<p>Hey guys!
I'm having trouble deciding between Boco and Emerson for next year. I love Boston and would probably be happy in both MT programs, but I would love to hear peoples' thoughts on each school. Pros and cons. Thanks!</p>
<p>My D is also deciding between both programs. Would love to hear pros and cons for both.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Look very carefully at Emerson’s “re-audition” program, which is basically a cut program. They cut the MT class down to 16 students at the end of sophomore year. The kids who are cut have to go into the BA program. From what we have heard from some students, the cuts appear rather arbitrary…in other words, if you work hard and progress in your craft, you are NOT immune from being cut. I would advise you to look into this before you attend, and make sure being moved to the BA program is okay with you.</p>
<p>I got this information from a graduate of Emerson. Thought I would share:</p>
<p>In terms of dance, Emerson’s dance program isn’t the focus of the training. It’s not that it’s not something you can work on and develop, but if its something you want to concentrate on and develop those skills, you have to take it upon yourself to take more classes at Emerson, or take some dance outside of school. But Emerson says upfront that they aren’t a dance heavy program-which was great for me because I wouldn’t call myself a dancer. But I did grow to be much more confident about my dancing. There were some people in my class who are “dancers” and did find an outlet–so it’s possible. My classmate did an intensive at Broadway Dance Center here in NY, and my other classmate started choreographing at Emerson and just finished a Disney Cruise. So in terms of dance it’s up to you as to how you wish to work on that part of your training. </p>
<p>The cut policy is not as scary as it seems. It’s sort of daunting at first, but it is a good thing in the end. Our class in particular started with 28 people, and by the time re-auditions rolled around we were 18. If you make it a point to develop a relationship with the heads of the department and stay on top of everything, you’re fine. Most of the people who get cut see it coming and have had some kind of warning sign for the professors. </p>
<p>Emerson is the place to go if you want to really develop your acting chops and confidence in your skills. It’s not the type of place that churns out actor/singer/dancers. There is a focus on developing who you are and recognizing your strengths and working on your weaknesses. They don’t really hold your hand when you graduate by getting you agents and managers. The program is changing though, because the head of the department just changed (which is a good thing, in my opinion). </p>
<p>Emerson gears toward a very specific type of actor so it isn’t necessarily for everybody, so it depends on what you want to get out of her college experience. I got a lot out of Emerson because it was the right place for me. Scott Lafeber (the department head) is a huge part of that. I’m excited to see what he does with the program, because its in good hands.</p>
<p>Also - you might check in on the BoCo thread as there are lots of parents with kids who go there. We know of one Freshman who feels the school is not giving him as much acting training as he would like. But so many parents (and students) love BoCo that they would know better.</p>
<p>BoCO has a cut program as well as Emerson.</p>
<p>^^^^^ Not true at all. There is a BIG difference between a cut system and a promotional system. Boco does not cut to a specific size or cut people from the program for any reason other then the student is just doing the required work or putting in the effort. Just like any school, anywhere, you are graded, and if you don’t pass, you don’t go on. </p>
<p>Prior to not being promoted the student is put on probation the prior semenster and is given time to straighten out. If after probation is over and no improvement has been made, they are not allowed to continue.</p>
<p>There was a very interesting thread last year about the cut program at Emerson:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1332535-schools-w-cut-programs-worth-apply.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1332535-schools-w-cut-programs-worth-apply.html</a></p>
<p>In case you are not aware of this, there are also subforums for both Emerson and Boco:</p>
<p>[Emerson</a> College MT - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/emerson-college-mt/]Emerson”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/emerson-college-mt/)</p>
<p>[Boston</a> Conservatory MT - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/boston-conservatory-mt/]Boston”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/boston-conservatory-mt/)</p>
<p>Thanks EmsDad. I actually had not read those older threads on Emerson and the concept of “cut policies”. It is worth reading. My D got in to Emerson as well, hence the post I have above in searching for info from an alum. I do think the cut policy just hits me the wrong way - although she feels she would not be the one to be cut! And yet, I think the comments in the other thread on this issue about setting up competition between classmates due to the re-audition threshold is really troublesome.</p>
<p>Does anyone know which has the better reputation in the business? Is Emerson well known?</p>
<p>Emerson has a good reputation and is among the top programs according to some, but the cuts are scary and it’s a little pricey for me, I think.</p>
<p>We have a friend at Emerson - one of her classmates got cut last year and they were all shocked. The boy had a lead in a musical in his sophomore year, then was cut. She didn’t understand at all, and this year (her sophomore year) she has been a wreck as the end of the semester approaches.</p>
<p>Emerson does have a great alum network though. But I think all places do if you peruse that!</p>
<p>I think those are two great choices to have. I know that when my daughter applied four years ago, we really like many aspects of the program but the lack of rigorous dance training was a negative for us. As a result, my son did not apply there this past year as is a dancer/singer and looking for a very comprehensive training.
I think so much depends on the strengths of your child and what the programs can offer them. The thread about the cuts certainly would give me strong pause to consider that potential impact. Good luck.</p>
<p>My OPINION: Emerson has an edge in acting. Boco blows Emerson away in MT. Not even close.</p>
<p>Both seem like great programs, but our son chose BoCo. After visiting Emerson, it was difficult to understand the details of the program, so I would recommend a personal call with the department to have a clear picture of “a day / week in the life.” Our son was looking for a conservatory program, and BoCo seemed to best fit that bill. The Emerson cut-system concerned me a bit (after working so hard to get in), but our son wasn’t concerned: “I won’t be cut…” (teenagers don’t plan for the downside).</p>