IloveNY08

I'm a Junior in High School and I decided to start my college search early.

I am planning on majoring in MT and have really been looking into UMich. I have heard so many great things about it and would really love to go there. But I was just wondering if anyone who currently goes there, or are alumni, could answer some of my questions.
My first production was in 3rd grade, but I didn't really start to get involved with theatre until the summer before my Sophomore year. And I didn't start getting lead roles until this year. Will that greatly affect my chances of getting in? "Experience level" i mean.
Also, I have taken some dance classes in tap, lyrical, and jazz. But not ballet. Will that also be a large factor in the audition?
And do you have any other tips when auditioning?

I have several other questions, but I'll save those for a later date.
Thank you to anyone who can help!

MTMama

Hi IloveNY08 - It's good you are thinking about programs, now - as a junior you might also consider a summer program, which many MT students do the summer before their senior year. This will give you a chance to learn more about the different programs out there, to be with like-minded students and to perhaps work on audition material for your college auditions.

About UMich - we visited when my D was a junior and in her information session everyone was told that if you had not yet studied ballet or piano to start those classes ASAP. My D is now a sophomore in their MT program and, while some of her classmates do not have a ballet background, most of them do have a fair amount of ballet training. I think it would be important to at least know some basic ballet steps before you do their audition - just in case. And if you could get a year of ballet training under your belt, that would be even better.

There is a range of experience in the backgrounds of the MT students at UMich. There are some who did not really get involved in MT until high school and others who have more extensive resumes. Your audition is really the most important factor in admittance.

littlemermaid13

Hi IloveNY, I am in the exact same boat as you! In terms of preparing to audition, just try to get as much experience as possible in all areas! Voice teachers help immensely, and dance classes as well. And as many shows as you can get into, that will prepare you for the major as well. I have never taken an acting class, but find I learn a ton by just doing show after show. UMICH is highly competitive, so ballet and piano are going to help you alot, as will really good grades!!! UMich is super competitive, so make sure you apply to other schools as well, that are less competitive! GOOD LUCK!!! Maybe I'll see you there! (O:

IloveNY08

MTMama- Thank you for your response. I greatly appreciate it! I'm going to look into the summer program! It sounds like a really good idea!!! Thank you!

As for dance, I do know the basic steps from some of my theatre experiences and from my lyrical dance class, which is a mixture of ballet and jazz. But I think I will try to take as much ballet as i can. And I do play the piano, so that's already a plus for me!lol

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me.

IloveNY08

littlemermaid13- Thank you so much for replying! I appreciate it so much!

Yes, I have a voice teacher! And I have been taking choir since 6th grade, so I'm not all too worried about the voice portion! And yes, I'm trying to fit as many shows in my schedule as I possibly can. The only thing that makes it difficult is working around my schedule, seeing as I'm in two choirs, piano, and voice. lol But I'm doing the best I can!
But I am planning on applying to several schools, so no worries there.

Thank you so much for your help and advice! And maybe I will see you there! Keep me posted on how everything goes when the time comes!

ShelleySings

Hey!

I'm an MT at Michigan now and there is really a crazy mix of people with years and years of dance training and people who didn't even own a pair of dance shoes till they got here . And then there are a few people in the middle.
And A LOT of the students in the department didn't find MT till high school. If you don't have a resume filled with lead roles, it's okay. It really will not hurt you at all. And it probably wouldn't help you much either. It's all about your audition.
(And here's a tip. The dancing audition is just as much about your presence and acting as it is about your ability.)
The faculty says it all the time and it's true- they are looking for potential. They don't want people who are perfect performers all wrapped and ready to go. They want people who can get there.
I hope that helped??

Laughlove

I was wondering if anyone had an answer for me. I just auditioned yesterday and I am dying to know if I'm even being considered for the program. Can you find this out before the 3 week time period? Or do you get a response before then?

Laughlove

Has anyone gotten rejected or accepted from the March 7th audition group yet?

Mom4X

Look on line at your admission status. If it says you will hear in 2 weeks via snail mail, it is pretty much a rejection coming your way.

Laughlove

Mine says nothing so far and its been two weeks. Has anyone gotten a notice from that audition group?

Laughlove

my wolverine access just has an application status link. Is this the one you are talking about?

Laughlove

anyone from the march 6 audition hear anything???!