@StewNChelle - I hope your D loves NWU. Your story is a great reminder that there are a million paths, and you have to find the one that is right for YOU. I love that NWU said they would always want her - very classy move on the college’s part
University of the Arts is like that too, for what it’s worth! My daughter was accepted there, but ultimately chose a different school, and when she declined the offer at UArts, they wrote back saying they were sorry she would be joining them, but that they would leave the door open for a year in case she changed her mind! The aceptance was still good for the following year, if the student wanted to transfer.
Hello @StewNChelle I just happened to pop back in to CC to see what’s going on and I saw your post about your daughter transferring. We chatted some last year when your D was considering Point Park where my D transferred to – although she had to restart all over as 1st semester freshman. Glad it seems to be working out for your girl! Feel free to PM me if you want to chat further.
@CanadianMTgirl What you said: “There are so many paths to success in this industry, as well as so many different ways to define success. . .” is SO TRUE. Very hard for the 17, 18 , 19 year olds to embrace this though.
My D, (almost 21) is finally realizing that she is allowed to have more than one focus other than Acting/MT and that that does not make her less of an artist. There is a mindset (especially at some of the more prestigious BFA programs) that to turn your eyes towards anything other than purely artistic pursuits means you are “giving up the dream”. Or that having a “back up plan” is some how dangerous because you won’t as hard. All silly nonsense of course. Having a plan to support yourself and be financially stable means you are MORE likely to be successful artistically, I think. Especially since it can take many years to establish yourself as an experienced and hireable actor/singer and to become one of those sought after personality among regional equity theatres.
@mommaofdrama @StewNChelle and @daughtersdreams - I want to thank you guys for sharing here. I think it’s really great to address the fact that not all college decisions are “final” and if the fit isn’t right or the student’s vision of their future changes that a college career can handle a curve gracefully. I wasn’t a BFA student but I transferred colleges as a junior and it was the right call for me. On CC the discussion always emphasizes is on “getting in” but a life isn’t built on a single admissions decision.
One of the schools we visited this year the director of the program was very reassuring with the parents. Basically he said if your students major in performance they are learning great skills many employers are looking for, whether or not they ultimate stay with performance. Most are inquisitive, creative thinkers, they learn the importance of working with teams, when to take the lead and when to work in a supporting role - all skills employers often find lacking from people with STEM majors. While I believe my D will ultimately stick with the Arts, I have great confidence she will find success in whatever path she pursues simple from her experience as a performer.
@afterp89 D is completing her final semester as a full time MBA at NYU Stern. She is on a full tuition scholarship. She applied 5 years after completing her BM degree in VP (MT). She primarily worked /interned in casting (Telsey) and at CAA in their theatre dept. her experience as a performer and working in entertainment, ended up making her a unique candidate.
That’s a terrific career path! I live hearing these stories. Thanks for sharing!
FAIRYODDMOM, what was her experience at BTP, looking for insight
Hello, I’m just dropping in on the class of 2022 (my D was class of 2020 AND 2021) 
I’m reaching out to any “veterans” with kids in the summer stock audition mix. Looking for info on The Barn Theatre apprenticeship program in Augusta MI. I heard through the grapevine that @EmsDad might have some knowledge of this. Anyone else – please feel free to share or PM me. Thank you and All the Best to your talented Kiddos!
@daughtersdreams - @tmygirl 's S spent 2 summers at the Barn - she would also be a good resource for you.
Thank you @kategrizz The fact that he returned a second summer is certainly a good sign!
Is there a summer stock cc thread? Be super useful for college MT’ers.
@mommaofdrama Yes. Lots of these kids change majors. That’s why colleges accept more kids than they really have room for. They know that some will change their minds. For some, the work load and long hours of practice wear them down and they begin to rethink their choice. For some it’s when they realize that this is a highly competitive career field and even those who “win” (meaning get cast in some kind of paying role) still won’t make enough to live on from this work and will need some other kind of work to pay the bills. And for some, the stress and uncertainty of it all is really more than they had imagined. You will just have to trust to that she knows what’s best for her – and her peace of mind.
I know it seems like maybe you (and she) wasted all that time and money to get into a BFA program if she decides to change course. But that experience was part of the growing process and that has value. Lots of college students change their majors once or twice in college. When a psych major switches to political science, we don’t think much of it. It really shouldn’t be any different for our MT kids. Whatever your daughter is feeling is valid and now is a good time to evaluate what she really wants before she gets any further.
Then there’s my D who is a transfer student doing a BFA program but she has decided to change from BFA to a BA Performance track because it will allow her to either graduate a year early or do a minor in Mass Communication. (I’m in favor of graduating early and not having to take any more loans.)
Changing majors doesn’t mean she’s giving up on her dream. She doesn’t need a BFA to do theatre and film.
She can always find acting classes and voice and dance lessons outside of college if she wants to keep her skills up. So, if doing a more “normal” degree gives your daughter peace of mind, then she’ll probably be a more confident and happy person when she goes out for auditions. Good Luck to her!
@daughtersdreams I just saw your comment and wanted to say thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. Here we are 3/4 through freshman year already! Still don’t know what she will decide. But I feel that no matter what she has definitely learned and grown from her first year in a BFA MT major.
Having lived through & learned from your experiences last year, and now going through it this year, the class of 20233 final decisions page was put up today. It got me thinking that it would be amazing to hear from those in previous classes about how the first year has been at each school. It could provide tons of insight to future upcoming MT’ers…Just a thought…Maybe a thread called Class of ‘X’-After the Final Decision…or 1st Year Updates…I know it’s something that I would devour reading!
anyway…wishing you all well & hoping that each and every one of your students is thriving!
@lithpool I think that’s a great idea! I’d be happy to participate!
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So sorry @MTBackstagemom ! It is a gut wrenching process! Hugs to you and your D!
I am a class of 2023 mom. Can any of you comment on how much these waitlists move? My D is on a number of them right now and only has 1 yes so far. I think each school is probably different, as things have been through this whole process. Though, it is not hard not to see that there are certain kids getting multiple top offers.