Hi all! I am consolidating some answers to previous questions here: My D is a junior at a known MTBFA. We didnâtât use a coach and only applied to 7 schools (not enough). Passed 6 prescreens, 2 acceptances, 2 wait lists (at schools where no one declines, so actually rejections) and 2 outright rejections.
Summer Programs: Doesnât really help with admissions. My D applied to hers and was told in the room, âsee you in the fall.â Guess what? rejected. Stories from other parents, the same, didnât factor in admissions.
Union/Professional status: Didnât matter. Know plenty of AEA/Broadway kids rejected. My D is eligible for her card and wonât get it tip she absolutely has to. Too many great non-union tours.
Dance: Many MT schools do not level dance classes so if dance is important to you, ask. Great dance schools level kids and allow them to take classes in the BFA dance program. Some that come to mind are BOCO, Point Park, Marymount Manhattan, UartsâŠ
In our experience Uarts did not require a prescreen. However, if you plan to audition on campus you should do it because they cut after singing. You will not get to do the rest of the 3 hour audition process if you are cut and will have wasted time going. Prescreens get bumped into the advanced auditions.
About prescreens: Of course, it is better to pass than not, but it doesnât mean much. For example, my Dâs year, Pace passed 800 prescreens for 25 spots.
Experience: My Dâs roommate had only done high school shows. No voice lessons, no coach. She is amazingly talented. The only thing that matters is the audition. Donât listen to other parents talking about how many great shows and training their kid has done.
Cost: Look into it now. CMU, NYU over 60 K a year, at least. There are many, many wonderful programs that your child will love that will not break you. Letâs face it, our kids are probably not gonna make a ton of dough, so debt should be avoided if you can.