@RMT549 - back in the old days, lots of music and theatre departments did “juries” which often resulted in students being “cut” from the program. I know when I went through (in the 80s) this was the case. Most schools have abandoned that practice (but not all), but there have been mixed info about Millikin. They have “hurdles” which seem and sound like juries and have been known to cut kids, but all programs legitimately may cut kids when they don’t meet the basic requirements of the BFA program (putting in the rehearsals, coming to class on time, etc.) We used to have to sign in and out of rehearsal in the music and theatre departments to “prove” our mandatory rehearsal time when I was in school. I think some of us was trying to find out how it worked there and if it was truly a cut program (where a certain number or percentage is cut regardless if they meet all their goals or not). When I went, they told you up front that “x” number of people would be cut first year. They padded their classes for that purpose. Even if everyone met their goals, they would rank/weight them and the bottom kids would be cut. I think most people want to avoid that these days when many programs don’t (and it is such an investment for everyone involved).
At Chicago Unifieds, my D was told that hurdles are simply evalluations about improvement over the year. They don’t “cut”, however they may recommend changing to the BA or from MT to Acting (and vice-versa). It is evaluating your strengths and the faculty recommending where they think you would be most successful.
Hi, regarding Nebraska Wesleyan, I’d love some info re the quality, quantity, and structure of the voice training and dance training. I know they take both voice and dance, but am searching for more details. Thanks so much!
MY DD IS AT MILLIKIN!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!
She is 2023 BFA Acting with a double minor in Dance and Business and is also in the Honors Program and she is THRIVING! What she loves most about Millikin is the fact that they allow and encourage their Theatre students to do crossover training and take classes their interested in as long as their schedule will allow it. As an Acting student, my DD takes her core GE, core Acting BFA courses, and also takes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Private Voice (meets with a faculty member once a week), and Choir. My understanding is that the Choir students do get priority with getting into the Private Voice spots.
THE CLASS:
Millikin DOES NOT encourage peer-to-peer competitiveness. In other words, they do not put a higher “status” on BFA MT/Acting students above their other BFA majors or BA Theatre students. Everyone has their own track and no one is held higher than another. Auditions for the main stage and the student run shows are open to all Theatre students. What my DD loves about this is that it takes the focus off of of competing with your peers and puts it on self improvement. I don’t know the exact numbers for this year, but I believe they usually end up with approximately 15 BFA Acting, 30 BFA MTs and maybe 40-50 others (BFA Design, BFA Stage Management, BA Theatre Performance, etc). I think I counted 85 or so in her class picture she sent me.
PROGRAM:
Millikin is a performance based program. Every class (including other majors and GE) is based on hands on small group learning (most classes are under 20). I believe all Theatre students have the same requirements freshman year (movement, acting 1, etc) so there will be a lot of overlap with BA students and various Theater majors freshman year. Sophomore year I believe they can still have some overlap but not as much as many of the majors branch off with their own unique requirements. By Junior year the BFAs are mostly taking the same classes with some variance between MT and Acting specific requirements (Acting for Film vs History of Musical Theatre, etc). You can double check this with their course lists online.
TRAVEL & LOCATION:
We live on the west coast so my DD usually takes a flight from the Decatur airport on a 50 seater plane through United Airlines and connects in Chicago (1 hour flight). I have heard that many of the kids will get a ride to a major airport to save money and have a 1-3 hour road trip 
No one goes to Millikin because it’s in Decatur!!! It’s a small town and not much to do there. TBH it’s not the most beautiful town (other than the nearby lake neighborhoods, they are beautiful) but there are a few places the kids go nearby to grab pizza, etc. But from my DD’s experience, she has VERY little time to leave campus because of her schedule. If she does leave, they usually drive outside town (10-15 minutes) and go to a movie or shop at Target. Doesn’t sound very exciting… But again, they are BUSY! My DD’s perception of her safety is that SHE FEELS SAFE. If they are at a late rehearsal, etc, there is a group of them walking back to the dorms together. If she goes to the DISC (their gym) or anywhere else on campus late there is security that will pick them up and take them to their dorm. There are NEVER any questions asked and they are available 24/7 (from what I understand).
DORMS:
Yes, the dorms are awesome!!! My DD lives in Dolson Hall on the Arts floor and loves it! Walk in closets and lots of room! Each floor has it’s own full kitchen and livingroom, TV and a pool table. But truthfully BFAs are super busy and won’t have much time to hang out there - haha. Encourage your kids to answer their dorm placement questionnaire honestly!!! My DD did and met her best friend when she met her roommate. No kidding!
If you are looking for a CITY campus feel with lots of action and a huge campus, Millikin isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for a family… a village… a place where you feel warm and welcome… Millikin might be right for you!
Wishing you the best with your decision… and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
@MTmama42 Thank you so much!!! I just passed on all this info to him!!