<p>I think Cornish is worth a visit especially since it is truly different from your other options. momarmarino is right about the theatre talent that lives in Seattle and I’d be inclined to agree that outside of NYC, it is one of the deepest theatre talent pools. The proximity to Vancouver, BC (Lionsgate studios) also contributes to that. Anyway, with graduates like Lindsay Hedberg and Diana Huey (google them) they must be doing something right.</p>
<p>I am primarily a dancer and I have always heard that Cornish’s dance program is very strong, at least in the Modern Dance department. With former faculty such as Martha Graham and dance alumni such as Merce Cunningham and Ann Reinking, it seems to be pretty solid, at least. It really just depends on what you’re looking for: Ithaca’s musical theatre BFA did not sound anything like Cornish’s theatre program, yet I have a friend at Ithaca who is a beautiful singer and a great actress, and I know people who have watched Cornish alumni and students work and say they are some of the best. I think some people would thrive more at Ithaca than at Cornish and vice versa.</p>
<p>On a different note, I remember the auditor said that Cornish just got hold of a professional grade theatre that was in financial trouble so that the company has the theatre for summer productions and Cornish has it for the school year. I forgot exactly how many seats she said it had, but she said it was a great size for large productions. I’m interested to see what broadway95 discovers on her trip to Cornish (:</p>
<p>I believe Cornish was selected by a Seattle Center advisory committee to take over the Seattle Center Playhouse space which had been home to the Intiman Theatre. The Intiman’s tenancy was ending in 2012. If you look at the theatre calendar it does seem that Cornish is performing there in much of April but I don’t know officially what the status is. Perhaps broadway95 will get that scoop too.</p>
<p>I’ve always heard that their dance program was very strong too but it’s not a world I know a ton about.</p>
<p>Cornish does indeed have a fabulous dance program. The problem is, it is not integrated into the MT program. They are separate programs. Cornish did not do actual productions in the past - and I don’t know if they will now do so. They are trying to build a new MT program, and we can hope they do well, as we need more programs in the US and Seattle particularly needs a place for the amazing talent of our region to teach, learn, share, etc. </p>
<p>Broadway95- I sent you a PM but I am not sure if I am doing it right. I am admitting my lack of savvy here for all to see!! ;-)</p>
<p>prntosome-I did get your pm…thanks.</p>
<p>They must be doing actual productions now because we are going to see one when we are there.</p>
<p>BTW broadway95 - I’d love to hear your views on Cornish once you visit. IF you swing back through this thread, let us know!</p>
<p>Well since I’m stuck at the airport with a plane delay I might as well put out my D’s impression. First of all we loved the city of Seattle. As far as Cornish goes I can understand why people would be attracted to it especially the original works program. As far as the MT concentration program goes they are still trying to develop it. They are lacking in the vocal area and do not have enough dance as part of the major…however you can take electives in any of the other areas as part of your education. Although dance is not a priority the movement classes are very good. we did see a show and you could tell acting and movement were their strength but vocals were not. Also there is not a lot of performance opportunities according to current students. You definitely have to like the artsy crowd and remember they only have arts majors there. If anyone wants further info feel free to ask.</p>
<p>Thanks for reporting back broadway. This is what we have heard, so you are confirming it. Seattle is a fabulous town for sure and we can only hope that Cornish continues to grow a strong program. I tell you - one is needed in this town. There is so much fabulous theatre here, but no strong MT program.</p>
<p>Kind of late posting here. I know very little about Cornish but love Seattle. We are from the east side of the state with little out here for theater. So my daughter and I have spent a lot of time in Seattle doing things. It is true that Seattle is great for the theatre scene. Did anyone mention how many shows originated at the 5th Avenue Theatre and then moved on to Tony award winning musicals on Broadway? I too wish there was more here in Washington. My daughter made the same decision as momarmario’s. She didn’t want to go to Cornish and I am not sure why. I think she wanted the experience of a campus type college since she has been homeschooled.</p>