<p>i was accepted into CMU for musical theatre and was just wondering if anyone else in this forum was accepted as well...let me know!!! good luck everyone!</p>
<p>-hrh</p>
<p>For the last week or so I've been reading this thread with a lot of interest and "met" some good people who have e-mailed be privately. Since my dd auditioned for only one school and was rejected I really started to doubt her talents and/or drive, but after re-reading everything on this forum realize my child is right up there with everybody else, just hasn't been given the kind of opportunities that so many of you have been able to give your children.</p>
<p>I've posted several times but have only gotten responses from a few people (and thanks to them). I feel like we're not "good enough" for this forum. So, I decided to write this post and put my child's situation in perspective for each of you. Whether or not you want to respond is your preogative, of course, but I feel compelled to write this post. </p>
<p>First of all, we're not rich people and, while we certainly qualify for financial aid, auditioning out of state was an impossibility because of travel expenses. God bless all of you who have been able to travel here and there every weekend for the last couple of months taking your children to this and that audition. Your children are very, very fortunate. We're not in that position for reasons I'd rather not post on a public forum. Yes, my child went to a private high school, but it was a gift from grandparents. My younger child has not been given this gift, and thankfully, was accepted into the performing arts public high school here, so she's happy.</p>
<p>Second, my daughter was given a sizable merit scholarship to an in-state university along with Florida Bright Futures. It is enough, along with Pell and Florida State Grants, to cover all costs of tuition, room and board. We couldn't let that go. It was too important and probably the most important consideration in looking for schools. Yes, my child loved this school and wanted to go there, but she wasn't given the opportunity that some of your children have been given to have a "choice". She made it her top school because she didn't have much of a choice. While some of you have gotten talent scholarships, the State of Florida offers Bright Futures to academically gifted students and we couldn't let that go. When you get a wonderful scholarship such as Soozivt's daughter did, you have to look at the scholarship versus the cost of tuition. While $20,000 is wonderful (and it most certainly is quite an accomplishment), the cost of tuition at schools such as NYU was still WAY above what I could have done for my child. I didn't want my child to graduate with a lot of loans hanging over her head, especially when she chose a career path that is so financially tenuous.</p>
<p>Third, my child is just as talented as any of you. I don't believe in posting resumes, but am proud to say she's well on her way to an AEA card through Membership Candidate Program, has played a lot of leads in regional and professional theater and has worked her butt off as a dance assistant in order to meet costs of dance lessons. She's on scholarship with her voice teacher who is the artistic director of the opera company where my daughter sings, and was put on scholarship with a good acting coach. She's got a beautiful soprano voice and brought everybody to tears last year when she played Anne Frank. We're quite proud of her.</p>
<p>So, that's the story. I will continue praying that each of our children are happy with whatever school they decide to attend. </p>
<p>I just felt it necessary to defend why my child only auditioned for one school. In addition to finances, there were also other considerations such as proximity to home, relatives living in the school city, and the city itself. She didn't have the opportunity to even consider anything else and I know will be very, very successful in whatever she chooses to do for a number of reasons. First of all, adversity builds character. Since she hasn't been given life handed to her on a silver platter she's going to have to work a lot harder than some of you for what she wants. Second, she's going to have to work harder as a BA than some of you BFA's because her program will be more a-la-carte, vs. pre-packaged, so to speak. </p>
<p>Thanks for letting me vent. I hope I hear from some of you.</p>
<p>God bless.</p>
<p>Never doubt your daughter's talents!
As has been said here on many an occasion, the kids with the talent AND THE DRIVE will accomplish their dreams. We all recognize that dreams change over time. </p>
<p>--NYtheatermom</p>
<p>MidgetMom,</p>
<p>There are a lot more people out here (for the most part lurking) who completely understand your circumstance. We had to limit our scope of schools to within driving distance. Like you, we also made a lot of sacrifices in order for our kids to follow their dreams. Where there is a will there is a way whether it is finding the money to make it happen or following an alternative school route.</p>
<p>Believe me there are as many people out here on this forum who have had kids get acceptances right and left as there are those who have been declined....perhaps more so of the latter, but they choose not to post. I have been following this thread since "almost" conception and have seen the good the bad and the ugly. Unfortuantely that is both life and the business at hand. </p>
<p>I do believe though that your posting is a reminder to all of us both veteran and rookie that a wee bit of humbleness would be beneficial when sharing news of our Ss & Ds accomplishments. </p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>I have always believed in "where there is a will, there is a way". However, sometimes life gives us difficulties that stand in the way of our "will". </p>
<p>God bless.</p>
<p>I'm sorry if you feel a need to vent or justify because I know your daughter is very talented and has a great program in which to pursue her aspirations. She is doing very well. I have read your posts for a few years on another forum and I know your daughter has had many accomplishments. Not everyone has chosen, for whatever reason, to pursue this field in the same exact way. Some go to college, some don't. Some do a BFA, some a BA. Some do it as an extracurricular while pursuing other academic interests. Some go straight to the audition circuit. There are many ways to hone your skills and talent and pursue your aspirations. Your daughter has chosen an excellent path and one that fits her criteria and needs as an individual and as a family. One "way" is not "better" than another. I don't see a need to compare. AS NYTheatermom said, and I agree, talent and drive will get ya where you want to go. The road to get there will be varied as each individual is different. </p>
<p>I also want to say that one must not assume that those choosing other paths to this goal are necessarily better off financially or have had the world handed to them on a silver platter or come from some amazing high school, etc. Speaking for our situation, our children are on financial aid (on top of the scholarships awarded) and we have no money saved for college and in fact, will likely be paying large college loans for the rest of our days to make their college aspirations happen because we value education. Paying for college is a hardship. Finances aside, we have no performing arts high schools in our state. Our own rural public high school does not have a drama department or drama classes. They do have music and they do put on a drama and musical each year. We have had to pay for lessons and so forth outside of school. While that is near impossible for a poor family, we are not poor but by the same token, we made it a priority to do for our kids first. Please don't assume that these choices were not difficult financially or that we are not in debt to do this. Kids from all walks of life go into this field. It does take parental support usually but you do not have to be rich to pursue your dreams. </p>
<p>I am proud of your daughter and I know you are and for good reason. She is doing well and is going on to a fine college with many opportunities before her. Be happy! She's done good!</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>It's interesting to me that you say "sometimes dreams change over time". It will be interesting to see how many of the kids who were accepted into these pretigious programs actually stick it out for the next four years. The excitement of being accepted and receiving scholarships will soon turn into apprehension when they find themselves among students all of whom are just as talented and all of whom have the drive. I suppose it's survival of the fittest. And, when the excitement wears thin and reality sets in, how many of these kids are going to be happy with the dedication expected of them. How many of them will be willing to forego a social life outside of the theater world? And, how many of them will actually HAVE a social life inside the theater world when it's so competitive?</p>
<p>Of course, I don't want that to happen to anybody here and wish the best for each and every parent and student. But, reality does have a way of creeping into the picture once the excitement is all over.</p>
<p>God bless.</p>
<p>MidgetMom wrote: "I have always believed in "where there is a will, there is a way". However, sometimes life gives us difficulties that stand in the way of our "will". "</p>
<p>I am glad you believe in that concept because I do as well. If someone wants to pursue something, and has that inner drive, they can overcome hardships and setbacks. These are not even always financial ones. </p>
<p>There are kids on here who did not get into any of their colleges. If they have that inner drive and motivation, that will not deter them and they will find alternate routes to pursuing their dreams, I have no doubt. </p>
<p>For my own kid, three weeks ago, she could have died. We were dealing with life and death matters and my child lie in the Intensive Care Unit. She luckily will survive. She is fortunate even though this is a great setback for her. She will overcome it and go back to her craft, one step at a time. Believe me, she lies there worrying if she will dance again and so forth. She will but it will take hard work in the coming months to be able to do that. Right now, she is not even allowed to stand on two feet. </p>
<p>I don't know if you read a post I put on a different thread with regard to dance, but I will share it here as a testament to overcoming hardships and going for your goals, no matter the setback or what life has dealt you....</p>
<p>My daughter worked one summer with a director/choreographer of a musical she was in. This guy was terrific. He taught extensive choreography, includng tap dance. He had been on Broadway in a musical and he had won an Emmy for choreographing the Miss America pagent. All that is pretty accomplished, yes? This guys had NO legs, only prosthetic ones. He had lost them as a very young child. I hope that is inspiration for all of your kids as it was for my daughter. </p>
<p>Where there is a will, there IS a way!
Susan</p>
<p>The last thing I intended was to start some kind of problem on this board, especially since I'm new and have enjoyed reading about everybody. But, I still hold firm in believing that some kids have been given a lot more opportunity to foster their dreams. Yes, "where there is a will, there is a way", is wonderful and very inspiring; however, the kids that have been given expensive lessons, gone to expensive summer camps and/or private schools, have been given more opportunity and therefore the "way" is so much easier for them. I'm sure nobody will disagree that it's easier to pursue your dreams when there's an easy route. It takes a very special person, such as the one Soozievt mentions that is able to overcome incredibly obstacles and still reach their dreams. </p>
<p>To Soozievt: I never intended to suggest that people who are better off financially do not have to sacrifice for their children. The fact that you have to take out loans proves this. However, in my case, for instance, taking out the loans isn't even a possibility because we have no way to pay back these loans and I refuse to allow my child to get out of college in heavy debt when she'll be lucky to find a job that pays food, clothing and shelter!!! PLUS loans weren't an option for us. It would put us too far in debt and I still have another child to think about. That's why my child was forced to accept an in-state school. We couldn't even CONSIDER</p>
<p>Sorry, I clicked the submit reply button too fast.</p>
<p>Anyway, we couldn't even consider an out of state school. Also, we weren't able to go on out of state auditions. Having to stay overnight for the original audition, go back for the music department audition, and then the BFA callback, nearly put us over the top financially. Now we have to go back for the dance minor audition. All of this takes away from "food, clothing and shelter". Yes, of course we have the "will". We're just having problems with the "way". </p>
<p>Everything is relative to everybody's situation. What somebody considers a "sacrifice" other people take for granted. But what is a particular person's idea of a "sacrifice"? Years ago I had an argument with a family member concerning this same thing. At the time my children were very, very little and it killed me to put them in day care so I could work. My cousin was also working at the time but did so to pay off her mortgage. I worked to put food in my kids' mouths. There is quite a difference.</p>
<p>I just wanted to congratulate you for all the great program you have been accepted into. Sorry we never got to meet during the auditions.</p>
<p>My son (Adam) was accepted to Marymount Manhattan Musical theater minor, Emerson Musical theater and Ithaca BFA acting and wa waitlisted at Syracuse! He is still deciding between Marymount or Emerson, Emerson had been his first choice.</p>
<p>what are you thinking about?? BOCO is a great program. good luck with your decision! Its wonderful to have these decisions to make. Hi to your mom from me
shelley</p>
<p>I understand a lot of what you're saying, Midgetmom. I'm one of those kids who has a lot of will, but often struggles with the way.</p>
<p>In regards to what you were saying... I too have received scholarship for my vocal lessons for years now. My mother teaches lessons (acting) at the dance studio my siblings and I attend so we can have those dance lessons. And as far as acting lessons? I count my experience as my lessons. I know your daughters have done professional theatre, and I have too since a young age and those experiences are priceless. I'm lucky to have had them.</p>
<p>This college audition season, I auditioned for four schools and would have done a fifth but found an acceptance I was very happy with. Just these four schools has knocked out a whole lot of money I have saved for years from working in professional theatre. NOBODY payed for these expenses but me. I work very hard to earn money and don't have a car - but I did pay for myself to go to two in state auditions, and two out of state auditions, and payed to apply to the schools, and payed for all the expenses in between. Now I'm struggling to pay for my actual enrollment (orientation, ect) but never once did it cross my mind that I wouldn't audition for these schools or won't go to this school b/c of money. I've always believed there would be a way possible, and so far there has been.</p>
<p>My mother is a single parent with five children - one who's already in college. I'm not speaking loosely when I say she had no money to offer me in my college auditioning. I flew to the auditions alone (I searched for and bought those airline tickets by myself!)- she certainly couldn't afford to come with. I wish she could have been there - but it was also fun being independant! </p>
<p>I am even the one paying for such things as school Thespian trips & my cap and gown, ect. We are pooooor! LoL. But we're happy! (except for when I don't clean my room, haha)</p>
<p>So far I've had one acceptance - and two no's. Waiting for the fourth - but have already accepted the yes.</p>
<p>I do believe other children have been fortunate to have their parents financial support - but I can't change my situation, and I certainly don't resent them for what they have. My mother works very hard to give us oppurtunities and it hurts her often that she can't afford for us what some people can. All the same, I knew years ago I would be going on my college search "alone", and though it's been stressful personally and financially - I already treasure the experiences I've had.</p>
<p>I hope your DD and I meet at some point - we'll be at the same school! You can't change the past - maybe your daughter would have had a "Choice" if she had auditioned at more than one school. But that's looking backwards - the best thing to do now, is look forward at all the great things that await her! It's true what others say, so very true - that a college experience is what you make of it. So many artists are successful without a BFA or a BA.</p>
<p>So - just wanted to say - that I am one of those kids who has not been handed life on a silver platter, but I consider myself no different than the rest of them.</p>
<p>does anyone have any solid knowledge about the hartt school? i only auditioned for hartt and santa fe, and have been accepted to both. obviously i'm partial to hartt, but i haven't heard too many wonderful things about the school. can i get some opinions?? thanks!</p>
<p>Hi Shelley! I got to hear a ton about you and Adam, and it does stink that we never got to meet up at auditions.</p>
<p>Right now it's going to be between OCU and BoCo (and BW if I get off the waitlist), and possibly Hartt, I'll be visiting the three of them this month to get a really in depth look. BoCo is a great program, but very expensive, but we're going to find that place that right for me and make it happen.</p>
<p>Send Adam my congratulations on his great acceptences! Good luck!</p>
<p>Oh Beeze!</p>
<p>What an inspiration and a breathe of fresh air you are. You go girl!! With your attitude, you are far, far from poooooor!!</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>Many of us can relate to your situation. We have 5 kids and have always tried to make sure they had whatever opportunities they could, but we are now deeply in debt and wondering how we will pay for college with NO college fund, NO grandparent support, not much ability to borrow since we don't know how we could pay PLUS loans while they're still in school, No drama department in our high school, many outside lessons to pay for since our younger daughter is also a dancer (more ballet focused) etc. But we push ahead blindly, and hope for the best and that my husband will ever be able to retire (I am disabled from a car accident several years ago). Our D is talented, beautiful, a really good student and an overall nice person who works INCREDIBLY hard and deserves everything she has gotten, but it has not been without struggle, time and sacrifice. I think what others are saying I would agree with. There are many roads to success in this business, not to mention a lot of luck! But at least for our D, she feels this is what she NEEDS to do. She can't imagine doing anything else! She is only a sophomore, so we will continue to have her study, practice, and work hard to achieve her goals. And you are lucky you have good schools in Florida to choose from, even if she could only audition for one. She got in! Maybe with a BA, maybe for vocal? but she got in! And with scholarship money! She will be fine! She will work hard, and she will succeed!</p>
<p>Beeze, I just wanted to tell you how touched I was to read your message. Anyone would be proud to have you as a daughter. My best wishes to you as you pursue your dreams. With your attitude, I don't see how you can fail!</p>
<p>I have to respond to this dialogue and hope it is read in the spirit of good will in which it is written.</p>
<p>If there is one hot button in our United States it is money. It is the hardest subject to talk about--people will talk about their sex lives before they will talk about their income, and the subject most likely to make someone feel defensive, ashamed (too little, too much, never just right), inferior, superior, resentful, angry. You get the picture. It is difficult, in a capitalist culture not to define ourselves and our selfworth by our income. I had the good fortune to deal with this early in my life because I'm an artist--and although relatively successful, I have learned to define my success not by my income but by other factors.</p>
<p>We also are the descendants of the Puritans and it is hard to escape some of their beliefs, such as I am rich because I work hard and therefore am good. If someone is poor it is because they don't work hard and are bad. We know that isn't true but some stuff creeps into our brains whether we want it there or not.</p>
<p>Another thing: Life isn't fair. And we aren't all equal and we don't all get the same opportunities. And you are correct MidgetMom, that some of us who have been able to give our children more opportunities forget or have never known what it is like to not be able to give everything to your children. And therefore, we sometimes, without even realizing it, say something that might be hurtful to someone else.</p>
<p>But I have been impressed with how thoughtful people generally are on this Thread. And how generous.</p>
<p>So I'm going to go out on a limb and see if anyone there can help. My D is one of those for whom this is not a joyful time. She was accepted early on to an MT BFA program with no audition (Drake). She was accepted to the MT program at American and rejected everywhere else. So what's the problem. Three weeks after she got her acceptance from the department, she was rejected by the admissions office. Needless to say, we are beside ourselves. Especially because she meets their academic requirements.</p>
<p>So if any of you know anyone at American who could help, please get in touch with me fast.</p>
<p>IF YOU KNOW MY D OR THINK YOU DO, PLEASE DO NOT LET HER KNOW THAT I SHARED THIS INFO HERE. She would be furious with me for sharing what concerns her. But if there is a chance there is someone out there who can help, I've decided to risk her wrath. She has written her letter of appeal, and I realize that she will survive this and it will not stop her pursuit of MT. If AU doesn't change its decision, she still has Drake or other paths to take. And in the long run she will be the better for having dealt with this. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say it is hard to watch our children struggle.</p>
<p>And I'm not writing this for sympathy or for someone to feel they have to write that they are sure my D is just as good as everyone else. Because they aren't all the same, and it is no coincidence that some have been accepted in many places and others not. And although I know my D has enormous potential, she still has a lot to learn. And one is obviously how to present herself at an audition.</p>
<p>So if you know someone at AU and can offer any advice or assistance, please let me know. Or if you know of alternatives that might be good for a year.</p>
<p>And by the way, congrats to those of you who got in and to those of you who have multiple schools to choose from. You should be proud of yourselves.</p>
<p>midgetmom, i hear you and understand. we do have some, and i stress, some, resources and have provided lauren with training and opportunities. but, i grew up pretty darn poor and so boy do i understand the difference in being given those opportunities. and yes, sometimes you can find a "way," in the midst of hardship, but sometimes it's very hard and we're all very foolish if we don't understand that opportunities and resources are more readily available for some and of course, that makes it easier. i know there are many, many lurkers out there just like you and me. for whatever reason, their kids have not gotten into their chosen schools or any schools. it's not their talent. there just aren't enough slots in the country for all the kids who want to pursue this career. it's really sad. not only do they not get the education their want, but they are made to feel they're not good enough. and i know completely why you felt a need to post. i, too, at some point, felt a need to defend lauren's talent. and i would remind all the posters to be a bit more humble in announcing their acceptances and financial offers. i know you're happy and want to celebrate. but, just be very aware that there are many reading who have just received their 3rd or 4th rejection letter. and i know many will feel a need to respond to this as they did to your post, but, i hope they'll realize that it's more sadness than anything else that prompts these thoughts. yes, these kids will find a way and they'll succeed because of their talent. i believe that. but, right now, they're just 18 and need to have that talent validated with acceptance. they'll go on to their chosen program and be fine, but for now, it can really hurt. let's all try to remember that. jamie</p>
<p>Finally got my syracuse letter yesterday, so here's the final list</p>
<p>Accepted: Baldwin-Wallace, Hartt, Point Park and Millikin
Waitlisted/Defered: Syracuse, PSU
Rejected:Otterbein, PSU</p>
<p>I'm so happy this is all finally and I don't need to worry about it again! As most of you know I'll be attending BW next year, so if anyone is auditioning next year maybe we'll meet! Good luck to everyone!</p>