<p>Hello</p>
<p>I am having difficulty finding information on the CSUF Musical Theatre website. I cannot locate specifics about audition dates and requirements. If anyone knows this information, or where I might be able to find it online, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Also, I would be a transfer student. Is there any specific information or suggestions that anyone has to offer me?</p>
<p>I thank you in advance for any assistance…</p>
<p>According to The Big List</p>
<p>California State University, Fullerton (BFA, audition at end of second year) </p>
<p>From Cal State's website</p>
<p>This degree is for students who desire a professionally oriented education and training in musical theatre. Only those who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation, and commitment will be admitted to the program.</p>
<p>Prior to entering the junior year, or upon transferring to Cal State Fullerton, all students electing a major in musical theatre will be auditioned, evaluated, and advised as to potential for advancement in the major.</p>
<p>If you are not a transer, it appears that there is no audition to be admitted to Cal State. </p>
<p>You may, howeveer want to contact the department or the admissions office to confirm.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>KatMT....I don't think you interpretted that quite right. As it says, "Prior to entering the junior year OR upon transferrring to Cal State Fulleron....." auditions for BFA, etc. </p>
<p>Eve Himmelhaber, who posts here as Prof Himmelhaber has explained how her program works (she heads up the program). Freshman enter in a BA degree. ALL those who wish to enter the BFA program, must audition at the end of the second year of the BA program, AS WELL AS anyone who is transferring into Cal State Fullerton. So, even continuing sophomores at Cal State must audition to advance into the BFA program as juniors (the BFA part is two years). As it says on the webpage, ALL degree candidates must audition to get in. So, if you are already a Cal State Fullerton, student, auditions are at the end of soph year and if you are a transfer you also must audition to get into the BFA. </p>
<p>If you read a bunch of the threads on this sub forum, she has explained along the line about the system. There is indeed an audition or evaluation to ENTER the BFA, just not to enter the BA. Not all those in their BA make it into the BFA, though can stay at Fullerton (not be "cut" per se) and continue on as BA majors. Something similar exists at Northwestern, though it is a MT certificate program, not a BFA. But freshmen enter with no audition and then have to audition at the end of the first year to get into the MT program and not all make it. These are programs that you must enroll as a freshman without knowing for certain if you will eventually be admitted to the MT Program. </p>
<p>Hopefully you can find some of her very informative posts that detail the audition process in her program at Cal State.</p>
<p>Is the program a B.A. Theater major untill junior year?</p>
<p>Yes, all lower division students are considered "BA track," then at the end of their sophomore year (after taking a core curriculum as well as any electives/remedial [e.g., beginning dance] and prerequisite courses for their desired program of study) they choose an emphasis to apply/audition for. This holds true for all our majors. </p>
<p>Of course, students don't HAVE to apply/audition for a specialty emphasis - they can opt to stay on track for a General Theatre Studies BA (a true liberal arts degree). It is their choice whether or not to audition.</p>
<p>Hope this clears things up with respect to the BA vs. BFA tracks.</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>All transfer students who have completed the prerequisite coursework with the minimum grade requirements may audition for the BFA program at CSUF. We audition (we call them "juries") in May of each year for admission the following spring.</p>
<p>The prerequisite courses are:</p>
<p>2 semesters of college level acting (with a B- or better in each)</p>
<p>1 semester of college level script analysis (with a C or better)</p>
<p>2 semesters of college level voice & movement for the actor (with a B- or better). </p>
<p>The student must have proficient in both transcription and application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to a non-regional (standard stage) dialect...this is tested on the spot at the jury.</p>
<p>The jury is held on-site only (no mail submissions or make-up dates) over three days, a Saturday through Monday in May (coinciding with the beginning of our final exam period). Saturday is voice juries (you prepare four songs: two ballad, two uptempo). Sunday is dance juries (one hour each of tap, jazz and ballet). And Monday is an acting jury (for transfers you have a choice of two one-minute monologues, OR a three-minute scene you prepare with a partner (you provide), and the material must be from a prescribed list of literature prepared by our acting faculty (the 3-minute scene is what our own students do). Students must pass (with a majority vote) ALL THREE AREAS in oder to be CONSIDERED for admission (if more are eligible than we have slots for - 10 to 12 places each year - then we must prioritize admission based on assessment of talent and trainability).</p>
<p>I am going to try to post a letter I send to all prospective TRANSFER students hereafter. Wish me luck - it's long, and may need to span several submissions/posts.</p>
<p>Write me if you have further questions: <a href="mailto:ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu">ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu</a></p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>Here is a letter I send to all prospective transfer students. Hope it is helpful.</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>Dear Prospective Musical Theatre Transfer Student:</p>
<p>I put together this information to address the specific needs of transfer students unique in their experience, transfer credit, and program expectations. Some of you have researched in depth about our program, and as such have a good handle on what we offer. For you, this letter is a refresher. For those of you who know little to nothing about our program, other than the fact that it is really good, then you must carefully read what is listed below this may save you time, money and heartache.</p>
<p>IMPORTANT NOTICE: Even though you have received an A.A. in theatre, this does NOT mean that you are automatically qualified to jury for our BFA program! There are specific courses and skills required to jury, and your college might not offer those courses and/or skills. While we apologize for their shortcomings in preparing you for study at CSUF, we cannot make exceptions in jury requirements you must meet all requirements before jurying. We will not change this policy simply because you did not do your homework in preparation for transferring here, or because your college was limited in its preparation studies.</p>
<p>Application to the University</p>
<p>The first thing you must do is apply to the University it is impossible to evaluate in depth every student who is interested in our program (these number in the hundreds), and we are reticent to invest the time it takes to evaluate transfer credits without you showing us your serious interest in both the program and attending CSUF. Therefore, until you have applied to the University, all we can offer you is the basic program information. </p>
<p>There is only one application (no separate application or audition into the Dept., as at many other universities). If the university accepts you as a transfer, we accept you as a Theatre major but you are not in the BFA until you have passed your juries.</p>
<p>Transfer Credit Evaluation</p>
<p>Once you have applied, you need to see Professor Larry Peters for a transcript evaluation and this must be BEFORE jurying. Larry is the head of undergraduate advising and processes all transfer students only he can evaluate whether your credits thus far meet our required curriculum before jurying. It is very important to talk to Larry about your transcripts, past curriculum and grades, and projected timeline and options for study and/or graduation. Be advised that Larry is often out of the country during the summer and so reaching him then is nearly impossible. You can reach Professor Peters at: <a href="mailto:lpeters@fullerton.edu">lpeters@fullerton.edu</a></p>
<p>Okay, so if you have read this far and not yet crumpled up this letter and tossed it, read my next post to find out about the jury process.</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>Jury Prerequisites</p>
<p>The following are the jury requirements:</p>
<ol>
<li> Two semesters of college-level acting class with a B- or better;</li>
<li> Two semesters of college-level Voice & Movement class, including study in the application and full transcription of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), and Standard Stage (non-regional) dialect; you need a B- or better in both semesters; and,</li>
<li> One semester of college-level Script Analysis class with a C or better.</li>
</ol>
<p>Please understand that our program is one of the best in the nation a fact Im sure you have carefully considered when looking at CSUF. As such, you may not be working at a level equal to our current sophomores, even though you may have taken the required coursework to jury. You are, of course, welcome to jury if you meet all the prerequisites, but we accept a very limited number of students all of whom must be triple threats and the likelihood of you being competitive in this pool of talented, well-trained students is low. After all, most of the students you are competing with (with the exception of transfers like you) have all taken their coursework here, know what the faculty expects, have learned the techniques that CSUF promotes, and have passed several placement juries into performance-based classes here. They have already been through mini-juries in this placement audition process, and are very well prepared by the time they jury. </p>
<p>Im not pointing this out to frighten you off, but to forewarn you; after all, a trip here for a three-day weekend in May can be a dear expense. And I have seen many transfer students really freaked out in their juries by the quality and pace of the material and technique expected at this level. In these cases, they arent performing at their best, and are overwhelmed by the process and the honest, candid individual feedback forms from the faculty adjudicators (who are not going to pull any punches because you are a transfer they will score and treat you as they would their own students, who are expected to meet certain standards at the end of two years of study here).</p>
<p>Juries</p>
<p>VOICE & MOVEMENT: One of our Voice & Movement faculty members may evaluate your skill level after your acting jury (see immediately below). You would be evaluated in the areas of IPA on-the-spot transcription of and application to a Standard Stage (non-regional) dialect, and voice/body connection and support in relation to free and expressive vocal and physical production.</p>
<p>ACTING: You need to contact Prof. Maria Cominis after April 15th to schedule an acting jury appointment (usually acting jury is held on a Monday, mid-May, to coincide with the beginning of our final exam week). You will be asked to perform two one-minute contemporary monologues of your choice, or one three-minute contemporary scene chosen from a set list of titles/authors prescribed by the Acting/Directing faculty with a partner of your providing. You can reach Maria at: <a href="mailto:mcominis@fullerton.edu">mcominis@fullerton.edu</a></p>
<p>VOICE: You need to contact Prof. Mitch Hanlon after April 15th to schedule your voice jury (usually held on the Saturday before finals begin): <a href="mailto:mhanlon@fullerton.edu">mhanlon@fullerton.edu</a></p>
<p>DANCE: You need to contact Prof. William Lett after April 15th to schedule your dance jury (usually held on the Sunday before finals begin). Usually, we test tap from 9-10am, jazz from 10-11am, and ballet from 11-12. All dance jury combinations are quickly taught (learned as a group), and then performed four or five individuals at a time (in the style of professional auditions). You are not only evaluated on the presentation, but on your deportment throughout the process. Quickly picking up combinations and application of technique are essential skills here.</p>
<p>Program and Coursework Info:</p>
<p>I am including the materials that I provide to all prospective students. They explain the nature and competitiveness of the program, as well as the timeline and procedure for jurying into the major (after completing the required curriculum and grades in the first two years of study). I will also attach a four-year plan (given to incoming freshmen, so you will have to adapt based on the classes you've taken).</p>
<p>Placement Auditions</p>
<p>In the event you opt to take the sophomore level curriculum here at CSUF (after an unsuccessful transfer jury, or in order to prepare for a successful jury in the subsequent May), you must be aware that certain performance-based classes are enrollment by audition only.</p>
<p>Each fall, the Musical Theatre I (236A) classes are quickly enrolled to maximum numbers, with many students unable to register (often as many as 100 students interested in a maximum of 48 spots). If you cannot enroll in the class due to closed status (because all the spots have been taken), PLEASE SHOW UP TO THE FIRST CLASS MEETING of the section you wish to enroll in! At that class meeting, the instructor will give you all the information about the class expectations (syllabus review) and the competitive nature of our program and this career. Then the instructor will inform students about the class placement audition, which will occur at the 2nd class meeting only. You must bring in 32 bars of a musical theatre song, and perform it in front of the entire class and a panel of faculty auditors, who will rate students abilities. An accompanist will be provided please bring in legible sheet music in the appropriate key (no on-sight transcription will be provided), with your cut clearly marked. The most qualified students will be permitted, up to the maximum enrollment. You may be admitted, but may need to take a section other than that which works with your preferred (and already set) schedule we will not over-enroll any section, to ensure adequate instruction and performance time for each student. If you cannot accommodate the other section in your schedule, you have the option of not taking the course you can still jury without 236A/B (but realize that the likelihood of you remaining competitive without this class is very small).</p>
<p>Beginning in December of 2005, students must pass a PLACEMENT AUDITION to be accepted into the second semesters of both Acting II (240B) and of Musical Theatre I (236B). The placement auditions for the B (spring) sections are held ONLY in December, for enrollment authorization in the following spring semester. The auditions are typically held during one of the last two class meetings.</p>
<p>My next post will cover the topic, "Should I jury?"</p>
<p>Should I Jury?</p>
<p>The answer is really up to you. Can you spare the money and time for a three-day jury here on campus? Can you handle potential failure in a very public way? Do you welcome brutally honest feedback? Do you feel you are truly competitive for advanced studies in this program that is nationally recognized for excellence? If you answered yes to all of the above questions, then yes, you should jury. But only you can answer these questions (I suggest that you will get a better idea of what awaits you here by investing in a campus visit with plenty of time to assess and consider before you jury).</p>
<p>What If Im Not Ready to Jury?</p>
<p>Even though you may be eligible (in class work and grade requirements) to jury, if you are like most transfer students the faculty will strongly suggest you start as a sophomore in our program so that you are studying within the style and expectations of that which you are judged on during the juries. This will also afford you the opportunity to see where you are in relation to your peers, and to evaluate your potential for success in our highly demanding program. </p>
<p>What If I Fail My Jury?</p>
<p>If you choose to jury and are not accepted to the program, you may still begin your studies at the sophomore level here.</p>
<p>Be aware that once you have taken Voice & Movement I (141A/B), Acting II (240A/B) or Musical Theatre I (236A/B) here at CSUF and have received a passing grade, you may not repeat those classes. Likewise, there is now a placement audition between the first and second semester of Acting II (240A), at which time you may be cut from the class, even though you may need the class to jury (if you havent accumulated two semesters of college level acting class).</p>
<p>What If Im Not Admitted to the BFA in Musical Theatre?</p>
<p>If you dont pass all three areas of your jury, you cannot pursue the BFA in Musical Theatre. However, if you fail either your voice and/or dance jury but pass your acting jury, you may be considered for the BFA Acting degree track many of our best actors are/were originally musical theatre candidates. Be advised the BFA Acting program is similarly limited in the number of students advanced to the junior level, and students must likewise jury every semester for retention.</p>
<p>If you arent admitted to either performance degree track, you can continue as a Liberal Arts General Theatre Studies degree candidate (all of the theatre and dance courses you will have already taken should apply directly to this degree). You may also opt to change your emphasis to one of the other fine options in our Department: Dance, Directing, Playwriting, Stage Management, Design/Tech are all viable options that you should be able to complete within two years (so you arent adding any time on to your degree). Of course, this presumes that you have successfully completed all of your lower division theatre requirements</p>
<p>Interested in a Tour of Facilities and Observing Classes?</p>
<p>If you would like, I can try to arrange a facilities tour with a current BFA student, and also see if you might observe some performance classes and/or rehearsals. However, these visits and tours are only possible:</p>
<ol>
<li> in the fall, after the first week of the semester and before the Thanksgiving week break; and</li>
<li> in the spring after February 18th (when classes are settled in and on course) and before the first week in May (when classes are preparing jury scenes and final projects, and instructors are more protective of their students' privacy).<br></li>
</ol>
<p>I always prefer to have students come by when they can observe a few classes you need to know what it is you have chosen to get yourself into. ? Also, Fridays are bad days as far as class offerings (few performance classes on those days, and those may not be open to observers).</p>
<p>I hope you find this information useful. Drop me an email to ask about anything unclear.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Eve Himmelheber, CoordinatorMusical Theatre BFA Program
<a href="mailto:ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu">ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu</a></p>
<p>Is this similar to CSU Chico, the process that is?</p>
<p>I am at a loss, as I really know nothing about Chico State's juries/auditions. I thought that their's was a come-one-come-all program, but couldn't say for sure. You should contact Joel Rogers, I believe it is...head of their Musical Theatre program.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>Hello. I am interested in the musical theatre program offered at CSU Fullerton and hope to apply for the Fall 2007 semester. I have already received a BA in Radio and Television from San Francisco State University, so do you think I would be considered a sophomore if I decide to attend Fullerton? </p>
<p>Also...I'm just trying to get an estimate on the length of time I may be studying at the school. To my understanding from previous posts, I would first need a year to take basic theatre classes, then, if accepted into the BFA program, it would be an additional 2 years? Does that sound about right? </p>
<p>If one does not pass all 3 juries, but may pass the voice one, should one pursue a BA in voice? Do voice graduates find careers in Broadway?</p>
<p>Sorry for bombarding you with all these questions...I just need help in deciding whether I should apply or not. Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>You might be considered a sophomore, as some of your gen eds may be accepted here. Our website says:</p>
<p>"First degree completed elsewhere, second at Fullerton.
Students seeking a bachelor's degree from Fullerton after having received a baccalaureate from another institution may qualify for graduation with the approval and recommendation of the faculty upon completion of the following:
1) General education requirements: Students holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution will be held to (a) the breadth requirements of Executive Order 595, i.e., 12 units in each of the areas of arts and humanities, social sciences, and math and science, (b) the statutory requirements and (c) the English Writing Proficiency requirements. Students will not be held to specific CSUF categories or courses.
2) all requirements in the major field of study
3) residence and scholarship requirements"</p>
<p>So if you come in with any transferrable GEs, you'll be placed in the university at that "level" of units accumulated. The department can consider you a sophomore, giving you one year in which to take all the prerequisites to jury (audition into the program). </p>
<p>After the jury, if you don't pass the acting and/or the dance, but pass the voice jury, you may choose to pursue a vocal music degree - but that is offered through the Music Department (separate entity), and they will likely not accept any theatre classes for their degree requirements (meaning it could take you another three years to complete their degree requirements).</p>
<p>As for our vocal music majors, they mostly aim for opera careers. Their training doesn't include pop/belt ("jazz" is as close as you come to this); only bel canto/legit.</p>
<p>Hope this answers your questions,</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>Yes, you would need three years here to get your degree, presuming you have at least 30 units of GE accepted here, and you pass all three of your juries. One year of requirements to jury, and two years of BFA curriculum once accepted into the program (offered in sequence, so no "early" graduations).</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>OH NO!!! I applied for CSU Fullerton and they will NOT accept my application because I already have a Bachelor's Degree! I called the transfer student's application office and they told me that the school is so impacted that student's already with a Bachelor's could NOT apply unless it was for nursing or engineering...OH NO! I don't know what to do...I was really looking forward to attending this college.</p>
<p>Well...since I cannot apply to Fullerton, would you recommend any other schools in California that have a Musical Theater Program equivalent, or almost as good as Fullerton?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for answering my previous questions...I really appreciate all of your help.</p>
<p>I suggest that you look at CSU Chico.</p>
<p>eve</p>
<p>You might also want to look at the MFA program at San Diego State University, since you have already completed your BA. Or look at AMDA in Los Angeles. I think they offer a certificate program in musical theatre at both the LA and NYC campuses.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you both so much!</p>
<p>Can someone tell me the audition requirements for the musical theatre program?</p>
<p>Yes, you must have finished, or be finishing in May, the following college courses [with the grade noted next to it] in order to "jury" (audition) for entry to the BFA. All BFA here starts at the junior level in the department (though you might be more advanced class, due to number of units, in the university).</p>
<p>2 semesters of Voice and Movement for the Actor (including full transcription of I.P.A.) [B- or better]</p>
<p>3 semesters of Acting [B- or better]</p>
<p>1 semester of Script Analysis [C or better]</p>
<p>Courses that are recommended before jurying, and that you need in order to graduate with the BFA:</p>
<p>Ballet II
Jazz II
Tap II
Musical Theatre (2 semesters)
Music Theory
Basic Musicianship Skills</p>
<p>The jury for the BFA always happens in May, and is always on-site (no video submissions). You have to pass ALL THREE AREAS in order to be considered for the BFA:</p>
<p>1) Acting (a 3-minute scene from a prescribed list with a partner of your providing; OR two 1-minute monologues)</p>
<p>2) Singing (prepare 4 songs, contrasting style/vocal quality, that show off your range)</p>
<p>3) Dancing (one hour each of Tap, Jazz and Ballet)</p>
<p>Hope this makes sense. Write back if not.</p>