| By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 06:24 pm: Edit |
Part 27
Before posting, please take a look at the FAQ, as it gives a brief summary of some of the topics that come up a lot on this thread, the big list of schools, and help for searching for a particular topic within the thread.
FAQ
See also Theatre/Drama Colleges for lots of information on straight theatre programs. I'll bring it back to life with a new thread if interest picks up and newbies show up with more new questions.
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 06:42 pm: Edit |
Thesbohemian--I like your criteria. What schools have you selected? If you've previously posted just tell me what Part and I'll go searching. I think my D is interested in more courses outside the conservatory program than you are, but she hopes the AP will cover most of the boring GE so she can take some interesting literature courses. Being treated decently seems like the minimum to expect.
| By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 09:18 pm: Edit |
Fosselover,
I'll be going for straight theatre, but my "middle four" schools that meet all or most of my criteria are Southern Methodist University, Florida State University, University of Evansville, and University of Miami. My theatre safety is Catawba College and my reaches are Juilliard and North Carolina School of the Arts. Of those, Florida State, Miami, and Catawba have MT programs.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 09:50 pm: Edit |
Fosselover--My D spent a lot of time checking into SMU because of the strength of their theatre dept., as well as good music and dance. They don't have an MT program, but she was assured she could piece it together. The only problem we can see so far could be big: when asked if they allow students to do shows outside of school (meaning musicals in Dallas), D was told her first priority is campus shows; she has to run others by school and get permission. If she's cast on campus, that comes first. So it would be possible to get locked into doing all "straight drama" shows, and not be able to perform musicals for four years (except summer, of course). SMU rarely does musicals. On a positive note, they are really nice there! But it does take a lot of work to weed through everything you need to find out about these programs.
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 10:49 pm: Edit |
Hey everyone! You have all been so helpful, particularly those of you who have already been through this process (that really nobody else would understand who does regular college admissions) and have been kind enough to still stick around and help those of us now in the process. So, I want to share with those of you who are selecting/applying to schools, our comprehensive visit the past few days at UMichigan for Musical Theater. As many of the regulars know, I have a daughter applying this fall to BFA programs in musical theater. I have been on this forum for over two years now, having another daughter who just began freshman year (though not in MT). The one applying for a BFA will be graduating high school a year early. Due to that decision, we had not visited most of her schools last year which I would ideally like to do by the end of the junior year (she was a soph though). Her list of schools was made up six months ago and it has not changed other than she took CCM off her original list as she chose to not go to a school with the type of cut program they have, even if she enjoys intense training. So, her list is comprised of 8 schools, and she chose to not go out west or to the south. She is now interested in BFA programs that value the liberal arts component as well, while offering conservatory training. She has friends attending most of the programs she will apply to so gets some first hand accounts, which helps. Her list of schools is: NYU/Tisch/Cap21, UMichigan, Carnegie Mellon, Emerson, Penn State, Syracuse, Boston Conservatory, and Ithaca. For years, she has wanted to attend NYU/Tisch, and has been influenced by many friends in their studio programs. She has many friends older than herself, from her summer theater program. So, she entered this process having, what I refer to as "Tisch on the brain". It was like no other school could come close and she knew what she wanted. She talked of applying ED to Tisch, will only accept Cap21. We did a great visit last March (sorry I never wrote that one up for you guys as promised) but that one included an overnight in the dorm with a friend, the regular info. session/tour of NYU, an info. session for Tisch students at Tisch, a one on one consultation with a CAP21 student, and observing two dance classes at Cap that her friend was in as a soph. She also has confered with numerous friends in the program. She did research her other schools and opened up to the idea that she really should learn about them all in depth. I thought we would visit them all this fall but due to time constraints with missing school and rehearsals for an adult production she is in now, we will only visit three more schools this fall and then wait until auditions to return to these four, plus the other four we will have never seen yet. Even that is going to be a LOT in one year. Her other top choice is UMichigan and we decided that we would go to see UMichigan early this fall so that she will have seen one other favorite before making a commitment to apply early to NYU. That was the objective for this visit.
In a nutshell, she has found that she loves UMichigan as much as NYU at the moment (realizing that they differ in various ways) and that she cannot decide yet enough to commit, though would love to attend either school but will leave the options open during the year and is not going to do ED and will just audition at them all. We are visiting Emerson and Boston Conservatory next month as they are the closest to us (we live in VT) and it is enroute to parent weekend at my other D's school, Brown.
So, I will share about this visit, which by the way, was the longest college visit I have ever done, only because of the airfare as we had to stay a Saturday night so we were there from Sat. to Mon. for 2 1/2 days! Let me tell ya, we have SEEN UMichigan! And tons of blue and gold shirts! We had gorgeous weather too the entire time.
My daughter got to spend the night with a friend whom she knows from her summer theater program who is in her second year in the program. She went out that night to a party where many of the theater students attended and she got to talk informally with numerous kids about specifics about the program. She actually knew a boy there from her theater program as well. Two kids in the program had gone to the summer performing arts program that my other daughter attended, one of whom said he was in a show with my older one. It was a great opportunity to hear first hand about the program and the kids in it.
On Sunday, since nothing formal was set up, we explored the entire campus, as well as the North Campus where the Music School is. We visited the Music School, dance building, theater departments, and so forth. We also explored downtown Ann Arbor and the areas surrounding the campus. We ate in several restaurants. The downtown of Ann Arbor reminded us of Burlington, VT a bit. Not as exciting as NYC but there were fun things in walking distance. We ate in the cafeteria where a girl from Arkansas came up to to my daughter (who lives in VT) and recognized her from her summer program, so it is small world.
On Monday, we did the info session and tour for all of UMichigan, even though we had already walked the entire huge campus. It still was informative. (I have walked soooo much the past few days!) They showed a "sample" dorm room. Then at the Music School, my daughter had an appointment with the admissions counselor who spoke in detail about the specifics of the MT program. It would take a long time to give all those details but if you have a question, I may be able to answer it. She was really great and explained a lot. Last year, they invited (after both university and Music School academic review which must meet certain standards) over 300 kids to audition. They accepted 10 boys for 10 slots (all accepted, which is saying a lot about their yield/reputation) and accepted 12 girls for 10 slots, so ten accepted. As you can see, the odds are difficult at this well respected program. There is a balance between dance, private voice, and acting all four years. Starting second semester of first year, all students are required to audition for mainstage shows. But there are many other performing opportunities both big and small for students, including student run musicals. My daughter actually hae created/directed a musical last year and will be again this year so those opportunities at UM are appealing. Kids may even join in jazz or dance groups, if interested, which is also appealing to my child as she is involved in both those areas related to MT. As well, everyone learns music theory and piano (which I agree are important related skills) and some kids place out of this from experience (which is part of the audition) and may be the case with my own D who has an extensive piano and music theory background. The linkage or significance of music background in UM's program is a plus for a kids who has been involved in music her whole life. not essential but an appealing difference between t his program and some others. Each program, of course, has its positive qualities. Required liberal arts courses for these students involve writing, history, and foreign language, though you can place out of foreign language (which she felt might be likely for someone like my D who takes French V) so those of you who have gone far in a language might be able to place out and either continue at a higher level or choose other electives in the curriculum. Kids take a liberal arts course every semester while at UM. My D spoke to some girls who have a dance background like she does who opt to take more dance classes in the dance department and such. Ballet classes and tap have levels in the MT department based on audition. Private voice is every year, as well as acting classes.
Then my daughter had arranged to observe a soph class on Musical Theater Performance. While UMich is a huge school, those in the MT program take about 75% of their courses in that program and thus are with a small group in the majority of their classes and sort of belong to a niche of "friends" or peer group. My daughter walked into class and already kids she had met at the party over the weekend were greeting her. Very friendly kids! This class was great. They were basically getting coached individually (though in front of the group...lots to learn by observing) on acting their own song. Kids and professor made suggestions of acting the song and then the student would redo and revise and it was a great process. There was a music director who also gave feedback and who played piano (I think he plays at the auditions). Great faculty that day. It was a talented group of students who were very engaged in the process.
When it was over, she was invited to join what is called "Lab" which is held every Monday afternoon for MT students. I guess various things take place each week during that time, sometimes a speaker. This was held in a rehearsal room at the Power Center (large modern performing arts complex). It was wonderful to have a chance to do this. I saw it too. Most of the MT students, or at least all the first, second, and third year ones, were there. So, I was thinking of Mtheatermom (I hope I get the posting name correct as I mix the ones up that are similar)'s daughter must have been in the room with us but I don't know which girl she was. She may have even been at the party my D attended. Anyway, she will tell you about this I bet. The speaker was a woman who is visiting this fall to direct and choreograph their mainstage production of A Chorus Line. She was in both the Broadway and National Tour casts of A Chorus Line for many years, as well as other Bdway and tour casts. The lab was run by Brent Wagner, the head of MT at UM. A boy we had met there introduced my daughter to Brent and that was very nice of him. Mr. Wagner ran the session like a talk show of sorts, asking this actress/dancer/choreographer/director all about her experiences being in these shows. She spoke of working with Fosse, Michael Bennett, Tommy Tune, and others and it was fascinating to hear her first hand accounts. By the way, she used to teach at Cap21.
The students at UMichigan were certainly into their program and it was apparent for most of them, that it was their first choice.
As with any program, one has to evaluate it for themselves. While one kid might like one program, another might not.
I am glad my D got a close look thus far at both Cap21 and UMichigan, and hopefully will at her other schools. These two schools appeal greatly to her for a variety of reasons, though they differ in some respects. Each has its positive points. I think it is best to like a few places, rather than be so in love with just one place because then you can be happy where you get in most likely, rather than be set up for disappointment if it HAS to be one certain school. I think my D's look has been widened though she still knows what she likes. I must say that UMich's program appears to be as worthy of its very fine reputation. There are several schools where this can be said of course. I recall sitting in my D's NYC agent's office once a year ago on a visit to the city and my daughter mentioned that she was looking at BFA programs with a plan to graduate early and where she was looking (with a strong interest in Tisch) and so forth. Her agent commented that at the present time, she really likes what she is seeing coming out of UMichigan's program (agents attend the showcases) and now after much research, I can see some of the reasons why the program has garnered a fine reputation among several other very fine programs. Luckily there are many good programs and each has its strengths and certain kids will find where they best fit (once they get accepted of course). Some of this deciding which school ya like best might become a moot point come spring when it will depend on where you get in.
I learned way more details about UM's program but this is long enough. If I can answer a question, I can try. Obviously Mtheatermom knows more having a child already in the program.
Susan
| By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 12:20 am: Edit |
Hi Susan,
I'm the one with the D in the MT program at Michigan, not Mtheatermom. I was looking forward to your post about your experience at UM this weekend. From what I know, it sounds as though you got a thorough look-see and an accurate impression of the program.
I'm planning to post my impressions of my D's experiences in the program in a few more weeks. I want her to get a few more weeks under her belt and we will actually be travelling out there on the weekend of October 15-17 to visit her and see Chorus Line. The short story at this point is that she seems blissfully happy. She's working very hard but on all the things she is passionate about. I'm sure she was in the Monday lab and I know she was at the Saturday party (it even had a theme - they were to come dressed as they remember dressing in Middle School - EVERY occasion is an opportunity for theatre!!!) If your D talked to students who are taking more advanced dance classes, my D could have been one of them. She is dancing five days a week in two different ballet classes.
I'm glad you were able to feel how friendly and inclusive these kids are. We sensed that on my D's visit last fall and also during her January audition. It's absolutely true.
Only one slight correction - There are 14 boys and 10 girls in this year's freshman class. If you or your D have any questions now that you've seen the program and the campus, feel free to email me (my email is listed in my profile).
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:40 am: Edit |
Theatermom, glad you read my "report". I am sorry on the posting name mix up. I was too lazy to go back to old threads and find the right "mom" posting name. I get a few of your posting names mixed up as they are similar, though when you post, I know who is who most of the time!
Yep, my D was at that very party and told me that a few kids she spoke with were freshmen. And yes, she did speak to some kids who do a lot of dance as she would also hope to do, since she has for years and years. I knew about the theme of the party, yeah. Your D may well have spoken to mine. My D arrived, I think, with some second year students. Your D might remember her, as she was not dressed up for the theme. I am sure I was sitting in the same room with your D for the lab and kept thinking, I wish I knew who your D was to say hi to. As far as the numbers of kids in the class, it is funny but I was just quoting what the admissions counselor said. In any case, we all know how competitive those figures are and how great it is that your D was among them. It was clear from the class we observed that the kids are very talented. My daughter loves the kind of atmosphere that creates when there are kids very passionate about theater and into the process. I could see my D being thrilled to be a part of such a group in college. It was clear that the small group bonded together, which is akin to what my daughter has experienced in her summers at her theater program which she is sorely going to miss but I can see already that it will be replaced by the same kind of intensity and bonding (likely even better, if that is possible) in a college MT program with similar type kids. My daughter even felt like she already was making friends in these couple of days, that is how much they shared their camaraderie.
My D was glad to hear there were levels of dance for placement because obviously some kids enter with way less dance training than others, but they really do accommodate for this sort of thing.
You can ask your D if she met mine at the party. She'd have been the only high schooler there. Well, she'll be back for auditions, or at least we hope she gets that far. She has been working on the application, and hopes to get it in soon. She'd love to get to audition in January.
Thanks for your helpfulness right along. Right now, my D does not have many questions after talking to so many different kids quite a lot, as well as the admissions counselor and all the rest. My daughter also loved NYU after that visit, and who knows if this would be the reaction after each school's visit (not a bad thing as it makes sense to like more than one place given the odds with these programs), but overall, these schools have a few things in common (some not) and those elements are ones she'd be happy with.
So much ahead of course. I really look forward to hearing how your D likes everything so far, as time goes on.
A funny tidbit was that my D stayed in a sorority house Saturday night (though does not think she'd want to be in one herself) and I had to pick her up there Sunday morning as they were about to host freshmen for a rush event and it was all decorated in a theme....a SKI theme, which cracked me up given that we live in a ski resort. And what I saw of Michigan was very FLAT. One girl had a racing suit on and I had to do a double take that I was at the right school because it is my OTHER daughter who is going to be on the varsity ski racing team at her college!
Susan
| By Mezzomom (Mezzomom) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 09:12 am: Edit |
Susan: I thought of you often this weekend and was glad that our fickle Michigan weather was on its best behavior.
LOL about the flatness of Michigan; my husband, originally from Washington State, calls the speed bumps in parking lots "Michigan mountains."
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 12:39 pm: Edit |
Mezzomom, the weather was certainly gorgeous. My daughter did remark that she knew it would be different in winter trekking far in the cold/snow, but of course we live in Vermont and are used to cold/snow, though we drive everywhere, not walk.
When I said it was flat, it reminded me of where I grew up which is in South Jersey which is very flat. But it is a big contrast to where I live now as I live right in the mountains. Then again, if my D were to end up in NYC, the contrast is far far greater.
It was a good visit and I am glad we went. I think the visit accomplished a lot. I am grateful that my D has had the chance to talk first hand with many students in the programs she visited as that adds another dimension from what you hear in a talk or read in a brochure.
I had never been to Michigan before though I have driven across the country. I'm pretty much an east coast person. But the time it took to fly to Detroit was actually shorter than it takes to drive to my other D's college, Brown. So, it would not be too bad in that respect. But I get the feeling that it will be about which schools pick her, than vice versa given the selectivity involved.
Susan
| By Camge (Camge) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 01:31 pm: Edit |
Alwaysamom, I just wanted to drop in and let you know how similar your D's experience is at NYU as has been my sons. It's hard to believe but he will be graduating at the end of this year finishing in 3 instead of four. He has had a fabulous time at playwrights horizons, and has really managed to do everything that he ho;pped for. Although he is an acting directing major, he has had dance classes and has managed to have leads in a number of Gap shows, and choral ensembles. Many of his friends are Cap students, that he knew from Fench woods festival of Preforming Arts, or ones that he has met through the Gap shows. I think the best part of being at NYU Tisch is all of the contacts he has made. I worry about what he will be doing next Year at this time, but am happy that he has made many friends who are working in the business. My #2 S, is a HS. Jr. and is wavering wildly, One day it's Musical Theater, the next it's film and tomorrow it will be sound production. Musical Theater is looking up, as he signed himself up for a Jazz dance class because he wanted to work on his dance skills. It is very hard for him, following in the footsteps of a very successful and talented brother. If anyone has any tips on how to handle this sibling theater thing I'd love to know. His schools are all over the map, and it is really hard to pin him down to a program.
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, September 22, 2004 - 09:47 pm: Edit |
Camge, sounds great about your son finishing up at Playwrights. I did not know you had a child who had gone to French Woods. My oldest child who is now 18 went there for four summers and did many musicals there, though is not going to college for that (is at Brown, first year). I bet I have seen your son on stage at some point, having seen numerous FWF productions over the years.
This past weekend, when my younger D, who goes to Stagedoor Manor in summers, visited UMich for MT, she ran into some FWF kids (as well as Stagedoor ones) and in fact, realized she had seen one of the FWF girls on stage when we had gone to see our other D's show weekends. And then she met a FWF male student who said he was in a musical with my older D. And for that matter, at Brown, my older one has run into kids in theater there who went to Stagedoor with my younger D. Sometimes, though we go miles here and there, the world seems small.
Susan
| By Catherdingmom (Catherdingmom) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 10:00 am: Edit |
Thesbo, somehow I missed your reply to me in the Theatre/Drama thread in the archives. I'm glad you brought up SMU. He does not fit the typical SMU student mentioned in Princeton Review, but if the theatre kids are a more diverse lot (and they always are, aren't they?) then it may be a good one for him to investigate further. In fact, you had lots of good ideas. Shorter College is one that we haven't heard anything about, but we know and like the area (not that far from Atlanta and not that far from Chattanooga) so it could be a possibility!
| By Laurenz (Laurenz) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 12:18 pm: Edit |
Fosselover,
To answer your question:
Laurenz--Does your S feel academically challenged at Emerson? Are they opportunities to get a strong liberal arts education and excellent MT training?
My S is well challenged academically as he is in the honors program and it is amazing the papers he has had to research and write. There is ample opportunity for liberal arts up until junior year, when MT becomes much more conservatory-like.
He feels the MT training is excellent. There are many acting, and voice lessons, as well as technical training and master classes. Dance is more intensive starting sophomore year; although outside dance classes are taken. Emerson is part of a consortium and dance lessons can also be taken at other colleges and universities in the system. They have guest lecturers and master classes all the time (Edward Albee was there for 3 days). There is ample opportunity to perform, especially in graduate student productions. And of course, the city of Boston is your campus since the school is directly on the Commons.
Right now he is studying at their Castle in Holland. Aside from his academics and MT training for 4 days/wk, he has so far made long weekend trips to Bonn and Koln, Germany; a class trip to Amsterdam, and this weekend he is spending in London. He will also direct a play (for fun) with his cast and crew of friends at the Castle in a 600 year old barn.
Hope this helps.
Lauren
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 01:52 pm: Edit |
Laurenz-- Wow, sounds like an excellent opportunity. This is a real help.
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 02:00 pm: Edit |
Laurenz, I also appreciate your description of your son's experience at Emerson. We are visiting there in a month and my daughter will be applying. She has some friends in that program who like it a lot. It is always great to hear first hand accounts so thank you very much.
Susan
| By Overwhelmedmom (Overwhelmedmom) on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 02:54 pm: Edit |
Has anybody looked at Muhlenberg's theater program recently? I searched the board and haven't seen anything since 2003.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 10:19 am: Edit |
I'm sorry, Overwhelmedmom, I haven't really checked into Muhlenberg.
About U of Michigan and FSU: is the 3rd year of science totally mandatory for an MT major (are they forgiving about this or allow it to be made up in college)? My D isn't taking it this her jr. year, but if she takes it senior year, it makes her schedule limited. There are 6 periods. She'll have:
AP English
gov't/econ
jazz choir
adv. theatre
adv. dance
and then for the 6th period, she either wants to take AP music theory or AP psychology
But if she has to take science she can't take one of those. Any suggestions from those who have been there/done that? UMich and FSU are the schools on her list where the science seem to be a problem. Two more things that go into the decision: 1) she does not test well in science and probably would not get a grade near what she would in music theory or psych or enjoy it as much or find it as useful, and 2) she's had college prep biology and chemistry already.
Thanks for any advice on this issue.
| By Theatrbroad (Theatrbroad) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 12:04 pm: Edit |
You would have to check directly with the school - I would say department AND admissions office - but if HS courses are listed as required, as opposed to "recommended", I doubt if there is any leeway no matter what the major.
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 01:34 pm: Edit |
MTmommy--We are going through the same thing with the foreign language requirement and 3rd year science. When I have spoken to admissions, some have been forgiving of the third year science since she took and passed AP chemistry (they view this as the equivalent of 2 yrs and she has a year of bio) and foreign language (can take it in college). But it is varies by school even when it says 'required'. NYU accepted one of my daughters friends with only 1 year of a foreign language. One of the things helping my D is her high SAT and ACT score. It varies by school and the "total package" your daughter presents. My D Sr yr is AP English, AP Economics, IB Drama, IB (pilot) Dance, Musical Theater, Choir and Stage Crew (she takes Music Theory through our voice studio). Talk to people at the schools and get their feedback. Some will be rigid some flexible, the earlier you talk to them the better. Ultimately my daughter decided to take her chances and pursue what interested her. (She is an independant sort).
| By Marissal (Marissal) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 04:28 pm: Edit |
I would love to have that kind of a senior schedule.
| By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:06 pm: Edit |
Mtmommy,
Do they let high school students take community college distance learning courses where you live? Those are usually easy and you can take them at your own pace. If she needs to, she might be able to knock out another science that way. Most schools take them as a transfer, too. I'm taking an Introductory Psychology class like that right now and after one more test, I'll be done.
| By Doc021 (Doc021) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:20 pm: Edit |
It's been a little while since I have been here, Junior year is quite stressful (and hectic). So I decided to use this small window of free time I have to post.
Dr. John,
A rep. from Otterbein is scheduled to come to my high school in October... just wondering what the presentation would be like... and (although I am sure your opinion is biased) is it worth it to go if I will be missing an important class because of it? Also, do you know if your school will be at the National College Fair in Cincy (i think Oct. 30?) and if so, would visiting the Otterbein place there be about the same thing i would get in a presentation at school? Any info. would be appreciated.
A question for anyone who might know concerning admissions. I seem to be struggling in Algebra II this year... math is not my strong suit and my teacher doesn't explain things well and really doesn't seem to care if we don't understand. I realize that Junior year is the most important grade-wise for college admissions, but this class is not going so well. Will one bad grade hurt me that much? I have taken honors courses since my freshman year, and I am currently taking AP American History, along with honors in all of my other subjects. My average cumulative grade is consistantly above 90%. I have not taken the SAT, but I took the PSAT last year and my SAT ranges were predicted at 1150 (for the very lowest) to 1340 as the highest. Considering my actual scores on the PSAT, it would be translated to a 1240. I took this test around this time last year though, before I had a geometry course. These scores also do not reflect the writing portion which had the highest range from 610-750. Any info about my chances of admissions to colleges (in general) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 05:34 pm: Edit |
Fosselover--Wow! That's fantastic about even having MT and stage crew for senior courses. How neat. My D has had to "suffer" to get her schedule as performing arts oriented as it is by taking her foreign language classes at the JC which conflicts with performances, etc. It's just all so time-consuming with no time to rest at all.
Thesbo--She's planning to take her health class online through a University of California program for high schoolers. She could take physics that way, but she's a little wary (and rightfully so) of taking on a difficult class online. Better, she can take honors psychology that way. I like your idea better about college classes because then they count for college courses as well as for high school, but I can't find any online college courses that she can take because the budget in CA is so bad that the online courses are maxed out long before a high school student could ever register. I don't know if there would be something outside of California she could take that the school would approve. That would be best for the science course.
Does anyone know of an online college science course (not bio or chem) anywhere that would be available to a high school student in California?
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 07:01 pm: Edit |
Mtmommy--Indiana University has a wide selection of classes. http://scs.indiana.edu/univ/undergradcourses.html
While my D found Health and math easy online, science and foreign language were less so. It is amazing how creative one has to be. She has taken some math at the JC, but never fit in the foreign language. My son did foreign language and math at JC.
Our HS is going through some transitions this year (that is an oxymoron, all HS are) in their performing arts. After 10 years of a wonderful showchoir program, the teacher left. Instead of replacing him with someone who could and would do showchoir, they looked in-house. So we no longer have showchoir. Instead we have choir and MT class. My D decided to do both because she wanted the additional vocal work and loves MT. Her schedule has always been unusual and has driven GC crazy. She does very well in math and science and teachers keep trying to push her in that direction. She continues to take her own road. Much of HS admin thinks I'm nuts to allow her to pursue MT. The attitude is she's so smart she could do anything, like MT doesn't take brains!!!! We laugh and continue on.
Hope the Indiana University link helps.
| By Overwhelmedmom (Overwhelmedmom) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 09:19 pm: Edit |
I'm amazed at the classes your kids' high schools offer. Ours have nothing like that....interesting!
| By Artsymom (Artsymom) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 09:39 pm: Edit |
Like others here, my D has done her utmost as a senior to turn her large public HS into an arts school. Her schedule consists of AP Lit (which she loves), math (which she at least tolerates this year, as opposed to hating it as usual), a required tech course, photography II, Chamber Singers, Theatre and MT. I can't tell you how happy she is compared to her more academic-heavy years! My H and I are fine with it, figuring that it's a preview of what she wants to do in college and in life.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 10:38 pm: Edit |
Fosselover--You are an angel! The Indiana U website is a godsend. I hope the @#%& guidance counselor understands how important this is and lets her take her health, first of all, through there instead of through the UC. The correspondence is much better than the online through UC. They make a student do at least an hour's worth of work each day, M-F. How's that supposed to work when she's in rehesearsals and classes and regular homework? The point is to do it on the weekends. The correspondence method would make that possible. If the health works out, then she could take the psychology course that way--either high school or college, I suppose.
Then there's the issue of music theory. The choir teacher just told me 2 hours ago that they might not offer AP music theory next year and she gave me the reasons. But she might offer a keyboard class instead, which is a good thing. But I see Indiana U has an intro to music theory. I wonder if that would be useful for a potential MT major to take as a high school student???
Thank you so much, Fosselover.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 10:41 pm: Edit |
And I forgot to mention the science course. They offer both high school and college science courses, so she could do either--if she has to. I'm sure that will be last on her list lol.
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 02:23 am: Edit |
mtmommy--Parents of artists have to stick together. GC don't get it and neither do most teachers. We did Health through BYU high school courses. They satisfied CA certification. This course could also be done on her own schedule. Sometimes I feel as if we are always struggling trying to get the best for the students. I envy those that have actual programs at performing arts high schools. But with a little creativity, we find a way.
| By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 10:45 am: Edit |
Oh, my. An arts h.s. schedule. They can look like this when you're a senior if you're really stupid with your scheduling ...
A.P. Biology
A.P. European History
A.P. Art History
Introductory Psychology (cc distance learning)
Art and the Russian Revolution Research Project/Presentation
Drama Literature
Acting
Voice and Speech
Movement/Dance/Stage Combat
Production (with leading role stress Woot! Woot!)
"Participation in events outside regular class time continues to be a fundamental and required aspect ..."
See why I'm so bent on schools that accept A.P. credit to satisfy GE requirements? I so need a caffeine I.V. by my desk. 
| By Bdwygal (Bdwygal) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 04:32 pm: Edit |
Mtmommy,
BYU also offers Earth Science I and II and they both fulfill the one year science requirement. The cost factor is also an incentive since they only charge $96 per course as oppose to approximately $500 for the UC Berkeley courses. BYU's staff are also very helpful to students and will go out of their way to accomodate their needs. Hope this info helps.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 05:48 pm: Edit |
Thesbo--Do I count 9 courses, plus 1 cc course equalling 10 courses? Or is production after school? My D's big public high school has 6 periods. That's probably pretty typical. Since there are 5 academic courses students are supposed to take (English, soc sci, science, math, for. language), that leaves exactly one elective per year except for 9th and 10th when PE is required. That's the problem with a public school program for a performing arts student. It takes a lot of planning ahead, starting at the end of 8th grade to make it work to have drama, dance, and choir classes along with the academics. That leaves no room for stage tech, other music courses, or anything else anyone wants like psychology, ASB, etc.
A.P. Art History
Art and the Russian Revolution Research Project/Presentation
Drama Literature
Voice and Speech
Movement/Dance/Stage Combat
None of the above (except dance) are offered at my D's school. Consider yourself blessed to have the opportunity to take these courses. You are going to be so far ahead of the game in college! D's packed up with classes, lessons, rehearsals from 6:30AM until 10PM with 15 min. breaks to get herself between places. (Homework and learning lines squeezed in whenever and then after 10PM).
Thanks to all of you for the leads on opportunities to maximize her h.s. experience. I just found out the @#%&* GC has been replaced with a new one (4th one in 2 years), so I'll print out IU's and BYU's info for him. I thought there had to be schools out there doing this, but the viewpoint out here is so narrowly confined to everything "UC"--the schools barely acknowledge there are colleges outside California.
| By Jrmom (Jrmom) on Saturday, September 25, 2004 - 11:48 pm: Edit |
Alert!
Point Park has a new website (http://www.pointpark.edu), a new policy about the BFA major (you enter as a BA and can apply to the BFA sophomore year) and new requirements for the MT concentration.
| By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 05:14 pm: Edit |
Dramatica,
Please let us know how you are faring with Hurricane Jeanne. I hope that your home did not sustain any more damage. I'm thinking about you. Please take care.
Kathy
| By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 06:20 pm: Edit |
Mtmommy,
Yeppers. I’m at school 24/7, so it’s more manageable than it would be otherwise. It would have been a lot smarter to take the equivalent of one of those A.P.s as a cc course in the spring, though. At least it’s all in one place. As it stands, I sometimes wake from a nightmare of the Red Army charging across the steppe with sabers drawn and bayonets affixed to overrun my hopelessly outnumbered GPA whose mental machinegun is out of bullets. 
Maybe all this will get enough GEs out of the way to leave me time to take some elective Russian language courses if there’s a good professor teaching them at whichever college I end up attending. Chekhov must certainly rock in the original language. There I go again with another one of my bright ideas ... 
| By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 06:34 pm: Edit |
Doc021: Sorry for the delay. I've written to the Admissions Office, and I should have an answer for you by Monday night. Thanks.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 06:40 pm: Edit |
Thesbo--You've got bright ideas flashing all over the place. I wish you were going to be one of my students next year!
| By Actor465 (Actor465) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 09:13 pm: Edit |
Hi, I'm new to the board, even though I've been reading the posts for the past new months. I think I just joined because I thought of a question which I might ask to people who have gone through this application/audition process before.
How do colleges feel about photocopied music at the auditions? I figured they wouldn't care, but my voice teacher said to me, "Oh! You HAVE to have originals!" I figured someone on this board might have some sort of an idea.
Thanks!
| By 5pants (5pants) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 10:16 pm: Edit |
Actor465,
Originals? My Ss didn't do that...after all you have to clearly mark the amount of bars required. They used photocopies and after marking inserted them into clear plastic page protectors and placed in a binder. The sleeves make it easier for the accompanist to turn if needed.
Your voice teacher may be assuming this as originals are required for certain competitions.
SUE
| By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:17 pm: Edit |
Actor465,
The question about photocopies has come up before on this board. My D and many others, like 5pants' twins, purchased music then photocopied it and inserted the pages in page protectors inside a binder. Many of the MT programs teach students to compile music this way in an audition book. A performer needs to have a range of songs ready to use at an audition at the drop of a hat.
There is one school that I am aware of that does not want students to use photocopies at their audition - Oklahoma City. In their information regarding auditions they state that they do not condone the use of photocopied music. They require the original score. If I were having my D audition at OCU, I would suggest that she take in the original copies of her audition pieces and take her binder with the photocopies and ask the pianist which s/he preferred to use. I have done quite a bit of accopmpanying in my day and I would prefer to use photocopies in a binder. Music in large volumes tends to not want to stay open and page turns are more awkward. Cuts in the music can make the page turn situation even more awkward.
My guess is that if there are other schools that object to photocopies at their auditions they will state that fact in their audition information. Are any of you aware of any schools other than OCU that have a policy against photocopies?
| By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:25 pm: Edit |
Actor465
Our experience was the same as 5pants. We photocopied, and even cut and pasted sections of a single song together to get the 16 or 32 bars of music requested at my D's auditions. She auditioned at the following schools (just so you know some schools that had no problem with this)
NYU Steinhardt
Syracuse
Emerson
University of Michigan
Cincinnati Conservatory
Carnegie Mellon
I think I do remember a previous poster stating that Oklahoma City U required students to have originals of any music they used for auditioning. (I assumed that meant they had to bring the originals along even if they sang from a marked or cut and pasted photocopy - this to protect/asssure copyright protection.)
If I have time some time soon, I'll reproduce and post here UMich's guidelines for putting together 16 bar audition material. My D got a copy of this when she observed the upper level MT performance class during her UM visit last fall. I think it's quite helpful.
Another thought - originals are not always possible - especially if you have a song transposed into a different key. I did this last year so that my D could use a favorite song she would ordinarily sing in the higher key as it was writen but show the lower part of her vocal range for an audition. No way to use the original in that instance. Also, many older songs, the pre-1960 variety that are often requested as part of MT auditions are not always still in print. We had to get library originals and copy them on occasion.
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Sunday, September 26, 2004 - 11:53 pm: Edit |
I agree with what everyone else says to use photocopies as they are easier to turn the pages, plus any changes in the music. I have only heard of originals being required at competition type events.
Theatermom, I would love to see what UMich wrote as guidelines for putting together 16 bar material. My daughter is finally nearing her song selections for her college auditions (whew). It would be interesting to see what they formally wrote about this topic, though singing parts of songs is not a new thing. Often, however, general musical theater auditions allow more like 32 bars so yeah, 16 is kinda short. UM has one 32 bar song and one 16 bar song, yet stipulates that you can sing for up to 3 min. and these excerpts don't really take up as long as 3 min. but of course the bar count needs to be followed.
Btw, my D was working on all the specific stuff for the School of Music tonight.
Susan
| By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 10:47 am: Edit |
Okay - here are the 16 Bar guidelines from UMich -it's a bit long but I hope it helps. My thinking is that this info was prepared for the graduating seniors as part of their preparation for professional auditions where a 16 bar call is not uncommon. However, I think much of the information is applicable for 16 bar prep for a college MT audition.
--------------------------------
16-Bar Music Preparation
General Notes:
Choose a section which resolves itself - a complete thought/acting beat. Don't end with a question (lyrically or musically). Finish with strength.
Don't use something obscure (the pianist will have no time to analyze your choice.
Avoid transposition. Have your music written out in the new key - with the new chord symbols.
Avoid difficult keys. Key signatures of four sharps or flats should be the maximum.
Figure out a two measure intro (four measures is too long). Also, shorten the rideout to about two measures.
Do photocopy-art for your 16-bar selections. Do not "X-out" measures or first endings. Cut and paste your music cleanly and correctly - you will receive respect and a better accompaniment for taking the time to do so.
Highlight pertinent information - i.e., non-standard interpretive choices, cesuras, sudden or important dynamic/tempo shifts, etc. Do not highlight normal information the pianist would immediately gravitate to (the key signature, tempo marking, etc.). Use a light-colored highlighter since dark ones tend to obfuscate the writing underneath. Always use a dark lead pencil (#1 preferred) or a black ink pen when writing on xeroxed music - your goal is to make your markings as clear and dark as those on the printed page.
Music preparation:
The interior pages of the music presented to the accompanist must include the following information:
* Title of song (on top of page and clearly legible)
* Composer and lyricist (generally at the right border under the title)
* Tempo marking above the intro - to be safe, write this in English; it is sometimes wise to reinforce the meter of the piece - e.g., "Moderate 4", or "Bright 2" [to distinguish between 4/4 and cut time]
* Key signature and time signature written in all staves in the first measure
* Dynamic marking for the pianist notated in the piano intro between the treble and bass clef staves (use italics)
* Where the intro begins as well as the vocal (use the words "intro" and "vocal" or "voice" to delinieate this, and write this information above the vocal staff)
Other:
Put your name and phone number on the outside of the music - this is the last thing you want your pianist to be studying before the audition.
Assume you will have no time to talk with an audition pianist for a 16 bar call. Your music should be clear, clean and immediately accessible for any pianist at this type of audition.
------------------------------
Good luck everyone!
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 11:09 am: Edit |
Theatermom, that was extremely thoughtful of you to print out expert advice on a 16 bar cut for auditions and suggestions for preparing the music for the accompaniest. It is always great to read what the "experts" say on these matters. While some of it is not earth shattering new, there is information in there that is detailed and involves expertise in this field. I appreciate your effort to share this handout. I will print it out for my daughter. Thanks for your kindness.
Susan
| By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 09:11 pm: Edit |
doc021:
Our Admissions liaison wrote this morning, "Our presentation at this student's high school will cover general information about Otterbein, the application process, financial aid and scholarships. The college fair will give the student the opportunity to stop by the table and talk with one of us individually. I think the fair will be just as useful as the presentation." So go to class, and come to the fair.
| By Theaterfamily (Theaterfamily) on Monday, September 27, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit |
Actor 465
Theatermom is right about OCU. I asked Dr. Herendeen in person a few days ago while I was up there and he said that yes you may bring 1 photocopy of the music for the accompanist--but make sure and bring the original copy w/you. Professional etiquette dictates that we purchase our music.
| By Theaterfamily (Theaterfamily) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 02:07 am: Edit |
A VISIT TO OCU--
My D & I attended OCU's centennial celebration as our college visit. I'm glad we did. It was a memorable celebration! But the best part is we were able to hear the orchestra, choir & soloists perform, hear original compositions, see their wonderful Spirit Dancers tap dancing, hear past alumni perform, and much more. Yes, I think this college visit unveiled OCU's remarkable music dept and outstanding dance dept without a doubt! Performance arts are definitely supported at this university, believe me, in a big way.
We attended opening night of "Secret Garden"--very, very nice--but thought personally that the acting was just a tad weak--it was opening night though. I understand this year they are trying to beef up the acting curriculum for MT which I think is a good thing.(I did hear through my brother who works with Mr. Chenowith that they also just lost the very excellent head of their theater dept--but they are working on it.) The show will probably improve after a week--acting & timing more often than not improves w/an audience.
We had an informal talk w/Dr. Herendeen, head of the MT dept & Mary Mowry, head of Student Svcs for the Music Dept---very warm & friendly. We were told that 85% of the students receive some type of scholarship money that usually lasts 4 yrs. Yes, they have juries, but it's more about being prepared for the next level of courses instead of cutting people from the program. They are looking for talented students that can work well with others--and work hard. He's a very energetic, funny, fatherly sort that is not above calling students on the rug when they are not focused--or so he says. Dr. Herendeen says expect to be very, very busy at OCU.
The campus has a no alcohol or drug policy. The campus is small (4,000 students--2,000 undergrads), most buildings border an open grassy thoroughfare.It's a snap to get to class. A brand new business school was just built, they are working on a new dance facility and a state of the art music facility that will rival CCM's (slated to open Spring '06). They are an all Steinway (piano) facility--which is supposed to be a big wow.
We got to see a voice master class. A voice teacher's students were working on pieces and she was critiquing them while we watched--allowing us to get a feel for the student/teacher relationship and the variety of levels students were at. We also caught a music theory teacher talking informally to a small group of students--what really brought home how dedicated these teachers are is hearing this teacher explain a concept carefully & thoroughly & then chide the student for being so hesitant to ask--that she was there to answer all of her questions until she got it. Wow! Wish all teachers were like that--D was very impressed w/all the teachers & the kind & generous spirit that prevailed at OCU.
Our story wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention that the Dean of Music tapped our shoulder during the show and introduced himself--they proceeded to introduce the President of OCU and various benefactors of the university for which different schools are named after--turns out we were seated in their midst. As we were leaving a little old lady knocked on our car window & spoke to us, asking us to please return and that she hoped we would take advantage of this wonderful university's MT program. That turned out to be Ms.Margaret Bass herself for which the music school is named after.As I said--very nice people here. Did I mention that 3 Miss Americas came from this school and endless numbers of Ms. Oklahomas--and the great majority were performance majors of one kind or another.
If y'all have any questions about our OCU visit and audition info, feel free to e-mail and I'll answer what I can.
| By Dramatica (Dramatica) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:37 am: Edit |
Dancersmom,
Thank you for thinking of us. We are exhausted but fine. Preparing for two storms one right after the other is no easy feat. This is the first time in days that I have been able to “visit” with all of you. My hands are full of cuts and my arms are bruised from all the cleaning of debris but I am thankful that we escaped the worst of the storm.
When it seemed imminent that Jeanne was definitely headed our way, it was a feeling of total despair. Although, we had contracted already for a new roof, since it will not be up for a few weeks, we had no idea what to expect, with more torrential rains and hurricane winds headed our way. Fortunately, the day before the storm hit, the roofing company fixed some of the worst spots, such as where wood was showing, and reassured us that although many tiles were missing and there were numerous leaks, we otherwise had a sound structure over our heads.
As you probably know, the storm mimicked Frances except that it was stronger and faster. We were fortunate to be spared, once again, from the strongest winds. Of course we lost power, but this time we were restored within 2 days, much earlier than expected. (It is amazing how reliant our civilization is on electricity!) We are still under mandatory curfews because emergency personnel are maxed out and helping cities and counties north of us where the devastation is severe.
We had minor damage this time. We have more leaks and lost more screening panels from the pool enclosure. However, we did narrowly miss being hit by a beautiful 45 ft palm tree that began to fall on our house but was stopped and left at a 45 degree angle by flood lights under it. We are hoping to be able to salvage it. So we are very lucky indeed. Well, rest time is up, have to get back to cleaning and arranging for repairs....
I am so thankful that our daughter is only a frehsman in HS. I shudder to think how difficult it would be to deal with the MT admission process and hurricane damage at the same time!
Once again, thanks for your concern.
Dramatica
| By Noccadad (Noccadad) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 10:39 am: Edit |
Theatermom, Thank you very much for sharing! As said above, this is a really useful piece of information to have and we appreciate the time you took to type it out for us. I too have already cut and pasted it into it's own document and placed in our audition resources notebook. Thanks again.
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:25 am: Edit |
Dramatica, thinking of you and all that stress. Yikes, am so sorry you had to go through all of this. I guess it could have been worse for you but it still does not sound too pleasant. Good luck getting through the recovery. Let's hope for brighter days (literally and figuratively) ahead. Btw, my D absolutely loves Brown. We will head there for parent weekend.
Susan
| By Txmommtpbd (Txmommtpbd) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 01:58 pm: Edit |
For any parents or students considering a college or a pre-college program in New York City, I strongly advise you to stay away from renting off-campus apts via a broker. Stay in a college dorm. My adult son just spent almost a month dealing with a broker at Hart Diamond (in fact it was the owner) who totally scammed him. Now we have to go through the NY Dept of State and possibly IRS and he will still lose hundreds of dollars - on a scam! He tells us this goes on all the time with NYC brokers. NYC is a tough city and people there take advantage of those not from it; stay in a dorm! TX Mom
| By Doc021 (Doc021) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 04:42 pm: Edit |
Thank you very much Dr. John 
| By Malloryr (Malloryr) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 07:23 pm: Edit |
hey guys! i can't believe this thing has added so many threads. i remember how much testimonials helped me find a school on here, so i thought now that i'm finishing up my first semester, i could do the same!
i am starting my final demonstrations this week at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. i am SO glad i chose to go to this school. i've been here for about 3 months now (I chose to start in the Summer semester) and do not regret turning down any of the four-year programs. The teachers are absolutely AMAZING, especially my Musical Theatre teacher. they all have done some amazing things professionally, and some still work. the connections are great...they're constantly getting directors and casting directors calling them about previous students that are auditioning for them. the students in my class are unbelievably talented and i've learned so much it's unreal. plus, what better place to be than new york city??? we've seen some incredible performances the past couple of weeks at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
i wish i could think of more things to tell, but there's so much, i wouldn't even know where to begin. i know alot of people place alot of importance on a college degree, but nevertheless, you should definitely take a look at the school. if anyone has ANY questions at all, i'd be more than happy to talk to you! also, i know auditions for schools are approaching, if not started already, so i have a million suggestions for songs as well.
good luck to everybody in their selection and auditioning processes!!!!!!!!
| By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:13 pm: Edit |
Dramatica,
I'm glad to hear that you made it through Hurricane Jeanne relatively well. Perhaps it's a good thing that the roofing company did not complete all the repairs; it sounds like you would have had to have it repaired again. I hope your palm tree makes it. I'm praying that Jeanne is the last storm you'll see.
Maybe this little bit of info will lighten your day. I was poking around on the NOAA site a few days ago and found a list of names that will be used for storms next year. The initials of my D's 1st and last names start with consecutive letters of the alphabet. Wouldn't you know, next year both of her names are hurricane names. I told her that if those 2 develop into big storms, she'll be teased unmercifully at FSU. She may never live it down!
| By Alwaysamom (Alwaysamom) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 11:34 pm: Edit |
Dramatica, I hope things are easier for you and your neighbors very soon. What a horrible season this has been for Floridians! Stay safe.
| By Alwaysamom (Alwaysamom) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:30 pm: Edit |
For any of you who have children in NYC, or the surrounding area, my D just sent me this link to a series of seminars that she and her classmates are encouraged to attend (and get comps for!). I thought I'd post it here just in case it interests any of you.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/88685.html
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 12:41 pm: Edit |
I am so jealous. S. Calif. has great climate, but not great opportunities like this.
| By Courtbroadway17 (Courtbroadway17) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 01:16 pm: Edit |
This site has been really helpful. And I have decided that receiving a BFA in MT would not actually be best for me personally. I know that I am very talented, but I can't picture myself touring the country or the world, or in NYC as an actress. At least not at this stage of my life. I am still young, so I am not sure yet exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have several other passions and interests beyond theater, that I do not want to give up in college. Basically, I do not want to limit myself to theater and music only, and be trained in only one thing, something that I am not even sure about how passionate I am about. I do love theater and music and being on stage, but I don't know if I have enough confidence, and if I am strong enough, to deal with the intensity, and the intense rejection of the major theater world. I have also always been more of a singer/musician than an actress, so I think that I need to use college to find myself, and to discover what I will want to be doing as a profession.
My list of colleges has changed as many of the schools were not perfect matches for me beyond musical theater programs. Therefore I plan to attend a small LAC with lots of personal attention, and opportunities to find myself. The LAC should have good arts programs though. For example, I am now looking at Bowdoin, Lawrence, Kenyon, Skidmore, Ohio Wesleyan, Muhlenburg...
Thank you everyone for this wonderful resource. These past three moths I have learned a lot about myself, the reality of a BFA in MT, and I have learned that I am not ready to abandon everything for theater as I am not 100% sure that that is what I want to do with my life.
Now I am looking at potentially double majoring and double minoring (Majors in Vocal Performance or Music, Spanish, minors in Theater, and Latin American Studies.) If I were to study MT at college I would have to abandon my foreign language studies, and any other potential interests.
Thanks everyone. Three months ago I didn't know much about majoring in MT, and now knowing how much it would limit me, personally, I have decided that it is not the best path for me to follow. At least not in this stage of my life.
~ Court
| By Fosselover (Fosselover) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 01:59 pm: Edit |
Courtbroadway--You might want to look at Illinois Wesleyan. They have Hispanic Studies, theater, Spanish, and voice. The size is small and US News gives them a good ranking.
| By Mtmommy (Mtmommy) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 05:13 pm: Edit |
Mallory--I'm glad you're happy with your choice. I certainly see AMDA listed on a lot of playbills! If you get time, can you give us an idea of your schedule and a profile of the students in your classes? What "level" are they at in each discipline? What is the variety like, their backgrounds and training, all that?
Court--It sounds like you really did some soul searching and figured out who you are at this point in your life. When you have all those options and want the freedom to pursue them, it looks like you are making an excellent decision for yourself.
| By Stagemomdj (Stagemomdj) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:18 pm: Edit |
Theaterfamily,
Thanks for the fabulous post on OCU. My D is a sophomore MT major and I can't tell you how much she loves being there. It has been the most wonderful experience for her...and I'm glad you were able to partake in so many aspects of the program while you were there. My D says that you were probably in her masterclass....she said there were 4 visiting students in class that day. She was the last of the singers to perform.
Anyway, if your D decides to audition there or would like any further information (from a student's perspective), I'd be happy to hook my D up with your D.
| By Mezzomom (Mezzomom) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 11:10 pm: Edit |
Court: I'm so impressed with your introspection and your willingness to share your thoughts. It can be easy to get caught up in the expectations game, both of yourself and that of others, without doing adequate assessment and evaluation. The sort of self-awareness you are displaying is a strength that many of us don't develop until later in life. Please continue to post here and keep us all updated on your journey; I'm sure I won't be the only one rooting for you all the way.
| By Wct (Wct) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 04:00 am: Edit |
Court-
My niece graduated from Skidmore and loved it there.
| By Mtheatremom (Mtheatremom) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:05 pm: Edit |
Soozievt,
I know that your D is not planning to audition/apply early decision to NYU anymore, but, you might find this interesting...
I was talking with a friend/neighbor who's daughter is going the college MT route this year. The mother called Tisch this past Monday and this is what they told her regarding Early decision and the studio situation:
they told her the student should indicate at the audition which studio she wanted, like CAP 21, and she could even say an alternate studio, if they did not place her in either of those studios than she was under no obligation for the binding early decision agreement...
My daughter was never privy to that information last year. The only info we could get and this was from both the NYU admisions office and the Tisch office was this: "Its a binding contract."
Just thought I'd share that because our scenario last year was so different and did have an impact on how my D did not decide to apply ED...
-Margaret
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 12:33 am: Edit |
MTheatremom, It is very sweet of you to think of sharing any information with me, thanks. While I did not know that if you did not get the studio you wanted that you were not held to the binding agreement, it is rather a moot point for my daughter because she was going to do ED where you are allowed to stipulate that you will ONLY take Cap21 and NO other studio (as you can also say in RD though it is not as necessary to say it in that round because if you don't get Cap ,you are not bound to attend in that round). But in the ED round, you CAN say you will only accept Cap which was her plan because she would not attend that school if not in a musical theater studio. So, while it is good to hear that you can back out of ED if not given one of two chosen studios, it would not have mattered if she went with the option I gave regarding saying she would only take Cap.
As far your mention of my D as not applying ED, I had to smile at your post as while that is exactly what she decided upon our return from UMich ten days ago, she had in the past several days begun to oscillate with applying ED to Tisch again; major quandry in her mind , not worth getting into all the reasons, etc. here. She does love both schools a LOT and each has pros in different aspects. She hears influences from many kids she knows in the programs as well as ones applying right now. Several friends who originally were going to do ED to NYU, no longer are doing ED. She is making up her own mind though but she keeps getting mixed up over the issue in regard to ED. I am not sure she is ready to commit but she just wants to be able to apply to NYU without having to make any decision with such finality yet regarding matriculating. We felt she had to decide by tonight regarding ED because starting tomorrow you can call to set up the ED auditions at NYU (best to call as soon as possible) and those are in Nov. and she could not leave town the first two weeks in Nov. due to being in a show so would have had to have an appointment in the second half of Nov. and could not wait til they filled up.
I am exhausted at the moment, plus I don't feel like posting all the confusion over the ED thing though would have loved to have gone over it all with another parent who knows this situation like many of you do. As of tonight, I think she is going RD to her schools. Emerson has EA that is not binding and might help spread out the audition dates. The push has been on the extensive UMich app and it is very close to being ready! There was a lot to do for it, as you know. Her recs were to have been done by yesterday and unfortunately several of her writers "forgot" and so now we are waiting until tomorrow or Monday to hope that part will be done like her app will be. This decision making thing is tough on top of the stress of getting all this college stuff done, audition stuff readied, entering the Arts Awards thing too, and lots of homework, and she has 32 hours of performing arts stuff outside the school per week with an average of 100 miles per day to do it all. I hope we get through it!
Susan
| By Mtheatremom (Mtheatremom) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 07:18 am: Edit |
Soozievt,
Good luck with everything. Its all hard work both for you and your daughter going through all this business. Your daughter will be fine no matter what ED/RD route she takes. From reading your posts I can tell she is very talented and that many schools will want her. In the meantime, that probably doesn't help because you both have so much work to do - its unbelievable... good luck with everything.
Thought I'd share a few things about my D's time so far to you and the other parents:
My D is so happy in CAP 21 - she's almost giddy. Here are a few tidbits from her comments:
-She absolutely loves the program and the city. She writes that New York City is her home now (can this be true - its only been 2 months!)
-She says the faculty are so talented and accomplished its unbelievable - the students in her studio are all very accomplished too; many have previously been cast in Broadway productions.
-She says that, "NYC is the heart of the craft!"
-She's been placed in all the top dance classes,however, she says ballet is not challenging enough, but, that at least she is getting the workout.
-For music theory class she's been placed near the bottom, but thats where she needs to be.
-Said something about the voice classes are somewhat mixed up to get different "types" into each group.
-Says Tisch kids works harder than most b/c of studio hours (27 a week) including 9-6 on Fridays, but, thats what she loves, "its so much work, but, its so great to be justifiably exhausted doing work that you absolutely love!"
-Goes to the Met to do "research" on her Art in the World Essay class!
-Has said, "This place is absolutely where I am supposed to be"
-Margaret
| By Musicalthtrmom (Musicalthtrmom) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 07:32 am: Edit |
Margaret....
Thanks for updating us on your daughter and how well she seems to be doing at NYU. It's nice to see the "after" view when many of us are in the "before" picture. Like Susan, we're suffering from the stressful application process on top of the usual schoolwork, rehearsals for show, NFAA preparation, and performing arts lessons after school. While my daughter is grateful to have added a second voice lesson into the mix this fall to help with audition preparation, it carves another little niche of time out of an already burgeoning schedule. How will we make it through!
But Margaret's information gives me hope that there just might be light at the end of the tunnel! Here's to "seeing the light!"
| By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 12:25 pm: Edit |
Mtheatermom, I feel so dumb as I keep getting the poster names mixed up on here. I should keep a chart by my screen, lol. When you wrote last night I was thinking while reading your post about your D that you are the mom with the freshman daughter at UMich but that is Theatermom. Your names are so similar that I keep confusing them! So, NOW I get it. So, your daughter is at Cap and she got in RD?
I am glad you posted and let us know how she is liking it so far. My daughter also loves Cap and has wanted to go there for years. She still does but she also now loves UMich, and there are some differences among the two. But she much prefers Tisch's location but still loves things about Michigan's program itself. She has friends at both. She has been talking extensively with about five friends at Cap so she has really explored the inside scoop. While she frets that she did not take advantage of the boost that ED gives at Cap, she knows she still can apply and try to get in, as kids do get in RD too, and she just does not want to have to make the decision just yet as to where she will go (and of course, most of it rides on who will take her, so it all could turn out to be a moot point).
Interesting what you said about the dance classes. My daughter does like how at both NYU and Mich, they place you in dance levels as she has a strong background in dance so would not want to be placed with kids who have barely danced before college. Your comment as to how the top ballet class was not that challenging at Cap sort of correlates with a comment that my D had on her visit. She was fortunate to visit two dance classes with a friend who goes to Cap and my daughter commented afterwards that they did not seem that challenging to her.
I enjoyed reading your D's comments because her enthusiasm sounds a lot like my own D's. She would not mind the hard work and long hours (does it now) as she thrives on it. And yes, she would love being in NYC as your D does.
Musicalthtrmom....your D and mine are in the same boat. Crazy fall. I always thought it was hectic before the college stuff came along. Today is a typical day for my daughter. She left at 7:45 for school, then will travel to one city for dance rehearsal for her jazz repertory dance troupe at her dance studio, then to another city for rehearal all night for this adult musical theater production she is cast in, and will get home at 11 PM, and also will travel about 110 miles today, which is quite typical, to do all this. She will be back in that city tomorrow for private voice and acting lessons where she is preparing for college auditions and the NFAA award submission too. And again all day on Sunday for rehearsal. Fitting in the homework, college application written materials, and audition prep work (let's not even mention practicing piano or guitar, both of which she takes lessons on) is crazy. The Michigan application was pretty involving but is just about done. One down, 7 to go, lol. Then 8 trips. We will get through it. Can't wait for April, lol. I did just have a daughter go through this last year but not the BFA part which is a whole added dimension and I thought it was very hectic what she had to do senior year as it were. She, too, however, had the same heavy duty extracurricular involvement that this daughter does. I guess it all got done with her and in fact, she is a very happy camper at the moment, loving every moment of Brown and is very glad with the choice she made. I loved hearing of the happiness that Mtheatermom's D is having at NYU too. That's what we all want to have happen for our kids!
Susan