<p>Dani,</p>
<p>Thanks for the update on the Cornell theater program. Other than the issues related to there being an MFA when I was there, the program sounds remarkably familiar - strong studio work and strong academic opportunities. As I said earlier, I have nothing but positive memories of the school and felt my training was excellent. (In answer to your question, I did work as an actress both in New York and in Philadelphia where I now live for several years after my training but that was quite awhile ago. I do still occasionally understudy at a regional Equity theater here and actually got to go on a year or so ago and it was a great thrill - the bug NEVER dies!!) With regard to the BFA/BA question and whether or not an MFA is valuable, I will say that in my situation, having had MFA training as an undergrad compromised my ability to do a “real” MFA upon the completion of my undergrad work. I auditioned for several top programs for all the reasons Doctorjohn enumerated (either here or on the drama thread - sorry I can’t remember…) but also because I felt I needed more stage work for the reason I stated in my previous post. Without exception, when the grad program auditors inquired about my training, they told me that I should just go to work, that an MFA for me would be “repetitive.” I disagreed strongly, but to no avail. However, it sounds to me as though you are doing all your research and I have no doubt that you will find a program that suits your needs and ambitions. And yes, UMich also has a very strong acting program. Check it out. The Cornell Theater Department was chaired by a man named James Clancey when I was there and the Head of the Acting Program was Stephen Coles. And yes, my D knows Amos (there are only 24 kids in the freshman MT class so everyone knows everyone!)</p>
<p>My husband and I are flying to Ann Arbor tomorrow to visit our D for the weekend and see the MT production of Chorus Line. Can’t wait!! I’ll report back about the show on our return.</p>
<p>Soozievt,
I have some information about the dance opportunities at UMich that you might be interested in. I know you’ve written about your D’s interest in advanced dance so email me if you’d like.</p>