BFA musical theatre's take a more conservatory route (you'll have to reaudition after your sophomore year). Emerson is also a member of the Boston Pro Arts Consortium, so, say, if they do not offer a dance class you would like, Boston Conservatory, Boston University, and the millions of other surrounding colleges are at your disposal.

I had a senior BFA acting student as a host and he showed me around the campus and its surroundings; I spent the night in his dorm. Maybe its the fact that I just need to get out of high school, but I felt right at home with my host and his friends --- they were all disgustingly intelligent and creative people.

One of the other incentives for me to join Emerson College was their honors program. They offer me half tuition to be in the program, entailing more difficult classes (your sociology, anthropology, and all those other ologies), more opportunities to write, and a senior thesis project of your choosing. I've heard of students doing one man shows and directing black box theatre productions as their senior projects. Also, during sophomore year, Emerson students are encouraged to spend a semester at the Castle Wells in the Netherlands, taking classes and exploring Europe. Film students also have connections with LA and Prague.

Now, Im not trying to endorse Emerson College. I am merely a senior in high school, all too ready to break out of my sheltered surroundings and devote my entire life to what I love. I believe Emerson College may be the place for me to do that. I was really very impressed on my overnight stay. All my questions were answered and my enthusiasm stimulated. I cant wait to begin the next stage of my life.

I still am going back to Syracuse to look at their musical theatre program to see how it compares. I think Northwestern may be out of my financial reach. But I feel fortunate that at least I've narrowed down my last of 7 to 3. We'll see what happens...but as of right now, I believe my stars are aligning around the Boston area.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Scott (aspiring actor/singer/dancer)

By Alanz (Alanz) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:46 pm: Edit

Because he forgot to mention it, I should point out that Scott (YAZ42) is the son I was referring to in my earlier posts.

I thought it was time for him to chime in with his own thoughts on the matters at hand.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 12:09 am: Edit

Scott and Alanz,

What did you think of Wagner? I was very dissapointed with the show we saw there last year.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 01:00 am: Edit

cbs,

I was pretty impressed with Wagner. We saw Titanic there a few months ago. While I was not impressed by the play itself, I thought the production was very good.

I also liked the way they handled the auditions, and the personal attention that we got.

They were one of two schools that made a phone call with the acceptance offer, and that struck a cord with me.

I think their proximity to NYC is a big plus.

When Scott auditioned there, I think it moved up on his list significantly, into the top three.

By Pepper (Pepper) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 04:56 pm: Edit

Alana,
You said in one of your earlier messages that your son Scott had applied to Hartt. Why did he decide not to go there?
Also, does anyone know anything about AMDA?

By Laura (Laura) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 06:08 pm: Edit

I went to Wagner last weekend for the accepted students program, and wasn't very impressed. The school itself didn't seem great, but looking only at the theater program, I just didn't get the impression that it was that excellent. I was very disappointed with the (singular) theatre - it seemed fairly small, and I was surprised that there weren't other theatres except for the black boxes. From what I have heard, the program there used to be super, but has been on the decline for the past few years... that's solely rumor, of course.

NYU Tisch seems to be where I'm headed, if I can find the funds. One of the best parts of them is they seem to give you a well-rounded education, but not at the expense of a lesser quality theater training. There is even the opportunity for a double major, something that seems rare when looking at topnotch theater schools. I got into Atlantic Theater Company, which is not musical theatre, but I may transfer during my junior year to CAP 21. Anyone else get accepted there?

Finally, I got waitlisted at Cornell University (not for theatre). So my plan is to put my deposit down at NYU, and then if I finally get accepted to Cornell, I'll have some big decisions to make (theater vs academics).

Best of luck to everyone trying to make decisions by that looming May 1 deadline!

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 09:49 pm: Edit

Hello! I am also on a college search. In the next few weeks I am going to visit Baldwin Wallace, Marietta, Wagner, and NYU. Does anyone have any imformation of any of these programs? I am also visiting Oberlin and Long Island University for vocal performance. Singing (hence the name) is my strong point, but I am almost as strong in acting, while I am not exactly up to speed in dancing. I'm a little bit worried about this because although I'm looking for vocal performance as well I really want to major in musical theater. I haven't been able to take very many dance classes recently because they conflict with the shows, specifically my high school's show. It is all over now but I am insanely behind in my dance classes from missing for rehersals. Would it be a good idea to not do the school musical next year and just concentrate on dance? I have quite a while to think about this but I was just curious to hear what other people thought. Thank you!

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 10:57 pm: Edit

Aspiringsinger4,

I'm sure the goal of every Musical Theater major is to become a triple threat performer. So you are not as developed in dance. Although taking a year off from the school musical will allow time to reinforce your dancing skills, it will however be less benefiting for your acting and singing skills. I advise you to schedule wisely. I'm sure the musical isn't in production during the entire school term. I'm sure you rehearse for a semester at the most. Maybe get involved in rigorous dance training during the time the musical is not in production and maybe even audition for a role in the school musical that requires more dance.

Colleges stress experience. Aside from talent, they want to see involvment in as many productions as possible. Maybe not participating in the musical one year can be misinterpereted as a lack of interest or if it is your senior year it can be misconstrued as overconfidence and that you feel you don't need to do anything because it's your senior year (trust me it's the senior syndrome).

I just think that development in one area shouldn't have to compromise your development and skill in others. Many programs that require a dance audition teach a coreography right then and there. I think that more that being a superb dancer (which wouldn't hurt as long as you don't have to compromise other talents) it is important that you move well, learn quickly, and respond to direction. All of these are skills that you develop working in a production. I am not discouraging you from taking dance classes but I am just stressing that there are many other things that comprise being a complete performer.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 11:14 pm: Edit

Dear Aspiringsinger4,

I will be interested to see what you think of Wagner. As I have said before my daughter and I were very unhappy with the school. It is in a great location near the city, but the theater is pathetic, really just an old all purpose room and the quality of the show we saw was horrendous.

Am I right to assume from the colleges you have mentioned that you are looking for a musical theater program with a strong academic component and not a conservatory program? And if this is the case, have you considered Northwestern?

NYU has two differnt musical theater majors. When you say NYU, are you looking at NYU Tisch or NYU Steinhardt school of education? The program at Steindhardt is musically much stronger and the Steinhardt and Tisch audtion requirements are very different.

As far as your question about taking more dance, I would recommend you look at the audition requirements of the schools you are interested in and talk to the faculty. Some musical theater programs absolutely require that you be a dancer, but there are many that do not. Good luck with your college search.

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 10:44 am: Edit

Hey Scott/Yaz42
Thanks for your helpful insights into Emerson. I too got accepted into their honours program but only applied so that I could get the scholarship (I tend to do well in school but really hate it), It seems like a good, strong program academically and I'm sure that acting wise it is also; I'm just rather concerned in terms of dancing (although I'm NOT a dancer) but especially Voice and music theory etc.
Maybe you could clear something up for me though that an email from Maureen Shea didn't. If there are only 72 credits in musical theatre then are the other credits strictly educational or are they theatre courses disguised in general ed requirements. The reason I wonder this is because I see many different theatre (especially drama) classes listed but then not listed as part of the required 72.
The other question that maybe you could answer is exactly what dance classes do musical theatre majors take? I saw them listed on the sheet I got in teh mail as "Dance Classes 4-8 credits" but no other info was provided.

Cbs57,
I wish it were that easy but both schools offered me the same scholarship! How rridiculously irksome is that!

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 12:16 pm: Edit

Cbs57,

I'll let you know what I think of Wagner- I'm hopefullly going to see their production of The Wiz, so that should give me a better idea of the program after the visit. I am looking at more well rounded schools. I am not against conservatories at all, but my parents (the ones who'll be paying for all this) would rather see me somewhere where I can explore other interests as well. We'll see what happens! Thanks for your help!

By Malloryr (Malloryr) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 04:27 pm: Edit

Hey everybody...

I've been reading these posts for the past few weeks now, so I thought now that I have a lot more knowledge in everything I would put up a post. I'm a freshman at baylor university in waco, tx, and although we have a great school of music, I am looking for a change of scene and a school with a musical theater program. I'm looking at ccm, univ of the arts, belmont, nyu and point park. my strength is in dance and singing, making acting my weakness. do you know which of these schools will be putting the most emphasis on dance and vocal in their auditions???? and also, does anyone know about transfer admissions to these schools? by the way, all the input on here has really helped me do my research!!!!

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 06:29 pm: Edit

Broadway67,

Not to worry about the credits thing. Although I was told that in Emerson's musical theatre program acting is foremost, vocal a close second, and dance third, I'm pretty sure that you and I (because dancing is my weakest area of the triple threat as well) will be well choreographically cared for. Also, if you feel the need to dance more, there are many studios in the Boston area that cost around the same as Emerson's credits would. There's also an Emerson Performing Arts chat online tonight (4/14 from 7 to 9) if you have any other questions. All of what I know is based on my recent Boston trip.

Also, being in the Honors Program I think frees up your Gen Ed classes to make room for either more theatre electives or any other electives of your choosing. There's a course on the psychology of laughter that looks pretty interesting as well as more advanced theatre labs. Just so long as I'll never have to take calculus again <shivers>.

But all that said, I was very impressed with Emerson. Now you should go to Hartt so that we're not auditioning for the same roles...

Scott

By Pepper (Pepper) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 08:05 pm: Edit

Scott,
Sounds like you're really sold on Emerson. Seems like they have a good program. I'm still curious as to why you decided against Hartt. Am trying to get more opinions on their program.
Also, no one has said anything about AMDA. I know it's a certificate program, but am curious about anyone's experience there.

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Pepper,

The truth is that, while I was accepted to the University of Hartford, I was not accepted into the Hartt School of the Arts for Musical Theatre. Thus, it didnt enter into my consideration. I thought I gave a rather good audition (it was my first of 8), but you know how these things go --- you never know what they're looking for. Maybe they already had their quota of 5'4" Jewish tenors.

I do know this though: I am an amateur magician (I do closeup card magic mostly) and one of my mentors and favorite magicians went to Hartt about 15 years ago. He didnt like it. He said and I quote, "It wasnt about the performing. It was all very artificial." Take that with a grain of salt; I've heard some very good things about Hartt too. When I visited their campus, they got me excited about this whole college musical theatre process. Good luck with making your decisions.

Scott

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 10:45 pm: Edit

I just wanted to know if anyone had looked into Marymount Manhattan College. I understand they offer musical theater as a minor...or am I wrong. Anyway, I received a brochure and it was not informative at all. It was basically a list of majors, an application form, and description of dorm facilities. I f anyone knows anything about their program it sure would help!

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 11:06 pm: Edit

Hello everyone- I'm off to Baldwin-Wallace and Marietta College tomorrow to check out their MT programs. Are there any very important questions that I should ask while I am there? BW will be my first offical college visit, so since I'm new at this, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask for some advice! Thanks for your help!

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 12:13 am: Edit

Malloryr,

In general, CCM accepts transfers for the sophomore year. It's not all that uncommon for a third or so of the original 17 or so freshman to have dropped out and they have to replentish the stock. Transferring in as a Junior is by comparison relatively rare. Senior transfers simply do not happen. Therefore, typically there are only 4-6 potential openings for sophomore transfers.

CCM touts going for triple threats, but they seem to place somewhat less emphasis on dance as opposed to voice and acting. However, I truly doubt they would consider anyone who only had two of the three tools. If I were to hazard a guess at the priorities I'd say it went, from top to bottom, Voice, Acting and Dance.

By Tulsaguy (Tulsaguy) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:22 am: Edit

Hi there guys! I have been reading this board for quite some time now through my college auditions. I was wondering someone's advice on trying to decide which is better a school with decent training or just a great reputation. I have been accepted into musical theatre at two smaller programs in Ohio, where I live, Wright State University and Kent State University. I also have got into the Hartt School's musical theatre program. As you can see these are three very different schools with very different levels of reputations. I have talked to many other musical theatre majors and teachers who have told me that they really believe the amount and quality of training I would receive at Wright State could equal that of Hartt. However, I cannot ignore that Hartt does have people on Broadway, does a showcase, would get me a voice and vocal coach, and is well just more known. The program, which wasn’t created until 1996, seems to grow larger and larger by the year. However, it is reported Wright state is starting a showcase in New York and the program is growing very very fast as well.
I also have another problem. I am a dancer. I have been dancing since I can remember in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, etc. Before I entered the vocal and acting worlds I have been in Nutcrackers and etc. I am very happy with the dance at Wright and Kent state, but I was reading how CBS 57, on this board, says Hartt is lacking in providing enough dance classes in their schedule for musical theatre majors. I can see where these classes are enough for a new dancer, but for me it is extremely important to maintain my dancing abilities and graduate a true triple threat. CBS57 I read your daughter attends Hartt; do you know if it is possible to add any extra dance classes to your schedule?
As you can see I have just thrown a lot of questions out there, but I know you can all help me.
Thanks
S E A N

By Linton (Linton) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:58 am: Edit

Pepper,

Regarding Hartt, my daughter was accepted into the program, but has decided to attend Boston Conservatory. She decided Boston provided better training in dance. Her sister is also graduating from Boston this year. I was impressed with Hartt, but I think she was swayed by Boston's reputation.

Linton

By Pepper (Pepper) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:13 am: Edit

Scott,

Thanks for the info. According to one of the schools we visited, many times the acceptance is based on whether you're a good fit for the school. I think schools look for a certain "type" that fits their program and needs and a person may be talented but not "fit" the school. Could you elaborate further on what your musician friend said? Was he a music major? I understand that Hartt's program is relatively new and that has also been a consideration compared to a more established program.

Linton,

Must be a big relief that your daughter has made her decision. Besides the number of dance classes, what makes Boston's dance training better? Were there other factors besides the dance that made her choose Boston? Could you describe what your older daughter's experience was like at Boston? What things were you impressed with at Hartt?

By Alanz (Alanz) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:45 am: Edit

Pepper,

Scott's friend (and mentor) is a magician, not a musician. I don't recall what his performance major was at Hartt, Scott can probably find that out for you.

By Linton (Linton) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 12:45 pm: Edit

Pepper,

My daughter felt the dance training at Boston was more advanced. The school has an excellent track record in placing graduates on national tours or in some instances broadway shows within a short period after graduation. She also was influenced by the fact that three or four of her friends attend the school.
My daughter that is graduating loved the school the first two years, but felt junior year was a real grind. She is counting the days until the Showcase and is moving to New york June 1st. The school juries out a number of people after Sophomore year and the training is rigorous, but those who make it through are finding work. Two of her friends that graduated in the last two years found work on broadway and the others are in National tours. All of her close friends found work within six months of graduation. My daughter had approximatley forty productions under her belt prior to attending Boston and was still challenged significantly at the school. I hope this has helped. If you have any other questions feel free to e-mail me.

Linton

By Wtighe (Wtighe) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:15 pm: Edit

All, I enjoyed reading all of your comments, suggestions and recommendations about Musical Theater Colleges and found them quite helpful in our decision making process for our son. I would be interested to get your feedback on your comparison of MT schools. Our son has been accepted to several MT schools some including partical scholarships. In your opinion, is it worth spending an extra $13K /yr. send him to CCM versus FSU? If yes, then what are the reasons, in your opinion? Also, is it worth spending and extra $6K /yr. more to send him to CMU versus CCM? If yes, then why? As parents we all want to send our child to the best school, so I'm trying to quantify and justify the additional money and debt for either CCM or CMU. I would appreciate your feedback, as well as anyone elses in this matter.

Thanks

By Malloryr (Malloryr) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:34 pm: Edit

MTdad,

Thanks for your input. I know waiting so late to transfer really limits my options, so I've accepted that. I am really looking for a school where i can transfer next spring. Where did you get this info about transfers for ccm?

Does anyone know anything about the musical theater program at Belmont University??? I know they have a great music program, but i just wasn't sure about their MT.

Mallory

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 03:06 pm: Edit

Malloryr,

Info on transfers comes from seeing what happened to my kid's class at CCM and discussing with her and several of her peers how "normal" that experience was in the overall scheme of things. The opinion on where dance ability fits in the general criteria for CCM is based on observing the whole student body over a 4 year period. Of course, there are very accomplished dancers in MT at CCM, however there are also quite a number of kids who "move" very well, but fall short of being real dancers (they are however, superb singer/actors).

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:20 pm: Edit

My daughter is currently in her junior year and is seriously exploring MT programs. She is interested in developing further skills and getting her audition materials together this summer and has applied to and has gotten into summer programs in MT at Carnegie Mellon and at Syracuse. These are both 6 week programs that seek to mirror their BFA programs and provide audition opportunities. I know that at CMU she can add private voice lessons, which is valuable for she is a very strong vocalist - her best attribute. Does anyone know about these two pre-college summer programs, and can you rank their relative strengths? Are these pre-college programs helpful in the admission process for MT programs? (She has to decide within a few days so any rapid replys would be appreciated!)

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:38 pm: Edit

Sarahsmom,

I know a number of people that have gone to Carnegie Mellon's summer program and they all have nothing but wonderful things to say about it. From what I understand, they really prepare you for the audition process. You do your practice audition at the end of the program and then they mail you a critique telling you what you need to work on. And a few students are even offered admission.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 11:11 am: Edit

Sahahsmom,

My son applied and got into both of those programs last year. He went to CMU and loved it.
They have a very serious and intense 6 weeks. They do not do an end of program show like Syr. does.The students get a great deal of help on the audition process.He came away with some well- worked monologues and songs that he used for all of college auditions.
They also take jazz and ballet,literature,musical
theater performance,improv,acting,directing or
writing. The faculty was wonderful. My son
especially liked Gary Kline , the musical theater performance Prof, and his acting teacher,
Jill. The facilities are brand new and first rate. They do sometimes offer admittance to a
student, last year they asked one girl,I heard
in the acting group. Some others get a letter
asking them to audition again in February. My
son did audition and was not accepted. I understand that they took 14 kids last year and
10 the year before. About 700 kids audition. He
was disappointed, of course , but he was accepted
at several other MT schools , some with nice talent scholarships and I know he feels that his summer at CMU was invaluable in helping him do that. Having said that,I'm sure Syr. program
is good too. He was just really wanted to focus on the audition thing in particular.
He said the food was terrible-the other kids
were great.
Oh and they do send evaluations talking about
your audition and your strengths and weaknesses
in general. These were so positive in my sons
case that we copied some and sent them along
with applications to colleges. I know my son was very glad he went and would do it again. If you
or your D have any particular questions please ask.

By Wtighe (Wtighe) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 05:02 pm: Edit

MTDAD,
I enjoyed reading all of your comments, suggestions and recommendations about Musical Theater Colleges and found them quite helpful in our decision making process for our son. I would be interested to get your feedback on your comparison of MT schools. Our son has been accepted to several MT schools some including partical scholarships. In your opinion, is it worth spending an extra $13K /yr. send him to CCM versus FSU? If yes, then what are the reasons, in your opinion? Also, is it worth spending and extra $6K /yr. more to send him to CMU versus CCM? If yes, then why? As parents we all want to send our child to the best school, so I'm trying to quantify and justify the additional money and debt for either CCM or CMU. I would appreciate your feedback, as well as anyone elses in this matter.

Thanks

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:01 am: Edit

Does anyone know if Amherst college offers Musical Theater. Their website has no information whatsoever. Thanks!

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 08:01 am: Edit

Wtighe

Congratulations to your son's acceptance into three of the top musical theater programs in the country. CCM, CMU and FSU are three of the best. You really can't go wrong with any of those schools. I would make your decision based on where he thinks he will be the happiest and what you can afford.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 09:36 am: Edit

Wtighe

Following Cbs57's comment, congratulations on your son's acceptance to these top flight programs. Now, as you obviously know, comes the tough part . . . making the choice. All the programs are very good, and when it comes right down to it someone who has to choose among these three probably has the tools to make a career regardless of where they go. So, money aside, it comes down to where they WANT to go. This gets down to the intangibles and is more influenced by personal things that just about anything else. Hence, I'm really not sure just how much help I can be in offering advice. I've had the good fortune to intimately observe the CCM program, but without similar personal knowledge of FSU & CMU I really can't offer a true comparison. However, if money is a real object in the decision, then go with the least costly option . . . all the choices are good, and your son appears to have the tools to have a real shot at a career. I can offer one bit of advice though, unless he's strong enough to accept not being cast for at least a year, and not being the best around, and not being made to feel special (as a freshman), and maybe never having a lead during his time in school . . . avoid CCM. Of course, I trust he has just that strength because without it the MT life (after school) will be a drudge. Also, having seen some very scary stage parents, please (aside from money) be sure the decision is based on what your son wants. I'm sure all the programs are rigorous (I know for sure that CCM's is arduous in the extreme), so the kid has to WANT to be there or the deck is stacked against them from the start.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 11:10 am: Edit

Wtighe,

My son spent last summer at the CMU campus as you can see by the post above and I can pass
along what a faculty member said. He said that CMU is acting-music-dance and CCM is music-acting-dance.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:18 pm: Edit

Alanz/Yaz42

I was wondering if you went to Syracuse to check it out this month and how that went

By Alanz (Alanz) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:40 pm: Edit

Lamw,

We are going to Syracuse on Sunday for their open house om Monday.

I'm also amused that we keep getting mail from colleges that declined to offer Scott a seat in their musical theater programs. They are offering him positions in their honors programs.

I suppose if he wasn't so passionate about his future in MT, it would be worth considering.

Scott told me a little joke the other day:

---

Quote:

Question: "What's the difference between a large pizza and a Musical Theater graduate?"

Answer: "The pizza can feed a family of four"

---

By Nickdad (Nickdad) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:44 pm: Edit

To MTdad and others:

I don't know why you think that OCU only does six performances a year. They do 20 show performances a year with two full main stage musicals (they just finished a wonderful West Side Story), two full staged operas, two small/blackbox musicals ("Songs For A New World" next year is one) and a black box opera ("Cosi"). On top of that, the musical theater workshop has several performances a semester of scenes from various shows. On top of that, the OCU Choirs present two full stage concerts a semester (they're doing "Les Noes"- A Russian choral piece in a few weeks). On top of that, the OCU Symphonic Orchestra has several concerts each semester and is trvaeling to China in two weeks to debut a new American piece. Also, the school is planning another Musical Theater Summitt. Two years ago they had one with Stephen Schwartz, Bill Russell, Tom Schmidt and Harvey Jones, John McDaniel, and others. Several OCU students were cast in NY productions because of this including the recent workshop of "Moby Dick" and the the Broadway production of "La Bohem".

It's amazing to see a school that has such a intergrated musical theater and opera program. Many students cross over between the two and develop skills in both musical fields which I was very impressed with.

By Marcie (Marcie) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:45 pm: Edit

Wtighe
You might consider the possible problem of your son being cut from the CCM program after one or two years. I am not sure if CMU has that aspect in its program. I don't think FSU does.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 04:13 pm: Edit

Wtighe & Marcie,

Few people are actually cut from the CCM program, those who do leave usually go their own accord. Yes, some may well go for a preemptive move, but it seems most who leave the program do so by choice. And, while I'm sure most of the reasons are somehow tied to the rigors of the program I'll venture a guess that the drop-out rate is not all that much higher than any group of out-of-state freshman. Anyway, I just wanted to say that while people are cut from the CCM program, it is not as common as one might fear. For example, from my kid's class of approximately 17 nobody was cut from the freshman class (although probably a third either left during the year or elected to not return for the sophomore term) and only two were cut during the 2nd year.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 11:58 pm: Edit

Hello everyone. I just returned from college visits to Baldwin- Wallace and Marietta. The program at Baldwin-Wallace was really impressive. The degree is a Bachelor of Music (like OCU) and you study privately at the conservatory as well as taking theory and piano classes. They have a senior showcase and the school even helps the seniors get set up in NYC. For example, the seniors already have their New York numbers so they can begin auditions immediately. Maybe this is common, but I hadn't heard of it so far.
Marietta's program is new- it's only been around for 2 years and I frankly had never heard of it, so I decided to go see what they had to offer. They are a pretty small school, but the campus is beautiful. The stage is very nice (huge backstage area), but the theater is very small (only seats about 200). They do anywhere between 8-12 productions a year, which is a lot for a small school. The degree is a B.F.A. and they have the usual theater and dance requirements. The nice thing, I thought, was that they require private voice every semester all 4 years as well as keyboard and theory classes. However, they do not require an audtion. I'm not really sure if that's a good or bad thing, but they reserve the right to ask people to switch majors if they aren't ever going to make it anywhere. I'd definetely seriously consider it for a safety school if not anything else. I just thought I'd share my experience with you all. Thanks!

By Leia (Leia) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:02 am: Edit

Marcie,

I'm sorry if you've already said this multiple times, but what did your daughter decide on college wise?

By Marcie (Marcie) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:36 am: Edit

Hi Leia, I haven't posted anywhere else about my daughter's plans. She was not accepted into any of the musical theatre programs she auditioned for, which may be of interest to those who follow this thread. The competition is fierce and there are so many kids (especially girls!) all trying for the same few spots. She auditioned at Carnegie Mellon, Florida State (recruited by dean of theatre school), University of Northern Colorado, and Otterbein in Ohio. She decided not to audition for NYU, Leia, because we just couldn't afford it. (We couldn't afford CMU either, so it is just as well she didn't get in there.) Cost was a big factor for us in this whole process.

She was accepted into the theatre arts major at University of Northern Colorado, and we are happy with that choice. They had 800 audition for theatre (20 accepted) and 1,000 audition for musical theatre (17 accepted). We saw a play there when she auditioned which was superb, and there are many other factors that made this program desirable. (Cost, distance, size of college, summer theatre.) It is a BA program, not BFA, which she prefers so she can continue to study French and take other liberal arts classes. She can still participate in musicals and take many of the musical theatre classes and the same dance classes as musical theatre majors, but will have to arrange for private voice study and we will have to pay for that.

She is a strong dancer, a good singer (three years of private voice and the lead in her school's musical this spring), but best at acting, so maybe this program and a focus on acting will be best for her. She attends a large public high school with a very competitive theatre program and kids usually don't have leads there until they are seniors. I think this may have been a drawback in her applications, as she hadn't already had leads in musicals before applying to college.

Thanks for your information and encouragement about NYU, Leia (on another thread). I hope you will have a great time at NYU. Maybe my daughter can go to grad school there!

By Malloryr (Malloryr) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:02 pm: Edit

Does anyone know anything about Belmont University's MT program????

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 09:54 am: Edit

Dear Lamw and Cbs57 - thank you for your information on the CMU and Syr summer programs. I think we are tilting more strongly to CMU at this point. I think it may better prepare her for the audition process, although Syr has been very inviting to her (scholarship), and she may have a better shot at it for undergrad admmissions. We will be going to both of those places next week for a final look. Lamw - Sarah may have some more specific questions of your son later!

I have been learning a good deal on this site, and I thank everyone's information as we launch on this process.
Some more questions:
1. What do people think about the Steinhardt program AT NYU? My daughter is a very strong vocalist (has won some prestigious awards), a strong actor, and a moderate dancer. The training is music based for sure, but is the acting and dance preparation strong?
2. I see many postings on Wagner, however when we have investigated it - it seems that there is no MT program. Are we incorrect?
3. Any knowledge on U of Miami? I understand that there are two MT programs - one from drama and another thru music
4. Any knowledge on Muhlenberg?
5. Finally, two North Carolina schools have caught our eye - Elon and Catawba. Anybody know anything about these?

Thanks in advance to everyone who may respond.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 10:07 am: Edit

Sarahsmom,

I'm not completely sure, but I think the degree at Wagner is a theatre degree with music, not musical theatre. I am going for a visit there on Wednesday, so I can give you more info after that if you're still interested!

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 11:17 am: Edit

Hey everyone,
I want to thank you all on all the info provided for me. I'm becoming less and less impressed with Hartt because I still haven't gotten my admissions package in the mail although I keep receiving e-mails that its on its way. They've been very difficult to deal with but they have a lot of things going for them (like a showcase) that Emerson doesn't.
Someone responded to me in a post asking why I would reaudition if I didn't get in the first time. The simple answer is that I only auditioned for four schools: the afforementioned two and Ithaca and Boston Conservatory, because I didn't know of any others. And my Boston audition was •••• (plus I really didn't choose a good ballad to sing in the first place). If I were to readution in the spring which I still might) then I'd audition at a bunch of other places too.
I have one question that I've been trying to get answered and people have been neatly avoiding (or not seeing it to begin with) that's really important to me. Based on Cbs57 and Mtdad's earlier comments that CMU, CCM and FSu are some of the best programs in the country, I'm sure that people know what most musical theatre schools reputations are. Could somebody PLEASE tell me where Emerson and Hartt rate in terms of reputation? This isn't a huge factor for me but I really NEED to know before I invest myself in a school. Please, let me know if they are considered (among the general people) to be good musical theatre programs or not. (Don't worry, I can brave bad news. I'm a big boy
Thanks again, everyone.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 01:25 pm: Edit

From what I've heard, both Emerson and Hartt have very good MT reputations, with the Emerson being especially well regarded.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 01:36 pm: Edit

From the collge counselors on the Collegeview Webiste:

Choosing the Best School for Musical Theater


[I want to study musical theater but want to study at a conservatory or a school of music/liberal arts. I am not looking for the full college experience really, just a strong school where the focus is on my craft not my academic grades. Where are some good schools on the northerneast coast i.e. Virginia, New York, Boston, etc? I want to be Broadway bound so the closer the better. Thank you kindly.]

More power to you! A challenging field to break into but very rewarding! All the schools that I know of require some academic acumen. You should look for a BFA degree. I have put together a great list of schools on the east coast. Check out each school through the CollegeView search.

In no order: Carnegie Mellon University, Emerson College, Ithaca College, New World School of the Arts, New York University - Tish School, Syracuse University, The University of the Arts, James Madison University, SUNY Potsdam, University of Hartford - Hartt School of Music, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NY (www.aada.org).

Good Luck.

--Heather Sano

From cbs57:
Hartt and Emerson are two of the best, but neither of them require you to be a triple threat to be accepted.

The two schools have major differences. Emerson is more academic and has higher academic standards to get in and Hartt is a conservatory style program.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 01:53 pm: Edit

Sarahsmom,

Everyone I know in New York feels that the Steinhardt undergraduate program is much better than the Tisch program for musical theater.

I live very close to Muhlenberg and my daughter has taken acting and dance classes there. They are a BA program and it is a very good college. The acting and dance instruction is very good. Vocally they are weak.

My daughter has friends that are attending or have graduated from Elon and Catawba. They are all very talented and seem to really like the schools. I would definitly check them out.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 08:22 pm: Edit

Hi! Maybe this is a stupid question, but humor me for a few minutes. All of the good MT programs I have looked at seem to be accepting only belters and I am not a belter. Does this play a huge role in acceptance? I'm not sure, but I would really appreciate any insight on the subject. Thanks!!

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 10:41 pm: Edit

Aspiringsinger4,

That's certainly not a stupid question; it's vital to you and hence of real importance. When you say you are not a belter does that mean you don't have tremendous volume or your voice lacks the "belt" quality? Hopefully it's a question of volume because virtually all shows are miked and it's the job of the sound engineer to make you heard (the days of needing to project the house are long gone). This will taken into account by the folks at the audition, so it should not be a big problem. Yes, someone who has a naturally powerful voice may have a slight edge in being able to emote without the benefit of electroninc amplification, but those without that gift are not really at a huge disadvantage. However, it's probably a different story if the emotional quality of the "belt" is just not there. If that's the situation you are most likely at a vocal disadvantage. If that is the case I hope you are a truly phenominal actor/dancer which might help offset the vocal limitations. Take heart though, you are doing just the right thing being honest with yourself about your vocal instrument and looking to see how to maximize its theatrical application. I wish you all the best.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 10:57 pm: Edit

MTDad,

What I meant was my voice does not really have the "belt" quality (at least that is what my voice teacher told me). I never have a problem with volume- I am always one of the loudest ones, but I am what some people call the "highlight soprano". I realize that many shows do not call for this style of voice and that's why I was worried. However, what confuses me is that at a master class that I recently went to at Ithaca College (for classical voice) the professer told me that I have a belting sound in my classical singing, probably from doing so many shows. So maybe I am a belter- I'm not sure. It seems that when I sing in the alto range I can belt, but once it gets up higher, I become a "highlight soprano" once again. Its very frustrating! But thank you for your help.

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Aspiringsinger4,

Then it really sounds like you don't need to worry about this one. The truly important thing is to sell the song. In MT this requires infusing the song with the emotional content to make it work on stage. True, this is somewhat different from what is required for classical voice, but it sounds like your classical instructors sense this in your singing. Can you pull tears from the house in the soprano range, or is your instrument too "sweet" for that? Again, that's not at all fatal, but if so it probably means the newer, grittier shows just won't be in your future. So what, there are plenty of revivals out there.

By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 08:49 am: Edit

Somewhere awhile back someone said there was another good MT thread at princetonreview.com. Supposed to go to discussion groups, Parents Forum, but I'm unable to find either at that site. Any help anyone? By the way, this is my first post although I've been following this board for about a month. So helpful! Thanks everyone. My junior daughter is going to CMU's MT summer program (so excited!!). Anyone else's kids going?

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 10:53 am: Edit

Dear Theatermom- My daughter (a junior) is also likely going to CMU this summer - she will be visiting next week and deciding betw. CMU and Syracuse - but I am pretty certain CMU will get the nod. She was initially disappointed because she wanted to do the NYU (Tisch) program - they had nearly 700 applicants for few slots, and did not get in. But I think she is getting more excited about this now. Off to visit colleges next week....

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 10:57 am: Edit

CBS57- thanks for your info. Re: Tisch vs Steinhardt - I have heard that the vocal training @ Steinhardt is much better (understandable being a music school), however I have little info on the strength of the acting/drama program. Do you have more specific info on Steinhardt?

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 09:10 pm: Edit

Sarahsmom,

About Catawba: From The Princeton Review's Guide to Performing Arts Programs by Carole J. Everett

"The theater arts program at Catawba College is unique. The facilities, faculty, courses offered, degrees offered, productions realized, reputation, etc make it one of the strongest undergraduate programs in the nation. One hundred percent of its graduates each yuear either work professionally or go to graduate school. All of this in a small liberal arts college. Theater is considered at Catawba to be a premiere major. The theater program has been honored by the North Carolina Theater Conference. It is a yearly finalaist in the State American College THeater Festival, which it has hosted for the past eight years. It has had regional finalists at the Regional American College Theater Festival 3 out of the last 6 years. Its playwrights, directors, actors, etc. yearly achieve recognition from the regional competition. No other college in the southeast can boast of these accomplishments."

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 09:20 pm: Edit

Sarashsmom,

About NYU, I don't know anyone that has actually attended Steinhardt, but from the people I know in the theater community in NY, Steinhardt has the better reputation. One of my daughter's dance teachers from high school also agrees with that, and she teaches at Steinhardt. She is an excellent dance teacher!

I believe in the Performing Arts Major's College Guide, 3rd ed., by Carole J. Everett, they recommend Steinhardt for the undergraduate degree and recommend Tisch for graduate work only. I lent this book out so I don't have it to check at the moment, but I'm pretty sure that is what it said.

By Leia (Leia) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 12:46 am: Edit

Thanks for the update Marcie. Your daughter's choice sounds right on target for what you guys were looking for in a college. I totally understand on the finance end...we're still wondering how to pay for it all..and pulling many hairs over the financial "aid" packet from NYU.

I'm so happy you're all set now though! I hope your daughter has a great time in Colorado. What play is her high school doing and what role is she?

Best of luck,

~Leia

By Marcie (Marcie) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 12:21 pm: Edit

My daughter's high school is doing Bye Bye Birdie this year, which is a good choice for a happy musical to end her high school years on a cheerful note. She has the part of Rose, the female lead. She had tryouts and got this part in the midst of getting rejections from the musical theatre programs...which was a strange experience. But I guess it shows how competitive the musical theatre world--even at the college level--really is.

Early in our college search I emailed a theatre professor acquaintance to ask about musical theatre programs. He recommended that my daughter not major in musical theatre, but in acting, taking voice and dance classes as part of her program. He thought this is better preparation for entering the world of theatre as a whole, not just musical theatre. He also recommended she attend a smaller college with a strong theatre program and no graduate program. Strangely, this is exactly how everything has worked out. Maybe this is one of those "meant to be" things.

By Marcie (Marcie) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 12:25 pm: Edit

Leia, I tried to email you separately but your email isn't listed. Thanks for remembering our quest and asking about my daughter. Best of luck to you at NYU. I hope it is everything you hope for and that the finances all work out well for you.
Marcie

By Intheshow (Intheshow) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 01:36 pm: Edit

Well, I've just spent a couple of hours reading through alot of the above posts. Great information, lots of insight, some schools mentioned repeatedly, etc. I am amazed at what is out there....the choices are mind boggling. Good luck to all those "NEW" MT students headed off in the Fall. My questions and comments: Does anyone know of any Christian, or conservative schools that offer a viable/quality program in Theater or Musical Theater? No one has mentioned any thus far, and we are having a hard time coming up with any. Is my daughter,(who is graduating next month...and applying for schools for the 2004..spring or fall.. semesters), better off going to a "secular" , public University, or Conservatory, to get her training and education?
One comment also. I feel that a LOT of real 'training' is acquired in actually being IN a play and performing...the HANDS ON approach to training. Someone who is "born" with an natural ability can often just go into the "real world of theater", starting small, local community, and working up if desiring to Off Broadway, and then Broadway. Books, classes, training, techniques, can often "mess up" a good thing. Just how important, or necessary is it for parents and students to spend $20,000 to $30,000 a YEAR on an "education" that they could get "in the trenches" for virtually only their time commitment, along with some well invested money on private voice lessons, or dance lessons to tweak the weak areas, and develop their NATURAL ability? Seems like a LOT of traveling, money, loss of job hours, and school hours, just to try to even be accepted, and with the ratio of those auditioning to those acutally GOING so incredibly small, is it worth it? Just a thought. Most "Higher Education" is highly over-rated. What you pay for is not equal to what you get these days. "ON the JOB TRAINING" is almost ALWAYS a faster, cheaper, and more REAL approach to any career. Now that I've alienated all the University seekers, hope to hear from someone on their feelings on the above questions and comments.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 04:16 pm: Edit

Intheshow,

I don't know of any christian or conservative schools for music theater on the east coast. But you might want to look at Millikin University in Illinois. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, and I would imagine is more conservative than most on the east coast simply because of it's location. My daughter has heard some very good things about the university and their musical theater program and I know they do a New York showcase.

I agree with you that "a LOT of real 'training' is acquired in actually being IN a play and performing" but not that college is highly over-rated.

It certainly is possible to live in New York and get the same training or maybe better training as you would receive in college, but I believe a college education is invaluable. Their are also a number of two year conservatory programs in New York. But if you are interested in your daughter attending a conservative school it's not likely you would want her to do that.

One thing you will find however, is that this is an incredibly competitive field and if your daughter is to succeed she will need to continue to train her whole life.

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 10:38 pm: Edit

Dear Intheshow,
You might look into Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Carole J. Everett in her "The Performing Arts Major's College Guide" lists Catholic as one of the most highly recommended undergraduate drama programs and recommends it for musical theatre. Catholic's BFA program is heavier in music courses than many and is light on acting courses. You can check it out at www.cua.edu or at http://music.cua.edu

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 09:49 am: Edit

Hey everybody,

Just an update. Today I've made it official. After narrowing the college search down to 3 --- Syracuse, Northwestern, and Emerson --- doing a lot of research, visiting, and taking a lot of factors into account, I've sent my deposit out today. I'll be attending Emerson College as a BFA musical theatre major in the Fall of 2003. I felt it had the right size, location, quality program, and value for the money. (Princeton Review just rated Emerson number 1 for best college theatre over NYU, Wesleyan, Northwestern, and Yale). I wish everyone luck in trying to make your decisions before the dreaded May 1 deadline!

Scott

By Alanz (Alanz) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 01:08 pm: Edit

Scott,

For the last six months I've been chanting "one way or another, we'll know by May 1"

Nice to have this milestone finally come and go.

Repeat after me, a new mantra...

"large pizza... large pizza"

By Pepper (Pepper) on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 01:40 pm: Edit

Alanz and Scott,

I know you just visited Syracuse. Could you give me your impressions of their program in comparison to Emerson which you have chosen to attend?

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 07:24 pm: Edit

Pepper,

Syracuse University's musical theatre program, I felt was very very good. The theatre department handled itself very professionally; I was able to sit in on the culminating scenes of a freshman BFA acting class and I was very impressed. The facilities seem nice. Although you cant perform your freshman year, they own their own equity theatre, with professional productions happening all the time. Students can usually be cast as understudies in these productions.

I dont know, I just felt that Emerson was a better fit for me. On a good day, the city of Syracuse is not Boston. It snows so much there (not to be picky and superficial). I'd prefer a school that has 3500 students and not 35000. It's all a matter of preference and what fits for you. I believe that I would do very well at both Syracuse and Emerson --- but Emerson just feels better to me.

What schools are you having to choose between?

Hope this helps.

Scott

By Alanz (Alanz) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 07:39 pm: Edit

Syracuse's facilities and faculty are first rate, as are Emerson's. Emerson is opening their new 6 story theater building this fall, so Scott will be the first class to use it. All indications are that it will be a really fine facility.

Syracuse students have the opportunity to study in London via an arrangement with the new Globe theater. Emerson students can study at the "castle" in The Netherlands.. 4 days intensive per week, then 3 days off with a EurRail pass (a very very cool program)

I felt that Emerson's honors program was better integrated into the Musical Theater program than was the case at Syracuse.

I agree with Scott, that he'd get a very fine education at either school. Both schools are trying to turn out smart actors.

However, I think he'll get a more eclectic and memorable experience at Emerson... that was the deciding factor.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 08:34 pm: Edit

Sarahsmom,

I just returned from my visit to Wagner and I'll tell you everything I know right now. The degree is actually a B.A. in theatre, but I'm not quite sure why they don't just call it musical theatre. All majors are required to take dance and voice classes as well as the regular theatre. Even the audition is musical theatre- 1 monologue, 2 songs, and a dance class. All but one of their Main Stage shows are musicals- I think the admissions counselor said they do 5 main stage and many black box productions. I saw THE WIZ while I was there and I know some people have said that they were not impressed with the school, but I was very impressed and thought it was very professionally done. I hope that was of some help!

By Pepper (Pepper) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 10:00 pm: Edit

Dear Scott and Alanz,

Thank you for your input about Syracuse.

I've been reading this web site the past month and talking to other people and didn't realize that I hadn't said anything about ourselves before jumping into the questions. My daughter was accepted to the musical theater programs at NYU's Tisch School, Boston Conservatory, Hartt, and Syracuse. She just made her final decision a couple of days ago. She's decided to go to Syracuse. That's why I was curious about your impressions of the school. Both NYU and Boston did not give her enough scholarship to enable her to go there--way beyond our financial means and I don't think she felt like either of those schools were a good fit for her though she loved both cities. We both really liked the program and the faculty at Syracuse, which was her second choice. She was intrigued with Hartt, but we were unable to visit due to her hectic schedule and did not want to decide on a school sight unseen. Hartt would also have been a stretch for us financially even with the good scholarship she was offered. Syracuse gave her the best scholarship and financial aid offer as well as inviting her to join their Honors Program. She's very happy with her decision and I think she will thrive in what sounds like a very nurturing, supportive program. We are all soooo glad that this search process is over!! Good luck to everyone out there!!

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 03:09 am: Edit

Syracuse is one of my top choices also. At first I didn't pay them much mind but the more research I did, I discovered that their program is one of the more all-inclusive ones. They really offer a well rounded program and provide plentiful training, as well. Meaning that exploring all of the aspects of musical theater doesn't mean you have to undermine the core aspects.

P.S. From what I have heard from NYU atendees (Lee Strasberg) you are not allowed to audition for any productions your first year, but instead work in light/sound/costumes, etc.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 09:07 am: Edit

MTKID,

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but Syracuse, or at least the did a few years ago, also does not let their freshman be in any productions the first year. Maybe they've changed their policy though.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 09:07 am: Edit

MTKID,

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but Syracuse, or at least the did a few years ago, also does not let their freshman be in any productions the first year. Maybe they've changed their policy though.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 10:37 am: Edit

You are correct, Syracuse considers the freshman year to be a non-performance year.

They want you to get your acting, academics and school life under control without the additional stress of rehearsals, etc.

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:52 pm: Edit

Dear Alanz, Scott, and Yaz42,
Maybe you can answer a few questions about Emerson for me. The school seems to be getting quite a bit of buzz on this site lately. My daughter and I had researched Emerson's web site earlier this year and still had quite a few questions. In February she e-mailed Emerson asking for a matriculation guide for the BFA in musical theater and for more detailed information about the dance requirement. A student ambassador responded. (He did not send her the course requirements for the degree or answer any of her questions regarding how many hours in dance are required, how many dance levels are offered, and whether or not advanced dancers can bypass beginning level dance courses.) He told her that "it is important to note that our program is not a professional training program, but a pre-professional program. Students exit from our theatre courses knowing a lot about themselves and how to apply their work, but are not always considered a finished product." After receiving this response my daughter and I scratched Emerson from our list of schools to consider. However, after reading all of the positive things people have been posting on this site I'm wondering if we should reconsider. I've looked again at Emerson's web site. It has been updated since I last looked at it. I have a better idea now about what the degree requirements are, though I still don't have much of a sense of what the dance training will be like. I'm also unsure about the vocal training. When I first researched Emerson's site it looked as though BFA students could only take 4 to 8 hours of applied voice, and possibly only during the first two years of study. (In fact I printed this information directly from the web site - I'm looking at it right now.) Do you have any information about either the dance or the vocal training? Any information / insights you have would be most appreciated.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:30 pm: Edit

DancersMom,

Emerson is not a conservatory... and that's one of the things we liked about it.

I've heard it put this way "Conservatories train, Colleges educate"

For our son, a college was clearly the better choice, as he's a fine academic.

If I'm not mistaken a MT BFA takes voice throughout the 4 years.

I don't recall how much dance, but I'm sure it is sufficient. This is especially true because student can take dance or other performance courses through the "consortium" which encompasses several surrounding schools.. all included in the basic Emerson tuition.

As I mentioned in an earlier message, Emerson wants to turn out smart actors... not cookie cutter professionals. They realize that a well rounded individual will be able to apply the skills taught at the college to the acting profession, or to other endeavors that a graduate might attempt.

Let's face it... putting all one's eggs in the Musical Theater basket is arguably a rather risky thing to do. So education and flexibility is a key component to getting value out of any four year program.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:33 pm: Edit

One more thing, most musical theater programs can be thought of as an acting major, with minors in voice and dance.

This appears to be Emerson's approach... voice second to acting, with dance a little further out as third.

The reason I mention this is because of your "DancersMom" name. I don't know if any of the schools for MT have dance as a main focus, because it's about preparing actors for the stage.

I think MT BFA is one of the more difficult and demanding courses of study. Long hours, lots of prep time, and rarely a financial reward at the end of the tunnel.

Still... passion is passion

Also, just to keep it clear, Scott is YAZ_42, our older son.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:40 pm: Edit

Pepper,

Based on the schools that you mentioned for your daughter, I'd have chosen Syracuse too (that would have been a pretty easy decision for me).

As I mentioned earlier, I'm not a big fan of conservatories, but they are worth considering.

So congratulations on the decision, your daughter will have a great time there, and I have nothing but respect for the MT program and the faculty at the school.

By Pepper (Pepper) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:26 pm: Edit

Alanz,

Thanks. I don't think she could have gone wrong with any of those schools or a lot of the others mentioned above. They all sound like they have great programs--just depends on which each individual feels is a good fit for them. We hadn't heard anything about Emerson, so she didn't apply there, but it sounds great and Boston looks like a great place to live!

Mtkid,

You're right about NYU. They told us that the first year is a non-performance year. They want the freshmen to concentrate on learning the acting skills necessary to be in a production. And the same with Syracuse as Alanz has mentioned above. But the kids get to work on the productions behind the scenes.

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 10:39 am: Edit

We have just returned from 4 days on the road and have seen Syracuse, CMU, U of Arts,and Muhlenberg (to see the difference betw. theatre/MT training in a small liberal arts school that prides itself in theatre). Sarah was also deciding on summer pre-college (Syr vs CMU) and chose CMU. Syr looked good, but even the dept chair at Syr told us that CMU program was better for the summer - much more intense.

As for the undergrad programs. We were impressed with Syr: comprehensive training, good triple threat, excellent facilities with good opportunity to work in the equity theatre of Syracuse Stage and get equity points. We also were impressed with the warmth of the dept - supportive students and teachers. Murphy, the secretary is like a warm mother who looks after everyone. You cant do performance during the first year, however you have many good experiences thereafter. BFA but not conservatory, so you have about 8-10 other courses to take to round out your education. Syracuse is not a great city, but the campus is certainly a good college experience. The showcase to NY however only brings about half of its students, which is a concern if you dont get in.

CMU: awesome and top shelf. Fantastic complex with TV studio training area as well as a range of stage performance areas. We sat on an acting class, and saw a show and they were both first rate. This is an intense conservatory, and you will not take anything other than acting, voice, and dance, and other theatre courses (tech, design, costume design, etc). You do not perform for 2 years and focus on process and building your craft. However, by the time you get on stage you are fine. Senior Showcase for all to NY and LA. My daughter was clearly moved by the training, the CMU reputation looks well-earned, however she had a strong reaction about the super intense nature of the campus (intense science/engineering students, equally intense theatre students - few smiles), and was a bit turned off by that. People should consider that school if they are interested in immersing themselves in such an intense environment.

U of Arts - nicely located in the theatre section of Philadelphia, seems to have the good requisite training courses, has liberal arts classes slated for artists. We were unable to see the performance areas on the tour, the rehearsal spaces were adequate. It felt like Emerson - size and city campus, but Emerson seems more polished, stronger faculty and students, better performance spaces, stronger academics,and better sense of a cohesive college experience.

Muhlenberg - a beautiful liberal arts school, with excellent faculty:student ratio and cohesive student body. Beautiful theatre pavilion, good theatre/voice/dance classes, but the performance was underwhelming and far from the quality we saw at CMU (although some of the students were rather good). If you want theatre training as part of an overall liberal arts school, this would be a good pick - and you can get a lot of attention from professors. You would likely need to go on to an MFA program from here if you still want performance. There have been some of their grads who did land on BDWY, and about 25% continue with performance carreers.

Any information on Elon or U of Miami from anyone?

By Sarahsmom (Sarahsmom) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 05:04 pm: Edit

Dear intheshow: If you are interested in a Christian college with a strong theatre/MT program consider Catawba in North Carolina. I dont know if it is affiliated, however there is a very strong Christian bent and plenty of associated clubs. It is a highly rated program and a small school. Catholic Univ (Washington DC) is also well rated.

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 04:43 am: Edit

Does anyone know if it is allowed to audition for both Tisch and Steinhardt? Meaning, apply to NYU, and audition independently for each program.

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 12:55 pm: Edit

Dear Alanz,
Thanks for your feedback. I do realize that MT is about training singing actors for the stage. It is true that no MT program has dance as its main focus, but some programs do emphasize dance skill more than others. My daughter has been dancing since age 5 and is at a professional level right now (she is a high school junior). She'll be dancing in Paramount Kings Island's two main stage productions this summer. She is also a very fine actor and singer. She does not want to major in dance because she feels it would limit her to chorus roles only. We believe that she needs to train as a triple threat.

We visited Carnegie Mellon, Point Park, and the University of Michigan during spring break. At CMU one of the classes we visited was the year 4 dance class. It was at a very elementary level. The dance teacher (a Ben Vereen look-alike) spoke to us at length. He told us that each dance class (there is one for each of the four years of study) is offered at level A and at level B. At first he told my daughter that even experienced dancers can use a little tweaking and that he would be observing her carefully in class to fine-tune her skills. Later, after he found out more about her dance background, he told her that she probably wouldn't get anything out of the CMU dance classes. He assured her that she would not lose her skills while in college. He suggested that if she didn't have to work during the summers she should go to New York or Chicago to take intensive workshops. He was very nice and sympathetic. He told us that he had only been on the CMU faculty for 2 years and felt he was pretty objective about their program. He, and everyone else we spoke to at CMU, said that the primary focus at CMU is the acting training. We knew this before visiting. It is one of the reasons that CMU had been my daughter's top choice school. However, after visiting and seeing first hand that there would be no dance training available to her, her personal ranking of CMU has gone down.

Luckily, her visit to Michigan ended on a much happier note. She observed tap, ballet, and jazz dance classes in addition to acting classes, a MT workshop class, and a lecture by three UM alums. She felt that some of the dance classes (most of which are offered at 4 levels) were close to her current skill levels. She liked all of the faculty that she met including the department chair. We saw a production of "Oklahoma" which was very well done and a symphony concert which featured one of the MT seniors. After hearing this young woman sing my daughter exclaimed that she was sold on UM. She feels that she would get excellent training as a singer and as an actor and still be able to maintain her dance skills. She recognized an acquaintance of hers from 5 years back in "Oklahoma". The two of them had been in a tap dance production of "Little Red Riding Hood" when she was in the 6th grade and he was in the 10th grade. The choreographer created a big tap number in "Oklahoma" to showcase his dance skill. We saw this as a sign that the skilled dancers in their program don't get ignored. David told us that he believed that Emily wouldn't improve as a dancer at UM, but she would be able to maintain her skills and emerge as a very strong singer and actor. That is what Emily is looking for and it is difficult to find.

I am grateful to all of you who are posting on this site. Everyone has different insights and experiences to share and I appreciate reading them all. We are not going to be able to take Emily on any more college visits this spring because of school and Kings Island obligations. She is going to have to do her auditioning and visiting at the same time. That makes all of your posts that much more valuable to me. A kid can only schedule so many auditions and I'm still trying to help her pare down her list.

P.S. For your information, CMU has a no cut policy. They take 5 boys and 5 girls into the MT program each year. The policy was instituted about 2 years ago. The head of the acting division told us that she and the other faculty members felt that they needed to make a committment to train the students that they admitted and that it was unfair to cut people from the program since not everyone progresses at the same rate.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 11:01 pm: Edit

Mtkid,

As per the NYU application:

"You may apply to only one NYU school/college and should indicate your intended area of study within that school/college."

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 11:01 pm: Edit

Mtkid,

As per the NYU application:

"You may apply to only one NYU school/college and should indicate your intended area of study within that school/college."

By Mtmom (Mtmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:57 am: Edit

Does anyone know anything about Shenandoah Conservatory it is a school in Shenandoah University We desperately need info as a decision btween there and Boston Covservatory must be made

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 04:19 pm: Edit

Dear MT Mom,
I hope the following helps. In my opinion, Shenandoah is much more heavily weighted toward music courses than Boston.

Students at Shenandoah take:
3 semesters of ear training
2 semesters of sight singing
4 semesters of music theory
4 semesters of piano
1 semester of keyboard harmony
2 semesters of lyric diction
1 semester of intro to music literature
8 semesters of vocal ensemble
8 semesters of voice

Students at Boston take:
2 semesters of ear training
4 semesters of music lab
2 semesters of piano
8 semesters of voice

Boston seems to me to have a heavier emphasis on drama. Students there take:
8 semesters of speech
2 semesters of movement
8 semesters of acting
8 semesters of musical theatre (ensemble singing, MT repertoire, solo singining/acting, scene work, styles, and preparing for the profession)
2 semesters of modern drama
2 semesters of Shakespeare
2 semesters of intro to professional theatre

Shenandoah students take:
1 semester of vocal production
1 semester of accents/dialects
2 semesters of acting
6 semesters of scene study
1 semester of theatre games
2 semesters of improvisation

There are additional drama courses that I did not list because the requirements at both schools are the same. Shenandoah requires 122 hours out of a total of 134 to be in the major (91%). Boston requires 122 out of 140 to be in the major (87%). I have heard good things about both schools, but I have heard that Boston is considered to have one of the top 3 MT programs in the nation. My kid and I like the emphasis on drama at Boston. Remember, your son or daughter has to feel comfortable in whichever program you choose, reputation shouldn't be the only consideration. Also, think about which area is your child's strongest and which is the weakest. Does he/she want to play to a strength or to a weakness? For example,if you choose a school that emphasizes singing over acting, both strong and weak singers will come out stronger, but if your child is weak in acting the school may not provide enough classroom time to help get the acting skills up to par. Good luck with your decision. I hope some others on this site can help you.

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 07:17 pm: Edit

Hi everyone:
Ok, well just an update and hoping to recieve people's opinions. When I called Emerson to ask them if I could defer admission I found out that I only could if I don't go to school next year, anywhere in any major. So right now I'm trying to decide between Emerson, taking a year off and Hartford, which is running a distant third since my interactions with them have been strained and I haven't heard any info from anyone else, either negative or positive (espeially in comparisson to Emerson)
I was sorta of leaning towards going to musical theatre when my mom heard from a friend of hers at New England Conservatory that Scott Wheeler, head of musical theatre at Emerson, says that if you're looking to be on "broadway" (his quotation marks, not mine) then a conservatory would probably be a better choice. This threw me completely off guard because if the faculty at Emerson isn't trying to mold its musical theatre students to be on broadway, what are they trying to do? I thouroughly understand the academic focus but now I'm forced to wonder at if there's ANY focus on musical theatre. I thought Emerson was supposed to produce well-educated actors, but if their not aiming to place them in a theatre setting, then I'm forced to wonder what the deal is.
So here I am, three days before I have to make my decision, and even further back then I was to begin with. I'm kind of freaking out...

Dancersmom: You say Boston conservatory is one of the top 3 in the country. I'm assuming number two would be CCM. What do you consider to be the third?

By Mtkid (Mtkid) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 07:21 pm: Edit

Wow! Only 2 semester of acting (studio) at Shenandoah?

Well you should definitely go with what meets your needs best (as Dancersmom said). But I definitely think acting should be emphasized more at Shenandoah.

My personal opinion is that you should go with the Boston Conservatory, yes they are not as stong vocaly, but I would recomend to work with a vocal coach on your own time (regularly and rigorously!). A city like Boston, i'm sure, offers a variety of top-notch vocal coaches.

But again, you really can't rank one thing over an other (which aspect is more important than the other- acting, singing, dancing). In the end, different productions demand different things. The important thing is to challenge yourself, thats the only way to grow as a performer, to exceed your limitations and mentality.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 08:05 pm: Edit

Broadway67,

My take on what the Emerson faculty is saying is that they are both educating you and training you.

Think about this... do you really feel that the only thing you will do between graduation and the time you're ready to retire is perform on Broadway?

If so, then get trained, trained, trained for just that. Also keep in mind that you can probably count such people on your fingers.

However, if you want to be educated, so you can support yourself while you pursue your art (which might be Musical Theater, Dramatic Theater, Film, Television, voiceovers, etc), then a broader program is a better bet.

Some people love conservatories so they can forego higher education... others thrive in the academic environment. Some people never want to take another French class again... others can't wait to take a literature class taught in French.

The entertainment industry is broad and wide... focusing solely (pronounced "limiting yourself to") a Broadway career, is an even larger risk when the skills are narrow.

Twenty-five years ago, I took a course in portrait photography with Phillipe Halsman. He did 101 Life magazine covers... everyone from Einstein, to royalty. His studio was filled with eclectic art and literature. One of the students asked why all the diversity. I'll never forget his answer:

"You can't hope to make interesting photographs unless you yourself are an interesting person"

Depending on who you are, you might consider which educational opportunities will make you the more interesting person... and that will hopefully translate into richer performances.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 08:19 pm: Edit

Broadway67, please check your email

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Broadway67:

As I've posted previously, my daughter is a fresman musical theater student at Hartt. She was looking for a conservatory program on the east coast and felt that BC and Hartt were the two best conservatory programs. We were also not impressed with the admissions office at the University of Hartford. I called them for an entire week before her audtion and they never returned my phone call. But if you are looking for a rigorous conservatory program you will be very happy at Hartt, do not let the admissions office influence your decision on the school. The Hartt school is an excellent program.

I would suggest you email "Tulsaguy" who posted previously on this site. He went to visit Hartt last weekend and is considering going there next year.

By Mtmom (Mtmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:00 pm: Edit

Shenandoah has 6 semesters of scene study which are all acting classes in addition to the 2 semesters of acting classes and 2 semesters of improv. so even though it appears as though they only have 2 acting classes they really have many more.

By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 10:31 pm: Edit

Broadway67,
To be clear, I am not ranking any of the programs, however, I have heard that NYU, the Boston Conservatory, and CCM are the top three. Some of the ranking is due to success in placing graduates in Broadway shows or touring productions. Read MTDad's post from Dec. 3. It's very insightful.

Mtmom,
You are right of course about Shenandoah's acting classes. I assumed everyone reading this site would know that scene study and improv. classes would fall under the heading of acting courses. I still think that Boston requires more drama classes.

Everyone,
Something that I have done for my daughter that I highly recommend is to access the degree requirements for every school that she has been interested in. Sometimes the requirements can be found directly on the MT department web page. Sometimes I have had to access the school's course catalog (on some sites it is called a course book) to get the matriculation guide.

I have been able to get a degree outline on the web for every school my daughter is interested in with the exception of Point Park. We could only get the BA in MT outline on the web. However, we did get the BFA outline when we visited. I assume the BFA degree requirements are not online because students can't apply directly for admission into the BFA program. They have to complete at least a year in the BA program and then re-audition for admittance into the BFA program. School officials told us that about 65% of the BA candidates are accepted into the BFA program. Point Park admits a freshman MT class of 50 into the BA in MT program.

By Lamw (Lamw) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 12:41 pm: Edit

Sarahsmom,
My son is the one who went to CMUs summer MT program last summer. Your daughter will really
love it. Son didn't want to come home. His
first two choices going into college auditions were CMU and Syracuse and he was accepted at Syr and is going there. I did have some reservations
about the vocal part of the training at CMU. I didn't think that they were as strong in that as Syr. The acting training at CMU is absolutely first rate and they do a lot of serious theater
but I think they only do one musical a year. This year it was the bebut performance of "Letters From Nam ".And then I think they changed the name to" The Red Flower" It is a development piece written for them.

We visited the U of Miami and son auditioned there. There are 2 BFA MT programs. One in the music department and one in the theater department. We did not realize this and applied in the theater department. The only difference
is about 4 courses. In the music degree you take
theory and sightsinging, some choral stuff etc.
For the theater BFA you take some additional tech classes. This whole set-up gave me a bad feeling. I could be wrong but I got the impression that there might be some turf warring here. I think usually the two departments in a college get together,form a curriculum involving
both disciplines and either one or both administer it. On the UM website each of the departments web pages does even mention that
a separate musical theater degree is offerd in either music or theater.

Also when we went down to visit (on one of the
days that they have designated as an audition day)
there was no formal presentation. We were able to meet the drama department head because he wandered through the waiting area where my husband and I were parked while son auditioned.
There was no tour,but the secretary did walk us around the couple of hallways that they occupy.
Very small limited facilities. Of course music
was across the campus in a different building and we were told that we would have to make our own arrangements to visit there. There was no one from the music department in the audition with my son. He auditioned for one acting professor.( I should have wondered more about all this when they required all auditionees to bring taped accompianment *and* a tape player
when auditioning on their campus, at their
facility).
We were not able to see their theater because it
was all locked up and " the guy who runs does not come in until afternoon". It is a separate somewhat dated looking building. Not very big.

We went to the admissions presentation which consisted of a campus tour, a question and answer
session with a counselor and a video. This opportunity is offered daily, believe and you just go over and sign up. The campus is beautiful. The dorm that we saw was really awful.
A student we met told us that a great deal of money is spent on the appearance of the campus,including $10,000 per palm tree, that
other items such as housing suffer. He did not seem all that happy there.

We were in Miami for three days. We were not able to meet with the admissions person who handles the BFA candidates on the first day because she was busy. We made an appointment
to meet with her on the day that son was scheduled to audition.(2 days later). This was also one of three days that BFA musical theater candidates are auditioned by the theater dept
for the year, schedule set by them. Two
days later after audition she was again not available because she left early to go to a holiday luncheon(this was mid Dec.)This was on a day when candidates whose admissions are her
area of responsibility have been asked to be on campus. We never met her. I did talk to her on the phone several months later although I had a
terrible time reaching her. I left several messages and did not hear back ,finally I got her and she told me her phone had been broken.
I had to call her because my son recieved a
financial aid package from them but he had not
received an acceptance letter. What's up, I said.
She said she had been out sick for the week before but she felt sure she had sent out his acceptance letter before she got sick. She would check but yes -congratulations- your son has been accepted into the MT program. No thanks.

Also the day son auditioned there was only one other auditionee there and this was one of only three audition dates offered on campus. They do also travel to the various cities as most of them do. I know my son said that UM was at the same regional audition cite that my son went to
in NYC (the Chelsea Theater). So maybe most of their students are found here.We wanted to visit
the campus because we were under the impression that UM was very good and generous with scholarship money. Well, there is no scholarship
money available for BFA MT students who apply
through the theater department but there are
scholarships available through the music department.

I would say if you apply there you should definetlydo so through the music department.
It may be a completely different experience
than ours. We did meet and talk at length with
a senior who was an MT from the music department
and he seemed very happy and said he had a wonderful experience and would choose UM again.
Everyone in the theater department was very nice,
the whole experience was really weird. It was our
first audition and visit and when we got home we checked every other school that he was applying to for any similiar idiocyncracies and called
eveybody and asked a lot more questions. Thankfully UM was not a school that he had his heart set on. I do think he will give it a fleeting thought on some winter days in Syracuse.
In my sons case everything worked out really
well,but I have to say that the past year has,on occasion,had its weird moments.

Anyway if theres anything else I can help you with just let me know. Tell Sarah- have fun at
CMU.

By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 03:06 pm: Edit

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share your experiences with those of us waiting in the wings with next years batch of hopefuls. Here's a question I'd love some feedback about. Is it silly to be concerned about the fact that the top programs all seem to have one of the three disciplines, usually acting, as their top priority? Is it naive to wish that all three disciplines, acting, singing and dance could be weighted equally? My daughter has many years experience as a ballet dancer and a few years of jazz. She has also been discovered to have a wonderful soprano voice, has been taking private voice lessons and her teacher, who works with her on both musical theater technique and classical technique, seems to think she could also be quite successful pursuing a classical music career. And although she has had a reasonable number of stage experiences in school and one professional experience as a younger child (age 12), acting is
probably the area where she has had the least formal training. She is very sure she wants musical theater but she loves to sing most of all and I think she would love to be able to continue to explore her classical music potential. Any suggestions as to how she might be able to do this or any schools that might be more sympathetic to her needs? We're concerned that anything other than "tunnel-vision" focus on musical theater may be perceived as the kind of lack of focus or dedication these top programs seem to be looking for. She's been accepted into the CMU summer program in musical theater and I'll be interested to see how they work with her and what advice they give her at the conclusion of the program.
Any insights or advice at all would be most appreciated. Thanks!

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 03:55 pm: Edit

Theatermom,

Your daughter sounds a lot like me! I study voice privately at Eastman School of Music and my teacher there is not very into the idea of me majoring in musical theater because the style of vocal training is often very different. Of the schools I've looked at so far, Baldwin-Wallace seems to have the best combo of classical and MT training (I know its not the only one, just of the schools I've seen). I talked to the director of the conservatory admissions for a while and she said the stress technique a lot- they want to make sure their singers can sing classically as well as MT. The MT students are in operas as well as musicals. Your junior recital must be either part or all classical and then your senior recital can be all MT. Since I really enjoy both styles of music, I thought that sounded like a good balance. ALl of the other colleges seem to be strictly (or at least mostly) theater singing with not so much classical.

There are a lot of people going to CMU this summer! I was all ready to send in my application to Syracuse Summer Program when I was accepted to the NEW YORK STATE SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SCHOOL OF CHORAL STUDIES. I kind of wish I was going to a MT camp now, but this was so much cheaper (almost $4,000 less) and it will help with my classical training a lot, which will hopefully also help with my MT singing! Good luck to everyone going away in the next few months!

By Mtmom (Mtmom) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Yes Boston seems to have a stronger emphasis on the stage performance and acting, however I am inclined to think my daughter's strength is her voice and if she really works on her vocal musical skills, she can only go from excellent to fantastic! I think that will be her selling point when she is through.I hope she can get acting classes after college if she requires more experience. I wish that Shenandoah didnt have so many theory classes. Although she does have an additional goal of composing so maybe thats a good thing for her. Thanks for your input Dancersmom!

By Nancylee (Nancylee) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 01:21 am: Edit

Thought I'd add my suggestions from all the work I've done looking at musical theater schools with my son.

We were really impressed with University Of Michigan. We went there for the audition which he felt was very demanding. We liked the faculty we met and the campus looks great. We left with the feeling that they are very selective. I don't know if it was a good feeling. I felt they might be a bit pompus. They did tell us several times they were the top schools in the US. If you are, you don't need to brag. Kevin was not accepted and he was dissapointed.

He wanted to audition for CCM, but after two phone calls in September were not returned within four weeks, I called and was told "We're too busy to return every call from everybody. We're very popular". So much for an attitude. Then I read the above post from the "stagemanager" member and that seemed to sum up the attitude CCM has. Kevin never auditioned there and lost interest in them cause of their unprofessional manner.

Kevin went and auditioned for NYU's Tisch program and was accepted. We liked the faculty and they seemed very interested in him as an artist. We got to view some of a dance class which was more for "movers" than dancers. We did get to see a student show and there were some good performers but no one really stood out. Kevin was happy and somehow I guess we'll be paying for it come September!

The school that his father and I really liked was Oklahoma City University. They were the only place that made the audition process very friendly and helpful. They knew Kevin by name and had a student assigned to him during his three auditions (voice, drama and dance). They were the only school where he had to demonstrate his music theory skills (had to sight read something in his vocal audition). Kevin thought the dance audition was the hardest off all the schools..especially tap. However, they only accept 20 students every year and Kevin was not one of them. One student we met said they auditioned two years in a row before they got accepted (good advice for any school). We saw a production of West Side Story that was amazing. Real triple threats. And we liked the liberal arts courses he would have had to take. But alas...not to be!

In the debate of a conservatory versus a BA program, I really think a BA is the best way to go. I forgot who said it but conservatories train and universities educate. The students at U of M and Oklahoma were very mature and knowledgable (my husband got into a political discussion with a MT student at U of M!).

Hope this information helps. Anyone else going to NYU?

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 07:05 am: Edit

Nancylee,

Congratulations on your son's acceptance to NYU. You said: "We got to view some of a dance class which was more for "movers" than dancers."
Was this a CAP21 class or is he going to be in one of the other studios? I was under the impression that you had to be a dancer to get into the CAP21 musical theater studio.

By Yaz42 (Yaz42) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 02:06 pm: Edit

Hey everyone,

Being that the May 1 deadline is but hours away, where have you finally decided to go as musical theatre majors? --- or theatre majors, really.

Here's your time to brag about your new school. Ah, the next four years of our lives, doing what we love. What did you like about your school and what was it about your college/program that made you finally decide?

Scott

Proud future BFA Musical theatre major at Emerson College in Boston

By Wct (Wct) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 02:53 pm: Edit

Son is going to Carnegie Mellon University-CFA acting major. He chose it because he felt the program was in his words "awsome". The curriculum was just what he was looking for and he felt very comfortable with the professors at his audition, (he auditioned for 10 schools). He likes the fact that they train you to be a working actor so it is a very well rounded training, (stage, film, TV, voice over, etc.). You also crew productions your first couple of years and that is great training to have too. He also wanted a school that would have a showcase for students with casting directors and agents on both coasts. He did an alumni interview with a CFA acting graduate and she has been a working actor since graduation,(in the 80's and still has the same agent).
My son made the decision this school year, (he attends a high school arts conservatory program) to concentrate on acting verses musical theater because although he likes musical theater he wants acting to be his main concentration. He was told by industry proffessionals that being a strong actor will give you more versatility in the industry and he is very interested in film acting as well as stage.

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Scott,
I'd just like to thank you for that added reminder when I came here just to reread posts and try to make my decision.
But its ok...no presure, right?
God, exactly 25 and three quarter hours left to get the May first postmark.
I think I might faint...

By Peppat (Peppat) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 05:40 pm: Edit

HI EVERYONE!
I'm going to CCM next year and I can't wait! I was wondering if anyone else reading these posts decided to go there?!?!?

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 07:04 pm: Edit

22 hours left....and I've realized that my decision if simple
College or Conservatory?
And yet, not as simple as it sounds.
Spoke to Scott Wheeler in charge of music at Emerson and was more impressed by him then by what he had to say (and what I've been hearing about the quality of music there)
Then I spoke to Hartt and was more impressed (as I have been through this whole thing) by the program then the woman I spoke to (who she herself admitted I had a difficult decision to make)
And the clock keeps ticking...

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 10:00 pm: Edit

Good Luck Broadway67! I'm glad I still have a year before I have to start dealing with decisions! But both schools are great, so whichever one you chose will be a good pick! How many hours is it now?

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 12:25 am: Edit

Just want to say that I have enjoyed reading all the posts on this thread...though it takes me a long time to load it as it has so many posts! LOL....I come to this website more cause of being a parent of a junior daughter immersed in the college selection process. Though she is very active in the performing arts, she is not planning to go to school for anything related, but hopes to continue these interests in her EC pursuits. However, I keep coming back to this particular thread cause I also have a freshman daughter who is extremely passionate about musical theater and has been since she was in preschool. She has never wavered in her interest. She is quite immersed in this area. While we are not even beginning to think of the college search yet with her, it is apparent she is planning to go to college for musical theater. It has been helpful to hear the first hand accounts of programs and visits auditions on this forum in this area.

I want to offer congrats to all the young men and women (their parents too!) for some very successful admittance stories when the odds are so slim. To NancyLee....good for your son getting admitted to NYU Tisch. Is it into the Cap21 program? Even though my daughter is still young to be dealing with college, I know she is already hoping to go to that school as well. She is aware of programs/colleges in this field due to having many older friends from the past five summers at her theater camp. She has been exposed to this on the young side due to these friendships. She knows about 8 kids currenlty at Tisch either in Cap21 or one of the acting studios. She knows a couple admitted for next year as well. I sure know how HARD it is to get in. I was in NYC with her last week (we live in VT) and she asked to walk around the area where NYU is and I could tell her head was spinning with the thoughts of attending there. Walking down the street, she ran into a current Tisch Cap21 student she knows from camp. Would love to hear how your son likes it when he enters....

By Broadway67 (Broadway67) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 06:06 pm: Edit

It's done...After not being able to sleep the entire night I finally decided...
I'm going to Hartt!!
Such a tough decision but in the end, although I was drawn to Emerson as a school and its far better location up until the last minute, I realised that I wanted the intensive training I would get at Hartt (especially musically, which is essentially what drove me away from Emerson)
And now, I got to sleep...
Hopefully Canda will grant me enough money to actiually make this work (I deferred at Emerson until Fall 2004 in case I have to take a year off to make the money, so who knows where I'll be at this time next year. Ah the never ending saga of a theatre student)
'Night folks

By Idontknow (Idontknow) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 08:07 pm: Edit

Peppat -
I'm going to CCM next year too! Congrats on getting in and I look forward to seeing you there next year. It's so exciting to hear of someone else who's going there!

For everyond else reading...This is my first time visiting this site and I've found it really interesting to read everyone's views on all of these different schools. I would first like to send my advice to those out there who are looking at summer programs for musical theatre... I went to the Carnegie Mellon program last summer and I LOVED it. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The faculty is incredible (most of them work at the school during the year) and they also bring in some amazing faculty members from other schools around the country. The dance at the summer program was great. There were three different levels that you could take from beginning to advanced. I have been taking dance my whole life and I was challenged by the advanced dance classes and found them really enjoyable. There isn't any tap though which was disappointing to me, but the ballet was really a great challenge. If anyone is looking to attend a musical theatre summer program I would say go to Carnegie Mellon. You will have such an amazing time, meet some amazing people and it will make you feel so much more comfortable for all of your college auditions, at least this is what it did for me. If anyone has any questions about the program feel free to ask them because I love sharing about the great experiences that I had there.

By Mussica (Mussica) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 09:51 pm: Edit

Idontknow,
I am going to Carnegie Mellon this summer and I am of course very excited! I've done ballet intensivley since I was 6, (I'm 17 now), and in the last few years have discovered that my true love is singing. (My Mom's username is TheatreMom if you really want to know my limited bio )
Anyway... What I loved the most about the Carnegie program when looking into it, was how they prepare you for auditions. Do they pick songs/monologues etc. for you, or is the process mostly independent? I always get so fickle when it comes to selecting songs/monlogues, that I suppose I'm hoping that the faculty gives a lot of input into it.
Thanks so much, and congrats on going to what looks like such a great school!

By Mussica (Mussica) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 09:52 pm: Edit

Idontknow,
I am going to Carnegie Mellon this summer and I am of course very excited! I've done ballet intensively since I was 6, (I'm 17 now), and in the last few years have discovered that my true love is singing. (My Mom's username is TheatreMom if you really want to know my limited bio )
Anyway... What I loved the most about the Carnegie program when looking into it, was how they prepare you for auditions. Do they pick songs/monologues etc. for you, or is the process mostly independent? I always get so fickle when it comes to selecting songs/monlogues, that I suppose I'm hoping that the faculty gives a lot of input into it.
Thanks so much, and congrats on going to what looks like such a great school!

By Idontknow (Idontknow) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 02:00 am: Edit

Mussica,
Yes, the Carnegie Mellon program will prepare you SO well for your auditions next year if you put a lot into what you do there during the six weeks. There is a very intensive process that comes when picking songs and monologues that you do for your audition at the end of your six weeks. For your songs, you will take group voice classes three times a week and during those classes you will try out different songs and then eventually figure out which ones you want to do for your audition pieces and then your singing teacher will help you make the cuts. At least this is how my experience was when I was there. You get to pick out the songs yourself from the CMU library during your evenings and weekends because your days are pretty full of classes from either 9-6 or 10:30-6. Monologues are sort of the same process, you have to do the initial finding of the monologues and then you'll read them in your audition class and you and the rest of the class will decide on which pieces are best for you. You'll have to come up with one contemporary piece and one classical piece for the auditions at the end. The audition class is so helpful in picking the monologues, when I went to Carnegie Mellon I was freaked out of monologues and now I absolutely love them, no joke. Finding your own material is kind of scary at first, but it ends up being really fun and you learn so much in the process, at least this was what I found. I hope this helps you a little bit, and don't forget to take NUMEROUS fans with you when you go back there because the dorms aren't air-conditioned and it gets HOT. If you have any other questions I'd be glad to answer them, hope this helps you a bit though! Congrats on going to CMU this summer, you'll have a blast! I wish you the best of luck there!

By Kekpo (Kekpo) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 12:17 am: Edit

I have a highly intelligent daughter who is looking at academically competitive colleges, and at the same time, wants to major in musical theater and ultimately try a career in it. She has ACT scores in the mid-30's and is in the top 2% of her high school class. She loved Stanford and Yale, but neither offer a musical theater major or have strong undergrad programs in it. She would consider U of Michigan and Northwestern, but prefers to move out of the midwest. Would it hurt her career chances to go to undergrad at Yale or Stanford? Would it make sense to get a LAS degree from either of those and go to grad school in a conservatory or fine arts program in musical theater? Please advise we've visited many campuses. She loved Stanford and would love to go there if there was a musical theater dept. They offer drama and music as majors. How much would it hurt her chances upon graduation to compete for roles on Broadway? Help!

By Thedad (Thedad) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 12:35 am: Edit

Don't know but good luck. It's close to my daughter wanting academically competitive crossed with access to good ballet. Stanford and Yale are on her list, along with Smith and Barnard.

By Wct (Wct) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 02:37 am: Edit

Kekpo,
How passionate is your daughter about a career in theater? If this is truly her passion training is key and the ability to land a good agent after all the training is necessary. There is a lot of competition out there! How soon after graduation does she want to pursue the real world of theater? There is a lot to consider here. Does she have other academic interests? Seek out all your options. What about NYU, CMU, etc? Hopefully she will be able to visit several schools with different programs before she decides and compare the universities with conservatory based programs, (BFA) to other BA programs. Good luck and happy hunting! I am sure she will find a good fit. The bottom line is she should follow her DREAM!

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 03:14 pm: Edit

Kekpo,

Your daughter is faced with a very tough decision. Make no doubt about it, if she wants to stretch herself academically it will most certainly come at the expense of her MT aspirations. Of course, if she wants to spend the time (and has the money) she could as you indicated take an undergrad degree at someplace like Stanford and then maybe go elsewhere for a more rigorous MT program. However, it is doubtful she would pursue the typical graduate program. More likely, and especially if she both wants and is accepted to a conservatory, she will still be looking at a BFA in MT. Which has the potential downside of a 22 year-old with one degree under her belt finding herself in a class of 18 year-olds (many of whom will be better singers, actors or dancers). Of course all of this is based on the assumption that your daughter really needs/wants the level of training that comes with attending CCM, Boston, CMU or the like. Keep in mind there's absolutely nothing that prevents her from attending say, Stanford, and then giving MT a try . . . . true, straight out of school she won't be as well grounded or as connected as the handful of grads from the top MT schools, but keep in mind that many people have careers who did not pass through these elite MT institutions. Guess in the end it comes down to honestly evaluating desire, obsession, and talent for MT. Has she confronted what she will do if she doesn't succeed at MT? It's an old saw, but if she has an answer to that question she should probably do that instead. Finally, why not test the water in both areas and see what she learns. I'm assuming she is pretty certain she can get into the top flight academic schools, why not also audition for a couple of the elite MT programs as well? If she's accepted she'll really be forced to make a tough choce, but at least she'll know she's got what it takes to draw the attention of the top MT programs . . . . if she gets passed over she does not face the hard choice, but she will also have something of a reality check for her MT aspirations. Whatever happens, I wish her all the best.

By Cbs57 (Cbs57) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 05:55 pm: Edit

Kekpo,

I agree with Mtdad, if your daughter can see herself doing anything else other than musical theater, then she should do that. If wants to be a musical theater performer and still wants a strong academic program she may want to major in theater and take private voice and dance lessons on the side and during the summers.

You mention that she prefers to move out of the midwest, but Northwestern sounds like it would be a perfect program for her. You do not audtion to get in, it is based on your grades, class rank, etc. You start as a theater major and at the end of your freshman or sophmore year you may audition to be a musical theater major.

By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 07:54 pm: Edit

Just a point about Northwestern - you can enter either as a music major (through the School of Music) or as a theater major and audition at the end of your freshman or sophomore year to focus on musical theater, but it is not a major, it is only offered as a minor. What the academic or real world implications of that distinction are I'm not sure. It is just what I was told by the admissions office. I've also heard that they take very few people into MT each year - as few as six and maybe as high as 12-15 and, obviously, no guarantees. One of the benefits of the Northwestern theater program is the very strong connection they maintain with the thriving Chicago theater community.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 09:52 pm: Edit

While we're on the topic of doing things other than musical theatre... I have always wanted to do it and while I could have a back-up plan (I have high grades, 1st in my class), there's nothing else I want to do. Anyways, I'll get to the point. I know some of you have been saying if you don't get accepted to an elite school, then come up with a back-up plan. But if you don't get into a top school, does that just mean you're done and you have no chance of getting anywhere? I know some people can do it without a degree but i know i am not one of those people. So if I don't get into an elite college, should I come up with another plan or go to a less prominent school for MT?

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 12:44 pm: Edit

Aspiringsinger4,

Graduating from an elite school is a help, but certainly not the end of the road. If MT is what you live for then just go for it. Remember, there are probably only 100-200 openings each year in what are generally considered the "top" programs. That's really very, very few spots and means that lots of very talented kids go elsewhere . . . and do just fine. This whole message board is heavily biased towards the handful of programs that inhabit the "top" list (and I'm guilty of promoting that bias), but many, many people go on to rewarding careers without having graduated from the CCM's, Boston's, or CMU's of the world.

By Dance10 (Dance10) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 01:44 pm: Edit

My daughter is a Junior in High School with years of dance experience in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap. Currently she is focusing on Jazz and is a member of a Jazz dance company. She is also a Soprano taking private voice lessons and performing in choirs. She has a quite a few musicals and straight plays on her resume. She has a 4.0 in honors/AP classes and will have good SATs.

Her challenge is finding a college where she can get an education (so not a conservatory), take challenging Jazz classes in addition to Ballet and Modern (we are finding lots of schools with no or weak Jazz) and have the opportunity to perform in musical theatre.

So far we have Northwestern and Columbia/Barnard on our list. Any other suggestions?

By Thedad (Thedad) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 03:52 pm: Edit

Dance Magazine publishes an annual guide to college dance programs. Ours is a couple of years old but we found it a good point of departure...but only that. My daughter's interest is ballet...and a lot of the schools that show as having ballet have only two levels, beginning and intermediate; places like Smith and Barnard/Columbia have six.

As I recall, there are a lot more places that have jazz offerings than ballet. A bummer was that a lot of the schools that offered good Dance--like Butler, Indiana U., or U. of Utah--were not otherwise academically challenging.

Let's see...a quick scan for schools that offer Jazz and that I see as competitive...Amherst (cross-registers with Smith, UMassAmherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke), Duke, Scripps College, Stanford, UC Irvine, U of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana, U of Texas-Austin, Wesleyan. Again, I have *no* idea how comprehensive any of the jazz programs are. I started checking websites and looking at course offerings to see how many levels there were, etc.

By Aspiringsinger4 (Aspiringsinger4) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 09:29 pm: Edit

MTDad,

Thank you for your insight- you always seem to know what to say. I'm sorry if I ask a lot of questions, but I am from a small town and I don't know anyone who has experience with this process, aside from the people on this page, so I really appreciate everyone's help! Thanks!

By Mtdad (Mtdad) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 05:56 pm: Edit

Aspiringsinger4,

Small or large town, there are not too many people who do have experience with this MT stuff . . . so ask away, and hopefully others will also give you the benefit of their thoughts. FYI, my daughter was raised in Montana so take heart, you don't have to be from a big city to have a shot.

By Whimsical (Whimsical) on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 11:42 pm: Edit

I'd like to thank everyone for all their advice! I've been a lurker on this board for months and months. I've decided to attend Sam Houston State University next year...I got accepted with scholarship last week. I'm incredibly excited! SHSU isn't a very well known program yet but they have several alumni on national tours and whatnot...they are slowly building a reputation. Everyone's posts were very encouraging and I really appreciate it.

By Midweststudent (Midweststudent) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 01:53 pm: Edit

It may be a bit late to be asking this question, but I just stumbled upon this very helpful site within the last few days. My daughter has been struggling with her decision as to which musical theater program to attend this fall. She has it narrowed down to Webster and Hartt. We visited Webster, and she likes the program and faculty very much. It is also less expenseive.
However, she does have this feeling that attending school on the east coast may prove an advantage in terms of making contacts, her future career etc. Does anyone have advise as to which school may be the best choice, or is it a toss-up?

By Idontknow (Idontknow) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 02:19 pm: Edit

Midweststudent -

I would say that whatever program your daughter feels the most at home at is where she should go. If she really likes the program and faculty at Webster then that is where she should go. Also really look at the benefits of each program... does one have a showcase and one not... does one focus on an area more than another? Both of those schools are great, so at this point it should really come down to which program and faculty she likes the most because it's the faculty that she's going to be working with for the next four years. Hope this helped!

By Midweststudent (Midweststudent) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 03:22 pm: Edit

Thank you for the advice. I think what has made this so difficult is that Hartt was her first choice school, but after we received the financial aid offer, we discounted it because it was beyond what we could afford. After some initial disappointment, we visited Webster. My daughter liked the program there and decided to attend. So, we put down the deposit, have the registration materials, etc. At this point, my sister offered to help pay the expenses if my daughter still wanted to go to Hartt.
I realize we should not be second guessing since we really don't have the time or funds to do any more campus visits. I am glad to hear that you believe both are good programs. We both probably just needed some reassurance from someone, who is more objective and familiar with both programs, that she has made the right choice. From your advise, which is very well put I might add, it sounds like she has. Thanks for your help.

By Alanz (Alanz) on Friday, May 09, 2003 - 05:24 pm: Edit

Because this message thread has gotten very big (600kb and 360 message), Scott started another thread to continue this interesting and active discussion. The size is making it a chore for folk without a broadband connection.

Click here for Colleges For Musical Theatre Major --- Part Two

I hope the forum administrators will close the current thread to new posts and people will post to the new thread.

Thanks, this continues to be fascinating, and I'm impressed with the level of interest in this topic.