<p>because there are so many knowledgeable folks on the board ...I was hoping to get some outside viewpoints on two MT programs that we will have to make a decision between -- namely, Indiana U. and TCU. Son has visited both; has names of students to chat with etc.
so far, our thinking goes somewhat like this: IU is a relatively new Bfa but has a longtime leader in G. Pinney and seemingly a good level of cooperation between the Jacobs school of music and the theater program (not perfect but a work in progress.. with emphasis on the word "making progress" it seems). R. Fellman and Terry in voice and musical direction seem strong and vastly experienced. Acceptances in this year's class show the school competing with the likes of Elon, Ithaca and others for students...solid company to be sure. Have also heard that grad students teach some beginning acting classes (perhaps this isn't too unusual) but that's a mild concern.
TCU is in DFW area, big regional theater market. Leadership there seems strong in Dr. H. Parker and they have upgraded facilities very recently, as has IU with a new dance facility used by MT students.
any other thoughts; it seems these two are where my S is leaning. would appreciate any ideas.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the other school but IF you can get in and IF you can afford it, I don’t think you could go wrong with TCU. We visited and really liked it a lot - we didn’t get enough money to consider it, though, alas.</p>
<p>It is one of the few BA programs in a school that also offers BFAs that I would consider letting D pursue a BA if she’d actually wanted the BFA; they will consider a BA’s petition to get into the BFA program and two different people told me they base it on the student’s progression and improvement and work ethic, etc, not on if they “have a spot open.” If they get to know the kid and see that they really would belong in the BFA program they’ll move them there.</p>
<p>If you are looking for merit aid, they weigh community service and volunteer/leadership experience considerably more than almost any other school we looked at. Some schools care more than others about such things, they definitely do weigh that along with stats.</p>
<p>Lots of really good regional theater in DFW. TCU is in Ft Worth. Just a note. Don’t say “Dallas” when you mean “Ft Worth.” It really annoys natives of Ft Worth. I have first hand experience with this. ;-)</p>
<p>appreciate the private message input; just to clarify TCU degree is Bfa theatre degree (emphasis MT); Indiana of course if BFA MT …still waiting to hear from four or 5 other schools</p>
<p>So he is already accepted? That’s fantastic. :-)</p>
<p>You know, you might consider if an overnight visit to each school can be squeezed there. We have found that a fantastic way to really get a handle on what the school is like.</p>
<p>we have been to both schools but that was earlier in the process; for months this was a fun game of what if…now, as the “in” and “out” responses from the schools trickle in, it makes all it all the more serious business and we become victims of euphoria one day and downer the next. and waiting for the final four responses is getting hard…
We visited TCU when no classes were in session months ago. probably it’s wise to go back and see classes, meet other students in person, etc.
Indiana visit was last year plus – the audition weekend earlier this month, which thankfully was successful. It was a very positive experience thanks in large part to the graciousness of Scott Jones, recruiting coordinator par excellence, who herded parents around and answered lots of questions – most of them numerous times.
I think a visit to one or both places again would clarify many things and kinda bring a really good excited vibe back into the equation. and that seems important right about now</p>