Christopher Newport University

<p>Does anyone know anything about the MT program at CNU? My D was accepted there and is trying to decide between CNU and George Mason. How is the training?</p>

<p>I live about a mile from CNU, and drive by it at least twice a day. I know that the MT program is a non-audition program. There are at least 3 theaters on campus: The Ferguson Center for the performing arts, hosts all varieties of shows travelling through the area. It opened about 8-9 years ago and is an outstanding facility (I used to usher there.) Acoustics are fabulous. In the same building are classrooms, a black box theater, and a smaller theater. This year, a family endowed a 2-week summer vocal performance residential camp. (We thought about having our S audition, but we’re waiting to hear if he got into Gov School.) If I were to guess, I would say that they’re building the MT and VP programs up, and wouldn’t be surprised if they become audition programs in a few years.</p>

<p>For many years CNU was a small state commuter college. About 12-15 years ago, transformations started taking place, and the campus is growing by leaps and bounds. Brand new residence halls are springing up all over the place. (Freshmen and sophomore are required to live on campus.) There is new construction on campus all the time. It’s really nice! We walk and bike through campus all the time and it’s not big, but there seems to be plenty of space and the students look happy. Sports are Division 3. There’s nothing special about Newport News-- where CNU is-- but Williamsburg is 20 minutes away, Norfolk is 35 and Virginia Beach is 45 minutes. OBX is 2 hours. I’m from NY State and I love the climate here, although it gets quite muggy in summer (but students aren’t here then.)</p>

<p>So, I’m sorry, I really didn’t answer your question, but I hope provided some useful information.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info…anything is helpful! We’ve visited and it certainly looks beautiful! Anxious to hear from anyone that has a student there?</p>

<p>Has your child contacted the program and asked if they would put her in contact with a current student in the program. Most school are very happy to do this.</p>

<p>I do not believe there are any current active posters who have a student in the Musical Theatre program at CNU.</p>

<p>Thats a good idea. I am just trying to get a feel for their reputation, since they are not an audition school. I know that fact doesn’t define a school, but I am just curious.</p>