<p>I am currently a Theatre Performance Major at a 4-year state University. The only problem is, I’m incredibly unsatisfied and unhappy with the program I’m in. I came into the program with certain expectations that I thought would be met, but it just hasn’t happened. </p>
<p>The program was made out to be different than it actually was, and there was an implied connection between the music and theatre departments that, upon arrival, didn’t exist at all. The school does have an MT Minor, but it doesn’t have very specialized training. There’s a few dance classes, and a few voice classes, but the only actual Musical Theatre portion is one class. And the class must be taken several times, because the curriculum changes semester by semester. </p>
<p>Another thing really bothering me at this point is the Graduate students. Being a State University, the Graduate program receives a lot of attention, and special privileges within the department, such as having an entire show every year that is devoted to showcasing the Graduate talents.</p>
<p>Another frustrating aspect is the emphasis on being in run-crew for a show instead of actually being in a show. I have no problem with being on the run crew for a show, but when I get forced into doing run-crew to the point where I can’t perform in anything else, I think that it’s become ridiculous and unnecessary.</p>
<p>So I guess what I’m looking for is a private university with specialized MT training. I will be auditioning THIS school year (08/09) and looking to go to school NEXT fall (09/10). </p>
<p>The scariest part about this whole thing is the fact that I’ve wasted two years of money at my current University. So my last requirement would have to be an excellent placement record. I need to have a job within 6 months of graduation, since I will be taking out an extra 2 years worth of loans. I am also looking for schools in the Midwest, since that is the general area of the country that I live in, and I can’t easily afford to fly anywhere for an audition. I would not be opposed to the idea of a school anywhere in the nation, however.</p>
<p>There are no placement guarantees in the performing arts. Many schools have graduates who are working immediately following graduation, but there is not a lot of job security in the performing arts – unemployment is part of the path. </p>
<p>Most performers supplement their performing income with other work – waiting tables, temp work, teaching voice or acting classes, substitute teaching, accompanying, music directing, etc…</p>
<p>There are very good schools in the midwest with MT programs… some are private, some are public – University of Michigan, Otterbein, Baldwin-Wallace, Oklahoma City University, CCM – to name a few. </p>
<p>Depending on the school you end up transferring to all of you school credits may not be lost – many academic credits will transfer from one school to the next. Depending on the program you may be able to graduate with only one extra year of school instead of four extra years.</p>
<p>Look at the Big List of MT schools on the FAQ link at the top of the forum. They are listed by state… look on the websites for each department directly to get find out their transfer policy.</p>
<p>I would also add Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and Wright State (neither are private) as midwestern school with MT programs. We know three people recently who have transfered into NKU in their sophomore or junior years. I don’t know the specifics but the program seems receptive to transfers.</p>
<p>I realized in post #2 – that I missed typed… I should have said “depending on the school you end up transferring to all of YOUR school credits may transfer” and that “depending on the program you may be able to graduate in three years instead of four.” Each school will have a different policy regarding this.</p>
<p>You sound like me about 8 months ago when I started applying and auditioning for schools because the 4-year BA - jury to BFA program at a state school was incredibly disappointing for me too and for the some of the same reasons. </p>
<p>Basically, you have to decide what is more important to you. Getting out of school or getting an education that you value. For me, I did not see the point in wasting anymore time or money at a school that I would graduate from and not be proud of my school or myself. So I am transfering. I will be spending 4 years in a BFA program that I am bouncing off the walls excited for. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you. If you have questions, feel free.</p>
<p>You should look into the schools that also have a record of meeting their students financial needs or that are a little more generous with scholarship and grants monies. This would help offset the extra tuition. We had some financial issues that really hurt us financially this past year so I was really glad that my D was going to UArts. Not only was she lucky enough to get some scholarship money but they were really helpful in so many other ways. They are also open to transfers so even though they are not in the midwest it might be a school to look into. This is our experience but I am sure that with a little research you might find one closer to you.</p>