<p>I am booked for parents weekend…when else do parents normally stop in? Do most Freshman parents go to mainstage shows? Is Carnival a student only thing or do parents come see the productions? I would never want to embarass my kid by being the only parent at something or hurt feelings by not going to an event that everyone goes to. </p>
<p>ALSO - Where we live my S frequently needs a suit/jacket/ even tux for events, deb parties etc. My instinct is that a jacket will be all that is needed at CMU (Tux staying at home) am I right on this. </p>
<p>Are these crazy, first kid off to college worries or what?..Thanks for any help you can give this teary mama.</p>
<p>I can’t answer specifically for CMU, and your kid can hook up with someone on Facebook, I’m sure, to get an answer – but I would say that the suit and/or tux, since he already owns one, may come in handy for the occasional extra side gig - singing at a wedding, etc.</p>
<p>Parent’s weekend is usually the only time that parents come up during the school year for freshman, unless your kid desperately misses you (which happened to me and others hah), carnival is more a school thing, but if your son wants you there, no harm. Let your S let you know when he wants you there, he’ll tell you!</p>
<p>You might want to come up for Playground, which is in October next year (it changes every year) It’s a crazy few days, but freshmen can participate, and it will definitely give you a good idea of the energy of the place. Parents and members of the community do come up for main stage shows even if their kids aren’t in it. We have made connections with parents of other kids in my son’s class over the years.</p>
<p>My D is a freshman. We only came for parent’s weekend this year. Some freshman parents came other times, including Playground. My D did wear dresses for numerous things, but nothing formal. A tux definitely is not required.</p>
<p>Parents are definitely welcome at Playground, which I would highly recommend if you love good theatre (and your child would like you to be there!). It’s very laid back, and you can come and go as you please. Not all parents attend, but quite a few do, and it’s a great way to get to know other parents, teachers and other students. It involves a lot of waiting on lines, so it’s not for everyone, but it really gives great depth to your experience as a CMU parent.</p>
<p>We didn’t get up to see playground this year and I am sorry I missed it.My S is a grad directing student, who hasn’t acted since he graduated from NYU 4 years ago, but acted in one of the shows. So sorry I missed it. We usually visit when his directing shows go up. I really just wanted to put in a word for Pittsburgh. What a great place to visit! Super concerts, Museums, shopping and restaurants. Even my Mother in Law had the time of her life and kept us hopping from one place to another. When ever your parents come to visit, You will all have a great time!</p>
<p>Parents weekend may feature freshman MT students paired with Senior MT or Acting students in a short performance that benefits the seniors’ Showcase. Who knows? my S and yours may do a duet! The advice about visiting for Playground is good but you can’t wait to schedule your trip around the schedule since it isn’t published until very close to the actual dates. Just realize too, that with it occuring this year in October rather than spring term, it may be a bit intimidating for frosh to get involved in a student-run performance. As for clothes, a sports jacket, some dress shirts, belt, shoes and a couple of ties will give him plenty for the few dressy things he’ll need to attend. It’s hard to realize this fall will be our last to prepare for, and then…!!!</p>
<p>I imagine we saw some of your kids listed here at the Dance Light performance (original peices choreographed and performed by School of Drama students). I was so impressed with the confidence and expression all the performers displayed (this from someone who attends a LOT of dance programs). The pieces were very imaginative and unique. The costumes were incredible. All the students we met were lovely and pleasant - you all should be very proud.</p>
<p>Nice to hear classicalbk. Wish we could have been there. My D choreographed and danced in the tap number. I got to see it on youtube last night. Living far away is a real drag sometimes!</p>
<p>Glad you enjoyed the show. Dance Light is so refreshing, and the variety is remarkable. For those whose pieces are chosen to be performed, it’s a wonderful opportunity. (Not all of the performers/choreographers are MT majors.) For those who were on campus for auditions, it was a good snapshot of the creative energy and diverse personalities in the drama program.</p>
<p>Xatty - loved the tap number! It was one of my favorites, too. Great storytelling and choreography. Congrats to your D.</p>
<p>I was impressed by the talent across all class levels and in a form not always on view in dramatic productions in which we’ve seen these kids. S choreographed the “white boys” hip-hop piece and clearly had fun.</p>
<p>Kaysmom - it was indeed a treat! Thanks to you for making such a fantastic “midnight” feast for the kids. After a 3 hour rehearsal, AND a dance performance, they were sooooo appreciative! (I was too!) It’s still nice to be able to mother them a little, even though they’ll all be grown up and graduating in a few months. They are a wonderful class!</p>