<p>I took the new SAT and got a 670 in verbal, 680 in math, and 600 in Writing.
When I took the SAT IIs a month later I got a 720 in Lit and a 680 in Math I. I'm trying to contemplate whether I should take the time to study and try to raise my scores or spend the time and energy on audition prep stuff. I could do both, but I'm trying to keep my stress level below highly volatile :)</p>
<p>Any ideas (as always your advice and guidance is gretly appreciated!)</p>
<p>Illinisue,
I do not personally know anything about Belmont, but our mutual acquaintance, Stephen W., from our Ds' high school auditioned for them in 2004. He matriculated at Point Park. I believe he has a younger brother still in H.S., so I'm sure Mr. W. is still around to talk to. </p>
<p>Belmont offers a B.M. in MT through the School of Music. My perusal of the Belmont website tells me that the school produces one musical each year in the spring. I have copied the degree requirements for you from the latest general bulletin:</p>
<p>MAJOR IN MUSICAL THEATRE AT BELMONT</p>
<p>General Education Core Requirements 43
MUSIC CORE 36
Common Music Core 28 (<a href="http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2004/v_mus_pro.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2004/v_mus_pro.htm</a>)<br>
Special Music Core 8<br>
MUC 1110, Introduction to Music Technology 1<br>
MUH 4130, History of Musical Theatre 3<br>
MUL 3970, Musical Theatre Readers Workshop (4 semesters) 4<br>
THEATRE REQUIREMENTS 22
TDR 1110, Introduction to Theatre (These hours are counted in non-music elective hours in the General Education Bell Core) (3)<br>
TDR 2010, Basic Acting 3<br>
TDR 2030, Play Analysis 3<br>
TDR 2110-4110, Theatre Workshop 4<br>
TDR 3030, Stage Movement 3<br>
TDR 3080, Intermediate Acting 3<br>
TDR Electives 6<br>
DANCE REQUIREMENTS 6
Total of 7 hours in dance required (one hour counted as activity course in General Education Bell Core). Dance hours should be chosen from Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap or Theatre Dance Styles. Experience in three different dance styles is highly recommended.<br>
MAJOR AREA 28
MAA 1210, 1220, 2210, 2220, 3310, 3320, 4310, 4320, Private Voice
(8 semesters required) 20(1)<br>
Support Courses<br>
MAA 1060, Diction and Song Literature I 1<br>
MAA 3070, Vocal Seminar
(required each semester enrolled in Applied Principal, minimum of 8 semesters) 0<br>
MAA 3010, 4010, Musical Theatre Coaching 2<br>
MAA 4070, Musical Theatre Seminar (8 semesters required) 0<br>
MUG 2020, Sophomore Technical 0<br>
MAA 3000, 25-minute recital 0<br>
MAA 4000, 50-minute recital 0<br>
MFB 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, Secondary Piano (four semesters required) 4(2)<br>
MUG 2010, Piano Proficiency Examination 0<br>
MU_, Music Elective 1<br>
Total 135 </p>
<p>Hope this helps a bit.
Kathy</p>
<p>Belmont has been discussed fairly recently on this thread. Maybe you could do a search for that info.</p>
<p>When you are applying to MT programs at a college, it is wise to keep an eye on the selectivity of the school as a whole as well. Not to eliminate the school from your list if you are not within or above average range in the academic stats, but to make sure you have a batch of varying selectivities relative to the student's academic profile. There is really no telling exactly how much test scores and/or grades count, but you can pretty much assume that in a tie breaker, they probably will be considered. And when you consider the number of kids applying and auditioning for these programs, there can be an awful lot of tie breakers. Also, this is a group of kids who are often very talented academically as well, so it can be a tough go even if the academic count 10% of the scorecard or less. If NYU or Michigan or CMU are dream school, by all means include them on your list, but make sure those choices are balance with schools where the academic stats of your student are average or above. It is a mistaken assumption I made at the beginning of this process that the MT skills are a hook that can lift the student above the academic numbers for the school. Not so. I suspect some of the schools use the MT program to some degree to raise some of the scores, as some of the schools are not so selective in the other departments. I know that academically, my son was a very likely admit to most if not all of his schools in other departments, but the MT part was the deal killer. However, he did have very high SAT scores. Those kids whose grades and SAT scores made the school a reach for them often found that despite a terrific audition, it was a no go. Some schools have an independent academic appraisal done, once the department has accepted the student artistically, and there are just too many talent students to realistically expect that the MT is going to be the hook that will bring the student on board. When you pick your colleges, even within the MT spectrum, you should have some academic safeties. You have to hope that you are stellar on all of th auditions, but also be aware that other parts of your resume will be assessed as well. More so at some schools than others, so you should vary your applications accordingly. </p>
<p>As for NYU, I know some kids at Tisch with SAT scores in the low 1200 range, but their grades and course loads were pretty impressive. I think NYU does emphasize the grades over the test scores. I have known kids with very high SATs and gpas below a 3.0 denied, even from rigorous schools. S's highschool says that they do not bump up the grades by the type of school you go to. That 3.0 or whatever their grade baseline is drawn is pretty absolute unless there are extenuating situations. But there are kids with very high grades and low SATs who are regularly accepted, usually to the School of GS for a couple of years. Tisch does not have that option, but there are kids with lower range SATs but good grades in tough courses accepted. But, again, if you fall in that catergory, you do need to be aware, that the school could be even more of a reach for you. I do not know Tisch's formulas for acceptance and how they combine the academic and artistic components, but there is minimum academic standard that you must meet before they even bother to combine the scores is what I am told.</p>
<p>I know this forum is for musical theater majors, but my major dealswith musical theater. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good schools with Wig and Makeup Design majors that were not too hard to get into. I am already looking at NC School of the Arts, and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Both of those require portfolios of prior work, but I live in a really small town (we don't even have a community theater, or theater classes at my high school.), and I am not sure how I can get the experience to compose a portfolio, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!</p>
<p>Thanks dancersmom. We had looked at the web site, but just really have never heard of the school before now. I will check with Mr W too...since they've already been there. Ericsmom - thanks - I did check the past posts.</p>
<p>Hi all. You may recall that I posted some important music school admission facts about over a year ago on this thread. My original name was "musicschool" but in the CC change over, I am no longer able to log in under that name. My tips were aparently helpful and Shauna was nice enough to include them on her FAQ web sbite (many thanks!). I was suprised that she did that since no one responded or had any questions to my inital posting! I just checked back and have been reading your posts with great interest and feel I would like to add some important admissions information.</p>
<p>First up, I work for a music school in the US. It is a school that is mentioned here. I will not mention the name as I am not speaking on behalf of the school. I see hundreds of applicants each year (and month) and would like to pass along some information that you may find helpful. I don't know if Shauna's FAQ web page is still around but the tips I gave are still valid!</p>
<p>Most importantly, it is important to apply EARLY to whatever school your are interested in. When I mean apply, I mean applying to the university at large, not meaning the music school. For most schools, you must apply and be accepted to the university BEFORE you can audition for the music school. But applying early gives the student the best opportunity for scholarships. The basic fact is..the longer you wait, the less money there is. I cannot tell you how many students have come complaning cause they received a $1,000 scholarship for applying in March when they could have received a $4,000 scholarship for applying early. You have no one to blame but yourself for receiving a lower amount. And complaning about it isns't going to change anything (at least at our school). Most schools have "priority scholarship" deadlines and you will be best served by observing them.</p>
<p>This brings me to scholarships. Going to college has become (unfortuantely) a business. Everyone is out for the largest scholarship amount possible. It is important for parents and students to realize that A) there is a limited amount of scholarship money for everyone and B) your child is not always going to be the one receiving the most money. It's cruel to hear but not every child is as talented as another. There is nothing wrong with that..college is for developing a student's talent. But talent based awards (which are what most music schools offer) are going to be based on those who are considered to have great voices, acting skills, dance abulity, etc. Plain and simple..not everyone is going to receive a full ride..or even half a full ride. MT and voice studies are a very competitive field nowadays. And at top schools, the competition is even harder. If a school does not offer you an amount that you feel is adequate, do not play "the other school" game. If you come to us and say "NYU has offered my son 5,000 a year but your school only gave us 2,000..are you going to increase his amount?". This..by ther way...was an actual transaction. Some schools may have room to increase amounts, but at our school, when we make an offer, it is a final offer. Coming back and playing this game will not increase a scholarship. You child was awarded an amount based on the judgement of our faculty. They are experts. Know what your child's limitations are and realize them. In the case I just mentioned, we advised the parent that the scholarship would not be increased and we advised them to persue other schools. Why? We don't need parents like that and the problems they will bring. Now, if the parent had approached us with saying "We have another child in college and are looking for other avenues for scholastic support. Can you help us?", we would be happy to assist. It's all in how you approach it. But don't get mad if a music school will not increase a talent award. It will be up to you to decide if this is the right school for your child. But be careful basing your final school decision only on the amount of scholarship received. I'll get to that in another thread!</p>
<p>I hope you appreciate the straigh forward approach I use. Music is a business and our school does its best to prepare students for the reality of MT. I will have some other information to share down the line.</p>
<p>Thanks and best of success with your college searches!</p>
<p>MusicSchool, thank you for posting and giving the perspective from the "inside". It is very helpful for posters to read. </p>
<p>I have just one question/comment. College counselors, as well as many books on the subject, often advise students that once all their finanical aid offers are in place, that if the student prefers a school that gave less money than one of their other admissions offers, that it is advisable (with the caveat, "it can't hurt") to ask the preferred school if they are able to offer any more or match the other offers. Perhaps this common advice in the literature and used by counselors is meant to pertain to need based aid but maybe parents have used that advice and attempted to apply it to merit based offers. Some schools' scholarships are even merit and need based in one scholarship (for example, that is the case with the Trustee Scholarship at NYU). While I have never myself tried to "negotiate" with any college on my own kids' behalf along these lines, I have heard that it is conventional wisdom. That is why I am curious that your take on it is that a parent/student asking if the school can match another scholarship offer is seen as quite annoying and out of line. This is the first I have heard of that and it is good to hear your perspective. Again, this is nothing I have ever done myself but I have heard it as common practice. I have heard advice to go to the school that offered less and see if they are able to match the other offers. If you are getting calls of that nature and they are polite and not "expecting" or antagonististic, maybe it is cause there are counselors and books that even make such a suggestion? Not sure, just a guess. I don't think any parent has a right to get annoyed at an offer because the school is not obligated to offer anything. Nobody should "expect" anything. I just know that it is often advised to politely bring this up and see if the school might want the kid enough to match the other offers but maybe this common advice is ill advice from what you are saying from your end. So, that is good to know.</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Hi..thanks for your reply. I think you answered your own question when you said that no one should expect anything! That's exactly what I was talking about.</p>
<p>What I referring to was the attitude that some parents take in the scholarship process..turning it into a "what are you going to do for me" situation. There is nothing wrong with re-approaching a music school to inquire about a scholarship award if there is a legit need based situation. But the attitude with some parents who come in and claim that they have the most talented kid and then tell us that X University is offering them a full ride is ridiculous. All of us at music schools know that your child is probably looking at other music school (my school is a private one). In fact, that's something I strongly encourage. You cannot make an informed decision without exploring all possiblities. But shopping around to schools saying that "X University offered my child a full ride..what are you going to do for me" is rude and unprofessional. Why? A student approaches a school and tells them that he is very interested in their program. The student comes and auditions. The student tells us in interviews that we offer what they are looking for. And then, when the acceptance comes with a scholarship award, we immediately go into "I deserve better than that". I know this is not reflective of all students, but it does happen and it happens more frequently than you might think.</p>
<p>As I said above, applying to colleges has become a business. Many parents only look at the bottom line. They want a "product" that is quality but affordable. In this society of super sizing and discounts, some parents want to get all they can for nothing. And especially in private music schools, that's very hard to find. And, as Soovitz correctly pointed out, they feel they have a right to it. Why? That's a good question. I think it has to do with the nature of performing arts. It's a profession based on what the individual is and what they can do. It is natural for parents to think they have the most talented child performer. But some parents are "blinded" to the reality. For instance, we had a girl audition for us last year. She had seen the movie "Chicago" and decided to "be" a musical theater performer. She had never taken voice lesson till last year and had just started dance. However, she was pretty good and (more importantly) demonstrated potential. We decided to admitt her but without scholarship. Her parents immediately raised hell over this saying we we ignorant to see what an amazing MT performer she was. In short, the parents pulled the "school X is giving her this much..are you going to?". We told them no and wished the daughter all the best.</p>
<p>That's a sad thing cause the daughter was the innocent party and our school could have helped develop her talent. But the parent's ego got in the way and ruined her opportunity.</p>
<p>So..moral to this story...if you are offererd a scholarship, consider it againsts other offers you have received. Then consider the schools themselves. A full ride is fine if it is a school of demonstrated quality. Are you accepting the scholarship just because it's the most money or is it because it's from the best possible school for your child? You must also realize the cost factor for public vs. private. In fact, you should analyze this BEFORE you decide to persue a school. You must always realize that you may not be offered any scholarship to attend that particular school...will you still be able to attend? I would suggest that you add up tuition and room/meals, plus make a guess at the scholarships you may receive (both academic and talent). If this proves still to be prohibitive, then pass on the university. You'd be wasting your time and the schools. Finally, if you do receive a scholarship but it is not enough, you certainly can go back to the school and find out what other forms of assistance might be available. And that's how I would phrase it...don't go in and say "This is not enough money..I want more". Ask what other avenues you can persue for additional funding. Has the school's Financial Assiatance Dept. helped you? Can they help you? Any school will be more than happy to assist someone who is courteous and shows that they want to attend this school.</p>
<p>I hope this helps. Again, I apologize if this sounds blunt and to the point, but I think it's best to be straight-fowrward. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks.</p>
<p>I understand your point if someone is coming in and expecting a scholarship or thinking, "don't you think my kid is so talented as to deserve more?". I would agree that this is not the way to approach things. I know we did not expect any scholarships (and ended up pleasantly surprised to get them from every school she was accepted at). But no, we did not expect it. And no, we would not go in and say that she deserves more cause she is the best thing since sliced bread. </p>
<p>But what I was talking about in my post is where a student has gotten merit scholarships from other schools that far exceed another offer and may prefer the school with the lesser offer. So, that is not a case of a parent saying my kid is so talented, give us more. The kid is a certain talent that was already recognized for merit elsewhere. There is great variation in what schools offer. I understand that some just have more to offer than others and that does not mean the kid was more talented because the kid is the same but got a lot from some place else that might have more scholarship money available. </p>
<p>For example, I can only speak from my own experience so I will have to go with that. My kid got into five BFA programs. The grants/scholarships ranged from as low as $2500 at one school to the others being between 14,000-20,000. The kid was not more talented one place than another but each school varies in what it can offer. For example, Penn State is a public university and I believe is unable to give out as much scholarship money than some of the privates. This was not just my own child's case but true of others we know who had much better scholarship offers elsewhere. I recall UMich at their presentation being forthright and even apologetic that they simply do not have that much scholarship money available and wish that they did. So, it varies from school to school even if some kid is super amazingly talented. It doesn't mean the kid is less talented at one place than another but the grant might vary anyway. </p>
<p>We did not negotiate a thing with any colleges for either of my kids with regard to the financial aid offers. We did not EXPECT scholarships so when they got them, it was a pleasant surprise. However, I still believe that common advice is if my child wanted to go to X college over Y college and X college offered her a 2500 scholarship and Y college offered her a 20,000 one (and this was true except she truly wanted Y but just saying...), then I don't see what is wrong in asking the department about it and saying the kid really preferred their program but the dilemma was that another program offered close to ten times as much scholarship. They can only say, no, sorry, we have no room to negotiate. I know a boy who will have a hardship paying for college and he got a 20,000 scholarship at one excellent BFA program but preferred another and that other one just does not have much scholarship money to offer, and not because he was NOT talented enough (he truly truly is and just getting into that prestigious top program is proof enough) but because of how much money each school has available for scholarship. I believe he did talk to the school he preferred more about it and I don't believe it came across as annoying and I think it was a legitimate question to ask. He did opt to go to the school that offered way less money because it was the preferred school and I guess they will just be paying out for years or something. </p>
<p>I think in the circumstances I just described, that sort of asking of a school seems appropriate to me and is the typical advice given by college counselors in fact. It is not the same as a parent coming in and saying...what? you don't think my kid is deserving or talented enough? No, nobody has a right to say that because that is for the school to determine and they don't owe ya a scholarship. But I think it is legitimate to raise the question if offered far more scholarship money at several other schools to find out if this school is willing to match it if they want the kid to come. They can either make an offer or else say, sorry, this is our limit and you will have to decide based on the various offers you have received. </p>
<p>Perhaps it is just an issue that you have received calls from aggressive parents who complain or whatever and that IS annoying. I know that there are parents out there complaining "why didn't my kid get accepted" to admissions offices. I can't imagine doing that but I guess people do. I recall on a college visit with one of my kids junior year, we went on the tour but they did not offer an info. session that particular day and I asked why not. The admissions secretary said all the admissions officers were bogged down by parent calls asking why their kid did not get in as the decisions had just gone out and I was dumbfounded by that because I had no idea parents would call once they got a no answer. So, maybe I am naive at what some people try to do and maybe those are the kinds of calls you have found annoying. But again, I think there are legitimate calls about scholarships when a kid has many offers on the table and is trying to see if their preferred school can match the other offers of money. I think that can be a polite inquiry and as far as I know, is the common advice on this subject (until I read your post). I don't think any parent should call and complain but I think asking about this under the circumstances I described does seem valid. Again, it is different than asking for more money cause you think your kid is more talented or deserving....THAT is not acceptable in my book. I don't think the issue of talent is the same if there is a kid with substantial merit offers from other top programs, and it is more an issue of what each school is prepared to offer that particular kid whose talent has been recognized already.</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Hi Susan...as I said, you certainly can go and approach a school if your child has received a scholarship amount that is prohibitive to attending. It is in how you approach the school. I've given the examples of how not to do that. And this is one reason I strongly recommend early application. It's much easier to do a scholarship increase in December or January than March.</p>
<p>If you child wishes to attend a particular institution but has not received enough schoalrship in order to do that, I would make sure the school knows that your child really wants to attend. I would recommend the student writing a letter detailing what the MT program offers them that makes them want to attend. </p>
<p>But..again...the student (and parent) must also realize the reality of the situation. Every school would love to give full or partial rides. That is not going to happen. You and the your child must have done your homework in advance and figured the cost and possibility of attending even without receiving major scholarship support. </p>
<p>Your child also must be able to realize where they fit in with talent scholarships. Talent is indeed subjective. One school's 1,000 scholarship may be another school's 5,000 scholarship. Students must be honest with themselves about their current level of talent. </p>
<p>Also very important in scholarship consideration (speaking for my school..and probably others) are their grades. Grades and test scores DO make a difference in scholarships. In fact, they can mean thousand of extra dollars. It seems there is a misconception that students in the performing arts are too busy with shows, voice lessons and such that it is OK for them to have "decent" grades (meaning 2.0 to 3.0 GPA). Grades do make a difference in scholarships and in many cases, admission. Talent and good grades are possible and they can be rewarding.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thank you to both musicschool03 and SuzieVT for an excellent and very informative discussion! Points well taken from both.</p>
<p>vocaldad</p>
<p>Hi...this is the first time I've posted a message on this forum, but I've been reading the discussion on and off for more than a year. Now I've finally run into a problem of my own. I am so worried and stressed, and I think this is the only place I can turn to explain my dilemma.
Ok. Here is my story (in a condensed form). I graduated from high school in Florida in May 2004, and took a year off to move with my family to Vermont, where I now live and work. Over the year, I applied to a few different colleges. I considered applying to BFA musical theatre schools, but for one reason or another, which I don't even remember, I ended up only applying to Skidmore college, which is an hour away from where I live. Skidmore has a BA program in theatre and one in dance (or so I thought). I probably didn't apply to BFA programs because we are very limited financially and travelling for auditions would be difficult for us. I was accepted to Skidmore, and received a very very nice financial aid package, so I have decided to attend there this fall. As I've looked further into the theatre/dance programs however, I am afraid I have made a terrible mistake.. For one, I just realized that Skidmore offers a BS in Theatre, not even a BA! I don't know what the difference is, but it seems like that is not good. That is not what I want. If I can't have a BFA, I at least want a BA! It's the same in dance...they offer a BS. I am also planning to get my master's in an arts-related area, so isn't it a waste to get a BS if I am planning to obtain an MA or MFA in the future? Also, I see more and more that Skidmore does not emphasize musical theater, but is more into avant-garde drama and straight plays. As much as this will help me improve my acting, I am definitely more interested in musical theatre, and I am afraid that I may be really missing out. Lastly, and this may be the worst part, the theatre program itself does not stage musicals. Instead, there is a student run group which produces two musicals a year. That sounds like fun, but I don't think I will learn very much from students directing me. Ugh! Even now, the more I write about this dilemma, the more I feel sick to my stomach about it. But now I am faced with, what do I do?? Should I go to Skidmore for one year and then transfer to another school that has a BFA or even a more musical -theatre based BA? Some of the schools I consider worth applying for transfer admission to are Wagner College, Hartt, or maybe Emerson. Do you know if any of these accept transfers, and if so, what are the chances of being accepted? I know Hartt is very difficult to get into, but that they do accept transfers. In addition, I think transfer students don't get as much financial aid as freshman, correct? If that is the case, do you feel it would be better for me to take yet another year off before college, and just focus on auditioning and applying, so that I am able to receive the best possible financial aid package? Money is a big issue for me. I must have loans,grants, and scholarships, because otherwise, there is no way I could attend college. Also, if you have any other suggestions for good theatre schools in the Northeast, that don't necessarily have musical theater, but produce musicals, and offer dance courses. I am so sorry to spill all of this to you kind people...but truly, I don't know where else to turn to explain my dilemma. I LOVE theatre with every fiber of my being. And this situation is greatly upsetting me! Please help if you can!!!
Amy in VT</p>
<p>Dear Amy,
I would like to try and help you. And you are the first Vermonter besides me that I have seen on here so even more reason, LOL. </p>
<p>First, I think you see that there are differences between BA/BS and BFA programs. I don't know that there is much difference between BA and BS though. But you have not opted to apply to BFA programs for a reason I presume. You are taking a good "track" too by pursuing a BA or BS in a liberal arts program that may lead you to an eventual MFA program. Very few BA programs are musical theater. Most are theater. Skidmore is an excellent school for someone interested in theater in a liberal arts program. I am somewhat famliar with that school as my husband grew up in Saratoga and my inlaws still live there. In fact, every semester, as senior citizens, they audit Skidmore classes. If you see older folks in one of your classes next year, it might be them! As well, they attend many theater productions at Skidmore and my kids have seen a few as well. My theater kid even knows someone who went to Skidmore for theater. Even if the musicals are student run, they are considered very good. I think this is the common scenario if you pursue a BA/BS degree that focuses on theater itself. The department might not put on musicals but there are very good musicals put on at school. Other schools like this are Connecticut College, Tufts, Vassar, Williams, Smith, Brown, Yale and so on. Skidmore would be on many kids' lists who are looking to do a BA/BS in theater or dance, rather than a BFA. The nice thing at Skidmore is that they also have dance. So, I happen to think Skidmore is a very good option for you if not going for a BFA. I know a girl heading to Skidmore in the fall who takes voice with my daughter. This girl has been leads in many musicals in her part of Vermont and like my daughter, has won the State Scholarship for voice. She has a gorgeous voice. She did not pursue a BFA program. I know she is doing a program at Berklee this summer. My guess is that she is going to Skidmore as her sister goes there and her dad lives there midweek as he is a coach/teacher at the college. But I am sure she will be involved in musicals there next year. There will be kids of your talent there in this field, I can assure you. </p>
<p>As far as transferring, I know you can transfer into the BFA at Emerson, same with NYU. If you think you want to pursue a BFA, that is an option. </p>
<p>You bring up the issues that really deal with the BA vs. BFA decision. But it seems like you did not opt for a BFA and since you did not, Skidmore is certainly a strong undergraduate program in theater at a school where there is a lot of performing arts going on. This is a very good option for many students who do not want to do a professional degree program as an undergraduate. Not only do you have the liberal arts major in theater, but some schools, like Skidmore, have thriving extracurricular theater options. PLUS, while this is not the same, there are theater opportunities in the capital region that you could also audition for if you found you could fit that into your college life. I don't think that many BA degrees focus on musical theater itself, though there are a few like Indiana University, American, and others. I think at Skidmore you could take theater courses, dance courses, possibly voice (I'd have to look that up), and partake in many plays and musicals on campus. If you want MORE than that, then it means doing a BFA degree program. But if you are thinking of an eventual MFA degree, than a BA or BS now is an excellent option for this point in your education. </p>
<p>Perhaps you can take a drive over to Skidmore and talk to some in the department there and ask specific questions about options to do what you hope to do in college. I would not rule out this opportunity you were given, unless you have changed your mind and want a BFA. But you still could do this for a year and think about transferring if you are not satisfied. </p>
<p>Good luck and welcome to Vermont. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Amy,
I just checked out Skidmore's theater department on the web. Again, it is not going to be the same as a BFA degree but you knew that when you chose to apply for a degree in a liberal arts program. The BS is not different than a BA elsewhere. Did you notice that Skidmore was ranked ninth for college theater in Princeton Reviews 365 Best Colleges? I read their offerings. Remember, that even as a musical theater actress, acting is a component you need to study. They have that and they also have drama productions. The student run cabaret puts on musicals that theater students also participate in. They advise students interested in musical theater to take courses in the theater, music, and dance departments and thus you can piece together training in these three disciplines. They also encourage students to partake in area theaters and summer stock. I read what some of their alumni are doing. Check it out. I recognized one of them, Rena Strober. I knew her name as she is also an alum of my daughter's theater camp. She has played Cosette in Les Mis on Broadway so there is an example of someone who did this BS program who went onto Broadway. As well, many of their graduates go on to MFA programs like you are hoping to do. </p>
<p>I printed this excerpt for you from their FAQs:</p>
<p>3)*How often do you stage musicals? </p>
<p>Musical productions are not regularly produced by the department, although depending on the director's interests and the available talent, we have staged musicals and plays that incorporate a good deal of music. Students interested in studying musical theater are encouraged to take appropriate courses in the Theater, Music and Dance Departments. Students interested in musicals also have the opportunity to participate in the Cabaret Troupe, a student-run organization that performs a musical each semester. The Cabaret Troupe, however, is not connected to the Theater Department. </p>
<p>For someone who is opting to do a BA or BS, rather than a BFA, Skidmore is an excellent choice, it seems. Your "very" good finanicial aid offer makes it all that much sweeter.
Susan</p>
<p>Thank you so much Soozievt, for pointing out all the strong points of Skidmore. Hearing from someone else that Skidmore has a good program is very comforting and strengthening. =) I think that if I choose the right courses I can get the training in the areas that I need, and can sort of piece together my own musical theatre major, if you will. I think I was just having a momentary crisis in my head about college....hahaha...I feel good about my decision...and much better now, after reading your reply. It's true that Skidmore alumni have done well in theater, too. Like you mentioned Rena Strober, and I have heard some good things about her and the work she's done. I think that the BS program will work out well also...I think I opted for a liberal arts school in lieu of a BFA program because I am interested in taking other courses as well, such as English and foreign language courses. Sometimes I lose sight of that, though, because I love theatre so much!!
So thank you a million times for your response...it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear!
I'm curious...what part of VT are you from? And where does your daughter attend college?
For a time I lived in the Waterbury area of VT ad now I live in southern VT, so I've been around! =)</p>
<p>Amy....
I don't live anywhere near where you live now but I can email you about where I live now and am wondering if our paths have crossed given the region you lived in VT earlier. I have two daughters. One, who has done theater growing up but is not going into it for college, just finished her freshman year at Brown. The other is 16 but graduating high school early, this June. She will be entering NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for a BFA in Musical Theater (CAP21 studio). So, you and I are the VT contingent on this forum. </p>
<p>I am glad I helped you think through your decision to go to Skidmore. I truly believe from the little you shared about your goals for education, that you have made a wise choice. I wish you all the best. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Another vote of confidence for checking out Skidmore. My son (who ended up at NYU Tisch) considered Skidmore to be a strong option, in part because of the support and encouragement for double majoring. Also, caring, supportive, and creative faculty who value the arts. Add to that excellent dance and drama. It's a strong choice. I don't think BA vs BS matters.</p>
<p>Amy,</p>
<p>I am not far from the Saratoga area, about 30 minutes and know Skidmore well. I have taken dance classes there and spent a month at Saratoga Ballet two summers ago. There is also a great vocal teacher in the area too. It indeed has two great programs,-- dance and drama, actually dance studio teacher teaches some of the classes up there (Debra Draper Pigliavento) but it is true that the don't do musicals (there is a community theater group that is quite good that does musicals in Saratoga though). It is a great place to start off and wouldn't be a waste of your time.</p>
<p>I don't think it matters if it is a BA or BS at all either.</p>
<p>Do you know anything about Nazareth College in Rochester. They just started their MT program (BA) they have a great theater and music department but just starting their dance program. I was very impressed by the faculity at auditions.</p>
<p>There is also Pace University in NYC on rolling admissions and, and I think, Marymount Manhattan (NYC) may be as well.</p>
<p>Don't worry it all happens for a reason. </p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>
<p>.</p>
<p>My S is a junior and is starting to get serious about looking at MT/T programs at different schools. He is leaning more toward BFA, but I'm more familiar with a liberal arts approach, so I've been looking at programs and keep popping Skidmore onto his "look at this" list.</p>
<p>One of the things that caught my eye was the Study Abroad opportunity that they have. I was impressed with the depth and the connections. The Shakespeare Programme looks great and they are celebrating 10 years which means that it's pretty well established and should have some credibility and stability. The connection with BADA (British American Drama Academy) would seem to be a plus and I'd imagine that some of the students who've gone to London in the past have been MT types that wanted to keep up with voice, and dance...so I bet there are some resources that would help make it really fit for MT. </p>
<p>The advice that you've received about making an appointment with someone in the theater department is excellent. These are the folks that know the program inside and out. They also made the decision to accept you...they want your experience at Skidmore to be the best and are there to help you do that. </p>
<p>Best of luck. I'm sure you'll end up in the very best place at just the right time.</p>