Colleges for Musical Theater - PART 39 !

College Majors Musical Theater Major
621

<p>Hey, noccadad and musicman6887 - We'll look for you on the audition road this year! I totally agree that this site has been integral to our planning and learning about MT programs - better than anything else published anywhere specific to this area, in my opinion, and we had done quite a bit of attempted research before I found this site a year ago. Let's stick with it and do this together - looking forward to it. </p>

<p>Thanks to all of you who have gone before who have been so very helpful in sharing wonderful information! You all are my best friends these days!</p>

622

<p>Seeing how fast my post got a reply sparked an idea/question.</p>

<p>Has anyone ever tried to run a live musical theatre chat (CC or not)?</p>

<p>I recently had dinner with someone I met on the forum who lived in my area (sort of a blind date with our families) and found the back and forth conversation extremely promotive of informative conversatioon.</p>

<p>If this hasn't happened maybe someone should look into it. We could set a time and date and have all the people auditioning this year together in a chat room for instance.</p>

<p>Anyone have any thoughts?</p>

623

<p>musicman 6887</p>

<p>Best of luck to all of you doing this college search. I have known many kids that have gone off to college seeking their degree in music theatre. And the best lesson learned is that what is right for one student may not be best for another. That is why it is so important to try to sort out and do as much research as you can. You may hear of one student that is unhappy at a certain program but I am sure that there are other students that are very happy there. There are so many factors to think about as no two students are alike. Some want more academics, some would rather have a program stong in acting where another may want a program that has an emphasis on voice. Think about your strengths and interests and then try to find a program that seems to be the best fit for you...not just what others are saying are the best for them.</p>

624

<p>Although I am new to this board, I was delighted to find it, esp. since I "recognize" many of the S's and D's you all talk about (the ones now in college - I see many of them through my visits to my own students at various conservatory schools). And I, too, was very dismayed by the negativity that seeped in over the past week or so. I think that happy days said it beautifully:</p>

<p>"And the best lesson learned is that what is right for one student may not be best for another...Think about your strengths and interests and then try to find a program that seems to be the best fit for you."</p>

<p>I'd like to add that each school really has a pretty specific "vibe" that encompasses their particular strength as a training institution (acting at CMU and total musicianship at UM are just 2 examples), the general student "attitude" (and I DON'T mean this derogatorily - just the general interests and focus of the students), and the school environment as a whole (New York's unlimited excitement at NYU and Juilliard, the Div. I Sports/fraternity and sorority/"real college" excitement of Syracuse, FSU, and UM, etc.). As I said, these are all GENERALIZATIONS - of course no school takes ONLY kids with similar talents or personalities, and you'll find fierce actors at UM and amazing musicians at CMU. However, years of guiding students through the MT admission/audition process has shown me that each auditionee generally finds schools where they just "feel right." It may be TOUGH to realize that, for one or more of the above reasons, your DREAM school just doesn't feel like as good a "fit" as another place once you really spend time at each - and of course it's even tougher to audition unsuccessfully for a school that remains your dream school throughout your audition process. But I ALWAYS tell my students, "Things happen for a reason - you'll end up where you're meant to end up." So, like happy days says, DO YOUR RESEARCH! VISIT the schools (before you audition, if possible), GO TO CLASS, talk to students, and if at all possible, talk to alumni of schools - often they are more objective about their experiences after they have been working (or trying to get work) in the biz for awhile. If you do all of this, you WILL hear certain "reputations" emerge for various programs, some good and some bad, so try to filter those and focus on what speaks to YOU, the auditionee. And BEWARE of ANY school that tells you they are the #1 MT school - there is NO such classification! Several programs currently have big numbers of working actors out there - and the funny thing is, the students from the top schools mostly get along REALLY well - after all, they end up working together a lot doing summer stock during their college years. Listen to what the school tells you they do well, not what they "do better than other schools" - because in my experience, that info is nearly ALWAYS erroneous. For example, one top school told a student of mine, who was choosing between this school and another to which she'd been admitted, that students at the "other" school had to audition for their senior showcase - which is TOTALLY untrue! And any school that rips on others is simply being unprofessional - which doesn't bode well for the kind of professionalism the school imparts to its students!!!</p>

<p>I have NO affiliation with any one MT school - I feel like I have true objectivity (if that's EVER possible ; ) because I have "kids" at so many of the top MT schools. </p>

<p>In conclusion, a true story (can you tell I love telling true stories?) ; ) Earlier this evening, I was at a grad party for a male student who got into CMU (for acting, not MT) but didn't get into Juilliard. In attendance was his best friend, also a male, who got into Juilliard but didn't get into CMU. I'm sure most of you know CMU and Juilliard are pretty unarguably the strongest acting schools in the country - so who's to explain this mystery of each of them being "good enough" for one school but NOT for the other? Obviously, even the most talented students can get rejected (oh how I hate that word as it relates to this sensitive process) from top schools if the "fit" isn't quite there. So remember my story, do YOUR research, give your audition material YOUR best shot - and let the schools do the rest - cause they really do know where you best fit!</p>

625

<p>CoachC-</p>

<p>Just curious. You mentioned two male students, one got into CMU the other Juilliard. Is the one that got accepted to Juilliard stronger at classical material and the other, (accepted CMU) stronger at contemporary material?</p>

626

<p>I will ask them tomorrow (we have a "talk about theatre" dinner planned) - only one is my student - the other is from several states away and this is only the 2nd time I've met him. I will report back if I have any info that might be helpful.</p>

627

<p>Hello! ive stumbled across this site a few weeks ago, and since I'm going to be auditioning for acting programs (not MT, sorry :-) ) next year, I'm very interested!</p>

<p>anyway...I decided to post b/c I have a question about the CMU/Juilliard discussion. So I know that they are considered the top acting programs in the country, but I have heard that one reason to consider CMU over Juilliard, if you were to hypothetically get into both (ya right, I wish) is that CMU's alumni network is stronger. Ya, of course Juilliard has some pretty successful alumni, but since CMU has MT, acting, directing, and design, there are more people to network with and help you get started once you graduate. I guess that this also affects the enviroment of the school, meaning that there is more student-student collaboration because of the different disciplines at Carnegie. What do you think about this (calling wct and coachc)??</p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>

628

<p>Thank you for bringing this board back to where it needs to be. :)</p>

<p>I've found that the "fit" of a school with a student is absolutely the most important element in whether or not a student is accepted into a particular program Many talented kids have been rejected from top notch programs, while other, less experienced kids have been accepted based on the "fit" and the "environment" of the theater department. The worse thing a student could do is doubt themsevles (as I have) because talent is talent and will be recognized somewhere. For me it was with the Vocal Performance degree. For others, it will be BFA and/or BA programs.</p>

<p>I do think, in retrospect, however, that researching a number of schools is vitally important. Take some classes, meet with faculty and staff, talk to a LOT of students and see if this is where YOU would be comfortable. Don't let boards like CC sway you from what you think might be a good fit for you. Many students are afraid to audition for certain schools because they don't have the reputation of others, but they end up being perfect "fits". Case in point.....a good friend of mine wanted to go to a community college that offered a GREAT musical theater program. Their productions were top-notch, the faculty was wonderful and there was a lot of one-on-one with the students. It would also enable my friend to stay at home another couple of years (she really wasn't ready to be away), have a part-time job to help with expenses, etc. The atmosphere of the school was great, and it would have been a perfect "fit". She also has a LOT of experience in professional theater and has earned almost every credit necessary through the EMC program. Life was looking good. But, she decided to go the audition route for larger programs because people felt community college was a waste of time and "wasn't good enough", so to speak. Well, she was rejected from 4 out of 5 programs (the acceptance came from a smaller college). She was totally devastated despite having been successful in theater. It totally wiped out her confidence, and she went through a lot of self-doubt and unnecessary hurts. </p>

<p>She ended up at the community college, had time to perform both at school and in regional theater, stayed at home where she was able to keep a part-time job and save money, etc., etc., etc. She decided to pursue NYC after getting her AA degree, rather than transferring to a 4-year university, and was cast in the chorus of the Broadway production of "Mamma Mia".</p>

<p>Moral of story......there are a number of ways to achieving success in this business and each student/actor must find their way individually. </p>

<p>When I decided to pursue a BM degree, I loved musical theater, but knew music was right for me. (Previous posts attest to this). After reading these boards, I began to doubt myself and my ambitions because so many parents and kids here are MT all the way. And that's great. Best of luck to all of them. But, each student must decide for THEMSELVES what is right for THEM. </p>

<p>Good luck to everybody.</p>

629

<p>"So, Gabby, -- give the word to Midgetmom, Megsmom, Starsmom, Friendsofstar and Pookie87, and anyone else you may be:"</p>

<p>I'd like to know how in the heck you can accuse me of such a thing? It's all just based on assumptions and on what you call being a good "detective". You really have no idea what you are talking about and have ruined my good name and reputation on this forum.</p>

630

<p>hayhayden-</p>

<p>I would say that the best acting school is the one that fits you best. Visit both. Ask questions. compare curriculum. Talk to current students. Talk to alumni. Meet and talk to the professors. No matter what school/program, it is all what you make out of your time there that counts.</p>

<p>The only other thought would be that you should go somewhere that will work to your weakness' as an actor as well as your strengths. Don't take the easy road. And make sure you are in a place where you feel safe to fail.</p>

631

<p>I hope the last two pages don't make it so that people from the top programs don't want to post anymore. I asked birdboy782 some questions about CMU and he never responded once the controversy started. It's cool when the students post but it would be cooler if they would just say what their school does and answer questions instead of disagreeing "200%." Everybody has an opinion about things and those opinions can tell you lots about the way kids in different programs thnk. I would like to think that if a Juilliard student decided to post, he could say what he thought without getting jumped on as long as he didn't attack another program. I saw where another CMU student quit posting here after like the third time someone accused him of being "uppity" when he was just giving his opinion. I think some of you should assume that nobody is trying to belittle other students or programs and quit trying to pick random things apart because something in the tone rubbed you wrong.</p>

632

<p>I actually found it very interesting to read perspectives from current students and so I hope this and other posters like him will keep posting. Of course, one needs to be careful that while espousing one's own program, to not devalue others but it is also very interesting (for me anyway) to read why a student opted to pick program X over program Y. Whenever you talk to current students, you gain so much but also have to remember that each person has different priorities and is coming from a different point of view or perspective. But once you get past that, it is very helpful to read what current students are saying. It is always best to hear from several students, not one, to glean better perspective. I hope we continue to hear from more students. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

633

<p>I agree with SoozieVt. I think hearing from students currently in programs is so valuable. I, for one, thought that what Birdboy shared about the training at CMU and what he knows of their graduates' experiences was honest, fair and intelligently written. While I also have concerns about instances of what may seem to be "dissing" other programs simply as way of elevating one's own, I think hearing the logic behind why a student chose one program over another is really useful. When we read these descriptions we must remember that they are just the varied opinions of many different students and parents, all of whom have unique needs and preferences. There are good and not such good things about every program, the so-called "Ivies" included. What one student considers to be challenging, another may consider too stressful. What one student values as a nurturing,supportive environment may be seen by another as not nearly intense enough.</p>

<p>We all know how important it will be for our children who have chosen to make a go of it in this business to develop thicker skin - to not take every rejection (amd maybe even every success?) quite so seriously or personally. We would all do well to heed our own advice and not interpret each positive program description we read as purposefully demeaning to one in which we have a more personal investment.</p>

<p>Tripletreat - I'm guessing that nothing that has been written here has scared Birdboy away. He is clearly a talented and intelligent young man who will get around to answering your questions when he can if he thinks he has something to offer.</p>

634

<p>After spending a good amount of time reading these threads, I must say that, while it's great to hear from "students", I think birdboys post was not of any use. Anytime you come out and say that you are "200%" correct and that you stating "the facts", it's hard to take someone serious. It's great to have support for your school, but when you take that stand, why would I want to believe him?</p>

<p>Also..there is a post on Broadwayworld.com by a guy who claims he is a CCM student. His screen name is "birdlives". A little odd, I think. How do we know he's (or birdboy) are actually students?</p>

635

<p>I think you are being a little ridiculous in trying to put two different people together from two different boards just because you don't "believe" what they're saying. Of course there is no way to see who is really real, etc., but I saw no problem with what birdboy was talking about, and I really enjoyed reading his opinion of his own school. What stand did he take? The stand that he likes his school? Great! And he told us why he liked his school! Nothing wrong with that.</p>

636

<p>Hey,</p>

<p>I'm a Juilliard student -- don't think I've ever posted here before, but I sort of wandered upon this site...it's sort of amazing. Anyhow, just wanted to interject that we too have a really terrific alumni network. It's not perfect -- actually, it's something the school is working really hard on strengthening, they're talking about setting up a sort of mentoring program for recent grads with people who've been out of school a few years, they're setting up some seminars, etc -- but you develop incredibly close ties to the actors you're working with and around for four years, and when you get of school, you remember each other. A lot of students actually continue to work together after graduation, starting companies together, pulling for each other in casting, etc. It's terrific. Right now, I'm doing a series of readings and when there were a couple roles available, I jumped at the chance to get two of my classmates parts -- and then I found out that one of my cast members graduated from Juilliard like thirty years ago...it's an instant bond. We actually had some of the same teachers, which is amazing. </p>

<p>And while we don't have design students, we do have absolutely incredible writing and directing programs, which I'm not sure many people are aware of. They are, admittedly, extremely small -- the school accepts about 4 writers and 2 directors each year -- but the actors work very closely with them, and the opportunity to work with these young artists is probably my favorite thing about the school. Particularly the writers program, which is run by Chris Durang and Marsha Norman, is amazing. These playwrights, all on fellowships, are unbelievably talented, and we get the first crack at a lot of their work in readings and workshop productions. It's so exciting to know that you're getting the absolute first chance to do material that you have a feeling is going to be Really Big some day...and the writers absolutely develop relationships with actors, writing with us in mind sometimes, and definitely pulling for us later when they're getting their work done. </p>

<p>David Auburn actually started working on Proof while at Juilliard, and the girl who played Catherine in the reading went on to understudy both that role (and the other young female part) on Broadway. </p>

<p>And same goes with the directors...you develop relationships with everyone which count for a lot out in the real world. We also have the chance to work with a lot of outside professional working directors -- almost all our shows are directed by people outside of the Juilliard faculty, which is great for a ton of reasons: a) it's just a breath of fresh air to work with someone who you haven't been in class with for a billion years b) it's so important to constantly get new perspectives and experience as many different people and ways of working as you can c) it's can be nice to go into rehearsal without a prior relatinoship with the director -- because while that history is so valuable and can be comforting, it can also be refreshing and exciting to get the chance to reinvent yourself d) often it's those outside directors who cast you when you get out of school. These are often some pretty high profile people doing really exciting work.</p>

<p>So there's an alumni network, but there's also the contacts you develop among the faculty -- who are working in the business -- and the directors for your shows. So there's quite a lot of contacts going on. </p>

<p>That's just one of the many reasons I think Juilliard is a pretty great place; contacts are, in my opinion, the least of what an actor training program should be about...but no one would argue they're a nice bonus. :-) </p>

<p>Anyway, just my two cents on the "alumni network" question about Juilliard versus CMU (about whose alumni network I know absolutely nothing) -- hope this was at least a bit helpful and/or interesting. :-)</p>

637

<p>Hey annabelera, thanks for the GREAT info! I just found this board recently too and I think its great! Hope you'll stick around and offer some more great tidbits of information...</p>

638

<p>and now i have the first question for annabelera (if you are up for answering some!). So, one of the interesting things about Juilliard is that the acting program takes people who already have a bachelor's degree as well as those straight from high school. Which group were you in? Do you think it would benefit a HS grad to work with older people straight out of HS?</p>

639

<p>Hey Anna, thanks for sharing. It is so fascinating to read first hand accounts by students. </p>

<p>By any chance, I am simply guessing now...but based on your posting name, plus how well you write and the thoughtfulness in your post, I am wondering if I know you! My daughter's friend from the past, though older than herself, but with whom she went to Stagedoor Manor....if you are her? If so, this is Susan, her mom from Vermont. If we ran into each other now on this forum too, that is pretty funny (as we have posted with one another on a different one a long time ago). I don't want to give my D's name on here but if you are who I am guessing, then the info. I just wrote is enough for you to get who I mean. If it IS you, I would love to hear how you are doing and if so, I was at SDM today!</p>

640

<p>Wow, that was fast!</p>

<p>Yes, that's true, our program accepts people at any age. Most classes are split pretty evenly, a mix between people straight out of high school, people who have a couple years of college under their belt and transferred, or took a few years off after high school and are now ready to start training, and people who have graduated college and beyond (a number of people take a couple years off even after getting their degrees before they decide they want to pursue further training). I'm a big fan of the age range, though of course there are pros and cons to it. </p>

<p>Juilliard students tend to be incredibly varied in every way -- I think it so funny when people talk about their being a "Juilliard type" of actor...because you will never ever ever see a room of people more completely different than a class at Juilliard. I think maybe twenty years ago things were a little more homogenous...now they make an incredible effort to put together an ensemble of different people. Age diversity is a big part of that. </p>

<p>It's definitely different to have thirty year olds learning and working in the same room with 17 year olds, and it's difficult at first, particularly for the older students who tend to feel like they "know" a lot already and can be frustrated having to deal with starting over, or with "kids." however, everyone has a tremendous amount to learn from each other -- the older students bring a real dedication and strength (it takes real guts and commitment to go back to school when you're older...or if people are using it as a grad program, they tend to have really evaluated things and know that This is What They Want) and the younger ones often have a freedom and vitality and freshness that's so important.</p>

<p>These are of course GROSS generalizations -- maturity and personal characteristics are so different from person to person...there was actually a guy in my class who was 16 (!!!!) when he entered the program. he was homeschooled (did a lot of professional theater as a kid) and graduated early. And he is one of the most astoundingly mature people I know. And of course there are older people in the program who are totally playful, free-spirited babies. :-) So it's silly for me to try to make global statements.</p>

<p>I think having the age difference is great though, because it gives us a much greater variety of experience as a group and an ensemble, and allows us to really learn from each other. It also really reinforces something the school tells you constantly, which is that everyone is in a completely different place and your journey through the program is Your Own -- that it's not about what anyone else is doing, or how you compare, it's about finding your process and developing your individual artistry at your rate. And because we all enter the program at such drastically different places, both in acting experience and in life, that just HAS to be the case. </p>

<p>I came into the program at age 17 and love being around the older people, though I've always had friends who are older than me anyway. But I find that after a while, the age differences sort of recede...it's like a family, you know? You know everyone's age, and it's part of your information about them, but you relate to them as people. You work with them so closely that no matter where you fit chronologically in the age range, you're all peers. </p>

<p>(Sooievt, of course I know who you are, and I am indeed who you think I am! That's so funny to run into you again here...and I can see from perusing previous posts that your daughter -- so funny to refer to her like that -- has had a pretty tumultuous time lately...lots of fabulous success and lots of unbelievable trials...I'm so impressed with all that she's accomplished and how well she's come through the last months...give her my best!)</p>