<p>bbutcher, thanks so much for the information, WOW that’s a long run so it should be pretty easy to fit in a date. I do realize that I could have called, but I do not like phoning (i don’t know why, weird part fo my childhood, I blame my mother.) Since we are close by we can drive up easily, and now I have a timeframe to look at getting tickets for and D would like to meet and tour the program at the same time. That is probably what needs more close scheduling.</p>
<p>Thank you bbutcher for calling and asking about the web site. I too have been frustrated with the web site being out of date. On the other hand, my d goes there and absolutely loves the program, so I guess I can put up with the web site. Any questions, I’d be happy to try to help. I do know their auditions are usually in February on campus, but it may not be too late to apply to the university or sign up for the auditions (call as I’m not sure about this - but I seem to remember more flexibility in their deadlines). And as bbutcher said - they are extremely helpful, friendly, etc… </p>
<p>keepingcalm
My d is a freshman, and last year when she was deciding on colleges, we went and saw a show there also - it was wonderful… I hope you have the same experience… good luck</p>
<p>Thanks musicalmom. D is not ready for auditions yet as she is a just a sophmore (freshman but graduating early), but she is trying to get a feel for what different colleges and programs are like. We actually know quite a few kids/students at Wright State from summer shows she has done previously, a few from Ragtime last summer in N. Kentucky. Loved the people and the talent that she worked with and is really iterested in seeing how they work at a college level. She was also up at a performance at Dayton Contemporary Dance Co recently and noticed that several of their dancers were dance majors from Wright State. This has really renewed her interest in the school, so she would like to look at both programs.</p>
<p>We are in Ohio so we can check out several different programs in easy driving distance and at a variety of kinds of institutions. As she is just starting to think about what kind of college she would like to attend this is a great benefit. I hope you D is enjoying Wright State.</p>
<p>keepingcalm
You are wise to be college ‘shopping’ early. Good luck to your d as she narrows down her choices.</p>
<p>And yes, my d is really enjoying Wright State. Loves the faculty, other students and the program. She also, was very interested in checking out the dance portions of the MT programs she auditioned at, although she knew she wanted an MT major instead of a dance major. Either way, Wright State might be a good fit for your d. There are many MT’s there who are also great dancers. ANd the MT majors can take classes with the dance majors. And my d also feels she is getting great acting and vocal training there as well. She absolutely loves her voice teacher!!!</p>
<p>Musicalmom thanks for the dance information. We are looing forward to some roadtrips to different schools and getting a feel for what different places are like. It has been so nice to hear some about so many people with kids who are happy with their school choices.</p>
<p>Hey everyone. I’m a current Musical Theatre student at Wright State and I will be the first to say that the program does not do a good job in marketing itself. I would have to say it is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to schools for theatre, dance, and motion pictures. The website should be updated shortly but feel free to ask me any questions you have about the program, Wright State, or even Dayton. I will try to answer them as quickly a possible and if I do not have the answer I will find out from someone who does.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about the program, but I will say that I was in a regional production of “White Christmas” in December and the lead, Meegan Midkiff, (who played Betty Haynes) graduated from Wright State University in MT and she was PHENOMENAL… Her voice was certainly the best in the show, and her acting was so natural and moving. At one rehearsal when she first sang “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” in front of the cast, members of the cast that were watching started crying! She has a GORGEOUS voice.</p>
<p>Anyway… 
lol - Just thought I’d share that. In my opinion, a school’s alumni is one great indicator of a program’s strength.</p>
<p>WSU09,
Last spring we visited Wright State with my daughter. She liked the school and felt at home there. But we discussed the MT majors not studying voice with the voice faculty from the School of Music, that the drama dept. had their own vocal teachers. It made us wonder how much connection the drama dept. had with the music department. I am used to seeing music and drama depts working very closely together in MT, with MT majors taking voice and music courses with music majors. </p>
<p>Is our understanding correct? Is there much interaction between the depts, or mostly separation? What is your opinion of the quality of voice teachers at Wright State?</p>
<p>I know the voice instruction at WSU in MT is primarily with their own instructors and not with the music department. This is not at all unusual, many MT programs do this because the voice faculty within the music department are centered on classical training and will not teach vocal styles that are , in addition to classical training, appropriate for those aspiring to careers in mt. It is not necessarily a bad thing. Wright State has had several successful alumni - if you like the school - it is worth keeping on your radar - especially if you live in Ohio.</p>
<p>henrob,</p>
<p>There is not a close interaction with the Music Department and the Theatre Department. In my opinion the voice teachers through the theatre department are better. mtdog71 is right about the style aspect but most of our voice teachers come from a classical background. This enables them to teach us many styles, but also how to sing them efficiently and healthfully. Usually they will pinpoint the strong points of your voice, improve on it and focus on the areas that will make you more marketable as a singing actor.</p>
<p>We just returned from seeing Urinetown at WSU last night! We were so impressed. The acting, the singing and the DANCING! were all wonderful. There were quite a few freshmen in the cast which is nice thing about their program. I sat next to Greg Hellums (one of the acting teachers) and he was really enjoying seeing the students perform and enjoyed the show. I can’t wait until May to see Aida! I know one of the voice teachers personally (Rick Church) and you won’t find anyone better anywhere! I know the students like and respect him also.</p>
<p>Wright State has updated their website.
<a href=“School of Fine and Performing Arts | College of Liberal Arts | Wright State University”>School of Fine and Performing Arts | College of Liberal Arts | Wright State University;
<p>bumped for music<em>is</em>life</p>
<p>I am soo ridiculously excited to auditon for this school!! It’s one of my top choices!!</p>