Can anyone tell me about the MT program at Texas Tech? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!
This is from my dd:
The MT program at Tech looks like its going to end up being a good one. However, right now, it is very new and there are still a lot of kinks to be worked out. Their first production, Heathers the Musical, was a bit unimpressive. Many of the kids onstage were struggling vocally and could barely screech out some of the notes. This could because they chose the show before they knew who they had to work with.
I went and shadowed one day and i was very pleased with the classes, but i think the program needs a little more time. Dean Nolan, the director of the program, was very warm and inviting and seems to really care about his students. While I was there, I watched him work very patiently with a girl who had never acted before, and by the end of the class she had a new understanding of theatrical arts.
If you don’t mind being a part of a newer program and being a guinea pig of sorts, tech is a great school and i have no doubt that it will become a highly regarded MT program in the future.
Thanks @momma2a
You’re welcome!! I truly think Tech will grow in popularity pretty quickly. I think the main reason my daughter isn’t interested in Tech is because we have lived right down the road from Tech our whole life. The staff at Tech was very accommodating to answer any questions we had and were very quick to reply. They are truly working on building a top notch program. From what I hear, they plan to only accept around 12 MT students per year… so I imagine it will become very competitive program to get into.
Same here. Doesn’t have the buzz of Texas State University but could end up being as exciting in time. Nolan has quite a resume with a masters degree from Yale and big time Broadway credits. Any information on the tuition?
@Notmath1 - Tech has very reasonable in-state tuition, and historically they have been generous with merit aid to both in and out of state students. I don’t know if the MT program has begun to extend in-state tuition to oos kids, like some other programs have but that might be worth asking. I gather they are throwing some money at the program to help to build it. Lubbock also offers a variety of performance opportunities with Lubbock Moonlight Musicals throughout the year, but especially in summer. Tech is a good choice if your student is looking to experience a traditional college experience w/energetic athletics and some neat traditions otherwise. My child never considered Tech an option, even after they announced their new program, mainly b/c she went to high school down the road and many of her friends would be there & she wanted to meet new friends. Heathers was a fair first effort under the BFA-MT, and made me feel like they have the production values of more established programs so w/they have nowhere to go but up once they have the talent.
I completely agree with WTXMom… I bet it will be a great program, but my dd wants to get out of Lubbock… but not too far! LOL
New MT students simply aren’t ready to perform yet. If they were, why would they go to college ;). Don’t judge the program too harshly on one show with new students.