<p>Since posting this, I’ve scoured the boards some more, and I realize that (I think!) I’m doing enough-- at least at this point in S’s MT timeline. (He’s a HS junior.) Although, I do kick myself for not signing him up for dance class years ago, but I can’t do anything about that now! Plays, one-acts, musicals, choir, singing competitions, etc. on the calendar. That’ll keep us busy enough, along with several college visits. </p>
<p>This year we are really concentrating on getting his GPA up. I think he <em>finally</em> gets it regarding his grades, and is working hard so far. He’s already been told he can cross several schools off his list. I think that was an eye-opener for him-- to be told that by someone else other than mom and dad. (rolls eyes)</p>
<p>Next year will be a doozie, of course, but I feel like I know what to expect (not that I’m looking forward to it…) Of course, sometimes late at night, when I can’t sleep, I think to myself… OMG! I WE crazy?? Is S crazy to want to do this? Why can’t he want to be an accountant!!!</p>
<p>LOL! When our S first started to head toward theatre, I told my husband that S should go to technical high school and learn a trade that he can do during the day to pay the bills, so he can act at night. I wanted him to be a car mechanic!!! Since finding out about all the great BFA and BA programs, we are thrilled that he really has a passion for this, and are happy he wants to go to college, instead of the old “heading to Hollywood with $35 in my pocket” story.</p>
<p>I have been doing most of the leg work for my D so far (she’s a junior). However, she has started looking into things on her own, talking to current BFA students and even reading the CC board sometimes. What I find funny is that she has several theatre friends whose parents are not engaged in their college search process (unsupportive or just don’t know where to start)-- so they are using my daughter (and by extension, me) as their expert. My D knows a lot since she did professional theatre and attended some workshops, but these kids are asking her to help pick their songs, where they should get their headshots, where they should look for monologues, etc.</p>
<p>I have one son in a University-Level Musical Theatre BFA program and one son in a general College program. I have given both of them a lot of help to get to school. Here are the things in common for both:</p>
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<p>All of that took time and effort, and my sons could not have maneuvered successfully though all the hoops w/out me.</p>
<p>The things that were different about my BFA son were:</p>
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<p>My point is that getting your kid into any type of post-secondary school is work and they need your help.</p>
<p>My second son is pursuing Audio Engineering, which has been is some ways more challenging than my BFA son.</p>
<p>One Final Example: My son has a friend who he had done multiple shows with. The kid is a seasoned performer, excellent dancer, clever actor, outstanding improv-er, functional singer. He had grown lazy over his final two years of school because he was in a familiar setting with a set of familiar directors who had utilized him and knew him well. He had only one program he wanted to go to. When it came to the on-campus audition he did not seek the direction from anyone and would not let his parents be involved. When he walked into his vocal audition his song was out of his range and he only had a vocal lead sheet, not piano accompaniment. Needless to say, he bombed, was not accepted, and was not in a MT-BFA program for the year.</p>