Which programs most surprised you or impressed you?

College Majors Musical Theater Majors
101

<p>Sorry to butt into a discussion I don’t know much about but I’d just like to give a quick answer to the original question.</p>

<p>My parents wanted me to definitely look hard at my options in state, so I tried at best as I could. I did (and still do) want to leave the state but when I visited Colorado Mesa University, I was incredibly impressed and it is now one of the two schools I am debating on.
This is a beautiful school in Grand Junction, Colorado. They’ve done millions of dollars of renovations on it the past few years, and their performing arts building is phenomenal (their big dance studio is on the top level and is surrounded by three walls of windows so you can look at the gorgeous surroundings outside while dancing!) They offer a BA in Musical Theatre, Dance, Acting/Directing or Theatre Technology. I saw their production of Pirates of Penzance when I was there and was impressed by the level of talent held by the students to perform well together as an ensemble. The students were all super friendly, and I was able to sit in on an acting class where the students worked on very short scenes in the dark (the professor lit one dim lamp and had the pairs sit on the floor and perform the scene, wanting them to feel the rawness of the words; it was really beautiful to watch). I also sat in on the Musical theatre styles class taught by the head of the MT department; they are doing a medley of Sondheim for their final in the class, so they were running music and they sounded PHENOMENAL! It was so fun to listen to. The professor, Jeremy, is one of the nicest faculty members I’ve ever met and he was able to keep the students focused while having a ton of fun learning some crazy hard Sondheim music. The students are ALWAYS busy, there are absolutely endless opportunities to perform all year round, especially because one of the majors is Acting/Directing, so those students are always in need of performers to direct.</p>

<p>All in all, this is a great school, a very up-and-coming program, and the cost of attending is AMAZING compared to other schools. They have many, many working alumni - perhaps not as many are on Broadway or touring as other “top tier” schools, but they are working/going to grad school all over the country which is nice to hear. They don’t have any alumni that are super famous either, but I know that if I went to this school, I would get solid training, be able to network a little bit, and not be knee-deep in debt after graduation, which is the biggest goal. They don’t have a traditional NY showcase, but they help students create their own 30-40 minute cabaret that they can take with them after graduating and be able to perform anywhere, anytime.</p>

<p>They also offer minors in music (a special track for MT students that want more music training), dance and speech - I think it’d be awesome to minor in speech because I’ve been thinking about becoming a speech pathologist or professor of acting down the road after chasing my dreams of performing :slight_smile: Also, they have a great honors program where you can either take 18 credits of honors courses, and/or create and Honors thesis project (I would most likely write/direct a play!)</p>

<p>Colorado Mesa University may not be the best known program, but it is so reasonably priced and the faculty has been everywhere! (One of the acting professors went to Otterbein for undergrad and Carnegie Mellon for grad school; one of the dance teachers was in the nat’l tours of a few famous musicals [can’t quite remember which ones]), etc. I’m glad I have it as an option and I’d recommend it to other students who are looking for solid training at a school that won’t leave you in debt for the rest of your life. It also doesn’t hurt that it is in an absolutely adorable and gorgeous town - 4 hours from Salt Lake City, 4 hours from Denver. Anyways, that’s all I had to say about that! It’s between Colorado Mesa and Millikin, so we’ll see what happens! :-)</p>

102

<p>I want to mention a little school that probably none of you have ever heard of where we had a fabulous audition experience. It was at SUNY Geneseo. It’s a very good (one of the best, in fact) state school in upstate NY. The SUNY schools are very affordable and since I am a solo parent, I forced my son to apply to at least two SUNY schools so he picked Fredonia and Geneseo. The audition was like a dream. We arrived to this large waiting room with super comfortable sofas, a huge lovely breakfast spread with coffees, teas, muffins, fruit, yogurt, etc. (They had me at free food.) They had current students in the room with us all day to talk with us and answer questions as we waited while the kids auditioned. Then the program directors (who also teach at the nearby and extremely well respected Eastman School of Music) stopped by and spoke with each family about the kind of individual attention students receive in their small program. The audition itself was great, too, because they required three full songs including one in a foreign language (which my son loved) in addition to the monologues and dance call. They spent quite a bit of time talking with my son in the audition room and putting him at ease before he began, and he really felt that the extended audition material allowed him to demonstrate a wide variety of strengths. In talking with the program directors (acting and music), we learned so much about the program. We loved that there are no restrictions on freshman auditioning and participating in shows, and we liked that there is also a musical theater club on campus that you can audition for to get even more performance opportunities. To top off the very pleasant audition experience, they responded right away letting my son know that he was accepted. </p>

<p>Now, I know - you can’t compare a little program like that to some of the big programs and I’m not suggesting that any other school would be able to have their auditions run that way. But I couldn’t help remembering that lovely audition experience while sitting in a cold, hard folding chair watching my kid get herded like cattle from one room to the next with no one talking to him or getting to know him and then waiting months to get a decision.</p>

<p>My son ultimately decided against Geneseo because Fredonia (same cost) has a BFA MT program vs Geneseo"s BA MT, and because he was concerned about it being so unknown. But if any students/parents for next year are looking for a small, intimate program with a lot of personal attention in a very affordable school in a beautiful and charming college town, you might want to give Geneseo a look-see.</p>

<p>FYI - I am not affiliated with the school or their program in any way. I just really liked it.</p>

103

<p>The last two posts from steamedartichoke and MomofaMTson are great information on lesser known, but obviously fabulous and affordable programs. I agree that the SUNY schools are great deals(even out of state). We visited Purchase and really liked the all around creative vibe of the school but did not end up applying as my S would have had to piece meal his program together as no MT program but we loved it! I wish we had looked at the other two. We feel the same way about Rhode Island College which has a solid theater program with four main stage productions and a great dance program and dance company and very affordable even out of state.</p>

104

<p>We really liked the program and Western Connecticut State University. The kids have so much energy and were there the entire audition time sharing what the program is like and all their stories. Also, if you don’t get into MT, you can be in regular Theater and audition into MT again at the end of your Freshman year. As a theater major you can take all of the same classes - except private voice lessons (as part of the program/tuition - you can still take them separately and pay for them as an add). Also, there was definitely not an us and them attitude between Theater and MT. The MT kids were all so supportive of the Theater kids that were auditioning for MT that afternoon. We also loved the cross-training that is pretty much required as part of both programs. If you do not get a part in the show - you are involved in the production anyway - costumes, makeup, set, lighting, sound, marketing, etc. There is an MT major there who is awesome, but has also won awards for costumes and makeup. I think it’s great that these kids come out with skills that let them continue with theater even if they don’t make it performing. S is seriously considering this program either way. We also love that they go to the Edinburgh Fringe festival every other year. And the $100 Million Visual and Performing Arts Center that will be ready for Fall 2014 doesn’t hurt either.</p>

105

<p>I know a couple of Western CT grads and they are doing great stuff-- I think it’s a hidden gem. And exciting to hear about Colorado Mesa, and SUNY Geneseo too!</p>

106

<p>Wow. I have a Sophomore D and these stories are good food for thought. I think we will have to do our homework, thicken our skins and try to enjoy the process as best we can. Thanks to all for sharing your experiences.</p>

107

<p>I’d like to make one more plug for Baldwin-Wallace. I recently asked a well respected NY casting director I know for an opinion of my son’s acceptances and here is a direct quote: </p>

<p>“To me, Baldwin-Wallace is a close second (to UMich). Vicky and Scott have put together an extraordinary program and I’m constantly floored by the quality of their students.”</p>

<p>I would highly recommend Sophomores and Juniors to take a good look at BW. It is well worth making the trip to the campus during audition season (and only 2 hours drive from CMU).</p>

108

<p>Baldwin-Wallace sound great! However, they only offer a BM in Music theater so I could see how it could get missed on someone’s radar when doing a search for BFA programs. Another reason why this topic is so great! I had never heard of it (and many others!) before I found CC. I wish we had discovered CC before this process. My daughter’s list might have looked a little different. No regrets, she has great choices but it’s been such a learning process.</p>

109

<p>I asked current students about the BM degree and they said that the program at Baldwin-Wallace is very similar to BFA programs at most other schools but with some extra music training added on.</p>

<p>By the way, they also have one of coolest dance studios of any school we visited.</p>

110

<p>I’ll add to the B-W love! I definitely fell in love with Baldwin-Wallace during my audition. It went from being solidly at the middle of my list to my top choice. I was so taken by Vicky and Scott and Greg and their commitment to turning out the best class of performers each year while maintaining their individuality. I just got that feeling on campus partway through the day that I belonged there, which was strange and a little scary for me (I thought I had long figured out what my “dream school” was!). I’m still waiting to hear from B-W (there was an error in my application that prevented the Conservatory from releasing my decision to me). I’m remaining hopeful but realistic…I keep telling myself that I already have one great acceptance to a school I would love to attend, and that’s all I NEED. Still…fingers crossed! And here’s hoping that Canada Post doesn’t take 10 days to get me my letter from B-W like it did with my last correspondence from them.</p>

111

<p>Steamedartichoke, thank you for writing about Colorado Mesa. My D’s first choice is University of Northern Colorado, a wonderful and affordable school. For financial reasons, I would like her to consider even more in-state options. I’ve recently been researching Mesa for her. As you said, it is a relatively unknown program and there isn’t much information out there as yet. Your post has made me even more enthusiastic about it.</p>

112

<p>Hi Everyone!</p>

<p>Because I like to be organized, I wanted to do a recap (which I’ll continue to repost and update). I’ll list the schools in order of the number of “votes”. It’ll be helpful to have a list of schools to research. </p>

<p>There are a few on here that I consider to be “usual suspects” but I knew of people who had never heard of them going into the process so I put them on the list.</p>

<p>FIVE VOTES
Western Michigan </p>

<p>FOUR VOTES
Coastal Carolina Univeristy</p>

<p>THREE VOTES
Roosevelt/CCPA
Point Park
University of Utah
Baldwin Wallace
Ohio Northern</p>

<p>TWO VOTES
Western Connecticut State University
Otterbein
Elon
Cornish</p>

<p>ONE VOTE
Ball State
Hartt
James Madison University
Shenandoah
University of Southern Indiana
Indiana University
Muhlenberg
Wagner
Texas Christian University
Colorado Mesa University
SUNY Geneseo
SUNY Fredonia
Wright State
University of Northern Colorado</p>

113

<p>Wow I feel really blessed that my D has acceptances from Coastal Carolina, Point Park & Ohio Northern!!! It will be a really hard decision for her —she loves each one for different reasons.</p>

114

<p>I’ve posted this in other areas in the theatre forum, too. My D auditioned at 10 schools. Those that tied for “best” were Carnegie Mellon, Webster Conservatory, U of Minnesota/Guthrie,DePaul and Otterbein in that all allowed her to “show her stuff,” to converse, to work on the monologues/take direction. She came out feeling like she really had a fair shot (and hey, we are paying for both the application fee to the college and an audition fee). We’re PAYING. Anyway . . . </p>

<p>Most surprising in a good way has been Webster, which we visited this week.</p>

<p>The campus is definitely odd–a mix of old and new buildings and houses, too. The English department is in a big old house in the neighborhood, as is another department.</p>

<p>The Rep Theatre of St. Louis shares the theatre building with Webster Conservatory–very, cool. Conservatory students can attend the Rep theatre shows for free, too, and work on those shows and audition for them! It’s a very nice facility. This close connection with a professional theatre reminds me somewhat of the opportunities of the Minnesota/Guthrie program.</p>

<p>We met with the acting dept head. He struck us as smart, honest, professional. He talked a lot about the process of auditioning after graduation, which was enlightening. My D had lots of questions: what does he hope students will be doing after they graduate, why is he here, what styles of acting do they teach, is the school academically challenging, can she take dance and voice, what’s their connection with the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, who chooses their plays, when do they choose, etc.
Students also get a voice in the choosing of the plays, which is awesome. About a dozen people sit down and discuss and talk it over, which he said is a ton of work. We were bummed that we couldn’t be there for a show.</p>

<p>My D attended a 2nd year acting class. Here’s an example of the odd campus–the acting classes are mostly held in space in a strip mall a block down from campus. None of this phases my D. She really does focus on the training and the people and is somewhat oblivious to her surroundings, which I have to realize is a very positive thing. </p>

<p>She said the teacher was incredibly interested in the students and had prepared tons of notes to work with them on their Chekhov scenes. The students were friendly in a “middle of the road” way that made her comfortable: not obnoxiously welcoming and not stand-offish. They approached her and introduced themselves by name and shook hands and were very welcoming. (We had theatre students approach us when we were on our tour, too). D said they seemed a bit more mature than a few other schools she’s visited. She asked them how they felt about the program and they expressed lots of love.</p>

<p>I can see how this conservatory–especially the rehearsal/class space wouldn’t be for everyone. They were unapologetic about that, which is good, I think. They do have three stages/theaters that are very nice. The teachers have very humble office spaces, too, but choose to work here among (paraphrase) “students who are eager to learn” and “staff who are wonderful to work with.” Webster felt professional, smart, and unpretentious.</p>

115

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<p>I like this curve idea, but I might put Ignoring on ours rather than Arrogant. What’s crazy is that we’ve visited five of the schools and their students/faculty exactly match up with the curve of the audition! Really! Doesn’t that make sense? Those who will eventually choose or gel or have a vibe with a theatre dept at a school will probably be somewhat of a reflection of the program. There’s a whole “feel.” </p>

<p>So, Otterbein felt closer to the “fawning” or left side–the auditor gave my D a hug and was super enthusiastic. Later at the campus visit, my D said the students were more physical with each other and very talkative and full of a lot of energy. I’m just putting this together–that matches the audition. Then at Evansville she couldn’t get a feel for what she thought at the audition, but it felt nice, but more formal–couldn’t get a handle. Then we visited and I’d say her description of the students and teachers fit this almost to a tee. Webster: businesslike, but friendly and more personable at the audition–felt just the same on campus this week. At the U of Minn/Guthrie audition the auditioners seemed to be accessing her skills, worked off her resume, asked about her thoughts on education. Then at the call-back weekend the actors did a talk-back and they were good listeners of one another and reflective. DePaul we visited before the audition–felt more casual/family-like, humble and had great products (shows)–then my daughter felt cared for at the audition–she wanted to know them all and work with them–it felt like “home.” Side note: She didn’t get a callback to DePaul–and that’s the one that pinches my throat when I see it on the forums–this was the painful one so far. </p>

<p>This is so cool. In retrospect I can see how they all do match up in our experience. You must visit the schools, I think. It’s invaluable. Personally, on each campus we have talked to students and they all love their program (of course there will be exceptions)–but for what we’ve witnessed–most are really content and feel good about where they are. I think that comes from this work–the research, the visits, the comparing, the reflecting, and going with the gut (if the schools invite you). It’s a true bummer when you feel it’s the place for you, but the school doesn’t feel it’s the place for you. :(</p>

116

<p>While we are reflecting on what impressed or surprised…got a SURPRISE recently and not-in-a-good-way. Son prescreened at a liberal arts school with BFA in MT, submitted common app and transcripts, letters of recommendation in early December before deadlines. He then received an email and a letter in the mail inviting him to come to campus and audition…so we did. Spent $2000 to travel for the weekend and he gave what he felt was a really strong audition. We toured the campus, loved it, loved the community, etc. etc. </p>

<p>YESTERDAY we found out that upon “recalculation” of his 2.7 GPA (they omit all electives like choir, drama, voice, etc) he is below the minimum that is acceptable for the school. I even called Admissions before spending $$ on airfare to verify they had all his materials and that all was okay - was assured he had been screened academically and artistically. So, all of this is to say – even when you think you’ve done your homework, you haven’t always. I am happy he applied to several other BFA programs that don’t weight class ranking at a greater consideration than talent/audition results – what an expensive lesson learned.</p>

<p>All of this is to say—one thing important about this process is that the SEPARATE two-step admission process is probably best. The academic acceptance that comes first; THEN the artistic acceptance. Sure would have helped in this case. :confused: Caveat emptor.</p>

117

<p>^Yikes, that’s an awful story, mcpcwhite. Honestly sounds pretty irresponsible of the school. They all recalculate GPAs, so why didn’t they do that for your son BEFORE he auditioned? </p>

<p>One thing I feel strongly about is the benefit of the prescreening process. Only one of my son’s schools did an artistic prescreen (he’s straight acting, not MT) but it was a huge confidence booster at the actual audition time. If you’re going to travel for an audition, why not know that you have a shot? Same thing makes perfect sense for the academic side of the equation. My son’s list had one BFA program that was a “reach” and two BA programs in which he was middle-of-the-pack, academically, but that was an informed choice. It sounds like your son received misinformation from the school, and that’s unfair. I admire your restraint in not posting the name of the college! And I’m glad your son has some good options.</p>

118

<p>I actually am contemplating posting the name of the college in another thread because people need to know about this if only to be more careful. I was trying to respect the intent of this thread which seems to have been to not be too negative or hammer a school, but it is completely irresponsible. As someone who has spent most of my adult life in higher education as a college professor, it’s beyond the pale!</p>

119

<p>mcpcwhite- I don’t think its bashing. That is an actual issue that happened that is good to know about. As the OP I sanction you letting us know the school :)</p>

120

<p>I completely agree…it is very useful for those coming up on the process to know and understand all elements involved in these auditions. Having a son who’s unweighted GPA hovered in the 2.9 to 3.1 GPA and having concerns that he would not have met the academic criteria of some of the schools he applied makes your story especially informative. In all his cases, we received the academic acceptance first with the exception of U-Arts but ended up withdrawing after scheduleding the audition from there for other reasons but when I think about it, he actually was not academically accepted there before we were schedule to embark on an audition. All good information to know.</p>