Advice for a junior who is considering applying?

LeftofPisa
Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Hi lovingtheater! My D is a freshman theater major at Muhlenberg.

It sounds like Muhlenberg would be a nice fit for you. I am sure you have heard the advice that if Financial Aid is an issue for you think hard about applying ED as it limits your ability to compare packages. Having said that, Muhlenberg does have a relatively transparent FA process and merit aid is also available. There are also talent awards that are available by audition. I don’t know if you can audition your Junior year. My D auditioned her Senior year and received an award.

My D is enjoying her experience at Muhlenberg. Its size and welcoming community mean you can dive right into lots of activities. As far as theater goes, in the fall she was in a “2nd tier” production and did tech for the mainstage musical. This spring she is directing two “3rd tier” productions, acting in a “3rd tier” production and teching for a mainstage. The Muhlenberg Theater Association website explains the different tiers. [Muhlenberg Theatre Association](http://sites.google.com/site/muhlenbergtheatre/)

There are a lot of performance opportunities at Muhlenberg, both mainstage and 2nd and 3rd tier productions, as well as several improv troupes. There is a lot of support for student written and directed projects. But there are also lots of kids auditioning, very talented kids! As Muhlenberg’s theater program gains an even stronger reputation that competition will increase. For example, my D was one of many who auditioned for Midsummer Night’s Dream this spring. She was called back for two of the roles. 7 other girls were also called back for each of the roles. That gives you an idea of the depth of talent. So while she has had success with getting called back quite a bit, she hasn’t gotten a mainstage yet. I think that’s pretty normal but its frustrating. And terriwitt is right that if you aren’t used to it already you will need to get used to late nights. My D attended a casting meeting at 11 p.m. last night after auditions all afternoon.

As Terriwitt said there is a lot going on with music at Muhlenberg, both a capella groups, bands and solo performers. Plus lots of dance performance. There is some type of student performance going on every weekend. Its a very creative and energetic atmosphere.

I hope you enjoy your visit. Muhlenberg is a school that wants to “feel the love” so I am sure making the effort to visit and interview will be a plus. And most importantly it will give you a chance to see if Muhlenberg feels right for you.

Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll see if I or my daughter can answer them for you. Good luck!