@Theatrical, I wrote this on the theatre forum last week or something, but, just in case you didn’t see it, it may be something else you want to share with your D:
My D (MT) had 2 vocal coaches her junior high and high school years. (We moved when she was in HS, but not so far away that she didn’t still occasionally see the first). Both are closely connected to two different highly regarded programs, and they both have and have had students in many great programs. One has students on Broadway often. (I tell you those things to let you know that these are not only highly qualified professionals–they know this process.) Both told her separately from each other (one when D was just an underclassmen in HS and one when D was a junior and senior) that they had seen and known greatly talented people who fell through the cracks of college auditions and ended up with no offers, and under no circumstances should my D (or anyone else) take this process as a validation or invalidation of talent!
Ugh I hadn’t set up the account. Could that be it? Thanks @bdedad. Could be I’m losing it after 13 schools and each and every t and i to be crossed, dotted and otherwise obsessed over.
@Spike27 thought that was odd myself. I remember his counselor telling me she sent it a long time ago. We resent it just to be safe. I think you are correct that they are finalizing things- fingers crossed for a good answer.
So, here is just a little encouragement for folks who are considering the pursuit of an education/life/career in MT via a path other than the coveted BFA. We know a young man who is finishing his junior year as a Commercial Music major at a small, southern, religious college. It’s not a well-known program (academically or artistically), and not touted anywhere on this board. He has become a master at creating opportunities and self-promotion - attends regional auditions, plays local gigs, competes in NATS contests, has become proficient in several instruments, takes auxiliary lessons as time and money permit. He just landed a solid, respected, and paid summer stock job. I understand the desire for a BFA acceptance, and the deeply-seeded hope to land a “top tier” spot. My child, a HS junior, is already in that mentality even though we have 6 months until the process begins for him. But I’m watching this tenacious college student’s journey unfold before my eyes and he is having true success. And I really don’t think luck has too much to do with it…
@aquarose26 Yes, I don’t know how much more I can take…my D is so down. Not the senior year I envisioned. We have prom next Friday and it’s like whatever around here.
@beachymom - love your post! BFA and BA was never a consideration when D started compiling a list. By the shear nature of the major of course most top tier schools are going to be a BFA. I think at the end of the day when your S/D is standing in front of an audition table for a part in a show they are not going to really care if your resume has a BFA or a BA listed - and there are plenty of talented folks on Broadway that never even went to college. I believe 100% that these kids have to market themselves, audition, audition, audition and continue with classes etc long after they graduate from college. My D works as a waitress - I told her the skills she is learning now will definitely come in handy after she graduates from college!!
@missnypizza WKU is Western Kentucky U. It is in Bowling Green. I hear it is beautiful! You should check it out! I heard their theater department is better than UK’s
@Spike27 I have to chime in as a parent with a current Boco student, it’s par for the course of how disorganized the administration can be at Boco. Nice people, not organized
@missnypizza If you’re still waiting on decisions from a few schools, then you still may get a good Yes!
In the meantime, take a look at LIU-Post in NYC. They have an audition on campus tomorrow which means they aren’t done making offers. Others have done video auditions if going there isn’t an option. Email Dave Hugo, head of MT, he is super nice!
My prediction for top news headline on May 2nd: WINE SALES DECREASE DRAMATICALLY ON MAY 1ST! NO ONE KNOWS WHY!!!"
MT AND THEATRE PARENTS KNOW WHY-am i right? :))
@LBSMOM - I know for a fact that this student’s diversified skill set (specifically ability to play musical instruments) helped him get the summer stock job; the theatre’s season included several roles that those abilities pertained to. Of note, as well - not only is his degree not a BFA; the college he attends doesn’t even “come to mind” when performance majors are mentioned. You are absolutely right - self promotion, self creation, and additional skills outside of the traditional triple threat are usable assets!
@JaneDo - my D was accepted to Syracuse, though she chose to attend NYU. I really really really liked Syracuse - the partnership with the LORT theater at Syracuse State (Much like the Minn Guthrie program) the Tepper semester in NYC before you graduate, and/or Sorkin Week (completely paid for BTW) in LA are really cool and unique features
Thank you @toowonderful. I appreciate the insight. It’s such a huge decision and so tough to know what is a good fit. That is, if one is fortunate enough to have options! We are still waiting to hear back from a few more, including NYU. Syracuse seems fantastic, although very costly. Why did your D choose NYU over Syracuse?