anothermom-w-q

Hi everyone, My D is a rising senior looking at MT programs. I can't believe what a helpful tool this website has been. We have been paying a private college counselor who doesn't have access to the info I have found here. So thanks to all who have come through before and passed on their info and wisdom.
I was rereading some older posts, and wanted to recheck Wagner, since my D wants to be in NYC (the center of the world). For some reason a month ago I had taken it off our possible list. Now when I look at their Theatre Dept website I see no mention of an MT major. I am probably just missing something, and need new reading glasses. I know it's not one of the highest regarded programs, but realistically she needs to look at lots of schools.
We are in Southern California, so I guess we will see some of you at the LA Unifieds.
This is our list right now:
Ithaca (her first choice)
Syracuse
Otterbein
Emerson
Elon
SUNY (Fredonia, Geneseo? not sure which) could use some imput on this
University of Northern Colorado
Cal State Fullerton (though the audition at end of first year is disconcerting)

Anyway, thanks for any info regarding Wagner you can provide. I think I saw audition dates posted on another thread, but I couldn't find the link on the school website.

abparent

anothermom...

re Wagner, there program is a BA in Theatre w/ concentration in musical theatre found in their Theatre and Speech division. Once you get there, you should be able to direct yourself on the auditions. It can be tough keeping track of all the different headings, spellings, etc. Hence, our very long "favorites" list on the computer. We visited Wagner in the spring and saw The Music Man - very well done. If my memory is correct, they do about 2 musicals per year and are actually in Staten Island - a ferry ride away from Manhattan.

Good Luck!

anothermom-w-q

I will check for it that way.

soozievt

I'm sorry to not know the specifics at Wagner but do know some people who have gone or are about to go. They are all going for musical theater. One went to our high school. One went to my D's theater camp. Right now, my D is in a professional production and one person in it is a student at Wagner now (studies with same voice teacher as my D). Another girl we just saw in a production in our state who also studies with same voice teacher is about to start Wagner. I recall seeing her at the Ithaca auditions but she was not admitted. My D did not apply to Wagner though her voice teacher thought it might be good to have as an "easier" school in case her schools did not work out. That truly is a good way to go but admittedly, my D did not do this and auditioned at 8 BFA programs that were tough to get into but figured on at least one working out. I would suggest looking into Wagner. If your D is looking for another school along those lines which is not that far from NYC, perhaps look into Hartt (Univ. of Hartford) or University of the Arts (Phila.) which are closer to NYC than many schools on her list. My personal view is that while NYC is enticing, you do not need to go to a program IN NYC, you just need to move there after the BFA to audition for work. There are some benefits to being in NYC while in college that I can see as an upshot IF you go to school there, but not a reason to pick it.

Glad to see programs like Wagner mentioned on here so that all these possibilities are discovered since the numbers are real tough on the usual BFA programs often mentioned.

Susan

be_a_star

Do you think I will have less of a chance at Wagner if I do a videotaped audition? There's no way I can afford to go to more than two auditions, and the hotels areound there are so expensive that I can't go there for it. So are videotaped auditions scorned?

Prof. Himmelheber

Hi, AnotherMom:

I am the new BFA Coordinator at CSU Fullerton, and wanted to make sure that you know that CSUF auditions into the BFA occur at the end of the sophomore (not freshman) year. If you look at the "West Coast Schools" thread, I have explained more fully the methodology and reasoning behind this audition concept (which occurs later than many programs in the nation).

If you are interested, I started a thread entitled "CSU Fullerton," and encouraged my students (past, present and future) to register and post there, sharing their info and experiences with this group. Our kids are mostly working during the summers and are pretty busy - thus far, only one (a rising senior in the program) has registered. If you have specific concerns about the audition and when it occurs, I suggest you writeto this student and ask about anything you'd like to know.

We at CSUF are very candid with our students, and I have encouraged my students likewise to be so in responding to these posts... I also asked them to choose a moniker that would NOT allow me to identify them (otherwise, not sure that they would be ENTIRELY candid).



Thanks,

eve

Prof. Himmelheber

Hi, Be-a-Star:

I used to serve on the faculty at the University of Arizona, and as such took part in the audition process.

UofA accepts videotapes, in part because they want to see all the interested students (even those who can't travel to the school to audition), and partly to remain as accessible as possible (seeing as they don't do the unified).

My experience with the taped auditions was that they were considered equally with those who attended the auditions personally. The mistake would be in "over producing" the video - it's not intended for broadcast, so keep it simple (no set, costumes, etc.). And make sure the camera is focused so that most of the body is visible (they need to see what the deportment of the FULL body is like when singing) - so no extreme close-ups of only the face, and likewise not too far away that the singer disappears in the background. Focus the camera so that the top of the head and the feet are both just visible in frame.

And on the topic of accompaniment, I suggest that you test the tape BEFORE leaving the session (meaning, plug it in to a machine and watch it on a tv screen). So many times, the tape submissions were poor sound quality/balance, and we couldn't hear the singer for the piano/CD or vice versa. A simple viewing of the tape will let you observe whether or not you need another "take" with sound adjustment before leaving the session (or mailing it).

Also, use good general lighting (so no weird/dramatic shadows occur, and they can see what you really look like), and wear clothing that won't blend into the background (if shooting in a studio with black-colored floors and drapes as most theatres have, you don't want to wear all black - otherwise you'll look like a "floating head with hands"). This is yet another reason to preview the tape before finishing the session (or mailing it); so that you can make any necessary adjustments.

Keep your movements simple and fluid (not acting for the stage here, but acting for the camera which is much more contained). If you suddenly move out of frame and the camera has to jerk to keep up with you, the auditors are not as impressed as they might otherwise be.

And DON'T FORGET YOUR ACTING VALUES. I suggest putting a "partner" (real or imagined) behind the camera, so that you are acting to/with someone (this is definitely a consideration in the singing audition). Also, don't look directly into the lens (unless this will not freak you out and cause you to impersonalize the piece). Personally, I can never manage to do that when faced with that little, reflective, unforgiving piece of glass called a lens; makes me stiff as a board!

Don't put on the tape more than what they are asking for. If we have to "fast forward" to get to the "goods," we may go too far and miss the best part of your audition or, worse yet, lose patience and just move on to the next auditioner.

Clearly mark your videotape with your name, address, phone, and "freshman application audition" (or whatever is appropriate). It is very sad when we like a student on tape, but it was somehow separated from the cover letter/application and so we are guessing as to who that student really is. And your introduction (you should give this on the tape, stating your name and the pieces you are doing) really can't be depended on stick in audition-numbed brains of the faculty...after viewing over 200 auditions, anything that isn't "spoon fed" to the poor auditors is too much work for them - and you don't want them to have to go out of their way just to adjudicate your talent and competitiveness in that pool of 200+. [BTW, if you want the tape or other materials returned, some schools may not do this - always best to send a disposable copy of everything. If you MUST have it back, and they will agree to do so, send a SASE that entirely covers the postage for return mail...otherwise it will end in the "circular file."]

Finally, SUBMIT A PLAIN OLD VHS TAPE! Many people sent in Hi-8 or DVD tapes, and we couldn't watch them unless we had the proper converter (which was always a hassle). If you have a digital or mini-cam, plug the camera into your VHS recorder at home, hit "play" on the camera and "record" on the VHS. This will simplify the process for the auditors, something you should strive to achieve.

Hope this helps,

eve

Prof. Himmelheber

Be-a-Star:

Here is addendum to my last message (I'm really an OCD perfectionist, eh?):

Don't put on the tape more than what they are asking for. If we have to "fast forward" to get to the "goods," we may go too far and miss the best part of your audition or, worse yet, lose patience and just move on to the next auditioner (makes us think that YOU think the auditions rules we set apply to everyone except you - a great way to make an impression, but not a POSITIVE one).

Clearly mark your videotape with your name, address, phone, and "freshman application audition" (or whatever is appropriate). It is very sad when we like a student on tape, but it was somehow separated from the cover letter/application and so we are guessing as to who that student really is. And your introduction (you should give this on the tape, stating your name and the pieces you are doing) really can't be depended on to clarify this in the audition-numbed brains of the faculty...after viewing over 200 auditions, anything that isn't "spoon fed" to the poor auditors is too much work for them - and you don't want them to have to go out of their way just to adjudicate your talent and competitiveness in that pool of 200+.

Finally, SUBMIT A PLAIN OLD VHS TAPE! ...This will simplify the process for the auditors, something you should strive to achieve. Again, review the finished product to assure that it is what you intended...believe it or not, we got a LOT of tape submissions with no picture, no sound, or (how embarrassing) with an old episode of "Friends" but no audition! Again, this situation does not show you as the "professional in training" that you want to impress the auditors as being.

Aaaaaaand, ACTION!,

eve

iNaSpotlight

I received mail from another school close to NYC...Montclair State. They have a new MT program. I am sorry, I cannot recall if it is a BA or BFA. It looks interesting and we plan to visit...we are outside of Philly, so just a quick day trip. Visit their web through Montclair State University. Good luck to all-I will be at the unifieds in NY and other campus auditions. Off to see Ithacca and Syracuse on Friday! That will be the end of our long drives!

lynnm

Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ, does now have a BFA in MT. I know they have a strong dance program and it is only about 1/2 an hour from NYC straight out the Lincoln Tunnel (if only there were no traffic!) It is audition-based.

anothermom-w-q

Thanks to all of you for responding. Professor Himmelheber, I have avidly read the info you have so kindly provided regarding CSUF. I think my D wants to get out of Orange County badly enough that she would prefer to pay out of state tuition than stay this close to home. I have been very gratified to see the information you have provided. It's been very informative, and answered some questions we had about UCI as well as your own program. UCI is about 5 minutes from our house, and is definately too close to home for her comfort!
The info regarding community colleges and transfers was helpful too. Do you have an opinion about Saddleback or OCC as far as training is concerned?

Prof. Himmelheber

Hi, anothermom...?s:

I don't really know enough about the training at either OCC or Saddleback to have an opinion. I know that OCC does some fine productions, and that Saddleback is associated with the Civic Light Opera (meaning the facility is rented to the CLO, but no formal "internship" opportunities for students, I believe; and open auditions to all interested).

In briefly perusing these JC's websites, I note that:

There is only 1 full-time "acting/directing" faculty member at Saddleback (SJC), supplemented by one or two adjuncts each semester - that doesn't seem to be a lot of variety and/or breadth in training. Also, they are only offering six "performance" courses this fall: acting, musical theatre audition techniques, acting audition techniques, musical theatre techniques, musical theatre scene study, movement (no voice component attached), and stage combat... But last spring they had only THREE performing emphasis classes: acting, beg. scene study, and interpreter's theatre (the "compilation, adaptation and staging of literary materials," which doesn't really seem "performance" based but more like a literature or writing course). The selection of courses at this school seems a VERY slight offering, in my experience. However, it appears that SJC does two plays and one musical each semester - that seems about average for the local JC standard. Also, they have one mainstage facility and one small "cabaret/dinner" theatre lab.

OCC, on the other hand, has ____ faculty members. They offer more variety in their performance courses: acting I, acting II, acting III, and acting IV, musical theatre, improvisation, analysis & performance, stage combat, comedy workshop, acting for the camera, body movement for the actor, and voice & articulation. They have only three full-time faculty (one of whom doubles in both performance and tech capacity), and five adjunct faculty. As to production, they are also superior (at least on paper): last spring OCC did four plays, one musical, and a one-act festival (in addition to various recitals and concerts) - however, this number includes the "student run" OCC Repertory Theatre (since 1984, this student-operated and faculty-supervised theatre company has been offering students the opportunity to direct, act, write, light, costume and construct scenery for both one-act and full-length productions). It appears that they have only one play and a one-acts/experimental festival this coming fall. Their website states: "OCC’s Theatre Department produces more than 50 productions annually on its three stages" (that may include rentals, community showcase, recitals, etc., as the numbers above don't seem to add to 50). OCC has three theatres: a mainstage, a lab, and a mini-lab.

Hope this comparison helps you,

eve

anothermom-w-q

This is another of the lesser known programs we visited last week. As promised, the following is my observations of the program, the audition process and a little info they gave us.

Wagner is a small private college located on Staten Island, a free ferry ride from Manhattan. It has an active theatre department, offering a BA in Theatre. This degree encompasses Musical Theatre in that it includes dance and vocal training. The audition is comprised of all three of those areas.

We first visited campus last summer, and the only students on campus were atheletes, who were moving into the dorms early to prepare for their activities. The campus is gorgeous, with views of downtown Manhattan from the dorms. When we visited, neither my D, nor her friend or I was very wowed by the school. Now that we visited on an audition day our opinion has changed.

The audition proocess starts with an audition tape that screens prospective students, along with an academic review. You are then invited to campus for audition day, which is held once (This year it was on Sunday Feb 26). They told us they expected to audition around 250 applicants to yield a class of around 35.

soozievt

I am surprised to not hear more people here discuss Wagner but I realize folks come from various regions of the country and so when I first came to CC, being from the East, I hadn't heard of Elon, Otterbein, Baldwin Wallace, or Webster, for example and don't know any kids who have applied (until I met CC ones). But Wagner, I do know a bit. Several young people from our state have gone or now attend Wagner for musical theater (though it is called a BA in Theater...the focus is musical theater and there is a required audition and it is competitive). Some have had it as a back up school. I have recommended it to others. The location is also appealing to many, being right by NYC. My child did not apply but her voice teacher had recommended it as a back up. I know some kids who were not successful getting into some BFA programs who landed at Wagner. They are pretty talented, too. Wagner also has a showcase.

anothermom-w-q

Sorry I had to stop in the middle of my entry, and return. Now I can tell you why our impressions changed on our second visit. As so many college visits go, we were very impressed by the students and their passion for their program. While the kids were in doing the audition, parents sat in a lecture hall, and were addressed by students from the program. One student was a design/ tech major. He is a graduating senior who won a national award in Stage Management. He told us that he will have his choice of jobs when he graduates, and already has offers for work starting in a few weeks. Another student who spoke to us is an arts management major. She did not get into the performance major when she auditioned but loved the school enough to go there anyway, and is really happy now with that major. In addition to taking some performance classes, she take business classes. She has interned at a casting agency in NYC, and is excited about her future job prospects. There were three performance majors who spoke to us. One had been accepted at NYU (I assume Tisch, but don't know that for a fact) but chose Wagner over that program.
The kids were very excited about the program. The dance students were getting ready to go to a college dance festival, and even the stage manager guy was going to perform there.
One thing the kids stressed as a positive for them were the connections the school has to Broadway. The school has something called the Wagner Plan which consists of internships. Many students are able to do their internship in Manhattan with arts organizations.