<p>Can anyone tell me about the state of the musical theatre program at Catholic University after the passing of Jane Pesci-Townsend who was the musical theatre chair in August of 2010. Can anyone comment as to what changes have been made to the program, emphasis, etc. Also how many musical theatre students get the opportunity to study at the London Dramatic Academy each year. My D has been accepted into the musical theatre program and loves Washington DC but needs to learn more about this program and there is not much info. Thanks for any and all help.</p>
<p>I don’t have personal experience, but my D is a MT major at American and just mentioned yesterday that several Catholic U kids had transferred to American. According to D, she hears that the music school is good, but kids don’t like the location of the school and theater opportunities. Just hearsay…but I’d also check out American if your D wants to be in DC. It is a BA degree, which allows most kids to double major, if they want. D is headed to Prague this semester (also traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia to perform last year). Many kids also do semester abroad at BADA in London.</p>
<p>Thanks megmom for the reply. We heard that there was change in the program and that they are building the dance portion…perhaps this is another reason why some have transferred. American is in a better location in DC but my D prefers a BM or BFA so I don’t think American is a good fit for her… but we will check it out. Thanks</p>
<p>We personally know the new MT chair who was co-chair with/when Jane was alive. He is a highly regarded MT professional and director in the DC area who is incredibly well connected to all of the professional theatres in the DC region. He is also a terrific guy. We also know the woman who is doing a lot with the dance program there and she is excellent and a director as well. Both of these teachers have directed my daughter in several productions, some before and after college graduation. (She is a Syracuse MT grad, 2012.)</p>
<p>CUA is not in a great area of town and AU is – however, I am here to tell you that CUA is churning out employed actors like you wouldn’t believe. It is mind-boggling. I would confidently say that of all the young AU and CUA grads getting cast, CUA has triple the number over AU (I am an AU alum myself and it is a great school.) Part of this is because the CUA faculty is so well connected to the theatre community here – the kids are exposed early in their undergrad careers to this community and it indeed pays off after graduation.</p>
<p>I can also say that the CUA kids that I see performing are very talented. And as I mentioned, well employed in DC theatre. Having said all of this, AU grads seem to be on the map and I am seeing a lot more talent coming out of the school and getting cast.</p>
<p>Thank you Newbie. Very helpful and much appreciated.</p>