Colleges for Musical Theater Major - Part 34

<p>I'm also wondering about this summer program - does anyone know anyone who did this? any impressions/info?</p>

<p>Some schools request a one page resume. D's resume is a full 2 pages now with performances and training. What should she leave out to bring it back to one page???</p>

<p>Instead of a detailed list of dance training by years and location of training, just summarize in a short paragraph? List only the last 3 years of performances?</p>

<p>Chris, when my child auditioned for theater roles in say, NYC, she only used a one page resume. However, for college auditions, she has a two page resume which to my knowledge is ok. I guess you are finding some places that actually say it MUST be one page? Where are these? Anyway, if it has to be cut back to one page, you would have to select which theater roles are most signficant and at the same time balancing that with most recent and pick and choose. On the training....we do not list every single year of training like that.....so for something like dance, she listed each style of dance studied (let's say jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, pointe, etc. ) and how many total years of each and then wrote in the places studied at. So, dance itself does not take up oodles of space on the resume even though she has spent countless hours at it for her entire life. Maybe you can summarize each aspect of training in this fashion? When my D went to two page resume for college auditions, she added back in some roles she had taken off when she had a one page resume, plus she added in related "awards/honors" in this field, none of which were on her normal one page theatrical resume used for theater audtions. However, these awards/honors seem relevant when talking of COLLEGE auditions. I guess you will have to pick and choose if you find out they will only let you submit 1 page. To be honest with ya, the UMich resume requirements were quite extensive of what needed to be included that that one particular resume was much longer than the one she is using anywhere else. But otherwise, she is using a two page theatrical resume. Her college applications themselves have a different resume that is a more comprehensive activity/award resume that any college applicant would use, including my other child who was not a BFA candidate. Thus she has two resumes for college...the one that goes with the application and the theatrical one (that includes specific roles) that goes to the audition. She has a third resume that combines the two plus repetoire that Mich required. Then there is the original one pager used in the past at theater auditions in NYC or locally, lol. What these kids have to prepare for college stuff is more work than what the regular applicant has to do, that is for sure!
Susan</p>

<p>Noccadad,</p>

<p>I attended the pre-college program at CAP 21 last summer and had a very positive experience. My current voice teacher, Bill Daugherty, was my vocal technique teacher at the program. I know that the general feeling was the acting and voice programs were very strong. In terms of dance, I had a very positive experience in my tap class, was placed in a level that was probably too advanced for me but ended up really learning a lot from it. The jazz and ballet classes were good too, but I think some of the dancers of the bunch felt as if the dance classes left something to be desired. I know one girl (her mom actually posts here) who was a dancer her whole life was the only one who could do the whole ballet class on pointe. But again, acting and voice were great. Also, they give you grades and evaluate you at the end of the summer and you can request for these grades to be looked at when you are auditioning for NYU Cap-21 senior year as a part of your application. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask. I am also a junior and am looking at NHSI or CMU programs for next summer. </p>

<p>Dani</p>

<p>Hi Susan,</p>

<p>Actually it's Otterbein that says to bring 'a one page theater resume'. I assume that means it has to be one page, not two. </p>

<p>I should have been more clear - yes, she summarized each type of dance studied (ballet, jazz, tap etc) and listed years and where studied (each type of dance was only done at one place usually so that is short). That doesn't take up too much space but it seemed important to list all the types of dance training. </p>

<p>D also has the usual college applicant resume summarizing community service, work history, etc as well as a brief summary of theater activities. So far she's only had to do two resumes, maybe this one page theater resume will make it three! </p>

<p>Would you leave on summer training programs on the theater resume or take them off?</p>

<p>thanks for the help-</p>

<p>Thanks for the info Dani. Where did you live when you attended? Was it hard to arrange since it was not part of the CAP21 program? We are waiting for the NYU summer housing information which should come out in January but I assume there is probably a rush to guarantee something. Regarding CMU Pre-College summer program, my D thought it was fantastic and really leaped forward technically in voice and acting. Thanks again. Anyone else with info on the CAP21 Precollege summer program (audition required) in MT we would appreciate you feedback, as well as anyone who attended the Tisch-CAP21 that did not require audition.</p>

<p>Chris, why don't you check with Otterbein if it can only be one page vs. two, just to be sure. </p>

<p>As far as summer programs....on the regular activity resume sent with the application, these were listed under "summer experiences". My D's theatrical resume has no category on "summer experiences"...HOWEVER....under dance training, for example, she lists both her home studio and her summer program and under acting type classes, she does list the summer program as a place she trained at. The only other place it came up was in listing of theatrical roles, many roles were in shows at this particular summer program (which I realize would not come up in reference to summer programs that do not put on shows, per se and only have the training component). In those instances, however, under acting, voice or dance training, it is one of the places she trained at, no? That is where it can be listed.
Susan</p>

<p>To Cato on Tulsa question:</p>

<p>We have visited Tulsa and will visit 2 more schools in Feb. as safety options. It is near us (in Arkansas), it is an impressive campus, and my son has a freshman theatre friend there who is from a nearby town to us and participated in theatre over the years with my son. Tulsa offers all the right things for MT when you read about it. They require auditions only for scholarships, not for acceptance. I feel as though scholarships would be plentiful, and we know that freshmen have many performance opportunities, based on my son's friend. </p>

<p>The program and the faculty were not as impressive as some of the other schools we have visited. Our friend, who went into the program very experience, having received numerous drama and vocal performance awards in high school, is getting major roles and being considered for the lead in the spring musical (Kiss Me Kate). We saw her in a play one month after arriving on campus and thought she was by far the best actor in the show. We love her and know she is talented, but we're disappointed that they don't seem to be overflowing with talent to use from the upper grades. About 20 students entered theatre as freshmen this year, but only 3 of those are doing MT. The MT major has about 20 from all the grades. Such a small program concerns us. Our friend went there because her boyfriend was already there (studying another area). She didn't look at too many schools. She got theatre and academic scholarships at Tulsa.</p>

<p>Last night my D and I went into NY to see Little Women. She (like all the kids who went to CMU pre-college) is in LOVE with Sutton Foster. SF went to talk to the kids this past summer at CMU and was so "normal" and nice they all adored her. Also in Little Women is an Otterbein graduate, Amy Alexander. We thought the show was terrific. We laughed. We cried. It brought back such wonderfully strong memories of my youth reading this beloved book and also those of my D reading it, as well. It was such a special night for me. I've already been getting a little sad over the thoughts of D going away to college and really appreciated spending a night with her (she actually held my hand through most of the show!) Of course, it was so motivating for her, as well. She has always been like "Jo" to our family. Very determined, writing plays in her youth, directing friends, most likely to be playing football with the boys!</p>

<p>After the show we waited by the backstage door. Everyone in the cast was very friendly and willing to sign autographs. My D asked Amy how she liked Otterbein, she said she liked it a lot, just wasn't crazy about Ohio, and wished my D luck. Sutton came out and my D mentioned the summer program and she stopped and looked up and said "Yes, I remember, how are you?" like she really, really cared and remembered her. She also wished my D luck and posed for a picture. How nice is that?</p>

<p>I really hope the show is successful. I heard some ladies complaining at the end that there was no catchy tune in their heads that they could remember. I was so emotionally spent by the end because the show was just so terrific, I couldn't care less if there was a "catchy tune". The scenery was also terrific. I just loved the way they set up the attic scenes. The way the lighting would come through the slats in the roof was really neat. Depending on the mood or the song the lights would be dim to blindingly bright. Very cool. I hope that some of you have an opportunity to see it.</p>

<p>lynnm,
Thanks for the great review. My D will see it in January with the Penn State MT kids. They take a field trip to NYC each January to see a show and take master classes, most expenses covered by the BFA program. I agree that it is encouraging and heartwarming when young actors can identify with a successful performer and see that the possibility for themselves is within reach. I also think Otterbein must be a really fine place to train; the posters here already know the incredible generosity of spirit in the dept. head, Dr. John. My D worked with several Otterbein rising seniors last summer in professional theatre and they were terrific.</p>

<p>My D wanted me to post that Tisch early decisions have started to go out. One girl she knows received her acceptance to CAP21 today! I'm not sure if anyone here auditioned for E.D. but good luck to all of you!</p>

<p><a href="http://www.nyunews.com/printcontent.html?fid=8356%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nyunews.com/printcontent.html?fid=8356&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Nov. 2004</p>

<p>A few posts back there was an interesting comment made about Amy Alexander, Otterbein graduate, who is in Little Women. She said she was not crazy about Ohio but liked Otterbein. My son makes a similar comment about not liking Pittsburgh but very happy with CMU. I hope that all of you who are in the process of applying to conservatory programs now and in the future keep this in mind. Although I understand for some people where they spend their 4 years of college is important, I also hope that all of you take into consideration what you are at the conservatory program for. It is the training.</p>

<p>I hope that you will not set aside first rate training just to be in a particular city. You will be very busy working on your craft in a BFA program.</p>

<p>I had the pleasure of watching Dr. John and a member of his dance faculty, Stella Kane work with some MT students the other day. I can't think of a finer, more masterful, nurturing duo in the field of theater education. To think that students might pass up the opportunity to work with these two wonderful people because they don't like Ohio just floors me. I would encourage a good strong look at Otterbein because of what the curriculum has to offer and the quality of people teaching that curriculum.</p>

<p>CAP 21 summer program
Noccadad</p>

<p>My daughter is the one who attended the summer pre-college program with Dani. she is a very strong dancer - but knows that now that she has that background - it is time to move on to the other aspects of MT. She was challenged in both jazz and tap at CAP 21.
She was also 16 when she attended - and so could not live in the dorms. We rented and apt through an actor friend - and my husband and I alternated staying with her.
The minimum age for the dorms is 17 - so if you D will be that age - it should be no problem. I know the kids in the dorms do not have chaperones - and must be self regulating - my D. said that most of them came to class as expected - but perhaps a little more tired than she did. (but we did go to the theatre every night -but even so - in bed by 11:30pm)</p>

<p>She is a junior this year - and also had a really good experience at CAP 21 (and NYC in general...can't wait to go back to live there some day!)</p>

<p>I am an infrequent poster - but a constant lurker - and much appreciative of everyone's experiences. It will help to plan the year next year!</p>

<p>janenw</p>

<p>Alwaysamom, so far of the four friends my D has heard from who applied ED to NYU, they all got in. However, they were not notified of their studios. I think one did say Cap21 or not at all so he would be in there. One is her BF who applied for acting, not MT. One is a friend here in VT who wants Cap, got in, does not yet know studio. One other that got in does not yet know studio. Have not heard yet about a couple other friends. Very happy for these kids!</p>

<p>Susan, that's great news! I'm surprised that they didn't include the studio placement in the acceptance package. I wonder if that was the way it was for my D when she found out two years ago. Hmm, I honestly don't remember! :) Your D must be thrilled for her friends. So exciting!</p>

<p>My daughter's friend also was accept to NYU ED - She was she nervous for him, what great news for everyone!</p>

<p>Alwaysamom,</p>

<p>My daughter was accepted last year and the studio placement was sent separately... I think it was about a week or two later. I suppose if they only indicated one studio they would know for sure.</p>

<p>Monkey and wct, thanks for the kind comments about Otterbein. </p>

<p>Stella Kane, my director of dance, and I just got back from California where we did a workshop with some high school students at wct's invitation. The kids were terrific, and we had a great time. It was one of those very rare days in LA (I grew up there so I know) when you could see Mt. Baldy and even the mountains above Riverside from LAX.</p>

<p>Lynnm, thanks for the update on Amy McAlexander. (There’s a “Mc” in front of the Alexander.) She’s affectionately known around here as Amy Mc, and we’re very proud of her. She's no more than 4'11", but has a huge voice and a great heart. She certainly fits into the cast of Little Women. She's from Houston, which may explain her misgivings about Ohio. But we have lots of students here from Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas, and they adjust. Wct’s right, you come to school for the training and the education, not the weather. But in the fall, when the leaves turn, and in the spring, when they return, the Midwest is stunning. </p>

<p>Chrism, I hadn't realized that we were unique in asking for a one-page resume. We actually want that additional information, especially about summer training. Two pages would be fine. And tomorrow I’ll ask our Webmaster to change the copy on our website. Thanks for pointing it out.</p>

<p>Emerson Decisions</p>

<p>I have a question...will these decisions just be whether we were accepted to the school or not? Or will they also contain an acceptance/rejection to our major? This is for the EA decisions that should be arriving very soon.</p>

<p>Congratulations on all the NYU ED acceptances, even though most of these people aren't on this board.</p>

<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>I just wanted to say that I am home for winter break and I will be getting a computer next semester! So I am back and can't wait to catch up on what has been going on!</p>

<p>Shauna</p>