UArts program, academics

Momsinger · 11-22-2006, 08:16 AM

Can anybody tell me anything about UArts' program, adding to anything that's already appeared here? I'm interested in the quality of the vocal instruction; how even-handed they are in casting their shows; the kind of students they're looking for; how things go for transfers; and the quality of the academics--although certainly I know that's not their primary focus, the academic life is also important to my daughter!

Thanks!

NotMamaRose · 11-22-2006, 09:34 AM

A mom who used to post here has a D at UArts right now. She and I email back and forth offlist, and next time we interact, I will mention to her that a parent on the CC list has some ?s about the program.

In the meantime, you might be interested in reading the freshmen journals that UArts has selected kids keep. They are here:

http://www.uarts.edu/admission/view.cfm?link=journals

I don't think those will answer all of your questions, but they do give readers an "up close and personal" snapshot into the life of students there.

BreakIntoSong · 11-22-2006, 10:25 AM

I've read on the website that the school really seems to favor transfers in the admissions process since they're at a point in their lives that they KNOW what they want. Being a transfer, I'm of course loving that aspect!!

As far as the academics, my guess is that they wouldn't be as challenging (at least not all of them) as those in a typical university or elite school. But there seems to be a broad range of subjects to take like actual math, history, science and language courses. Or you could just as easily supplement your liberal arts academics with courses that are related to your area of study. I think that there are probably some courses that require being in the major so you would need special permission, but I doubt it would be such a big deal if you really want to take the class.

sheerviolette · 11-23-2006, 02:36 PM

The Quality of the Vocal Instruction - The MT Section in the School of Theater Arts at the UArts has its own Vocal instructors, separate than those in the School of Music. As of right now, there are four instructors:
- Patricia Raine
- Therese Greenland
- Mary Ellen Grant-Kennedy
- Dr. Neal Tracy

All are highly qualified in what they teach, though they teach in very different ways, of course. Patty also teaches a Voice for Musical Theater class for freshmen, so she will get to know all of the incoming students--this is helpful because she usually directs either the fall or spring musical. Neal teaches a Voice for Musical Theater class for seniors. You are placed with your voice teacher based on your audition for the school, so you don't get to choose who your teacher is, but most people get placed appropriately.

The even-handedness in casting shows is based on which director is casting. In any situation (in the real world, but ESPECIALLY in a school-based setting where you have a limited casting pool), a director is going to have some things pre-cast. Most of the directors work directly at the university and know the students that are auditioning for them. One can't really call it unfair, because if you know somebody's going to work well, there's no reason not to cast them.

Also UArts has a policy called "casting restriction" which means if a person has received a grade of, I believe, B- or lower in one of their core classes (for MTs that would be their Acting Studio, Voice for MT class or their voice lesson), then they are not allowed to be cast for the upcoming semester, though they must still audition. It can also occur if one's GPA is too low, though I don't remember the exact number.

UArts doesn't look for a specific type of student, I don't think. Transfers are very welcome. We tend to have at least one or two transfers a year, and some people are older but don't give in their transfer credits or don't have transfer credits. Basically, we love transfers!

I'm not really sure how the academics are working with the incoming students. They're no longer required to take an allotted amount of elective liberal arts credits (2 classes of Social Science credits, one class of Science/Math, etc.) but I think they can choose whichever electives they want to take. They have to take a class called First-Year Writing and two semesters of various SIFT classes. I don't remember what it stands for, but they seem interesting, ranging in classes from Texts & Contexts to Human Observance, and Love & Death. While the academics are not the focal point of your studies, they stress making a well-rounded person. A person with slightly worse grades and better talent is more likely to get in than a person with better grades and slightly worse talent.

Hope I helped, and apologies for my long-windedness!

Momsinger · 11-24-2006, 11:15 AM

Thanks so much for this reply! Not long-winded at all. So much helpful information.
Are you a current student, and do you like the program?

BroadwayWannabe · 11-24-2006, 02:36 PM

in terms of the uarts academics, all freshman take First year writing, which is your typical english class...it's not hard haha....but it does what all freshman writing classes are designed to do, which is to teach people how to write properly. We also take freshman year Survey of Theater Arts, which is basically an english-type class for theater majors. We read plays and analyze them. Next semester we have Script Analysis instead, which will go in depth even more with analyzing plays.

The academics are not bad, though. What I really do appreciate is the school of theater's philosophy how we have to be aware of what's going on around us and all. And my acting teacher feels so similarly. She made sure that we all voted and that we all cared what was going on with the election and everything....there is also flexibility for liberal arts classes. I know a girl in my class is planning on taking spanish next semester, so more academics can be taken if desperately desired....I am trying to get some liberal arts credits out of the way over the summer because they do take up a lot of time....

I really feel that UArts does not look for certain "types." They are really big in letting us develop into our own kind of person and not be set in one way. When it came time to picking monologues, my teacher said to people, "I think this monologue is perfect for you. And that is exactly what I DON'T want you to do it." she wants us to discover who we are and not limit ourselves to only being the ingenue or whatever.

I am absolutely in love with Patty Raine, the freshman voice for musical theater teacher. She also directed Urinetown, which was fabulous as well!

There are 2 transfers in my freshman class this year.

sheerviolette · 11-24-2006, 03:04 PM

I am currently a junior MT at UArts and I think the program is wonderful. It is, of course, a constantly developing program, but I think the training is some of the best you can get and it's certainly one of the most unique schools in the country when it comes to MT.

NotMamaRose · 11-24-2006, 06:24 PM

Sheerviolette, you mentioned that, in your opinion, the MT program at UArts is unique. I would appreciate hearing more about what you think makes UArts BFA major different (unique) from what is offered by other college programs. Thanks!

samdeb · 11-25-2006, 09:08 AM

My D is in her first year at our local community college majoring in Theatre and wants to be in Musical Theater ultimately. We are beginning to look at where she could/should transfer and what classes would transfer, what classes to take etc. UArts looks very promising but I'm wondering since the classes seem specific for UArts would any of the classes she's taking now (English Comp., Acting, Ballet) transfer or is she wasting her time. She still would like to stay home for now though, so we thought the community college would be best this year (maybe next year too). Would receiving an AA in Theatre from a community college help? Right now she is just taking classes, not towards the AA degree. Other places she is considering auditioning for are Shenandoah Conservatory and Catholic University. We live in Maryland. Any answers or direction would be much appreciated. Thanks.

BroadwayWannabe · 11-25-2006, 09:16 AM

From my observations with transfers, they seem pretty flexible about how much transfers over. They are probably more willing to transfer over the liberal arts classes....but some theater related classes can transfer over. I know that of the two transfers, one is in freshman acting studio and one is in sophmore acting studio....

In terms of how unique UArts is, sheerviolette has been there longer than i have as i am just a freshman, but my bg unique thing has been that we're being trained to actually act as well as sing and dance. we're in acting studio with the acting majors, so it's great that we're not just doing musical theater acting....although that is done as well :-)

nytheatermom · 11-27-2006, 05:31 PM

As the first semester nears an end, I can only say it has been a wonderful wonderful term for my daughter. Yes, she is exhausted from the work, but it is a satisfying feeling for her knowing she is doing what she wants to do.

The question on this thread dealt with academics. My daughter graduated from a high pressure private high school where academics were stressed. However, current events took a back seat. I am very happy at Uarts that an awareness about the world is so encouraged.

By the way, she will be working the audition this Saturday, so maybe she will meet some new CC-ers.

Anyone with questions about Uarts, feel free to email me.