Baldwin Wallace vs. BoCo?

epo9 · 03-31-2008, 09:27 AM

To any students who have been accepted to both programs, or just know a lot about each of them? In comparison, what is each programs ups and downs?

momfor2 · 03-31-2008, 04:07 PM

my friends daughter goes to BoCo and she felt the down side was they accept a large amount of kids into the program...They do have sophomore hurdles so maybe that will bring the numbers down? Also... trying out for shows makes it extremely competitive. However, they have a very strong dance program...sometimes mornings filled with 3 different dance classes..

BrownEyes · 03-31-2008, 05:48 PM

We haven't visited BoCo yet, but based on a recent visit to B-W I can tell you that they seem to have a very well-organized and well-run BFA program. My D loved Vicki Bussert and the Acting teacher she met with; and B-W seems to be one of the few BFA programs which allows cross-over among the Departments. For example, we were told that a BFA major at B-W can audition for Drama Dept. and Opera productions, which is very unusual, but a real plus for a kid who is as interested in Acting and/or classical voice as he or she is in Musical Theater.

ALSO, in contrast to BoCo (which I know accepts a lot of students each year), B-W's program is very small, highly selective, and moving up every year in the ranks of college/conservatory BFA programs.

I hope this helps! Best of luck with your decision ...

momfor2 · 03-31-2008, 10:45 PM

Brown Eyes...I think you are mistaken...BW offers a BM in Musical Theatre not a BFA

BWMT09 · 03-31-2008, 10:58 PM

One of the best things about BW is that it's a small, intimate program. You're MT class will be around 12-14, which is considerably less then the 50 or so at BOCO. Plus there is no cut system. Once you are accepted, Vicky is behind you for all 4 years. Another great thing is the personal attention you get from all of the professors. They are always willing to schedule meetings to do coachings or even just to talk. Also, you will take more academic classes at BW then you will at Boco (although there aren't all that many you have to take).

BWMT09 · 03-31-2008, 11:05 PM

Another thing I almost forgot. Vicky has soooo many connections in the business. And she is more then happy to share them with her students. A little anecdote... Vicky is an old friend of Francesca Zambello (the director of The Little Mermaid on Broadway) and Francesca is directing the new musical version of Little House on the Prairie. Because of her connections, Vicky got multiple students auditions this week. Many students get sent into NY all the time for auditions. Another perk about BW

mtman · 04-01-2008, 06:34 AM

Mostly, I think you would have to go to both and judge because they are both very different programs in very different locales. Both put people right into the business, so both will satisfy the "need to make money" goal, so you need to see where you feel best.

Oh, also you should read the curriculum of each school and look at the resources. There were two schools I thought I was interested in and applied to that didn't even have actual music majors on the side and that just turned me right off. You may be different, each person has their best schools.

epo9 · 04-01-2008, 09:11 AM

THANK YOU EVERYONE SO SOO MUCH!!!! It was so beneficial and I greatly appreciate it. Just one more quick question though... when you say BoCo accepts 50, and BW 12 or 14.... doesnt BoCo have "cores" that seperate you into a class of like 12-14? Do you think that would help make the setting seem more intimate.... Also can anyone compare the two schools in regards to their acting curriculums??? Again, thank you all soooo much

FierceMTHopeful · 04-01-2008, 08:57 PM

I'm not an expert on this.
But I'd say BW would also be better for the acting. The class sizes are much smaller and each student will get much more individual attention. As opposed to have a acting class size of over 25, which I'm assuming BOCO has. You can't really succeed if you're not getting the individual attention/criticisms that you need. I REALLY want to go to B-W. As of now I'm still on the wait list. Rumors have it they won't have to go to the list this year. Although that bums me out, I still have hope! Good Luck to everyone in ALL their decisions!

MTstudent2012 · 04-02-2008, 09:48 AM

Hi everyone! (haha i'm new to this)

I'm sorta in the same position as epo9 and just have a quick question about BW's MT program. I was just wondering how their dance program is for MTs. Reading these theads I understand a lot about thir BM program and the amazing acting and music training, but not so much about their dance program. Thankss!!

soozievt · 04-02-2008, 10:08 AM

FierceMTHopeful.....if comparing BOCO class sizes, it is best to use real information and not put out assumptions that their acting classes have 25 in them. I very much doubt that but I can't quote the number. My child attends a program that is much larger than B-W, but the actual class sizes in studio are 15 students. So, please do not assume that a larger PROGRAM means bigger classes or less individualized attention. There are differences among the programs for certain, but how many are in a classroom may not be the difference that you are stating.

epo9 · 04-02-2008, 01:43 PM

To add to what soozievet said, there acting class never exceed 15. But still FierceMThopeful, your information was greatly appreciated