drhowarddrfine

I've been searching like crazy and talked to a lot of people but can't seem to come to a consensus. While Roosevelt is in that great theater district, not many people know anything about them. Webster seems to have a great rep but it's not in a great theatre town. But some say Roosevelt is the big up and comer but it was Webster that Richard Dreyfus and Michael York recently visited. (Going for acting not MT).

I kind of get the impression Webster is more of a "real school" while Roosevelt only gained that reputation recently. One of these two schools is in my backyard but that doesn't affect my decision. However, it looks like those will be my two options and I really, really can't put my finger on what is best.

I think it really boils down to what I already said. Roosevelt is good and in a theater town/district but Webster might have the better training and rep. Or am I totally wrong? (Can you tell how my head is spinning?)

BelleofNY

I had to make the exact same decision last year. Roosevelt is great. Our training really is awesome, the teachers are SO dedicated and have all had successful acting careers. You should e-mail the director, Sean. He's GREAT! skelley@roosevelt.edu He'd love to talk to you. I found that after visiting both schools, Roosevelt was more homey, the staff was friendlier and I felt the students really loved it. It's your choice though! E-mail me if you have any questions.

mamalot

My sister graduated from Roosevelt. It's an ancient school, and it ain't pretty. But it has a fabulous list of trained actors in real work and the classes are amazing. She got work immediately -- a national commercial that has helped support her although she got sick and couldn't pursue her career.

drhowarddrfine

Thanks for the replies.

Belle, I'm glad you replied because I know you looked at both. Were there things you liked/disliked about Webster?

drhowarddrfine

For that matter, why would I NOT want to go to Roosevelt. It seems like such an unknown.

BelleofNY

I don't know why mamalot says the school isn't pretty, it's BEAUTIFUL. Hm. Anyway, why would you NOT want to go to Roosevelt? Well...if you had cold weather, definitely not the place for you! It's also hard work, our professors do not accept anything but 100% and that can get hard sometimes. We aren't really allowed "sick days" so you really need to be ready to work. The deciding factor for me was the faculty. At webster I really did not feel welcome, the faculty seemed cold when I visited and the students I talked to were not very energetic or happy. The teachers really do care about you here, they get to know you and are always available to talk and offer help. Again, I really think you should e-mail Sean and talk to him. He'd love to chat with you.

drhowarddrfine

I hear he's a great guy but that would be like asking the PR department how good the place is. I'm looking for opinions of real people, preferably with some hard facts. I notice a lot of cheerleaders waving the school flag but no hard facts.

You verified the "no sick days" concept which I heard elsewhere and the faculty are encouraging/nurturing/caring/etc. I even heard the story of someone who missed a class and got a cell phone call five minutes later. I have no problem with that.

NotMamaRose

Speaking of getting sick at Roosevelt: someone told me that they have no student health services. Is that true, BelleofNY? In other words, is there a place on campus or near campus, run by Roosevelt, that takes care of ill students? If not, what do you do if you come down with, say, strep throat? This may not seem like a big concern, but when a kid is away from home for the first time and gets sick, we parents like to know there are medical professionals easily accessible.

drhowarddrfine

I'm sure you are aware they are in downtown Chicago so finding a doctor isn't a problem but, is there one run by Roosevelt? I don't know.

Talked to someone today who said they didn't think the department has the staff up to where they would like it to be yet. Does anyone know anything about that?

BelleofNY

We actually do have a walk in clinic about three blocks from the school, but it is not run by the school. You go in and show them your insurance card and they see you. I've had to visit before, and they're very nice and it's not expensive as long as you have insurance. About the staff...well, the staff is amazing. I mean, their resumes and teaching ability are incredible, I don't know who told you that. We've recently had Tina Paul (tony nominated!) join the staff and she's great. Ray Frewen has joined, he played Javert in the national tour of Les Mis. Luis Perez is on the staff as well, he's highly credited in the broadway circuit. Really, the staff is great.

mamalot

I'm sorry. I didn't mean the PERFORMANCE SPACE was ugly; I meant the classroom spaces were pretty old, etc., like, as opposed to the brand-new theater facility at Indiana. But not all great things come in pretty packages! My s. is really struggling with the decision too.

mamalot

ANY information appreciated! I know that Roosevelt doesn't have a NY showcase.... does that bother you?

drhowarddrfine

Not in the least. It's nice that Webster does this but it is just one thing among many things that can be done or are done.

ccpasoulman

Hey Everyone! The students are really pushing for a NY showcase in the near future. Hopefully its together by the end of next year. i wouldnt be discouraged either way though! A recent MT graduate of CCPA just got cast in MAMMA MIA ON BROADWAY back in december and she wasnt in NY for the audition and her agent was chicago based! so, all things do come together! Also, a recent MT graduate was cast i nthe tour of WOnderful TOwn, a freshman was called back for SPRING AWAKENING on broadway, a sophomore was called back for ALTAR BOYZ! Keep in mind this all from auditions in chicago and agents based out of chicago!

nate

Merle Dandridge went to CCPA and shes playing Kala in Tarzan!