College Acceptances - Part 2

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>I have to say that people are responding to my post as thought I am unaware of the audition process and its difficulties. I do sincerely apologize for being so strident and ugly. I am personally aware of the painful process that these kids and their parents go through and unfortunately it will last as long they have to audition for their jobs.</p>

<p>The truth is last year was a dreadful year - and while many people have much worse problems,,,this was my story. While my daughter was starting her auditioning- my mother died suddenly, my grandmother died 8 weeks later, my father became severely depressed, my uncle died, my father then was diagnosed with cancer, had treatments and all the while my daughter was opening up rejection letters one after the other. My husband was frankly panicking the whole time - second guessing everything and wondering if she should even be attempting all this. She was originaly going to become a professional dancer.... then switched gears and decided on pusuing the MT route... She did get into a couple of schools. But, the rejections far outweighed the acceptances.</p>

<p>What I am trying to say is - if a certain student gets into ALOT of schools: CCM, BOCO, UMich, Emerson, etc... for instance, then I personally believe that one studentIS extraordinary at that given point in time. I also believe they do have the "it" factor. It doesn't mean another child won't get much much better with training and have a better shot at future professional auditions. But, in the real world, with auditions, the auditionee only gets 3 minutes too.</p>

<p>I have spent this whole last year helping two other seniors with the MT college (BFA) process. They are both wonderful; one in particular, but the rejection letters keep coming...</p>

<p>I also believe that the MT BFA program is not the only way to pursue this craft. If you check the bios at any show - it varies from BA voice majors to no formal college training at all. I personally think a voice major has a big advantage over some other programs because its hard to beat out a gifted/trained singer - one who has been professionally trained not only in using her voice well but in preserving it...(think Kristen Chenoweth - first a BM voice major and then a MA in MT)</p>

<p>Midgetmom, I am not usually so bad...I humbly apolgize to midgetmom and anyone else. I think I need to give up caffeine. It makes me too hyper and gets me into trouble.</p>

<p>Humbly yours,
Margaret</p>

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<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>First of all, I would like to say congratulations to everyone that has gotten into their programs! I am so excited that your hard work has paid off in such a rewarding manner.</p>

<p>However, I would like to offer something for those that are feeling as though hearing about others' acceptances is too much to handle right now...as someone who has, I think, experienced a considerable amount of rejection through this process, I do have an idea as to how hard it is to hear about others' successes when you have none to celebrate yourself. But I can promise that it is not the end of the world. Life goes on after getting rejected from a college, and you (or your child) will have many, many other chances to perform. Not getting into a school is by no means a reflection on one's talent.</p>

<p>One thing that I have discovered over the course of this process is that the most detrimental thing I can do is compare myself to others in terms of talent, experience, and opportunities. For me, there are far too many variables to make rankings in such categories and trying to do so only causes heartache and doesn't help much in advancing my skills as a performer. What has helped me most in terms of making a positive impact on my development has been to objectively examine how I can best improve with the resources that I have been given.</p>

<p>This past year, I believe I have really improved as a performer though I was not in what I might have previously considered an ideal environment. For instance, at first, I was not excited about going to the school I chose because they had no freshman auditions for their musical theatre program and, therefore, I was wary of the quality of the program. However, I was able to take advantage of the stellar music program and the considerable opportunities given to me through the (very solid) theatre and dance department and further my skills as a musical theatre performer even though I was not technically a musical theatre major (when the MT program was still in existence at the beginning of this year, auditions for the the program were not until later in one's academic career).</p>

<p>I definitely went through a period of time where I inwardly blamed my parents (and almost everyone else I could conceivably blame) for not having enough experience, for having shoddy opportunities, etc. Although I probably made some very valid points, it didn't really help. As much as I would have liked to have had 10 years of dance experience, the fact was that I didn't. I had to go from there and do what I could, which meant taking dance classes with 10-year-olds and pinching pennies to pay for those classes.</p>

<p>I'm not saying this to ask for sympathy because, frankly, I really don't think my situation at this point warrants any. I would feel ungrateful and petty complaining because I couldn't attend a year-long dance camp or something like that, when my parents have done their best to help me improve in any way they could. I am saying this to assure those of you who were in the same position I was last year that even though the outlook may look bleak, getting into a top-notch MT program is not the only way to improve one's skills (although it is definitely a wonderful way to do so!).</p>

<p>I am re-auditioning for other schools in a few days. Whatever the outcome, I know that I will continue to put my heart and soul into getting a career in musical theatre...doing whatever I have to do to make that happen...because we love musical theatre so much that's what we'll do!</p>

<p>Best of luck in everyone's endeavors. This process is such a rollercoaster ride, but the love and support on this thread has helped me more than most of the posters will ever know, and I hope that love and support will continue to show through even through the most difficult of times in this journey.</p>

<p>Best,
Shauna</p>

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<p>mtheatremom, a deep nod in your direction. I'm truly sorry for all the difficulties and pain you had to go through. The beauty of boards like these is that wonderful communication zooms back, forth and all around, and we get to "know" people. The problem is that with rare exceptions we don't really know each other, we don't know what's going on beneath the surface of what each person chooses to type. That, among other things, can lead to misunderstandings.</p>

<p>I completely second what you and so many others have said: These kids have such a will -- that's part of what we love about them. And each of them, in her or her own time and fashion, will find a way.</p>

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<p>shauna, i certainly wish you all the best as you go through this process. we live in rockwall and considered north texas. it was interesting to learn from you about them discontining their program. good luck to you. jamie</p>

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<p>margaret, so glad to hear your sense of humor come through. we all need a good laugh right now. we're all on edge. it's a tough time of year. seniors are tired of school, we're all running ourselves to death with their participation in plays, rehearsals and lessons of all kinds. it took a big person to write your post. thank you. i still need to take one more short minute to defend this poor mom, midgetmom, for one comment made in a recent post. someone said all this contention was due to one poster, i assume referring to midgetmom. all this woman did was bare her soul and share her feelings. goodness, what did she really do to anyone here? she thought she could sit down and just have a safe place to share. guess not. she attacked no one and said nothing about anyone in particular. so, please don't blame this mess on her. i've seen others post feelings and hardships and you've all rallied round in concern. please give her a break. we've all had hardships. i won't try to list mine, but they exist. although, i have so much to be thankful for also. margaret, bless your heart. what a year. i can't even imagine going through all that at the same time. i certainly hope things have improved for you. jamie</p>

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<p>Shauna--Have followed your story. Best of luck in your auditions!!!!</p>

<p>--from one who lurks (my D who has a bit of the theatre bug is a little young to be thinking about colleges, but i love reading the informative and interesting posts/stories on this board). </p>

<p>P.S. Sure has been a lot of DRAMA on this thread! But, we're all human, it happens! Best wishes to all of you!</p>

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<p>I am being nice now - the real me. The evil/caffeine effect has left..</p>

<p>I noticed I left out a few items. And this DOES have to do with college acceptances because it shows how "when one door shuts, another one opens" really happens in real life:
While my daughter was initially heading for a different type of college/BFA situation(dance.ballet), she then chose to pursue MT.</p>

<p>When I spoke of being late to the game - I speak from experience! My daughter and I were VERY late to the MT game and this is why:</p>

<p>Up until the summer of her sophomore year, she was planning to become a professional ballet dancer. She was always cast in good roles locally, but, when she would go to summer camps like at NC School of the Arts or Walnut Hill, she was NEVER cast in the top ballet roles. This happened repeatedly - year after year. It killed her because she loved ballet so much and wanted to pursue it professionally. The problem was body type. Although she is thin, she is not rail thin with the perfect line of a professional ballet dancer - and believe me - that is one visual art which is ALOT about the visual. To make a long story short - she got later got rejected from being a permanent ballet student at NCSA. </p>

<p>STILL - she wanted to become a "professional" ballet dancer. At the same time, she started voice lessons and that was a good thing. Anyway, she became "in love" with musical theatre with her first participation in MT performance...</p>

<p>So fast forward to senior year fall/2003. MT/ BFA program auditions started and we were PAINFULLY LATE to the game:
-her resume looked (BECAUSE IT WAS) like a dancers resume and not a proper MT resume;
-head shot needed improvents, but, too late;
-no acting experience except for one summer at CMU and one MT performance;
-no guidance except for CC/MT board and one voice teacher who thought she was a shoe -in for CCM's MT program - HA! (which we know is very hard to get into and which she did not) </p>

<p>Again - wish we'd found CC/MT board 12 months earlier...</p>

<p>Artists are soooo passionate about their "art" - that they will bring it out in some form or another -</p>

<p>Warning: I am NOT comparing my daughter to the great and talented Jamie Fox. </p>

<p>Think Jamie Foxx in "Ray" - he went to Julliard and studied jazz piano; was a standup comedienne and then! I repeat then! he became an actor and won an Oscar for best actor!!! </p>

<p>In other words...anyone, if persistent, talented and passionate can pursue their dream - whether through a BFA, BA in MT, drama, voice - whatever!!!</p>

<p>Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you!</p>

<p>-Margaret</p>

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<p>margaret, you are so right. there are so many, many stories like that. lauren and i were just discussing that very thing. as most know, she's been rejected twice now for mt at ocu, but accepted with top scholarship to theatre performance. she's auditioning again at ocu next weekend, so cross your fingers. but, we were discussing the very real possibility of starting next year as a theatre major. we've focused on her singing for so long.......for several years, that's all she did, no acting......but we've found her to be a very gifted actress. yet, we still tend to look at that as second best. so.... our conversation was about the fact that although she's a gifted singer, we may be missing the fact that she's this amazing actress and we're just wanting to push that aside. so, we're trying to re-focus and remember that theatre is a slightly different direction, not a second choice direction. although, she will pursue mt courses such as dance and voice as well. her goal is still to act in musical theatre. but, who knows where her life will lead. there will be so many changes and interesting career paths for all these kids. it would be so fun to know how it all happens.</p>

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<p>"Midgetmom, I am not usually so bad...I humbly apolgize to midgetmom and anyone else. I think I need to give up caffeine. It makes me too hyper and gets me into trouble."</p>

<p>I would be less than human if I didn't accept your apology. Several people on this forum have taken my written words the wrong way. I never thought I'd get so much hateful response (and my e-mail box is overflowing with people telling me just what they think of me). I've decided I can't stay on this forum. </p>

<p>So, best of luck to all the kids and their parents. If things work out for you (and I said "if") then I hope to see you on Broadway some day. If they don't (and odds are they won't), I hope you have enough strength to handle bad situations and be more understanding of those who are having trouble now. A little bit of humility can go a long, long way. One of the most profound things I've read is in my younger daughter's (she's 13) memory book from a professional show she did last year. She endeared herself to everybody and one person wrote, "you've got so much talent. Just stay humble and you'll go far". That meant a lot coming from a very, very successful actress.</p>

<p>There is no doubt that my child will be as successful as all of yours. I know both my girls will go into this field with the humility they need to keep everything in perspective. Like one poster put it....."there are many ways of measuring success in life". I've told my children time and time again that my pride in them comes from them being the people they are, not in achieving something that others consider important.</p>

<p>God bless.</p>

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<p>Had a lot of computer trouble, so have only been sporadically posting, but just caught this thread. Am glad that the Happy News thread is started cuz I really wanted to see how things are playing out with everyone.</p>

<p>Midgetmom, I want to congratulate you and your D on her acceptance to her program and for all of the grants and aid she is getting. Many of us in the Northeast, particularly are envious as we look at the bills we will be getting. In my state, my area, there are not such options as the state U offers a very limited acting program that is not well integrated with dance and/or music, and the alternatives are all expensive. Some of these schools are still gonna run $25K even with a 50% pure grant, and this is not a field that you want to really run up the debt for. Most of those I know who give it a whirl after school, live on ramen and in poverty level working catch as catch can as they seek work. Florida is a great state for opportunities in this field with FSU, Tampa ,UCF, Jacksonville, Rollins, Miami, Stetson, just off the top of my head all with excellent programs. Your D will be first in line for Disney opportunites being right there, and when it comes to that resume, you want to work. I don't think for a moment that you or your D are disadvantaged in the path you have taken, as you will not have taken on a college financial loan load and you are right where a lot of the real action is. You are very, very lucky that your D got an acceptance on her one and only app, even if it is not exactly what she wanted. If my son had done that, since his first app was UMich, he would be out of luck as he was rejected there after we spent a small fortune getting to the audition. And had he been accepted, it would have meant a $40K a year commitment with little chance of any kind of money since UMich is not generous to out of staters, and the MT major does not give much out in scholarship. Still, within the state of Florida, your D did have a number of audition options, and I have seen those schools show up on a number of kids' lists who are not Floridians. That you hit the jackpot with one try really is a reason to celebrate. My friend went through a number of fruitless auditions with her S, and then went through round 2 in the new year in order to get some alternatives and none of them are exactly perfect. There are a number of kids, families who are sitting here right now with a mixed bag of choices--in the school but not the program, in the program but not the school, in a school they don't know if they'll like, need to do more research on the school/program, in the school, but how to pay for it as the aid offers were zilch or too little. Given the accept rate of these programs and the number of kids going through the auditions, there are more in the tough decision seat than in the cat bird seat, I am sure. I think you and your D are in good shape at the one audition school and if she gets the dance emphasis as well, so much the better, but still she is sitting pretty, in my book. Again, congrats to the both of you.</p>

<p>I wrote a long post on the thread called "Alternatives" where I went into a lot of the alternative roads kids end up taking not only because it is an only option, but because as things evolve it becomes a more suitable path. It is more difficult to get into the top programs of MT these days than it is to get into HPY, so to set your sights absolutely for a few schools is not a good idea. Most kids are going to have to come up with some sort of alternative. But some just decide they do not want a Roosevelt or Boston Conservatory settting and would just as soon take that Performing Arts scholarship at Goucher in Theatre and enjoy the environment there a bit more. Some decide they absolutely have to have a MT program and if they do not get into one, they will try again next year. Individual choices.</p>

<p>You asked about academic stats and acceptances. According to my son's school counselor who seems to be experienced in this area since a number of kids do apply to audition type schools, most programs housed in regular colleges do take the gpa/test scores into consideration to some degree. Some, like Tisch, count it so heavily that anything less than a strong 3.0 (really more like a 3.2 from the data I saw) and a 1200 or 1250 SAT (sliding according to gpa) is not going to be an admit regardless of the audition. My friend's son was eliminated by GPA even from an rigorous prep school--they called and asked for any advice on the audition and that was what they were told. It fits right in for what our GC says and wha the College Book shows for Tisch that the school maintains. Not a soul getting in with under a 3.2 standard gpa. But even schools who just count the academics a little bit can end up eliminating a weak student simply because the selection criterion is so up there that even 10% of the picture can count as big piece. At Syracuse, a perfect score was needed for consideration for admissions, and still more kids hit the academic review at admissions which meant the school had the luxery of cherry picking right off the top. And a great academic resume is not going to help much either if the audition is not way up there. There are simply too many kids for the slots. My recommendation for kids who really want this MT program is to make sure that they are an academic plus (test scores/grades) at a number of their audition schools along with the places where they are hoping a good audition pulls them in. Cuz it is very likely that a number of excellent students scoring the same points on the auditions as you are going to be the competition, and you well know how that decision is going to go. </p>

<p>And it is unfortunate but money does figure heavily in all of this. Again, you cannot count on the aid or talent grants. It is wonderful to get them, but if you count on them, it is likely to be a heartache. There should be some financial safeties in there, and that is easier said than done, Don't know what to say to someone from my state who needs the $$ to go to college and wants to go MT. No Bright Futures, Hope or Promise programs here, and the state U doesn't offer anything close to MT. And as for the cost of auditions, it is a big factor and it is unfair. We spent a veritable fortune as did many. But you know, my friend sent her son to LA alone for the Unifieds on a <$300 roundtrip ticket, stayed at a hotel for about $150 total, and got in 9 auditions in one day. Only one school (Miami) wanted an audition fee!!! So considering it costs about $40 for auditions, he saved the airfare in doing that! And he got 4 accepts, 3 rejects and is still awaiting word from 2 more from this venture. A much better record than his early auditions where I think the schools are more cautious in extending offers and where he was just not as smooth at that time of the process. So, yes, money plays into all of this, but money ain't gonna necessary grease your way in exactly where you want. The stats sure help, but alone aren't gonna do it either. And there are alternatives all around for those who desperately want but don't have either. It just take a bit longer, and isn't exactly the yellow brick road, but it's not like anyone is guaranteed that. </p>

<p>I just want you to know that I think things are working out just fine for you and your D We all have our problems--I can write a book on mine right now, but it seems to me that your D is well on the road for MT performance---location, location, location, they say--and Orlando is certainly one of those locations. Some of us may be asking you for "ins" on those Disney jobs and the other many tourist type opportunities in that neck of the woods if you stay on this board. And I absolutely mean every word I say.</p>

<p>Newmtmom, I am going to write a post to you on "Alternatives" (again) about Drake just to keep things kind of separate. </p>

<p>I'll post my congrats and my bit of news on the Happy Thread a little later. I am happy for everyone with news to post there. All troupers, moms and kids alike as this whole audition business is very, very stressful and expensive.</p>

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<p>I promised myself I wouldn't post on this forum any more, but several people have followed me to other forums and are now taking "offense" to things I say there. </p>

<p>I would appreciate it if everybody would stop bashing me. Of course, everybody has the preogative of liking whomever they wish to like, but hate is another matter. My mailbox has been overflowing the last few days with horrible, horrible emails from people who don't know me.</p>

<p>I'd appreciate it if everybody would just leave me alone and let me visit other forums for help and advice.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

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<p>Midgetmom, I specifically posted here for you because this is where you were the most. Since this thread was turning into a discussion rather than a list of Acceptances, some started a new acceptances thread so that any discussion in the vein that was started could continue. I did not want to hunt you down on other threads and just posted here and to Newmtmom on another thread just to keep the issue separate, so please do not think I am hounding you. Not at all.</p>

<p>And just turn off you e-mail option. Simple as that. I don't take e-mails, nor do a number of other posters. If people want to post, let it be on the public board and if you really want to get a hold of someone, you can temporarily turn on the option. Take care, and please don't get so offended. Some of us just wish you and your D well.</p>

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<p>I wasn't referring to you at all. Not in the least. I found your last post to be very informative and I've appreciated it. Maybe I'm using the forum wrong and am replying to posts when I mean to start a new one.</p>

<p>God bless and thanks for your help and advice.</p>

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<p>I have been reading this site for a while, but have only decided to post now that the stress is [almost over]. I auditioned for musical theater at all these schools.</p>

<p>Accepted: NYU Tisch, Emerson, Boston Conservatory
Waitlisted: Carnegie Mellon </p>

<p>I just want to congratulate everyone who did college auditions. It was a stressful process. Now we may finally get on with our careers!</p>

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<p>broadwaygoon-did you find out that you were wailisted online? Like did it say waitlisted in the decision field?
-Jesse</p>

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<p>Jesse, in my daughter's case, YES, online was where we first found out she was waitlisted, as it says it in the decision field. THEN the snail mail came with the waitlist and priority waitlist explanations and directions. But the online decision WOULD reflect a waitlist if you had one.
Susan</p>

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<p>Did anyone go to the senior showcase at CCM? Would love to hear your thoughts.</p>

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<p>Margaret, can you please email me when you have a minute? I noticed that you haven't enabled PMs or email so if you wouldn't mind, could you email me? You can do it if you click on my name. Thanks! </p>

<p>Eliza</p>

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<p>You wrote:</p>

<p>"STILL - she wanted to become a "professional" ballet dancer. At the same time, she started voice lessons and that was a good thing. Anyway, she became "in love" with musical theatre with her first participation in MT performance..."</p>

<p>Despite a lot of our differences over the past few days, you'd be surprised at how alike our girls really are. I am a voice and piano teacher and started my girls in dance lessons at an early age. From the start, my older daughter had a real talent in ballet and absolutely loved it. She showed no interest whatsoever in tap, jazz, modern or lyrical. She was all ballet. She was also very successful at it locally, playing lead roles in a regional company, and doing a lot of solo work through her studio and again, locally. When she got the role of Clara in "The Nutcracker" with a regional ballet company, and later Lead Merliton, that sealed it for her. She wanted to be a ballet dancer.</p>

<p>At the same time, though, I was music director for a children's musical theater group that she enjoyed. She had "discovered" her voice at a very young age and had a real flair for foreign languages, too, so when I suggested she also study voice in addition to all the ballet, that, coupled with working on the plays through the theater group, was great for her. Still, her passion was ballet at this point.</p>

<p>Like your daughter, my daughter didn't have the "body type" for ballet, and the older she got the more she realized that. While she is very thin and has beautiful lines, she only stands 5'1" tall and came to realize that her height was going to be a major hindrance to her. It wasn't until Sophomore year that she decided to take more jazz and modern. She's only had 1 year of tap at this point.</p>

<p>It was during high school that her real passion for musical theater began to take shape. We changed voice teachers twice, but both times her strength lie in legit music and both her teachers were concerned that pushing a belt at such a young age would hurt her in the long run. She's been very successful playing roles calling for ingenue "types" and her voice is well-suited to that. When she decided to audition for a BFA program, I was concerned that her voice and physical type wouldn't be competitive against all the taller belters.</p>

<p>If it weren't for all the posts concerning how important the BFA in MT is, my child would have been thrilled being accepted into a good BA program, especially since she was also offered a talent scholarship in vocal performance. It just seems that not getting into a prestigious BFA meant she wouldn't be able to be competitive coming out of college, yet she knew she was behind in some areas (i.e., tap and belt voice).</p>

<p>She is currently in the process of e-mailing both the music department and theater department at her chosen school to see how the programs differ and if she'll be able to be more competitve for the BFA in the future. For right now, though, she's very contended. </p>

<p>Like I mentioned previously, I've received a lot of hate mail and have since turned off that option, so I'm not worried about that. But, I can honestly say, it was the pushing of BFA programs that set both of us to doubt her talent, drive and passion.</p>

<p>Fortunately, I'm not the type to hold a grudge and have read and re-read several posts and no longer feel intimidated. I know my child made the right choice and will be very successful.</p>

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<p>Midgetmom, I read most of the posts here, and have learned much from this incredible group of parents who are so willing to share their knowledge and experience. I did read the BFA vs BA posts, but it just did not register as anything that important. If my kid liked the schoo, environment, program, he would go there regardless of the letters in the degree. Given, a choice, he might examine the differences as your D is now doing, but upfront, it was not so important to him. Many of the programs are such hybrids now that sometimes there is not much difference. THough you do have programs like CMU's where there are very few required university courses outside of the program, many schools have a core curriculum all student have to take (with choices to fulfill core requirement) even if the degree is a BFA. There are programs where the first year is pretty heavy with such requrements. One program he was eyeing was Northwestern's MT program which does not kick in until sophomore year. It's just not a big deal--there are many, many successful theatre people out there with BAs, many not even in theatre. To be honest, the reason some of the BFA programs looked attractive for us is because our son does not seem to have much interest in doing his academics right now and we are facing the potential problem that he may not be able to get through the academics. If he does not do a changeabout, this is a distinct possibility. Whereas I feel much more confident that he would keep up with theatre/music/dance type classes as he really loves doing these things. I was not as worried about getting the academics in college as much as getting him through college, as he needs a place away from home to grow up a little bit, and he might as well enjoy it and be doing what he wants do do. I don't think your daughter going to have a problem taking the courses she needs to develop in MT at her school. The availability of courses might be something she asks about as some state schools are notorious about running short on some classes, and she should check for eligibility in the courses she wants. That all can be important as many schools restrict their performing arts courses to the particular majors. </p>

<p>Always though small stature was a plus in ballet. All those years of ballet can only help her. And in most MT programs, dance did not seem an important element. It is the voice and acting skills that were emphasized, and in some programs , the focus was really on voice.</p>