Theater/Drama Colleges Part 3

xiggi · November 3, 2008, 5:41pm

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit **

Leverite:

I apologize for not responding sooner. I’ve been on vacation and just returned on Tuesday.

You have a very interesting set of circumstances, and I have two major questions for you: what is your son’s legal state of residence, and what is his fiance’s? It will make a very significant difference in the response.

Thanks.

**By Leverite (Leverite) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 09:59 am: Edit **

Doctorjohn,

Welcome back. They both are MA legal residents.

Thanks,
Leverite

**By Dazed04confused (Dazed04confused) on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 02:24 pm: Edit **

Check out the training grounds of Denzel Washington, Alan Alda, Dylan McDermott, Patricia Clarkson, Robert Sean Leonard among many, many, many others…

[Fordham</a> University Theatre Program](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/theatre/ftpsplash.htm]Fordham”>http://www.fordham.edu/theatre/ftpsplash.htm)

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 12:26 pm: Edit **

Leverite:

As I’ve thought about your son’s rather unique circumstances, it seems to me that the most important limiting conditions are (1) that his fiancee needs an MFA program in costume design, and that (2) they want to live in the same place after they marry, somewhere in the northeast. There are many, many fewer MFA costume design programs than undergraduate theatre programs, so that’s probably the place to start. In the northeast, I can recommend five:

Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Boston University, Boston, MA
SUNY-Purchase, Purchase, NY
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Yale University, New Haven, CT

Slightly farther away are:

Penn State University, State College, PA
Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

All of these schools have strong connections to the profession, and all also have good undergraduate theatre programs. Purchase, Rutgers and Carnegie are particularly known for their BFA Acting programs, Carnegie and Penn State for their BFA Musical Theatre programs. Brandeis has a more broadly based BA degree. Yale, I’m pleased to see, has added an undergraduate BA in Theater Studies. Brandeis and Yale don’t require auditions in order to major; but both are, of course, highly competitive for entrance to the university. BU, Carnegie, Penn State and Rutgers require auditions into the BFA programs, and are very competitive.

It is not essential that your son and future daughter-in-law be at the same school, you said, and that opens up options. Brandeis and BU are in Boston, which has several good undergraduate theatre programs; Purchase and Rutgers are contiguous to NYC, which has a couple dozen; Pittsburgh also offers Pitt and Point Park. Happy Valley only has Penn State, unfortunately.

The other defining factor is financial aid, and I can’t speak to that at these colleges. I had earlier asked about your son’s state of residence, because sometimes in-state tuition can be a good deal. But I wasn’t able to find anything in Massachusetts that looked reasonable. In fact, according to the latest edition of The Directory of Theatre Training Programs, Rutgers OUT-of-state tuition ($5873) plus room & board (around $5000) is actually less than the University of Massachusetts combined IN-state tuition, room & board of $12,000. So you’ll need to speak to the financial aid people at the colleges. Many private schools do offer substantial scholarships. (Rutgers on paper looks like good value for the price.)

I don’t know about transfer policies at any of these schools. But it is likely that your son could complete a BA degree at most colleges in two years or so, depending primarily on the amount of academic coursework he’s done so far. Most of the BFA programs will insist on three or even four years, no matter how much work the student has already taken. That’s just the nature of professional training. Given your son’s ambivalence about the BFA, that may nudge him towards BA programs.

You’d also asked about several specific programs, and I’ve made it a policy not to comment on specific schools unless I can make positive statements from personal knowledge. But I can tell you that AMDA and AADA are certificate programs, and do not offer bachelor’s degrees. So if your son wants a college degree, these would not be appropriate.

One more time let me recommend to you and everyone the 9th edition of the Directory of Theatre Training Programs. It is the most comprehensive listing I know of theatre programs, with contact information and some detail about curricula. Here’s the link:

[dorsettheatrefestival.com[/url</a>]

I’m sure some of the information is inaccurate, and some outdated–but they’ve been very good about noting that, with comments like, “Has not been updated since the 7th edition”. Still, I don’t know a better place to start looking.

Best wishes and good luck in your search.

**By Firefly (Firefly) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 02:07 pm: Edit **

It seems to me, after reading these posts, that if one wants to study acting, one must study at an East Coast school.

As a Californian, it’s difficult for me to afford schools like this. Even counting grants, loans, and possible scholarships, I still have pay a sizable balance because of out-of-state tuition, or merely because tuition is rather high (and will keep rising due to budget cuts, inflation, etc.).

I have a BA (Anthropology) and have seriously studied acting for about a year now by taking great classes at a community college and a few workshops.

My intent now is to obtain an MFA. Julliard is a dream school for me even though it doesn’t grant MFAs; however, if I don’t get accepted, or if I do and can’t afford it, I must look to West Coast schools.

So, my question (I would like to get an MFA, but if the school’s program is really good, I would consider going for the training regardless of whether they give degrees or not):

<ul>
<li>Are there any credible acting conservatories/programs on the West coast of the US? </li>
</ul>

Thank you.

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Sunday, July 18, 2004 - 04:43 pm: Edit **

Firefly:

Some of the best in the country, actually. I think most theatre professionals would rate the programs at UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and ACT (in San Francisco) as highly as those at Juilliard, Yale and NYU. Certainly their graduates have been equally successful. Other good MFA programs can be found at the following:

California Institute of the Arts (“Cal Arts”)
Cal State Fullerton
Globe Theatres/University of San Diego
UCLA
U of Washington

I suggest you start by visiting their websites. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck.

**By Leverite (Leverite) on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 09:26 pm: Edit **

Dazed04confused,

Thanks for the input. We’ll check it out.
Leverite

**By Leverite (Leverite) on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 09:38 pm: Edit **

Doctorjohn,

This is an amazing post. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. And on a SATURDAY!
It was very gracious of you to help us out.
We actually bought the Directory on your earlier recommendation. It’s helpful, but there’s nothing like personal input from folks like you and others on this site. We’re starting to research the schools you listed.
Wednesday we visit Wagner.
Thanks again for your help.
Leverite

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:19 pm: Edit **

Leverite: You’re welcome. Happy to help. Let us all know what you discover from your research and your visit.

**By Believersmom (Believersmom) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 02:28 am: Edit **

Okay Doctorjohn,
My D is just going to be a freshman in HS, but I am a good girl scout and our motto IS “Be Prepared” [it has served me well so far too :o) ]

Anyway, I took your survey for her [I know her pretty well so I am fairly certain I answered accurately] and here is how it breaks down:
1-4
2-1
3-7
4-6
5-5
6-2
7-6
8-2

Odds=22 and Evens=11 So she is a BFA right?
Which, if I get all of this correctly [and I am not sure that I do being the rookie at this that I am]sounds right given the fact that her strongest talents and passions are singing and dancing. If she could be in a musical production 365 days a year she would be. Her peers see her this way too voting her this year one of their classmates most likely to become a famous entertainer.

My thoughts are, to give her the most options when she does begin applying to colleges, is to focus on 5-10 schools offering a BFA in MT or Dance, and gear her HS career toward those schools acceptance requirements. Is that a good idea do you think, or am I over thinking this? Picking and getting into a college just didn’t seem this complicated when I went 20+ years ago, matter of fact, I saw my college, set my heart on it September of Senior year, only applied there and got in. This is all new and a bit scary, that I might advise her or screw her up in some way.

I look forward to and appreciate your response.

Thank you from Susie’s mom

**By Alwaysamom (Alwaysamom) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 09:02 am: Edit **

Believersmom, as a mom who’s been through this journey and who survived, I applaud your support and eagerness to help your daughter. I would, however, urge you to wait a while before jumping into things. I say this with all due respect and understanding of your wanting what’s best for your daughter. It’s really too early to be planning how many or what schools or what type of program to be aiming for in a few years from now. If she’s passionate about this, it will all work out. Let her take the lessons, and get that type of training, be in shows at school, etc., but don’t think of her high school years as a ‘career’, and don’t gear those years toward acceptance requirements.

Having been through it and my daughter successfully gaining entry into one of the top programs in the country, my best advice is to continue with her lessons, encourage her to participate in drama in school, audition for shows she’s interested in, do well academically because for many programs this is just as important as the artistic part of high school, but most of all to enjoy those high school years with a variety of activities. Don’t let the drama ‘stuff’ be all-encompassing or it may very well burn her out, and maybe you too! Good luck and stick around here for lots of valuable advice from both parents and students.

**By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 09:46 am: Edit **

I would echo pretty much what Alwaysamom said. I do have one child already finished the process (not for theater though) and one in it now. I would venture to say that neither did anything in high school with college in mind. In other words, they did not pick and choose classes or extracurriculars in terms of what would look good for college so much. They pursued what they were interested in. There was always a general long term goal. For instance for my seventeen year old, who is an excellent student (was valedictorian) and very well rounded and active in numerous long term extracurriculars in athletics and performing arts, she had this long term goal to get into a challenging college, but nothing more specific than that til we began the college process junior year. So, she took the most challenging classes cause she craves challenge. She got all As cause she is motivated and has high standards for herself. She participated in extracurriculars she had begun as a little girl and loved and none were chosen with college in mind. In fact, she plans to continue as many of these once in college.

The younger child is also an excellent student and she too has taken the hardest classes and acceleration, and is motivated academically. There was not “college thinking” in mind as early as you are with your daughter. It was more a long term goal in a general sense to do the very best as she could because she had goals in life. But choices were not specific to college. In terms of the performing arts stuff, she would have done everything she did whether she was going to go for a BFA or not, simply cause she has always loved to be in a show at all times, and loves studying voice and dance and actually plays musical instruments too. There was no “course of action” plan in place as to what she needed to do to get into these BFA programs. She has known she has wanted to pursue musical theater for college and beyond since very young, but it is not like anything she has done thus far was with college planning in mind. When the college planning DOES come up, it is more in junior year as you select the schools and visit and all that jazz. Now, as she is embarking in the application process this fall, yes, she is going to have to do a lot of planning of audition material and things like that.

What your daughter mostly needs to do now is not think so much of college but keep on doing what she enjoys and pursue it to the extent she can. So, that likely includes training/lessons/classes in the disciplines of singing, acting, dance, and then participating in productions as well. My daughter also happens to be heavily involved in music (two instruments, jazz band) but not to get ready for college but simply cause she has done music her whole life and loves it. But I can see how it does come in handy with musical theater actually. But again, nothing was chosen with college in mind. College plans are more an outgrowth AFTER what they chose to get involved in and enjoyed. If your daughter would enjoy some sort of summer intensive program in theater, she might look into that. Again, even there, we never chose summer programs for either of our kids with college in mind. Both chose whatever they wanted to do for summer. It so happens that both of mine went to theater camps. The younger one has loved hers so much and has said it has been a MAJOR influence in her life. She did not pick it to get ready for college though. She picked it out when she was only 9 cause she wanted to go so badly. In retrospect, it has been beneficial in her preparation but that is more in my reflection than in having done it for any goal. As it turns out, many of the top talent in her summer program often do pursue BFA degrees and kids have gone onto all the top programs in the country but I know that now but never knew that or cared about it when she chose to go there for the summer. She went one summer for six weeks and the rest is history…it is a place that is a big part of her life. I can’t imagine the goodbyes this year when she leaves and won’t be back. Will be hard to peel her away from this place and her theater friends. Will be a major cry fest!

So, just keep on keeping on with what she loves to do. It is not a bad thing to be aware of college choices and types of degrees at this point. I think reading here is very helpful. I just don’t think at her age you have to get too concerned with many details. See how it pans out with your daughter and if she says she wants to pursue a BFA in musical theater or whatever else when she is a junior and looks at options and knows more what she wants. That is when kids really begin to weigh the options more specifically. Your daughter is young yet. It is great that she knows she wants this field and so she can continue being immersed in it and also do well in school cause that will take her places in life, plus some BFA programs weigh academics equally with talent so she should keep up the good work. She should just do thinks she WANTS to do (it does sound like she loves what she is doing) and not pick anything just cause she feels she has to for college…I mean we did suggest ballet to your daughter and why but still she has to want to do it, that is key. Another thing is auditioning for shows is a great experience in itself. The more you audition, the better you get and more comfortable with auditioning. That could be for music “competitions” or awards too. That experience can be worthwhile too, if she is into it of course.

Good luck. You are a caring mom and so educating yourself about these things is never too early. But I would not PLAN too early. It is still early yet with your daughter, other than for some general goals. Just follow her lead in terms of choices she is making. And obviously you have provided her opportunities to pursue what she enjoys and that is also great.

Susan

**By Believersmom (Believersmom) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 04:55 pm: Edit **

Thanks everyone! I’ll chill. Insomnia last night and my usual level of intensity doesn’t help. I made the mistake of exploring at least a little on many of the other main topics on this site and some of them kind of freaked me out [8th graders heading off to boarding schools and doing 10 hours a week of volunteer work, etc. etc. etc.].
I’m sticking to all of you and let those people drive themselves crazy. Thankfully Susie is easy-going and has a large social life that keeps her balanced.
I also know that after seven years of “Knowing” what I wanted to do with my life[be a lawyer], I went to my first freshman class in college, which happened to be in my pre-law major and chucked it all saying “no way I can take 7 years of this.” So rationally I KNOW how quickly things can change. Of course D has had and continues to have many more opportunities to explorer her current interests than I did with mine, so maybe she does know…we’ll just see and have fun with it.
BTW we had a talk about Ballet and she says she was already thinking that it would be a good idea.
Thanks again…

**By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit **

Believers mom, keep reading college stuff just to stay informed. I only meant you just don’t have to start thinking too much about it til junior year.

I agree with another thing you brought up cause I saw this point with my own two girls. That is with a field like musical theater, kids get lots of exposure (both classwork and experiential work) while growing up, enough to be able to state…“I want to major in this in college!” But in some fields, there is little exposure in school or other areas growing up. So, for my older child, she is thinking of pursuing architecture but it is not like she has truly done a lot with it yet cause it is not like a subject in high school or anything. She has done an internship with an architect, an independent study and some research papers on architectural topics. But she admits that while she looked for colleges where she could pursue architecture, she cannot know for sure at age 17 that she will definitely do that career til she gets more immersed in it (like your college experience). But her younger sister can “know” she wants to major in musical theater because she has been doing it her whole life. I don’t think one of these paths is better than another. It is ok to be undecided or change your mind when seventeen or eighteen years old! But for some, they really have a clear sense of direction early on. I would say that about my MT kid and it sounds that way with your 14 year old as well. See what transpires in the next two years. But I know you can tell a bit that she “knows” now she wants to do this. Mine has said that for a very long time too. Wait til she is a junior to start discerning things like conservatory or conservatory within a liberal arts setting or BA or BFA and all that jazz. For now, stay the course. She is doing well. I am glad you discussed ballet and how it might be beneficial but again, she has to want to do it and it sounds like she is considering it. If she ever meets kids in college theater programs, she can ask what training they found useful. Again, the main thing is for her to pursue what she enjoys, not so much what she “needs” for college. The rest will follow. A general goal would be to be active in singing, dance, and acting.

Susan

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 10:06 pm: Edit **

Believersmom:

It would be impolite of me not to respond, since you asked for my opinion. But I’m very glad I waited, because the moms have given you much better advice than I could have. I concur with what they’ve said.

What they did with their daughters is very much what we did with our older son. David told us in middle school that he wanted to be a bassoonist in a symphony orchestra. We found him the best teacher we could, and he played for five years in the city’s youth symphony, as well as in the Wind Ensemble at his high school. Spring break of his junior year, we visited Indiana University and met the bassoon teacher. Then in the fall of his senior year we did the college visits. He decided to audition for six schools, was admitted to all but one, and chose Indiana, where he has just finished his master’s degree. We’re extremely proud of him, as you can imagine.

We encouraged him along the way, let him make his own decisions, and occasionally (well, more than occasionally) reminded him to practice. But we didn’t create a plan to get him into music school. Of course, we didn’t allow him to let his grades slip, because we had no way of knowing that he would in fact be accepted into a music school. As it was, his grades were excellent, and he received an academic scholarship in addition to a music grant. He had lots of friends and looks back on his high school years as a good part of his life, despite the usual teenage angst.

I was glad to read your decision to take it easy. (Breathing is always a good idea.) If you can, you’ll get to enjoy a child who likes herself and loves what she’s doing. Everyone should be so lucky! You’re doing the right things.

Best wishes.

**By Believersmom (Believersmom) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 11:28 am: Edit **

:o) Thanks again all!
Sometimes one’s environment can really suck you in. We live in a fairly competitive area [athletics and education-wise], we also have open-enrollment and some parents have been jockeying their kids for the right public HS since 6th grade. After a while a parent can start to feel that if they are not on top of this their kid will get left-overs.

Fortunately H & me decided to send D to regular old local HS, because we believe that a top student is going to be a top student no matter where they attend. Our HS is also phasing in the IB program and the class of 2008 will be the first able to get an IB diploma. Although D will probably just take some class certifications with a combination of AP/H classes. I know it will all work out.

Also fortunately, D is laid-back and happy-go-lucky [read:doesn’t let her psycho mother freak her out :o) ]

**By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 12:34 pm: Edit **

Believesmom, I can understand then a bit how you are kinda swooped into this thinking about college and all that stuff so young cause you live in a community that is quite competitive where the talk around you is focused on this at a young age…like “what nursery school will get my kid into Harvard?”…just kidding, but you know what I mean. One thing I like where we live is that we don’t have that competitive atmosphere. There is not a lot of talk of these things as much. While my 17 year old is going to Brown and now the 15 1/2 year old is pursuing difficult admissions into BFA MT Programs, it is not like the norm among all their peers. I discuss it on CC but not at home in the community. Our community is relaxed in this sense.

by the way, my oldest is very happy go lucky too…a nice way to be…

By the way, Doctorjohn, kudos to your son’s achievements! My oldest D’s best friend is a top bassoonist as well but is not going to major in that area. Another good friend of both my girls applied to BFA programs for musical theater but did not get into any of them but is going to Indiana hoping to pursue musical theater there (non audition program) and her mother has ties to Indiana U (working-wise). She is excited about it.

Susan

**By Leverite (Leverite) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 01:18 pm: Edit **

Well, we visited Wagner yesterday. On the whole we liked it very well. We were impressed with the emphasis on integrating disciplines, work and learning etc. and the diversity of students. The staff was helpful and friendly. (This family can’t handle arrogance.) Got a chance to talk with Gary Sullivan, the Chair of the Theatre Dept. Nice guy. Down to earth, accessible and pragmatic.
My son didn’t care for their theatre space. It was small and kind of dingy. We’re all still processing the experience. One thing is clear, we have alot of work to do. We’ve only just begun and we don’t have much time. I’m very thankful for this site.

**By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 05:31 pm: Edit **

To All,
The Moms and Doctorjohn have posted such great advice about not pushing too hard. As Soozievt said, often with artsy kids it is apparent when they are very young that they seem to have found their niche. I know my D has known since she was about 12 that she wanted to pursue MT. From age 7 to 12 she was telling us she wanted to be a professional dancer. So…her goal changed a bit over time. My husband and I always tried to be careful that the impetus for going to auditions or taking more arts classes came from her, though I will admit to steering her in what I thought was the right direction.

Though my H and I approved D’s choices of lessons and classes and have chauffered to and paid for it all, we never had any sort of master plan for her training. Things just seemed to fall into place naturally. One thing sort of led to another. We’ve enjoyed the ride and so has our D. Though I posted earlier on the MT thread that I wished that we had visited some college MT programs when she was a freshman, I have to agree that we parents need to be careful that we keep the focus on helping our kids enjoy their H.S. experience. We don’t want to get so worried about the future that we forget to enjoy the present. My youngest child’s teenage years have seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. (I’m tearing up and chuckling at the same time - Blink of an Eye was the title of one of her college audition monologues.) I can hardly believe that she’s leaving in a month.

**By Georgiamom (Georgiamom) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 06:06 pm: Edit **

Shauna, just to follow up a little on the pointe question - it sounds like you are taking a full load of dance already this summer - it is never a good idea to do too much and risk injury, especially with something that you’re not used to doing.

On a side note, there is some point work to be found on Broadway here and there(not a lot, and usually mixed in with other dance forms) - currently there is pointe work in 42nd Street; Radio City’s Christmas Show, “dream ballet” sequences in a few musicals may be choreographed in pointe (Oklahoma, Carousel, etc.),

This is not said to infer that everyone needs pointe, but if you have it, sometimes it can be the little extra to get you the part over someone else.

My D just made her big move to the City - without a place to live, the sublet she thought was hers having fallen through. So she’s lived on people’s couches this week, and has found a place to move into starting next week.

But I think she’s ready - graduated magna cum laude (which made this mom very proud) in MT from Univ of Oklahoma, got her Equity card doing the 42nd Street tour, and is now ready to sink or swim . . .

**By Georgiamom (Georgiamom) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 06:11 pm: Edit **

sorry, disregard above, I meant to put this in the MT thread, will put it over there as well . . . since I don’t think I can delete it.

**By Catherdingmom (Catherdingmom) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 10:06 am: Edit **

To those who have already traveled this road,
My S will be a senior this fall. Last year was horrendously busy with long-term school assignments and a lot of time devoted to EC’s (primarily theatrical performances).

According to his list, he wants to have at least seven college auditions this coming year. I am already trying to figure out how we can accomplish that. I’m assuming that he will have to take time off school, and I know he will have a lot less time for schoolwork. Plus some of his EC’s (one-act play competition, forensics, school musical) will be gearing up at the same time as auditions.

Does anybody have any words of wisdom as to how to make time for the auditions, keep up the schoolwork, manage the EC’s that are important to him, and not overstress in the process?

As Dancersmom said, I want us to “enjoy the ride” this year, but I foresee LOTS of stress. Any suggestions on how to alleviate that would be appreciated!

**By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 10:17 am: Edit **

Cather…no advice but just to let ya know, we will be in the same boat this year with a kid applying for BFA theater programs. There are sure to be many conflicts in schedule and also stress (at least for us moms) in how this will all happen but somehow it will and come next year at this time, we will be talking of buying dorm bedding (see the Parent forum for a taste of that talk at this time of year…I have a child entering college as well so I have just been through it once).
Susan

**By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 11:03 am: Edit **

Catherdingmom,
Other than yoga breathing, I don’t know of any way to totally avoid the stress. I’m gonna have it, too. I’m probably looking at between five and seven auditions, myself, which I plan to make my absolute priority. However,if I’m anything like last year’s seniors, I’m gonna be busier than the proverbial one-legged man in a butt kicking contest the first couple of months of’05. You just have to be smart with your time. What I remember the stressed out seniors from last year being told is that things don’t get any easier in the real world of theatre and the thing to do is try to keep that in mind to maintain perspective. Supposedly, if you just focus on one task at at time and stay in the moment, the whole process actually flies by and it’s almost like a dream when it’s over. Here’s to practice over theory! Another thing I remember some people expressing is that the real murder comes in March when the auditions are over and you’re waiting on those calls and letters. Focus, focus, focus … Oh, yeah. If possible, you should schedule several of the auditions at the Unifieds.

**By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 11:29 am: Edit **

Catherdingmom,

They say the real estate business is about three things: location, location, location.

From our experience last year I can tell you the three things that got us through: organization, organization, organization.

Several of us posted how we organized our “battle plans” from last year on the MT thread. Check them out. Also, my personal opinion about stress is that it is contagious. Remember when our kids were babies and the pediatrician told us that babies can feel the stress of the person holding them? I believe the same is true of this process you are about to undertake. It won’t be easy, but your child will look to you to be the calm, understanding center of his or her world. I’ve posted this before, but I think it’s worth repeating. If you can visualize yourself as the “eye of the hurricane,” that peaceful center of all that is blowing about you, your child will take strength from your manner and it will be enormously helpful for both of you. I allowed my daughter to emotionally “beat me up” much more than I would normally tolerate (only up to a point of course) because I knew it wasn’t personal and they have to have some way to vent the enormous pressures they all will experience, putting themselves out to be judged on a regular basis, having not much more than 2 minutes at a time to impress people they believe hold their future in their hands. You, in turn, have to either find one of those inflatable punchover clowns or drink alot…(just kidding…)

For all the work, the stress etc., it really is a very exciting process. Try to enjoy as much of it as you can. The Mom’s and Dad’s of the just finished Class of 04 will be here to help you and await your joy on “the other side” come May 05.

**By Catherdingmom (Catherdingmom) on Sunday, July 25, 2004 - 04:24 pm: Edit **

Susan, it’s good to hear from someone in the same boat! No matter what kind of activities or organizations my kids have been involved with, I have found that other parents have been a better source of information for me than those who have been in charge of running the show. I came across a line in a book that has always stuck with me. “My job is not to drive your car–my job is to verify the scenery.” It’s really great to find this site where other parents can verify the scenery.

Thesbo, I hope we run into you at one of these auditions. I know you’ll be incognito, but that’s okay. I believe your sense of humor will lighten the atmosphere for everybody and take some of the stress out of the process.

Theatermom, what calming words you have! I will keep your suggestions in mind. I had this flashback to when my S was in a playgroup as a toddler. One of the kids would take a spill, and automatically his or her mom would call calmly and firmly, “You’re all right!” We knew how panicked the kids became if we automatically rushed in as if we were worried.

I’ll work on the organization. As my kids have gotten older, organization has become harder. I feel as if I’m trying to herd cats when I’m trying to keep them organized. (That’s where my screenname comes from.)

Now, if I can just find one of those inflatable punching clowns…

**By Thesbohemian (Thesbohemian) on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 09:53 am: Edit **

Catherdingmom,
Maybe I’ll see you there. Hopefully, I’ll still have a sense of humor by then. I might end up being the weird chick who only comes out of her room for auditions and does Zen meditation in the halls while waiting, though. “What is the sound of one hand?” “Hmmmm …” Here’s to our collective sanity!

**By Theatermom (Theatermom) on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 10:46 am: Edit **

Catherdingmom, (LOVE the name BTW)

I understand the issues around organization - maybe a better word would be preparation.

I never let my D think I was trying to organize her or criticized her organizational skills (which are actually not all that bad but totally disappear at times of stress, which during senior year was pretty much all the time…). What I did do was set up systems for keeping track of information so that she could drop pieces of paper in a file for each school and thus know where to find the info she needed when she needed it and I kept a book of phone numbers, addresses, due dates, contact histories, etc for ME so I had some sense that I could make sense out of this process when I needed to. Help your D with preparation - for apps, auditions etc - by organizing the process. I really think it has a calming effect.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me.

**By Jennysg (Jennysg) on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 02:36 pm: Edit **

Doctorjohn,
I know we have moved onto other questions here, but this is the soonest we could get to your wonderful “test”.
My D took it and here are her answers:

6- could see herself teaching theater also.
5- she likes diversity
7- she sees herself as a singer dancer AND
actor. Dancing being her weakest area.
6-“I like other subjects and I want to expand
my mind”
6-
4- “I am intellectual but do not need to
spend time alone. I like discussing my
intellectuality with others.”
5- “I do like ‘down’ time.”
8 7- “I want the variety that a BA offers, but
I want the best environment for learning
MT”.
(I think she feels that she may be compromising a good backgoung in MT if she goes the BA route, since those programs are not as intense.)
Overall:
Odd 24
Even 22
She doesn’t fall strongly on either side. Funny how she has stong opinions about a well rounded education but is so indecisive on whether to go BA or BFA. I think it is the end result(after the 4 yrs is over)she is worried about. She doesn’t want to ‘come up short’.
Thanks for your survey.
Jenny

**By Doctorjohn (Doctorjohn) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 05:38 am: Edit **

Jennysq:

Glad you found the survey helpful. I’ve been refining it, and Shauna will be posting it relatively soon on the MT FAQ board. It does sound to me as if your daughter should look at programs which offer professional training in MT with the opportunity to take a significant amount of liberal arts work. That list would include (in alphabetical order) Michigan, Northwestern, NYU, Otterbein, Penn State, and Santa Fe at least. I’m sure there are others, but I haven’t had time to research the curricula at the 103 (!) colleges which offer MT programs–see the Big List on the MT FAQ site.

**By Dancersmom (Dancersmom) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 04:59 pm: Edit **

Re: Liberal Arts course work.
The following schools offering MT programs require liberal arts course work in the 25 to 35% range:

Penn State - 35% 45 out of 130 hours
Otterbein - 29.4% 53 out of 180 hours
Florida State - 27% 40 out of 138 hours
U. Arts - 27% 33 out of 123 hours
CCM - 26% 51 out of 199 hours
U. Michigan - 24% 30 out of 124 hours
Syracuse - 22 to 30% 28 to 38 hours out of 128
Hartt - 22% 30 out of 137 hours

The percentages are based on the degree requirements that were posted on the schools’ websites last year. The percentages can change depending on how one views some of the requirements. For example, Hartt requires MT majors to takes courses in Shakespeare and modern drama. Hartt counts these courses as liberal arts classes. Some of us might view them as courses falling in under the heading of drama and count them as classes in the major. I counted those courses as part of the major. If you count them as liberal studies courses, then Hartt requires 37 out of 137 hours outside the major, or 26% of the course work.

I posted some of these percentages several months ago on the MT site. I only have the numbers for schools my D was looking at. I imagine that the percentages are very similar for drama majors at the above schools.

**By Norcalmom (Norcalmom) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit **

I’ve posted about this before, but it has been awhile so I’m wondering if someone new here (or an oldie with new info) might have some current input.

My 16 yo graduated in June, but is taking a gap year because we all felt she was too young to go away to college (she won’t be 17 until Fall). She wants to go to school in SoCal, is looking for a real “college experience,” the academic reputation of the school is important to her, and she wants the best theatre department she can get into. Though she sings and dances, she really prefers to pursue a theatre with acting performance degree rather than a musical theatre degree, but she wants to attend a college that produces at least one musical a year.

Her stats:
3.96 unweighted gpa, 4.05 weighted with 2 years AP English, AP US Hist, Honors Chem, Honors Spanish, Honors Civics/Econ (her high school didn’t offer too much in this area).

SATI: Taken once without any prep: 1280. She wants another go at it in Oct. and she is prepping this time. Who knows if score will go up?

Debate Team Capt. (3 years varsity debate), Ed-in-Chief newspaper, Drama 3 years (all the shows, awards), Choir (singer and accompanist), Judiciary Council (2 yrs), JV Cheer

Honors: BofA 2nd Place regional winner in fine arts, Governor’s Scholar, Sealbearer, lots of Debate awards (mostly in Dram. and Hum. Interp), Golden State Bio with High Honors (then they did away with this program), Voice and piano awards in competition

Community: Youth Commissioner for the City (served 2 yr term), Jr Fair Board (3 yr term), active in community theatre, performed in several productions at the community college and took the Adv. Acting Class for credit, Cub Reporter for local access t.v. station (has been working for the station in a voluntary capacity since the age of 10–she hosted a kid’s show for two years)–has made educational films, learned to edit, appears on a show bi-weekly as a community reporter, hosted local parade, etc., very active in church activities (building houses in Mexico for 3 years, teaching Sunday School, playing piano for Children’s church, active in youth group, etc.)

Acting classes: only worth mentioning was ACT/S.F. Youth Conservatory a few summers back

What she plans to do during her gap year: Teaching piano, accepting piano accompanying and playing gigs, teaching tap and creative kinder movement classes at a local dance studio, taking karate, will be taking acting classes, been offered a job but not sure she is going to take it, will act if opportunities come up, looking to take advanced tap classes, continue voice lessons, local t.v. station is offering her more responsibility–she will have a weekly segment on a magazine-type show.

So my questions:

<ol>
<li>Do you think she is doing enough during the gap year to let an admissions committee know that she isn’t just sitting around watching t.v.? Any suggestions of more she could be doing? </li>
<li>The schools she is considering right now are: </li>
</ol>

Pepperdine, USC, Chapman, Occidental and probably in about that order, though she vacillates between USC and Pepperdine. She knows much about USC because her sis has been there for two years. Pepperdine matches what she idealizes as a close college-type experience, it matches her moral stance, but she is a bit worried that everyone will be extremely right-wing fundamentalists. In other words, she is not a prude nor is she judgmental–just has her moral beliefs for what she wants for herself. We have heard mixed reviews of Pepperdine’s theatre program. A plus for Pepperdine is that she wants to minor in Broadcast Journalism, and they have a fairly strong program. Pepperdine has an excellent academic reputation.

USC has a better rep than the other schools on her list, both academically and theatrically. It is a bigger school, but she likes that she would have lots of opportunities for acting experience on film. At USC, if you don’t pursue a BFA, you might as well not major in acting. Would this give her time to pursue a journalism minor?

Chapman is looking good both theatrically and for its opportunities to act on film. However, their academic reputation is lacking and it is a major obstacle for her.

The more she reads about Occidental, albeit its sterling academic rep, the less she is impressed with the theatre offering.

<ol>
<li>There are some big schools that really interest her except for the fact that they are so big, and she isn’t looking for a commuter school. As her parent, I know her personality might be a bit overwhelmed by a huge school. </li>
</ol>

UCLA: She has looked extensively at this program and for some reason doesn’t like it. She said if she were interested in MT, then it would look better. Her best friend just finished his freshman year at UCLA and hates it–I’m sure this has something to do with her thoughts. He will be auditioning for their MT program, and their personalities are a lot alike.

Cal State Fullerton: Very impressive! I spent a year postgrad at Fullerton. Academically, it was way too easy. It is also a commuter school. I looked all over their website for audition dates–is their program non-audition?

UCSanta Barbara: This program looks really good on paper, but I’ve known no one who seems to know anything about it. My daughter wants a school that is not so big and has closer proximity to L.A.

Now, what do all you smart people have to say that can help us. Have we overlooked some gem? Can she have a “college-experience” in a huge school? I’m starting to get the feeling that she is going to have to choose experience or great program because they may not exist in the same package.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Sorry this is so long, but just wanted to add a last note. We’ve been told that it doesn’t matter if you go to a big school because the drama dept. students become your automatic peer group. That does pose a problem, and I hope I don’t step on anyone’s toes here. I’m sure there will be some other people who understand. My daughter tends to not care for “drama personalities.” This made things not too much fun for her in high school given all the time she put in on drama activities. She is not a melodramatic person, nor over-emotional, nor pretentious, nor deep to the level of depression. She loves to talk about shows and musicals, but she also likes to talk about lots of other things that are going on in the world. Okay–those traits are probably stereotypical, but it is what she found. Interestingly, my dh, who has a degree in theatre arts also disliked the “drama personality” and found himself outside the group in both high school and college. Given this info, is she likely to find a peer group outside the theatre in a large school. BTW, she is an outgoing kid.

Thanks, again, and I apologize for the length!

**By Bookiemom (Bookiemom) on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 07:18 pm: Edit **

Norcalmom: I think Pepperdine is a good match for your D. My D is a theatre major at a state college in Colorado. The most talented guy from the theatre program at her high school is at Pepperdine and loves it there. I just talked to him and his mom last month and it has worked out great for him. He was in a musical this past year and is studying/rehearsing in London this summer and will be going to the big arts festival in Edinburgh to perform. He was an excellent student in high school, all AP and honors and high SATs. He is not a “drama personality,” also was an athlete in high school.

My D has found some good friends in her theatre program, including three girls she is living with next year. There are some of the type of kids you mention, and they all socialize together somewhat and are a group, but the more well-rounded kids in the program find each other quickly. The director of her program also really encourages them to become well-rounded, well-educated adults. He advises all of them to double major if they can. My D also finds it very important to continue with her academics in addition to theatre, and is now very glad she is in a B.A. theatre program rather than B.F.A. She is double majoring in biology.

**By Leverite (Leverite) on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 10:06 am: Edit **

Just wanted to share that I have found <a href="http://www..com%5B/url%5D">www..com](<a href=“http://dorsettheatrefestival.com%5Ddorsettheatrefestival.com%5B/url”>http://dorsettheatrefestival.com)</a> helpful in this process.
Jrmom recommended it on the mt thread.

My son says he wants to stay in the Northeast, but I like the way OCU comes across on their web site.
People have very positive things to say about their mt program, but what about their acting/theatre program? Can anyone comment?
Thanks,
Leverite

**By Catherdingmom (Catherdingmom) on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 06:27 pm: Edit **

Theatermom, thanks! This is my first child to go through the college process and we have a lot of learning to do along the way.

Norcalmom, here’s hoping that your D finds a compatible peer group. I have to tell you that the overwhelming majority of drama/theatre kids I have encountered are bright, funny, and articulate. My S has drama friends from all the area high schools–in fact, all over the state because of the governor’s school he attended last summer, and though he probably has met some kids such as you were describing, the ones he hangs out with are fun to be around. (All the improv these kids have learned to do has probably helped! LOL) Also, when you read through this discussion and the musical theatre discussion, you’ll realize that some of the postings are from theatre kids, and they are tremendously supportive of each other. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that those are the type of theatre kids your daughter will encounter.

**By Cathc (Cathc) on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 12:28 pm: Edit **

I just thought I’d put a message on the board as I am really interested in the US take on Theatre Education.

I work for the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. LIPA opened in 1996. It is dedicated to people who want to enter - and survive - the tough world of arts and entertainment, whether as performers or those who make performance possible.

One of the many programmes that we run here is a BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Acting three year degree programme. BFAs don’t exist in the UK so that is why it is a BA. It’s also only three years as many UK degrees are. That means one year’s less expense and no initial first year where you have to study subjects you had no intention of coming to school to study. You come straight in and enter a vocational training programme.

Anyway, I thought I should post a message and give you taste of our ethos. If any of you are interested in coming to talk to us in person check out where we will be visiting in the US this fall at: <a href=“http://www.nacac.com/exhibit/fair2.cfm[/url]”>http://www.nacac.com/exhibit/fair2.cfm</a>

If you want to check out our website you can find us at: <a href=“http://www.lipa.ac.uk%5B/url%5D”>www.lipa.ac.uk</a>

Also, if any of you have a genuine enquiry about applying for one of our programmes (we do lots!)you can contact me personally on <a href="mailto:c.cullen@lipa.ac.uk">c.cullen@lipa.ac.uk</a>

Good luck with your college search, I hope you find the place that suits you best.

Cath

Theater/Drama Colleges Part 3

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