Just a hint for all who are dreading the “where are heading next year” question. a easy breezy “we haven’t made our final decision yet” no need to explain anything. My niece didn’t have many options when she graduated (different major) and instead of justifying or explaining she just kept repeating that phrase. People backed off and she had time to figure it all out
@eks2018 Not sure what your post means–sounds like you mean that Ball State acting has notified the acceptances and rejections, but not the waitlists yet. Is that right?
@Trish0118 from what I have gathered they haven’t contacted people on the waitlist - but that is just from comments on here
@HopeinMT , @Trish0118 ; chiming in about gap years; frankly I think they are a great thing. My D didn’t take the gap year BECAUSE of auditions (she was trying to finish up on time with good grades, was out Junior year due to health issues). But it worked out well; she has a couple of part-time jobs and was able to travel as needed without worrying about school work. Also being out of school for a year gave her some perspective (and her main part-time job is on a college campus, so I was glad that kept her in a college environment; a parent always worries about the child just sort of drifting away from going to college). She is not around anyone else applying to colleges (and wouldn’t have known anyone applying to BFA programs from our HS, anyway) so there is no anxiety due to comparing results. There are just a couple of programs that being in a gap year took off the list, so that turned out to be no concern at all.
If I had a child who did not get in any programs…or only in programs that were not happy with…with hindsight, I would recommend a gap year with no hesitation. You just have to get over the “all the other kids are going off to college and mine isn’t” issue, which really was my problem and not hers.
Our S sent out a batch of declines in the last few days including some programs which are mentioned here frequently. He’s trying to do his part to get the waitlist dominos falling. He will send the next batch of declines when we hear from the final three schools. Maybe a bit of silver lining for those who are anxious.
He is fortunate to have some significant mentors both in his current place of training as well as through workshops and masterclasses. Lots of working professionals, both regional and Broadway. These people who have been through this process have some wonderful advice.
One consistent theme: Many of these schools are very much casting for specific roles. Archetypes, if you will. It’s not a simple stack rank of talent. You only need so many princesses, ethnic boys, loud girls, angsty dark types, etc. in your collection of 50-100 students.
These mentors consistently tell us that their college selection ended up being only a small piece of their success. Sure, we know the major programs and the high level of training they provide. But there are lots of unemployed actors from Michigan and CMU, and plenty of people with no more than a high school education are starring on stage and screen.
As parents we are cursed. We have these little, fragile things that are entrusted to our care. We nurture them and provide for them and we are hardwired to prevent them from getting hurt. Then we must do the most impossible thing, and support them as they dive head first into the shark pool of music theatre. Totally not fair.
Wow, thanks everyone. I am humbled. I didn’t realize so many others had it hard too. I just tend to notice all the great acceptances to these amazing programs. I am reading with tears in my eyes. I know my son did all he could and we did as well (though perhaps I should have made him apply to more programs…). I know it will work out in the end but it really hurts now, no getting around that. I will most likely look back on this next year and wonder why I worried so much while he is having the time of his life wherever he ends up.
My S hasn’t gotten a single yes on a straight MT program, but moved into some acting programs or theatre performance programs. But we are still waiting on a few. I am sending hugs to all who don’t have yeses yet or are still waiting for answers…you are not alone!! Does anyone know when Emerson (Theatre Performance), Pace (BFA acting or BA Acting Int’l Ensemble), or the New School are notifying? I know these aren’t all musical theatre but thought someone here could help. I’ve tried a few other strings with no luck. Keep the faith there are still a few weeks left!!!
@smeaglemom I heard someone say Emerson notifies tomorrow but their website says April 1. They have been closed due to the snow so that could change things also.
@smeaglemom At least some Pace Acting acceptances (don’t know about the int’l ensemble) went out yesterday. Go check out the CC acting board where you’ll find more info. Hope you hear good news soon!
All…we just checked James Madison portal…it was a decline for my S, both performing arts and academic. Letter on the portal is date today, 3/14.
Point Park emails out
FYI- just got Point Park email
@HopeinMT I know you are probably weary of reading everyone’s posts . Please know you shouldn’t feel that your son is not talented. He is not defined by 20 college auditions where he performed for two minutes and danced a combo. MT college admission is truly a cluster. A crap shoot, a gamble, a lottery. NONE of it really makes sense. I have seen kids get into top schools for MT that i think are the most boring performers. AND I have seen kids who are AMAZING performers get in very few schools.
My D is a freshman MT at more of a regional draw school. Was it her “dream” school last spring as a h school senior? No. But she was ok with going there and is making it work. She has not been cast in any mainstage shows but recently got a part in a student directed one act and let me tell you after not really performing all year ( she attended an arts h school where that’s ALL she did) she is over the moon to be in something , no matter how small. So much of how we as her parents and my daughter look at performing has changed even in just one school year. You will be looking at things differently next year. I know that seems impossible now.
Your sons safety school may be a good option. I know he is not seeing that now. He is seeing everyone getting in where he wants to go & he is embarrassed, jealous & upset. Of course he is.
I will say though tread lightly on your son just going somewhere “to go” as there are lots of stories on here that will tell you transferring into an MT program later is not the easiest thing to do and you won’t get as much $ . @daughtersdreams can give you info on that process. Also I know a gap year has been suggested & @owensfolks is a wealth of knowledge on that route. I know it would be difficult for you And him if he did not go to college this fall but I concur on looking at the big picture. It’s SO hard to do but really important.
Whatever you do don’t let this ruin your last months of high school with him. If he’s in a show try to at least enjoy it! I miss seeing my daughter perform SO much and remember clinging to her spring musical last year like a life raft.
I know this forum causes anxiety and we’d all be lying to say it doesn’t. That’s why the colleges tell you not to read it. But for the most part people really do want to be supportive & make suggestions because lots of us totally get it.
Sending positive thoughts virtually to you! <3
Good luck to you Point Park Applicants!!
It’s a no here for PP - it was expected as my girl had a very off putting audition but seeing it written is a bummer on to the next…two more to go
@theaterwork @catznpigz @FirstLobster Lots of great words of wisdom and advice here from these three folks and I hope those that are currently frustrated take those words to heart. We are so fortunate to have this resource.
Sorry to hear for your D. It’s a no for my D as well. Best wishes to everyone.
Mine, too.
No for me too! At this point I’m in to one of my top choices so I’m not too heartbroken, luckily!
Well, Point Park is out. Another one bites the dust.