Cmu Summer Program Questions - Page 2

bearcaaat · 02-11-2006, 07:59 PM

My D attended the CMU Summer Program and it was an awesome experience. The key to the CMU program is their focus on preparing the students for the grueling audition process they will be facing as seniors. I also agree with all the comments from Peggy above. My D came back a different person and with the knowledge that she wanted to pursue MT as a profession and the confidence that she could make a career of it. This program also gave her a tremendous jump start on auditions. It is expensive, but so is a MT education and we considered it a very worthwhile investment.

We also talked to parents of students who discovered that they did not want to pursue a MT career. Their belief was that it is better to find this out at a $6000 program rather then after a $40,000 year at college.

Another great advantage is the friends my D made through this program. At every college audition we have run into someone she knew from CMU, often several. It is great to see the warm greetings, and the relief of knowing she is not in this alone. Also, having someone to talk to at the auditions really seems to be a pressure release.

Finally a comment on the temperature in Pittsburgh. It got very hot last summer and we did bring down a window air conditioning for their room. (They where very popular).

I also recommend that you stay on top of the school. I noticed above that someone had a problem with missing information. When we applied they lost our check and we would not have known it if we did not call. The program fills fast and a few lost days could be the difference between getting in and not. The people in the admissions office where very nice, but it appears not real organized.

MTRae · 02-25-2006, 11:51 PM

Does anybody know around how many students are accepted into the CMU summer program? I'm getting a bit nervous, because I wasn't aware of this program until very recently and I'm still waiting on my teachers for their recommendations. I know the deadline isnt until May 1, but do you think it will be filled already? I wasn't aware if it was on a first-come-first-serve basis.

MotherMoo · 03-09-2006, 03:22 PM

MTRae, did you send your application already or are you still waiting for recomendations?

nytheatermom · 03-09-2006, 04:39 PM

MTRae: Last year there were well over 100 kids in theater (acting, mt and tech). I think you have time, and should not worry too much. But sooner is obviously better than later.

evasmom · 04-26-2006, 07:51 AM

In the booklet they advise students to bring things to decorate the walls, sheets etc... What about curtains, throw rugs...? Should we buy a small frig at home and bring it since we'll need to buy one next year anyway? Also if two students want to room together does anyone know how CMU handles this? It seems like I read somewhere that two cc students requested each other for roomates last year?
Thanks for any help you can give!

kaysmom · 04-26-2006, 08:03 AM

Evasmom,

The book did say to bring paint safe puddy or whatever to hang posters. It did not mention rugs or curtains at all. Maybe someone who has already been can answer that one. It did say there is a microfridge to rent for $15 a week.

I also read about the 2 roommates from last year, but I can tell you that the book this year specifically states (in more than one place) that they will not honor roommate requests except in extreme situations. You do have to send in a separate letter from both people requesting the roommate if such a situation does exist.

I have already sent my forms back...if you have any other questions..please send me an e-mail!

Kathie

ElliottsMom · 04-26-2006, 04:12 PM

It's perhaps good at this point to remember that the CMU pre-college program is for several areas other than drama/MT. Perhaps for those other kids (taking traditional classes and studying in their rooms) they would feel better with decorated rooms. However, I have a feeling our drama/MT kids are not going to be spending much time in there at all.

Since we're arriving by plane, hoping my S's roommate will have the fridge and fans.

forevaeva23 · 05-06-2006, 10:16 PM

Okay, so this is random..but do you need to bring a shower curtain?

BrendanN · 05-07-2006, 03:39 AM

Nope...hope that helped.

nytheatermom · 05-07-2006, 07:27 AM

you know you can rent a fridge if you care about it. There is also one on the floor.

Kaysmom: Also, it was my daughter (broadwaywannabe) and another CC-er who requested to room together last year and this was easily allowed -- despite the same language about such requests only being granted rarely. Yes, it did require both of them to send a written note.

By the way, I would not spend too much time th inking about room decoration. The rooms have what they need.

dancermom · 05-07-2006, 04:54 PM

How about tv's? I know they will not have much time, and there is probably one on the hall in a lounge or something, but what does everyone think about that? My d isn't that interested, but she is accustomed to having one in her room. Thanks for any info!

BroadwayWannabe · 05-07-2006, 06:17 PM

there is barely any time for tv....occasionally my friends would watch an episode or two on DVD on someone's lap top....and the night before the mock auditions, we watched a moive, but not really. there were so many better things to do. there is a tv in each wing, though....you're not gonna miss it....especially since it's in the summer so it's just re-runs of television shows...

kaylagurl · 05-10-2006, 01:17 PM

I've decided that im definetly going to go to CMU....im really excited

kaylagurl · 05-10-2006, 01:22 PM

Broadwaywannabe do you mind if i ask some questions..?

umm..
do we need to bring a cassette/tape recorder, would it be helpful?
how are the rooms/ bathrooms organised?
is there alot of rehersal rooms if you want to practise your singing/ acting ?
what are the professors like?

ok..lol..i cant think of anymore now...but thank you so much!
byeee
*Kays

BroadwayWannabe · 05-10-2006, 03:12 PM

alrighty....

bringing a tape recorder is definitely helpful because your voice teacher or singing teacher can record the accompaniment and you can practice with it.

The rooms seem to be semi-organized based on major. They tried for the most part to put people with similar majors together. Of course that was not always the case. There are 5 wings in the dorm. 4 of the 5 wings have individual bathrooms in each room. I shared my bathroom with my roommate plus the triple next door. It was really nice. So it was kind of like having suitmates because our rooms were connected through a bathroom, but there was no common room. One wing instead has only communal bathrooms, but the advantage of that wing is that the laundry is free.

There are several rehearsal rooms in Purnell (the drama building). In addition, there are practice rooms in the School of Music, which is not that far away.

The professors are really great. Most of them are either CMU or Point Park professors, but they are great! There wasn't a single class where I was disapointed with my teachers. My biggest disapointment was that there were great teachers who I wanted as well....but I didn't want them instead lol...just in addition!

feel free to ask anymore questions! you're gonna have a great time!