<p>Please note this was the TIME in class…</p>
<p>There is a great system at NYU where for 8 credits you get 3 days a week, 8 hours a day of “studio training”-- they fudge the system so that you can take TONS of performing arts classes.</p>
<p>4 credits are theater studies and 4 are gen eds.</p>
<p>So it looks like an even 8 and 8 but its actually NOT even at all.</p>
<p>@MTCoachNYC. So glad you just posted the explanation about NYU because I saw post 137 and went, huh? But I confess I know nothing about credits at NYU even though I have a kid there. We were looking for a school that didn’t completely abandon academics including MATH!!! (I know shocker. One needs 8 credits of math or science but in our house, math rules) so honestly, I never thought about the actual distribution and to tell you the truth, never dawned on me to think of it beyond that.</p>
<p>So as a result of prntsome’s post, I spent some time on the NYU website trying to see what the answer was since 50/50 sounded like a strange distribution for a BFA program (and the Tisch site is not shall I say all that user friendly). Eventually I concluded, sure, if you think about it as credits, it does look 50/50 when you factor in the gen ed credits needed. And Christie is also correct that AP credits can minimize some of the requirements. But in any case if you think in terms of hours rather than credits, the students spend way more hours in studio classes. So thanks to your post … now I’m less confused.</p>
<p>I agree with Halflokum and MTCoachNYC. My D is in her 2nd year at NYU/New Studio on Broadway/MT. For both years she spent 3 full days per week (9am until 5 or 6pm each day) in back to back studio classes: dance, acting, song performance, speech, music theory, sight singing, keyboarding, physical acting, etc… The other 2 days are spent in 2 or 3 academic classes per day (so about 2 half days of academics). Private voice lessons are also scheduled once per week on one of the 2 academic class days. And when she could, she squeezed in a couple of optional, extra but very important classes in Auditioning and the Business of the Business. So, don’t let the credit hours fool you. Even though they are only earning 8 credits per semester for their conservatory style classes, they are spending much more time in those classes than one would typically spend to earn 8 credits. P.S. One of the things she was looking for in a college was strong academics in addition to intense MT training and she is absolutely thrilled with the training she has received at Tisch.</p>
<p>I’m really glad that three posters clarified the NYU thing because when I read someone post the 50/50 thing with training and academics, I knew that was not accurate at all. </p>
<p>Also, you don’t have to take math or science, as my Tisch grad did not because some other subjects fall under that category such as sociology, political science, anthropology, and psychology. </p>
<p>Keep in mind, as well, that half of the academic requirements are in…THEATER STUDIES!</p>
<p>There is also no language requirement at Tisch; perhaps there is at Steinhardt. It would be impossible, actually, to require it, because the language classes conflict with studio days. This is one drawback of the Tisch system: some subjects of interest offered only on the days when they are in studio. </p>
<p>There are other opportunities to take these, either through taking a semester (or two) off from studio and doing only academics or taking a summer class (during the summer, students can take just one class if they want; during the regular year, there is a credit minimum needed.</p>
<p>And, yes, for Gen Eds there are only distribution requirements, not specific courses to fill them. </p>
<p>The good thing about Tisch academics, though, is that a student less concerned with a broad education can do the minimum gen ed requirements, while another student might flesh out their schedule with more academics through the elective credits.</p>
<p>Well, that was my post about NYU’s 50/50. Sorry for the misinformation. I was only quoting what the fellow from NYU told us at the parent info session during auditions. Thanks for clarifying!</p>
<p>I’d love to hear about more great programs that aren’t “usual suspects”! Thanks!</p>
<p>I looked back and see Hartt was only briefly mentioned so will just say-- it has been amazing for my D (an acting major) and her friends, who are MT, Dance, and VP majors. They are so immersed in their work, they function so beautifully as an ensemble, supportive and loving of each other. They do a huge season of productions every year and each class is its own ensemble so will be rehearsing and performing together in one show after another-- shows with wonderful, professional, experienced directors. It’s a quick bus or train ride to New York and Boston, allied with the Hartford Stage company and Goodspeed Opera house. </p>
<p>They were talking about showcase the other day, and how many schools have students audition to be in the showcase. (Hartt showcase is for the whole class) Alan Rust said: “We accepted you, and if you aren’t ready for showcase, we’re doing something wrong.” That attitude, of full commitment toward the students, is priceless. I could go on and on…and will if you want more, MTCoach or anyone!</p>
<p>Hi Gwen! I currently have 2 students at Hartt (1 Senior and 1 Junior) and I have 2 students definitely going in the fall and 1 more who is thinking about accepting. My best friend went about 10 years ago and ever since there I have been SINGING HARTT’S PRAISES. I am SUCH A FAN of the program for all of the reasons you said.</p>
<p>This year, one of my students got a BoCo acceptance letter and hands down without a question said, “No way, I still want to go to Hartt, its such a better program for me”. </p>
<p>So your daughter probably knows my two students well and will get to know 2-3 more of my students next year!</p>
<p>I also wanted to add that Gwen said “They are so immersed in their work, they function so beautifully as an ensemble, supportive and loving of each other.”</p>
<p>THAT is the reason my student picked Hartt over BoCo. All of my MT students are TERRIFIC actors and VERY IMMERSED in research, theater history, etc. We teach students to be the best THEM they can be and I believe Hartt does the same. They don’t produce cookie cutters.</p>
<p>I guess we’re on the same page, MTCoach! D has to call me all the time to rave about the work she sees–she’s ASM on Two Gentlemen of Verona right now and feels lucky just getting to watch the directing and acting. (I’m sure she knows your students-- they’re all so close by now!)</p>
<p>MTCoachNYC:</p>
<p>I don’t know if you mean it this way but you are making it sound like Boco does not function as an ensemble, is not supportive and loving of each other, not terrific actors who are immersed in research, theater history, etc., and they produce cookie cutters. </p>
<p>If this was what you meant you could not be further from the truth. If this is not what you meant they you may want to consider clarifying your remarks.</p>
<p>beenthereMTdad, I have heard BoCo described that way before this post (the one you reference). I wonder if it’s people without personal experience with the program that feel like that. Or if it is some kind of impression or “vibe” they give off to prospective students…it’s coming from somewhere I guess.
That being said, BoCo was one of my daughter’s favorite auditions. She thought everyone that was involved was professional, but friendly and welcoming.</p>
<p>Not speaking to BoCo specifically but I did notice at Unifieds all different types of people at the desks outside the rooms. I feel like the schools should really pay attention to who they put out there. It ran the gamet of being students, recent grads to faculty and staff to no one at the tables. Some were friendly, warm, welcoming, professional, cold, distant, not wanting to be there and even some where talking about the auditionees and people in general. They need to realize that in many cases they are the first impression people will have of the program and should act accordingly.</p>
<p>broadway95 - that reminds me of someone’s title I saw recently - she was the receptionist. Her official title was “Director of First Impressions” - how true that is!!</p>
<p>Regarding BoCo, I agree with beentheremtdad. My son (and I) had a great impression about the people and the program at BoCo from his on-campus audition. While he was in a dance audition, two freshman sat with the parents, and they were charming, supportive, helpful, and engaging - great reps for the school. My son committed last weekend, and upperclassmen have already reached out to the rising freshman via a Facebook group, inviting them to sign up for the mentoring/buddy program. “Bigs” buddy up with “Littles.” The admissions office has called to welcome him and invite him to contact them with questions, and current students are also making contact to let next year’s class know they are available for any questions. Incoming freshman are trying to coordinate meeting at upcoming campus visits, and community already seems to be forming. My personal motto is that there is no need to denigrate one thing to espouse the virtues of another. There are many great programs that provide great training and opportunities for many.</p>
<p>I went away and came back to some ruffled feathers! I’m so sorry. </p>
<p>I realize that came off wrong. I have students at BoCo too and one I’m super excited to have attending in the fall.</p>
<p>It was just that this one student felt that for HIM he meshed more with the students and ensemble at Hartt and so he felt he would be really supported and be a part of a great ensemble. He felt they really saw him for who he was and would help him to become the most unique he could be and not a cookie cutter. At BoCo they seemed disinterested in him as a person until they heard his killer voice and saw him dance. He felt they weren’t interested in HIM, but what he could do. However, the other students that attend/will attend BoCo seemed to really fit in with the faculty and seem to really be supported by the faculty and students so its a great fit. </p>
<p>I’m sorry to have phrased that incorrectly. BoCo is obviously a TOP NOTCH program and a great fit for MANY students!</p>
<p>I’m just of the school of thought that just because its a TOP program doesn’t mean its right for you, and I wanted to point out that Hartt also has an excellent program.</p>
<p>Sorry again!</p>
<p>I have never heard Boco described as a “cookie cutter”. Without a doubt Boco has an incredible diverse student body. By diverse I mean white, black, Spanish, Asian, Indian, gay straight, tall, small skinny fat, young looking, old looking, great dancers, singers, actors, etc. It’s one of the characteristics of Boco that make it the great institution it is. You can also witness its diversity by the shows they put on.</p>
<p>It is a totally supportive, nurturing, caring environment. Don’t go by a “vibe” or “hearsay” – ask a former student. It is not for the insecure that’s for sure. From day one you will realize how talented the entire class is and that you will have to work hard for anything you want to achieve there. Also, the students spend the entire freshman year leaning ensemble, chorus, etc. where they take all the amazing individual talent and mold it into a chorus. Go witness a freshman review. </p>
<p>With the risk of making this a lengthy email, let me tell a brief story. When my D was a junior, the incoming freshman class created these cliques where they defined themselves by how much of a scholarship they received and pranced around the campus ala mean girls/guys. Well the upper classmen crushed this idea day one or as soon as they heard about it. That would just not fly at Boco. Everyone at Boco is equal.</p>
<p>Are we seriously judging a program based on volunteers manning a sign in sheet? </p>
<p>Saratogaparent. This was typical of our own personal experience and one that I’ve heard repeated year after year.</p>
<p>People don’t attend Boco or chose other programs over Boco but not for the reasons mentioned in this thread. In many cases it’s financial followed by looking for a big university experience, location and most importantly personal fit.</p>
<p>MTcoachNYC:</p>
<p>Just saw your post. Thank you for clarifying your post!</p>
<p>Appreciate your clarification MTcoachNYC.</p>