CSU Fullerton

<p>i just got some more information about the CSFU Summer Program. I had no idea that it was "High School Musical" haha. I played "Troy Bolton" for one of the productions i was in. I just thought it was kind of freaky and all. But still, I know that I will learn a lot at CSFU Summer Program. I'm just still shocked because I went to CSFU for a choir festival and i totally remember seeing a flyer. no idea it was the summer program! haha. just thought i might share that with you guys.</p>

<p>Our D has performed a lead in 3 shows with SRO and is a student at CSUF. The quality of direction and performance is just GREAT! Gary Krinke is a wonderful mentor, teacher and director. You can't go wrong doing the summer program.</p>

<p>TimaeusLe:</p>

<p>And flyerband's daughter is fan-friggin-TASTIC! The caliber of talent that you will be working with at SRO will be high; the education, strong; and the students, nice as can be. You'll enjoy the time, and will benefit a great deal, I have no doubt.</p>

<p>Glad you found it useful.</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>Say hello to Gary Krinke from me, if you would?</p>

<p>eve</p>

<p>Not sure why, but this question came through to my email, but is not posted online...</p>

<p>Dear Prof. Himmelheber,</p>

<p>Zereno has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - CSU Fullerton - in the California State University, Fullerton forum of College Discussion.</p>

<p>This thread is located at:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=83738&goto=newpost%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=83738&goto=newpost&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Here is the message that has just been posted:</p>

<hr>

<p>Hi! I don't know if your still posting on here professor... but I had a few questions. I am a hopeful transfer student (with an AA in theatre) who is looking at your acting program. I was just trying to clarify what the process would be if I did get accepted into Fullerton. So, say I apply and was accepted into Fullerton... I would then join the sophmore class of theatre hopefuls...and from there I would have one year to train, and then audition for a BFA program? Correct? And say I do not pass the auditions... what would my options be from there? Thanks for reading!</p>

<hr>

<p>In answer, students who have taken the prereqs with appropriate grades CAN jury in May for junior-level BFA admission in the fall...if they don't pass the juries, they can repeat their sophomore level courses here, then jury again the following May. This is the only exception to the "you only get to jury once" rule.</p>

<p>You can also choose to enter the program as a sophomore, take whatever courses you are deficient in or that would better prepare you for the juries, before jurying in May.</p>

<p>It's your choice.</p>

<p>eve</p>

<p>I am so excited that I applied here as an incoming Freshman for Fall 2008!
This program was highly reccomended by the Director of my school's theatre program.
I am ANXIOUSLY waiting to see if my application was accepted!!</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>I was accepted to Fullerton about a month ago for fall 2008! I'm highly considering the musical theater program! How do you guys feel about the Fullerton BFA program compared to UC Irvine or UCLA BA?</p>

<p>JuliaMTgrl - I would really recommend visiting all three schools, especially if you are in CA and can afford a road trip :). Each school is very, very different from the other, and since this really is all about the right "fit", only you can make the ultimate call. We know quite a few of very talented kids who have graduated from UC Irvine and are very successful in local theatres. Fullerton is known here in CA for putting on good productions, but I don't know much about the program and the school itself. I would venture to say that UCLA is not necessarily the best choice between the three for MT if that is what your first love it. Obviously it is a fantastic academic school with a highly regarded reputation (and very, very competitive). UC Irvine also carries that "UC stamp" which may or many not be important to you. Lots of things to think about, but easier if you have met or at least seen the facilities where you would spend the next 4 years :). Good luck!</p>

<p>The "UC stamp" isn't necessarily important to me (although it has been ingrained in my head, haha). MT is my priority and I am just trying to find good MT programs in California (I live in LA). NYU Tisch, BoCo, and CMU are my first choices, but they are very far, very expensive, and very competitive! Three things not in my favor! </p>

<p>Thank you for your thoughts! :)</p>

<p>I personally feel that the Acting MFAs at UCI get the lion's share of roles - and they take about 8 students EACH year. These grads are guaranteed at least one role per QUARTER (though they will often be cast MORE than that).</p>

<p>We have grads, too, but we take only 8 students EVERY OTHER year, and guarantee them casting in the mainstage season, too - one role each SEMESTER (as we do for all our BFA Actors and MT students). But these grads are almost always cast in the plays, not the musicals - because we also guarantee our MT BFA kids casting each semester (one of the perks of a small, selective group advanced into the BFA programs, starting in their junior year). We also promise a substantial role in a musical production to our BFAs before they graduate. Our MT students also perform in plays here, naturally - they are some of the best actors we have!</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>UCI is a BA (liberal arts degree) in Drama, not a BFA (a more intensified study). They have one dance class
We now have a spring Showcase, where the school takes the graduating BFA MT kids to NYC, and perform a showcase for invited agents and casting people. The school pays all expenses except food (which you'd pay if you were at home anyway). And only the Sr. BFA MT students can participate. </p>

<p>UCI does a showcase, but it is ONLY for their MFA Actors; not much help to the MT students. They also have their New York Experience - a four-week intensive in NYC each year, where the students, who pay for the trip and the classes, study with pros and see theatre. This isn't going to necessarily help their careers, except that they'll be studying in NYC for two weeks (something anyone could do on their own, with enough money).</p>

<p>UCI does two musicals each year, and one revue. CSUF does at least two musicals each year (this year we've tried to add an intimate musical in our satellite theatre facility, Grand Central, in addition to the two mainstage shows). This fall we did a West Coast premiere of a new musical, I MARRIED WYATT EARP (11 women, and 2 professional guest artists), and A NEW BRAIN (the intimate show - all BFA MT students - and it was invited to extend it's run at another local theatre with PAY for the cast!); and this spring we are producing CITY OF ANGELS (again, all BFA MT students and "wannabes," those who haven't yet auditioned for the BFA at the end of their sophomore year. No grads in any of these shows! The grads are playing leads in the plays. One of our senior BFA MTs is cast as a lead in the play AS IT IS IN HEAVEN).</p>

<p>UCI doesn't audition kids until you've been accepted and arrive on campus; so you don't know whether you're working at an advanced level, or ANY for that matter. CSUF takes all who are accepted, give them two years of coursework (only auditions required are in the sophomore year performance courses: acting and musical theatre), and then audition for admission to the BFA program...the students know by then whether or not they are competitive in this department, and even if they aren't advanced to the BFA in MT, they can be advanced intp the BFA Acting, or choose to emphasize in a different area (most popular is directing, stage management, and general theatre studies - all BA degrees, like UCI and UCLA). And students not advanced into BFA programs are still cast in mainstage productions; they aren't social outcasts or performing pariahs, but rather we don't have enough space for all the talented kids who want to study in the BFAs (only 10 taken into junior-level MT each year)</p>

<p>UCLA is not a BFA study...it, too, is a BA (liberal arts degree) with emphasis on Musical Theatre. There, you will experience the same crunch for casting when competing with grad students. And you will audition for the MT Emphasis program at the end of your Freshman or beginning of your Sophomore year. Their website states "The number of juniors admitted varies each year and is based on sophomore attrition."</p>

<p>Anyway, I'm rambling a bit - too much revelry last evening, perhaps? If there is anything that you aren't sure of, ask. And take MTgrlsmom's advise - see for yourself. The atmosphere at varying institutions can be a vastly different experience, and you need to find out where you feel most "at home," before spending time and money committing to any program.</p>

<p>Best wishes,</p>

<p>eve</p>

<p>If anyone has questions regarding CSUF's MT program, feel free to contact me as I was an MT major there for 2 years! As far as Irvine vs. CSUF vs. UCLA...definitely UCLA. Haven't heard much about Irvine's program as I know it is fairly new and still building it's reputation. It's always good to look at the school's alumni success...UCLA definitely beats the other two! If dance is your passion...Fullerton has a great dance program...I was blessed to have a great acting instructor by the name of David Newer but sadly, he no longer teaches there. I decided not to "jury" into the BFA musical theatre program as it wasn't exactly a fit for me. I wanted more of a challenge so I am pursuing my degree at one of the top MT programs in the country (Boston Conservatory) this Fall. If you are seeking to be challenged in voice and acting, I advise you to not settle. Like I said Cal State Fullerton has a great dance program!!</p>

<p>Hello Everyone! I'm a student a Theatre major at Cal State Fullerton right now, and I ould love to answer any questions. I would also like to defend my school in response to the last post. CSUF has an AMAZING program. I'm sorry Fitch, but while it does have a great dance program, we also have fantastic acting teachers. ( Who have studied with students of Stanislavski and master teachers themselves.) As far as it not being challenging enough, maybe that's a personal thing, because this program expects a lot out of you, and it gives a lot in return. I am so glad I chose to go to this school. The teachers here are so passionate about what they do, and I'm experiencing so much. PLEASE, any questions, feel free to e-mail me, or ask me on here. I would love to help, as I know this can be a tough decision.</p>

<p>Sorry, but I have to counter the claim that Fullerton is "not challenging," as can be confirmed by our alumni list (and our BFA is less than 10 years old!):</p>

<p>ALUMNI</p>

<p>Marc Cherry creator Desperate Housewives
Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds series regular)</p>

<p>Broadway:
Mara Davi actress (Maggie) A Chorus Line
(Janet Van De Graaff) The Drowsy Chaperone
Upcoming: (Nanette) in Encores!’ No, No, Nanette
Dashaun Young actor (Simba) The Lion King
Ryan Sander dance captain Momma Mia
Noah Rivera actor Wicked<br>
Eric Gunhus actor The Producers<br>
Linda Griffin actress The Drowsy Chaperone<br>
Dana Meller actress Les Miserables
Larry Daggett actor Ragtime
Linda Emond actress 1776, Homebody/Kabul<br>
Emily Mitchell actress Hairspray<br>
Landon Beard actor Altar Boyz<br>
Paul Hadobas actor, Jekyll and Hyde
Elinor O'Connell actress Aspects of Love
Elise Santora actress Tom Sawyer
Linda Wolverton writer Beauty and the Beast, Aida</p>

<p>National Tours and Other
Wichasta Reese actress Rent
Megan Bayha actress Camelot
Angelina Holliman actress Camelot
Ryan Nearhoff actor Almost Heaven
Elinore O’Connell actress Les Miserables
Lindsay Nickerson actress Peter Pan
Trevor Illingworth actor Fosse (International)
Brad Standley actor Hair (Europe)
Steve Janji actor Hair (Europe)
Michael Christe actor Hair (Europe)
Nicole Nesbitt actress, Grease (Europe)
David Gordon actor, Grease (Europe)
Erin Mosher actress Mamma Mia! (Las Vegas)
Marshall Carolan actor Mamma Mia! (Las Vegas)
Michael Haayen ensemble Jubilee (Las Vegas)
Karen Wight actor The Screwtape Letters (Off-Broadway)
Shanon Mills Mask (musical, current world premiere, Pasadena Playhouse, director Richard Maltby, Jr.)
Jennifer Hubilla Kim in Miss Saigon (National tour and Cameron Macintosh London/UK tour)
Mara Davi Gabrielle "Gaby" Gerard in Dancing in the Dark (opposite Scott Bakula - Old Globe, San Diego - before moving to Broadway)</p>

<p>Not too shaby for a lil' ol' state school.</p>

<p>I've spoken to several students auditioning for MT schools in California. MANY stated Cal State Fullerton was their "backup" school. There is a reason for this. While some extremely talented individuals come out of CSUF and get work (Mara Davi) (and Megan Bayha will surely be a force to reckon with), the alumni list isn't nearly as extensive or notable as the top tier MT programs in the country (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Boston Conservatory, University of Michigan, NYU). I guess my message was directed for those wanting an extra "push" in their musical theatre training. Best of luck to everyone and NEVER give up your dreams :)</p>

<p>Sure, the program expects a lot out of you. if you get the BFA. </p>

<p>And I would be interested to see how many of those "alumni" actually graduated.... Most of them, you will find, left after 2 years...</p>

<p>As a current freshman, I am a number in a crowd. What kind of environment is that for such an open, vulnerable art form as theatre is? My philosophy is CSUF makes a really good back-up school. If you get there and your happy, great, this school works for some people. </p>

<p>If not, transfer. </p>

<p>For more on CSUF, PM me.</p>

<p>Hello Eve!!! I can not believe that Cal State Fullerton would be considered "not "challenging" either. I too am a freshman, as I have pointed out, and I am more then happy with the training I have recieved. As far as trying to make points about people leaving after two years to be in a production, well isn't that fantastic? That people who have trained in the first two years at CSUF are being sought out!!?? Also, I don't feel like a number in the crowd at all. My teachers know exactly who I am, and I have excellent relationships with all of them. CSUF is not a "back-up school." I'm afraid that if you're looking for an easy ride, you have chosen the wrong school. PLEASE know it's really easy to focus on the negative comments, instead of see the great things right in front of you.</p>

<p>CSUF works for some people, and if it works for you, that's great.
My main problem is that there's such a need to be noticed. You need to get into a directing scene so that the teacher's will notice you so that when you audition for the mainstage shows, they'll know who you are so that when you audition for the BFA, they'll have seen what you can do and you'll have a better chance of getting in.
This sounds like it makes a lot of sense, but everyone stresses this, this need to get noticed. And as an actor, I've been training for 5 years on trying NOT to think of what everyone else thinks of me. It just creates this atmosphere of cut-throat competition and as a result a lot of the groups aren't as close as they could be. If you're lucky, as I am in my track, you'll find a group of people who are supportive despite this competitive air, but for the most part, a lot of students feel disconnected.
This isn't to say that CSUF doesn't have good teachers, they do. Some of them can be kind of iffy, but for the most part, you'll always learn something valuable in each class from the teacher.
But it's the structure that bothers me. And to any faculty reading this, it's not just a minority trying to bag on the school, a LOT of people feel this way, including BFA students.
I also know some people who really enjoy the program, and if you enjoy it, more power to you.
Just realize that obviously this isn't the same as a 4 year BFA program and the difference is very obvious, and for me, it's not healthy.</p>

<p>Any impressive alumni list does not denote a challenging curriculum, it say that these students were talented. You'll find talented students at any school. </p>

<p>Something should change about the juries. I see no benefit in them. What is the point of dragging these kids along for 2 years, just so that they are disappointed when they don't get the BFA? If they want the BA, they would have gone for a BA.</p>

<p>StudentRep - Are you in the BFA?</p>

<p>Also very true.</p>

<p>I have not juried yet, therfore not in the BFA yet as I have pointed out. These people know what process they are getting into. CSUF does not try to hide it, it's not like it's this huge secret that you have to jury to get into the BFA program. I knew that before I even applied. Also the two years to prepare could be thought of as something positive, a way to get ready for the jury.</p>