<p>While looking at music programs, I recently came upon Belmont University in Nashville. I noticed that they offer a BM in Musical Theatre-w/audition.</p>
<p>Is anyone familiar with this program and/or music school?</p>
<p>Thanks- Happy New Year!</p>
<p>Good suggestion!</p>
<p>Done!</p>
<p>my really good friend got in along with another from AZ. the musical theatre geeks =D around here were really excited since 2 out of the 12 were from AZ. im not sure how he found out, but he has a few connections from all his summer programs and private masterclasses he has had around the nation.</p>
<p>AllthatJazz,</p>
<p>Your words were a bit of a comfort....misery loves company as they say. Seriously, I hope your monologues are coming along-at least you are practicing them!!! Did you read any of the Audition books you can buy at the bookstore? They seemed to help my D's confidence level lots. She at least knows what to expect and feels that she knows so many tips that when she finally finds stuff it will be easier. Which schools are u auditioning for at unifieds? </p>
<p>AMDA- A girl from our high school graduated from AMDA 2 years ago and absolutely loved it. She was a great singer and actress and a really pretty girl. I was in Sound of Music with her when she was a senior-she was a young nun and I was an old one!!! (My kids were in it and they needed some more nuns..lol) Now I know you hear all kinds of stories, but her story is that she is working in New York and last I heard she was doing well. I dont know her family but the drama teacher at school keeps in touch with her, so when I see the teacher I'll ask her to pass along my e-mail to the girl and maybe she will e-mail me so I can ask specifics. Anything specific you would like me to ask her?</p>
<p>My D is auditioning for only CCM at the unifieds so far, but we are planning on trying to get a space if available from Hartt, Evansville, and Ithaca. Since she started so late we are hoping. She has gotten into WVU, which only has theatre, not MT, but it is free (Scholarship and state PROMISE program-based on GPA and ACT/sat test scores), so its tempting, but not at all for her. She wants to go out of state, and do MUSICAL Theatre, also applying to SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Fredonia,(auditions in Feb), University of Minnesota, Duluth (they dont require an audition until after the first year),Kent State in Ohio (accepted but auditions for MT in March), Millikin (audition scheduled for friday before unifieds) and Baldwin-Wallace (audition in March).</p>
<p>I'm just hoping and praying that by the end of this week we will have all the selections chosen. Its a lot to hope for, but you know.</p>
<p>Mama02girlz,
Evansville does a musical every year and offers two levels of dance, but they don't have a musical theatre major. In the words of a student with whom I've discussed the acting program, "If you are a big musical theatre gal, UE isn't the place for you." It's one of my top choices, though. :)</p>
<p>We went to the first set of auditions for Emerson in November, Susan. S knows several who were accepted in that group, a number of them are ED not EA. I don't know how many; I'll have to ask him. I am assuming that the admits you know are from the December session--were there 4 sessions that weekend, SAT & SUN, morning and afternoon? 12 sounds about right to me, but many of those kids are EA not ED, and are therefore not binding. Several also got into Harrt and are seriously considering going there, from what I understand, and some are auditioning or have auditioned for Tisch. Since each kid can only go to one school, and acc to UMich, they all tend to go for a core set of kids, the odd in the end are better than that grim statistic. A number of kids we spoke to already in the programs made it in off the waiting list, more than I have seen at selective schools. And this includes UMich. I have my fingers crossed for all the kids represented on this board.</p>
<p>Jamimom, are you talking about ED Emerson acceptees? They actually only offer EA, not ED, so any students admitted from that time are EA. In December the only MT session(s?) were on Sunday, it was just acting on Saturday.</p>
<p>Sorry, Marissa, you may well be right. I believe there is one school that has EA and ED, and I was thinking it was Emerson. S did not apply early to Emerson, and went to the November auditions when they has two full days of auditions that weekend. I just assumed they did the same the following audition date. Also, I am not sure whether the kids who are accepted Emerson are just accepted to the college, to the acting program or the MT program. The shades of acceptance are very confusing to me. And I do not know how many sessions of auditions there were in November-2 or 4 over the two days they held them. </p>
<p>In this area, I am not working from actual info I see which I generally do. When taking what kids are saying, it is not always reliable. I had intended to post each of S's auditions as they occurred but then realized that much of what I was posting was hearsay and very affected by mood and not always accurate which would not be helpful to anyone. Also most of these schools are not ones that I am as familiar with; and the program is certainly new to me. I was hearing a number like 10-12, but they could well not all be MT kids. I suppose anyone really interested could call and ask admissions how many have been extended offers to the MT program from ALL of the audition sessions at this point. I would think they still have quite a few more auditions to hold in the next 8 weeks, so they must leave some openings.</p>
<p>Jamimom, while the number 12 is not hard to fathom in this scenario with regard to EA at Emerson, I wonder how accurate it is. I mean we have a student on here giving this number based on what his friend said. The friend COULD be including EA admits for BFA for acting, or even kids like my D who are admitted to Emerson EA but waiting on BFA. Or maybe his friend is talking of truly knowing EA admits for BFA in MT. Two of the EA admits to the BFA program for MT whom we know would not know a kid in AZ, I feel certain. So, if this kid is just counting up the kids he knows and there are 12, that could imply even more. I think that number may be heresay. </p>
<p>As mentioned, the actual ADMISSIONS officer at Emerson told me directly that they took a "handful" in EA for BFA for MT. I realize "handful" is not a numeral but to me it implies a half dozen or less. Who knows. I don't think this is far fetched. When she added in that they don't want to nearly fill the class up in EA, and they have something like 20-25 slots total, and then she said a small percentage got the "admit to Emerson but deferred for BFA in MT" that my D got and that 50% of those in that situation were later admitted to Emerson last year and you know the grand total, we are not talking big numbers. Parents on here from last year, mentioned that there were only 3 EA admits last year for BFA in MT and I forget where they had that information but it seemed first hand. </p>
<p>I can't tell you about the Nov. audition dates at Emerson but for the Dec. weekend, the Sat. auditions were for BFA and BA in acting and the Sunday sessions were for BFA in MT. I know someone who went for BFA in acting on that Sat. and I know someone who got in BA in acting from that Sat. So, I think the MT candidates were only on Sunday. It appears that they were using an EA process similarly to rolling admissions in that they wanted to see lots of kids early and spread the auditions out and they admit a few and then narrow the list down and have some on deferral piles until later auditions are completed. It is almost akin to the rolling admissions situation at UM but they are calling it EA. They seem to truly intend to utilize the deferral pile but simply won't fill many slots without seeing all the auditions, since there are not that many slots in the first place. </p>
<p>I do agree with you that there are glimmers of hope in this process that some kids who are admitted for BFA programs are admitted to more than one, yet can only attend one, and thus it opens it up to deferrals, waitlists and so forth. Still, the numbers totally taken feel slim when you look at how many are auditioning and appear to be truly talented. Not for the faint of heart. But I think any kid going into this field will be experiencing this sort of odds. It just happens to be quite different than the typical college admissions process that most are familiar with. That is one reason this forum is so great because where else are you gonna discuss this particular college process with anyone who really know what these kid are dealing with here? I can tell you that local folks have no clue what my kid has to go through and the difficult odds. It is hard to keep hearing folks who assume she can get in many places and so on and so forth because they really do not know the situation involved, though their affirmation is certainly a nice thing. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Soozievt,
I enjoy reading your thoughtful posts about the MT process and just wanted to reiterate what you said about there being SOOO many very talented young men and women and apparently so few spots for them in MT programs. I truly hope that each talented person we have met during the audition process finds a place where he or she can develop his or her talent and be happy. Unfortunately, I feel that there will be many who will either have to pursue another interest, try to transfer into a program next year, or find some other avenue to make their dreams come true. However, this is the nature of the business our children have chosen. Another good point that you have made (and that my daughter is so tired of hearing) is from the many well-meaning friends, teachers, etc. who continuously tell her that she shouldn't worry, that she wil get accepted everywhere! Alas, they do not have any idea of the odds or the talent that is out there! I do know in my heart though, and have to believe that each of our children will end up where they are supposed to be and that we will all look back on this very trying year with fond memories!</p>
<p>Susan, you want to see living proof as to why it is not smart to apply to too many schools, it is right here with me. Even with a chart, (which I have admittedly not kept up since mid Dec), I cannot keep the schools straight. I blipping all over the place on what happened where and which schools are ED and EA. When S applied, we went through the rules VERY thoroughly so we did not break any, but now I cannot remember which is which. We were surprised to hear from Harrt when we did because I had forgotten that they were rolling if you applied by a certain date. </p>
<p>As far as Emerson goes, 12 sounds right to me considering how many audition session they have already had, and all the options of acceptance one can have. It may well be that the acceptances are for BFA MT, Acting, BA Theatre. I don't know how many sessions they had the weekend we were there, whether there were double audition sessions or just one. I left S off there, and spent the time in Boston, so I did not get any feel what for the situation was. I did not even know that they had a parents' room set up, as they told us to "stop right here--go shop, have coffee, come pack in a few hours to meet your kid" , and so I did with another mom I met there. Also "friend" or kids sometimes get the situation wrong--no derision here, so do parents. When I tally up the kids I work with, I want to see the decision letter--I pay a bounty for it, after I found out that I got some not so correct info. I have heard a number of things from kids and S, but have not bothered to post it as all it would do is flame the rumors, and that is not the purpose of this board. Even the info from the school is not always accurate, as they often give the usual, general situation, and there are often exceptions to the rule. Good info unless you fall into that exception. </p>
<p>I am sure that a goodly number of kids will find places in a MT program simply because as the UMICH person said, "we all fight over the same kids" which means there will be a number of waitlist openings in each program. The number of kids in a program vs, the number of applicants is not exactly what the acceptance % is. Yes, it is still low. But there are also a number of acting programs and general programs, that kids can be accepted to that offer a number of options as well. An intrepid kid will find those opportunities at any school. The big deal is usually the private voice lesson, and many times kids opt to get some one on their own anyways if they have specific goals. And hopefully most of these kids have SOME sort of safety. We applied immediately to the State U which sadly does not have an acting program for undergrads, but does have some general music and theatre opportunities. Not ideal, but at least he had a place to go. Most State Us have some music and theatre opportunies. I can tell you that I would have never guessed how competitive this little field is, the field of study I did not even know existed a couple of years ago!</p>
<p>Is anybody auditioning at Florida State this weekend?</p>
<p>Easyaslifema,
My son is a commercial music instrumentalist at Belmont. He has played for the musicial productions and has been impressed. Their MT program is new, but they have had classical and commercial music programs for a long time. In the music dept the largest area by far is commercial voice majors, and they have some great singers in that area. Commercial voice is very competitive. It appears to me the classical side is not as strong. Belmont is a very good school, and like many private smaller schools you get personal attention. Nashville is also a great city.</p>
<p>I have to say that reading these messages makes me feel a tad bit better in that I guess I'm NOT THE ONLY MOM freaking out at this point! (Misery loves company?) I will be ever so grateful when all of this is behind us. My son is auditioning in Chicago also, and thank goodness the entire senior class of theater majors at his school go together and he doesn't have to contend with me during that time. I'm always the sounding board and the one who catches the emotional fallout though, so I'm sure I'll be hearing from him, as I am on about an hourly basis right now. People who have just had to contend with the "normal" college application process have no clue what we all are going through - I guess it's like anything else in life. Anway, although I've mainly been lurking of late, I want you all to know that I appreciate knowing that there are other people who are experiencing the same torture right now - lol!</p>
<p>My son just returned on Sunday from the NFAA Arts Awards Week in Miami. He said it was just the most unbelieveable experience - I would encourage all you juniors out there (or seniors I guess if you are on the younger side and will only be 18 next year) to make the effort to apply. I know sending in that tape is just one more thing for a senior to do during this crazy year, but it will be worth it if you're named a finalist and can participate in this awesome celebration of talent. If anyone has any questions about it, I'd be happy to respond.</p>
<p>Best of luck to everyone - kids and supportive parents alike!</p>
<p>soozie - for the 12 students i asked him. he said that majority of musical theatre schools tell you when u are admitted. emerson told him he was 1 of 12 students admitted EA for the MT program, that is given admission, not waitlisted. hope this clears it up</p>
<p>also for the past few years emerson has always accepted 12 students EA. seems to be a pattern</p>
<p>Hello everyone, I just got back into town. </p>
<p>In reading posts on "accepted numbers", I feel that way too much is being assumed. Some of these colleges are really upfront with "all" the numbers and others fill you in on partial stats. I remember talking to administrators and counselors on the phone or on line and then getting to the audition and having another administrator tell us very different numbers and stats. Regarding Emerson, I would not be surprised if they offered 12 spots. I would also not be suprised if most of those spots were offered to boys and if it is anything like last year - very few of the 12 will attend. (which would also go along with one persons comment on being told that last year 3 were EA). In other words except for a few places (ie Otterbein, Michigan, Syracuse) most schools do not discuss how many offers they need to make to get their intended class size. In our discussions last year with the admissions counselor at the Emerson Unifieds, boys in MT are very much the minority. That was obvious when only 2 showed in my daughters group and our friend was the only one in his. However, boys were the majority in the acting program.</p>
<p>Another good example of "all" is at NYU. It is fairly accurate that cap21 asks in the 80's for a class size in the 60's - but what they are not talking about is how many of these kids are recommended to Tisch but do not make the strict academic cut. Think about it. UM is just the opposite, you go through an academic review first - if accepted you can then audition. I believe I read they were auditioning around 350. If I recal that number was similar a couple years back but the total number of applicants was more like 600. So at NYU if Sally and Jimmy have a better audition than you but have very average grades and SAT's... chances are that they will not be accepted in the academic review... which then opens up more slots for the next in rank. My point, don't let some of these ED numbers get you concerned - there is a lot of room left for RD applicants.</p>
<p>My oldest d is a junior at Tisch. She did her first 2 years at Cap. She auditioned RD towards the end of the season. She did the dance component and told them Cap or nothing. We have other friends with similar stories. I really feel that if Cap is what you want that is what you should say. I really don't believe that it will affect your chances one way or the other and I am confident that this idea of the program being filled up early is not accurate. If your background has a lot of music or dance - it should be pretty obvious that is where your interests are and when you are interviewed be prepared to point that out.
A few other questions/comments regarding Cap - Your degree will be a BFA in drama from Tisch, not a BFA in MT. NYU is an acting based school and the class size in Cap averages 15 to 20.</p>
<p>Studio7--
If you don't mind my asking- how was your D's experience at CAP? Why did she transfer after two years? Thanks, Dani</p>
<p>Henrob,</p>
<p>Thanks for the info on Belmont. My D plans on auditioning there in the commercial music dept vp and possibly the mt as well.</p>
<p>This is slightly (or more) off topic but can anybody confirm or deny that the cute rocker guy on American Idol the other night did a national tour of Rent and graduated from BOCO?</p>
<p>My friend told me that he recently (Winter Break)saw him in Rent in NY. So yah, i guess so</p>