<p>My daughter is a sophomore BFA musical theatre major at Ball State University and is having an amazing educational experience there! As a parent who has gone through the audition process during the senior year of high school and dealing with the selection process of a musical theatre college program, I thought I would post this thread for parent interactions and questions. Ball State has been the best "life choice" for my daughter and the quality of this program is superb. Not only does the program excel in instructing the students in all aspects of musical theatre, the faculty and administration care about their students in helping them succeed and finding optimal theatrical experiences after graduation through Showcases in New York, LA, and Chicago.</p>
<p>I will be glad to answer any questions about the audition process or the musical theatre program at BSU. Not only does Ball State have an excellent academic program, but there are numerous opportunities for the students to participate in departmental productions and community productions. In the Spring of 2012, Sutton Foster will be directing "Drowsy Chaperone" at Ball State as well as providing workshops for all the students. As a freshman, my daughter had the opportunity to work with Ms. Foster in several situations, one on one, which made for an exciting and memorable year!</p>
<p>Ball State should be on the top of the audition list for any senior high school student wishing to pursue a major in musical theatre. As a parent, you can be reassured that your daughter or son will receive a quality musical theatre education in a safe and secure environment with opportunities to further his/her goals beyond graduation.If you have any questions, please feel free to reply or comment to this thread.</p>
<p>jrayburn,</p>
<p>I am so happy to see your post…tomorrow, my d takes her first class as a freshman MTO at Ball State…I have been receiving nothing but happy texts since we dropped her off on campus on Thursday. I would love to learn more about the opportunities you mentioned regarding community productions. Summer, I suppose? Also, how responsive is the department in allowing more dance classes (audited)? She’s used to a lot of dancing, and is worried that she needs more hours (then again, she’s also in credit hour overload…so maybe she should wait to see if she implodes!)</p>
<p>I will say to those auditioning this and future years that the department did a great job of helping my daughter make her final choice of school. She was always welcomed by the director, who spent a lot of time answering her questions, helping her make sure she was able to make a fully-informed choice about her attendance there.</p>
<p>Mommafrog,
Thanks for your post! I am glad that you are receiving happy texts from your daughter at Ball State! As far as community productions are concerend, my daughter and several of her classmates were cast in the Muncie Civic Theatre production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” during the spring semester of this year. It was superbly directed by professors in the deparment and it was cast with Ball State students and community actors. The students had a tremendous experience and it required organization and time management during a busy semester. This summer, BSU in conjunction with Muncie Civic Theatre hosted “A Grand Night for Singing” which featured BSU musical theatre students. So, there are opportunities but it just depends on the schedule, time management and commitment, and most importantly if faculty approves of students auditioning and participating.
As far as dance, the schedule is pretty hectic during the first year. My daughter is a dancer as well and she felt comfortable with ballet 3,4 and advanced tap classes. With all of the other classes added in and the necessity to accomplish passing grades in juries, I think it is better to not overdo it with too many classes or activities during the first year. Time management is supreme. In addition, your daughter will want to enjoy the amazing faculty and classes without being rushed.
Hope that is helpful!</p>