<p>As someone who has appreciated so much the information posted here, and knowing things change from one year to another, wanted to write a little about kiddo’s recent experience auditioning at Otterbein. I’m just the mom, and am sure I’ll forget/don’t know all the details…but here goes.</p>
<p>There were 36 auditionees there for the first audition of the season. Campus was quiet, as the students were already on their break (Otterbein is changing from quarters to semesters next year, so I’m certain that may be different…still, it made weekday parking on a college campus non-painful!). The kids signed in and were given a folder with their audition groups, etc. The auditionees went off for their dance call then. Kiddo said it was a fun class, with lots of variety. Those who might be interested in the MTD (Musical Theatre/Dance) option were asked about their previous experience, then asked to show various steps/skills. My kiddo was asked to show off some of her ballet training. They had a chance to change, then kids and parents were then led into a meeting with faculty, who explained the day, the program, and did a great job putting everyone at ease. </p>
<p>At this point, parents were led to another building to have information sessions about financial aid and campus life. The auditionees were broken into 2 groups. One went back into the auditorium to do their songs and monologues. They performed for faculty and each other. My kiddo said this process moved along well, and the pianist was brilliant. After that, their group moved to take the theory test. </p>
<p>Kids and parents regrouped, and she and I went out for lunch. In the afternoon, each student was scheduled for a short interview with faculty. Then she was done. It was a well-organized day, and a very supportive environment.</p>
<p>Students from this audition may hear whether they are released or continue to be held for further consideration within a few weeks. That’s appreciated. Even though Otterbein waits until they’ve seen the last auditionee to make their choices, it’s great to know if a student remains in the pool of “maybe”.</p>
<p>I’m butting in here! - and am sure that Mommafrog will respond - but the audition day described above was actually a Friday. But with the kids on break (their quarter break is from Thanksgiving to New Year’s), it probably didn’t feel much like a “typical” day at Otterbein. </p>
<p>And I am pretty sure the Acting auditions are separate from the MT auditions - so all 36 of those kids at the audition on Friday were there for MT (although they may end up being offered Acting)</p>
<p>Yes, MTMama – it was a quiet campus that Friday with the kids on their break (and if I remember correctly, all the other Otterbein audition dates are on Saturdays…but might be more “peopled” on campus, as they are during the regular year). There was one student there to be considered for acting only, but Dr. John explained that an audition for Otterbein is actually many – one can be considered for BFA in MT, BFA in MT with Concentration in Dance, Dance minor BFA in Acting, BA in Theatre. The program is so small – they take 16 total – 8 MT or MT/D and 8 Acting BFA, they want to make sure they fully look at every student’s strengths and where they might fit. </p>
<p>As for a “feel” of campus – we had visited last year and saw a production, did a tour, she met with the faculty, etc. I don’t know how much about a campus sinks in for these kids on the actual audition day (except for how it felt to work with the faculty present for their audition). I know of many students who go back to campuses after they’ve been accepted at a school to really see if the fit is good.</p>
<p>Thanks for your comments ladies. That helps. We are considering doing a campus audition in January in lieu of Chicago Unifieds. But we would only do so if D can attend a class or two on Friday before auditioning on Saturday. We realize that the school does not give preference to on-campus auditions over the Unifieds.</p>
<p>mommafrog, thank you for the illuminating original post.</p>
<p>arrdad, when school is in session–as it will be for all our remaining auditions–prospects get a decent feel for the campus, since we always have a cadre of current students there willing to talk. They are, in my experience, unwaveringly honest about what they like and don’t like about the department.</p>
<p>But we do encourage students to come a day early so that they can visit classes. Students may attend any class. Parents are allowed to sit in on dance and music classes, but not acting classes; the presence of parents tends to affect the work. Evening rehearsals are usually open to everyone. If you’d like to schedule a visit before auditions, you may contact our department. </p>
<p>MTMama, you’re right, we used to separate Acting and MT auditions; but we’ve combined them recently, and it seems to work fine. It also gives Acting prospects more audition options. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. I look forward to meeting you all in the coming months.</p>
<p>Thanks doctorjohn for the clarification on Acting/MT combined auditions.</p>
<p>My D is looking forward to her January audition and visit. Otterbein has impressed at every level. Such a streamlined application process with quick feedback, great merit scholarships, and actual human beings that receive and respond to calls and emails.</p>
<p>I so agree…the whole process with Otterbein has been efficient and more importantly…welcoming. From our visit this past Summer, to the application process, and I am only projecting to the upcoming auditions.<br>
Other schools…well, we have felt like a number, or that our emails are being ignored.</p>
<p>I congratulate Otterbein for finding a way to NOT be one of those schools.</p>