mt13

Okay, so. The entire summer stage program is about twice that size, but it includes both the Acting and Musical Theatre tracks. Each has it's own set of staff and TA's. If your D will be dorming in the residence hall, she will be with people from all programs. Girls are on one floor, and boys are on another, but students from all programs are put together. Mt's aren't rooming only with Mt's, but also with writers, film and tv students, theatre design students, and acting students. While both in summer stage, Acting and MT students generally don't see each other during classes, as both tracks are on very different schedules. The residents and the commuters do hang out after class as well, but the commuters must go home at some point, and the residents must be back by curfew. Anyway, back to your question. Yes, the MT program will continue to be this small because this number of students is extremely effective in giving each student individual attention and time for solo work, while lending a sense of group and ensemble. I, personally, was unable to meet the other MT's because I live quite a way away from Boston, but others were able to get together beforehand. Also, when we were accepted to the program and decided that we would go, we started to talk via the internet and by phone. While I didn't get to physically meet any of them prior to the start of the program, I feel as though I definitely knew them. I can absolutely say that they are all my best friends right now, and that all 17 of us keep in contact many times daily. On the move-in day, I got in early, waited, and when people started to come in, all the MT's gathered and talked for about 3 hours before orientation. Also, while MT's are known for being a really close group, and that is completely true, we were also able to spend much time with the people from the other programs at meals and after classes. So, there are actually many more people for your D to be with if she feels more comfortable in a larger group, or wants to spend time with people in programs other than her own. The application is a lot less work than most others, yes, but the screening process is no less effective. The group of students assembled were enormously talented. Another reason why the summer program is great is because every one has strengths and areas to work on. By the end of the summer, we all grew as performers because of the different levels everyone came in at. As far as the cost, the fact that it is lower than other programs is great, and no reflection on quality. All the faculty are top notch. I am not sure of the exact reason of the lower price, but it is a good thing. While much time is spent with the TA's, and they are excellent teachers, the Emerson professors always make themselves available to us if we need to speak with them or want to work with them if this is an issue for your D. Both the professors and the TA's can offer unique perspective on the program. That of having taught there for years, and that of just having graduated from the undergrad or graduate program. I hope I was able to answer all your questions, albeit I took probably far too long to do so. If you have any more questions, I would be glad to answer them, or if I need to clarify anything I've said, please let me know. Ultimately what it boils down to, as it does for college, is the question of which program is right for your D. That is a hard thing to tell at this time, but based on the ideals of a program, you can maybe get a sense. If your D is looking to work on herself as a performer as well as a person, then Emerson is the place for her. This program definitely lends itself a sense of independence as far as her life outside of class goes. Class is structured, but there is always room for creativity, and the program is focused more on the value of the process, rather than the product. If this is what she wants, then I would recommend Emerson. If your D is looking for other things like a program that is focused more on a unified product in their students, then I might recommend another program. I hope this helps.