Do I even have a chance?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>Here's my story.</p>

<p>My parents went through a horrible divorce my Senior year. I watched my life completely fall apart, my dad moving 7 hours away, and my mom living with some strange guy I didn't even know. I didn't know anything about applying to colleges & had absolutely no guidance, so graduation day came so much sooner than I expected, and I found myself panicking, with my mom telling me I had to go to Faulkner Community College. I've been going there as a Voice major for two years, and I feel like I've gotten absolutely nowhere as a performer. I was cast as Nellie in South Pacific in the musical last semester, but the directing/dependability/seriousness of the entire cast was a nightmare. It seems as though no one at the school, counting the teachers, is serious about getting their students or themselves any further than they are now. I, on the other hand, am DYING to get out of Alabama & into a school that can mold me into the singer/actress I aspire to be.</p>

<p>I'm about to be 20. Have never taken dance. Just started taking piano a month ago. & have been singing my entire life. I was in Urinetown with the community theatre this summer. I also did a few plays/musicals in high school. (West Side Story, a straight play, & Ado Annie in Oklahoma!) I've also sung in choir, performed as a solo singer locally, & competed in talent shows since middle school.</p>

<p>I have never been academically elite. I made a 23 on my ACT. I've always made good grades; I've kept up a 3.5 or higher GPA, but I've never taken any honors classes or joined any community service clubs. I never realized how important all those things are to colleges until it was way too late. I've been working since I was 14, so I've always lived on a crazy busy schedule, with little room for change. But I recently quit my job, temporarily (my mom's helping me out financially), so I could have time to apply to schools & prepare for auditions...and here I am. </p>

<p>I'm really sorry if this just sounds like a complaint fest. I'm not trying to whine about how much my life sucks- I'm just stating my situation & that I WANT TO CHANGE. I'm just worried about becoming stuck! I feel so behind more and more every day, and can't help but freak out.</p>

<p>I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. If I get into a good program, I know I will be one of the best students. I'd love to be surrounded by people who share the same passion as me. I want to eat, sleep, & breathe theatre, and am so willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES. It's just getting IN that I'm so worried about. </p>

<p>Are conservatories harder to get into than "regular" schools?
Am I shooting too high if I want to get into a conservatory?</p>

<p>I really want to go to Baldwin-Wallace, but I've heard they're hard to get into (it seems like pretty much every school is, though), and the application is intimidating, asking about multiple instruments/voices and how long I've been studying them. Honestly, I'll go anywhere that has good training. I don't care about the campus, the location, the college life, or anything. I just want teachers who are serious. Classes that challenge. & an opportunity to become more than someone with just a dream.</p>

<p>So my question is - If you were in my situation, what would YOU do? Where would you suggest to look into? Where would you apply? I know it's all about what I want, but I don't feel like I have that option. Do I even have the credentials to go to a good school like BW? </p>

<p>It doesn't seem like talent, drive, & destiny are enough, when put on paper, and that's what I have to offer.</p>

<p>I'm about to graduate the community college in the summer, and hope to transfer in the fall. I plan on auditioning for Baldwin-Wallace at the end of February, and can't start real voice lessons until January, due to the holidays. Is that enough time to prepare? </p>

<p>By the way, I see all these moms on here, discussing what's best for their sons and daughters, and I think it's awesome. I told my mom about it, and she said, "Why should I help you? No one helped me." So know that I'm on my own. My mom's not willing to do anything- not even look up college information or financial aid. But I can do it. I can make it happen. I just need advice/suggestions how. </p>

<p>I appreciate you taking the time to read all of this...and once again, please don't take this as me complaining & being super negative, even if that's how it sounds. I'm just upset. You have to start somewhere to be great, and I feel like that journey has yet to begin for me.</p>

<p>(Sorry if this is in the wrong area of threads; I looked up the word "chance" in the search and didn't find anything, lol)</p>

<p>Oh, and with all that being said, does an AWESOME audition override a not-so-impressive (if that's what mine sounds like) application? I plan on being confident & my audition being the strong point, for sure!</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>-Chrissy</p>

2

<p>Wow, Chrissy. I'm sorry to hear you're not getting any support at home. Believe me, you're not alone, even though it may feel like it.</p>

<p>First of all, it's impossible for us to judge what your chances are of "making it" or getting into a good program -- we don't know you. So the advice you're going to get from me is going to be pretty general. </p>

<p>I know some students who successfully auditioned for college without much training. But in general, one month of voice lessons is probably not going to help you very much. If you can't work with a teacher till January, you should get to work on choosing your songs and monologues now, if you haven't already done that. Then the teacher can help you fine-tune your material.</p>

<p>You're right, an AWESOME audition is the most important factor -- but schools also have academic requirements that you must meet. Make sure you're applying to schools that are a good fit. And most important of all -- make sure your list of schools includes at least one safety school: that means a school with NO AUDITION that is an academic match for your grades. There's nothing wrong with reaching for the stars by applying to a school like Baldwin-Wallace -- but cover your bases and find other options. I'm not sure what the exact admission rate is at BW, but it's probably less than 10%.</p>

<p>Many, many performers have been successful without attending a conservatory or a BFA program. It's great if you can do it, but there are lots of other roads to success. A friend of mine, with 5 Broadway shows to his credit, went to a small liberal arts college, and never even graduated. Recently, a voice student of mine went directly to NYC out of high school, and is working constantly. So don't get too hung up on the idea that you HAVE to go to a conservatory -- that's not true at all. It sounds like you are a hard worker, with lots of drive and ambition. That can take you a long way. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>I understand...and I will be working on monologues and songs ahead of time. I appreciate your response. I do need to get a backup plan...thanks so much. :)</p>

4

<p>Chrissy, you've come to the right place. Look above on the "thread list" and you will see a listing called FAQ Link. Go there and you will find the big list of schools that have MT programs. It will show you which schools are audition or not. Then go to some of these schools web sites where you can get more info regarding academics and audition requirements, etc. You can also get an idea regarding scholarships. Then apply online then get your audition dates. Some schools will audition you with out you being accepted to the university in general, some you have to apply and be accepted before you can set up an audition, you will find this information on the schools sites. We will all be here to help you with specific questions, but first you need to get an idea of where you might apply and what is required. Good Luck!</p>

5

<p>Chrissy, here's my take. First of all, keep in mind that you are talking about applying as a transfer student since you will have completed 2 years of community college. Your college 3.5 GPA is very respectable - and even assuming the schools ask for your ACT score, which they may not since you are a transfer with 2 years of college courses under your belt, a 23 does not put you out of contention for many schools. The key is for you to find the right list of schools apply quickly and get your auditions scheduled at those schools that require them.</p>

<p>With BFA programs, there is a broad diversity among schools with respect to the academic requirements for admission and the weight given to the academic stats as opposed to the audition. I believe that your academics would pass muster at a variety of schools such as Point Park, Montclair, Marymount, University of the Arts, Boston Conservatory and even Carnegie Mellon, to name a few. With respect to non-audition BA programs that have MT opportunities (and you must have a couple on your list), it will be all about your academic credentials being a good match. The third thread down from the top of the MT forum, "Frequently Asked Questions", will take you to what is called the "Big List" of schools that indicates BFA and BA schools, audition and non-audition schools that offer MT opportunities. That's a good place to start to find schools to look at that are non-audition and hopefully are a good academic match.</p>

<p>As you have noted, your audition will be critical. Your 2 years of vocal performance majoring and your performing experience will hopefully provide you with the foundation you need for the vocal portion of the audition. Because you have no dance training to speak of, you need to look for schools where the dance portion of the audition is relatively easy or not weighted as heavily as the vocal and monologue portions. Then, of course you have to make a good showing on your monologue selections. Have you spoken to any of your existing performance professors to solicit their assistance in preparing for auditions?</p>

<p>There are several things you need to work through. First, you've got to select your audition materials and start preparing them "yesterday". Time is really of the essence here. In addition, you also need make a list of schools and get your apps in quickly before you find yourself time barred. Finally, you've got to get your auditions scheduled just as quickly for february and March before all available spots are grabbed.</p>

<p>Something to think through is that if you transfer to a BFA program, in all likelihood none of your performance class credits will exempt you from completing the full 4 year performance curriculum at the BFA school. This will serve to extend your college career beyond 4 years with the attendant costs. In contrast, at a BA program, most if not all of your course credits will transfer so that hopefully you will only need 2 more years of college to get the degree. Also, if your parents are not willing to support you financially in this process, you will need to establish yourself as an "independent" so that all financial aid is based on you alone. This can be a tricky thing to do because the criteria to establish independence under the formal FAFSA regulations may not fit your situation in which event you need to find out from an school you are considering what they need to grant you a discretionary "dependency override". It is important that you talk to the financial aid office about this. You also may want to look at state supported schools to help keep costs down. Not only is the out of state tuition often cheaper than a private college, but after living in the state for a year, your can establish residency and get the benefit of "in state" tuition. Temple University is a school you may want to look at in this regard. It has an excellent BA theatre program with MT opportunities and you would be a great academic match. Once there you could also audition for its audition based MT concentration.</p>

<p>Hope this is helpful.</p>

<p>All of this is a lot to do in a few short months but it is not insurmountable.</p>

6

<p>Michael, one correction: I don't think CMU takes transfer students into their acting/MT program. I believe that if a student were to transfer in, that student would have to start completely over and plan to spend four complete years earning her BFA. </p>

<p>Of course, I don't even know that the original poster is interested in CMU, but the point is worth mentioning: please investigate programs to see which will give you credit for the experience that you have obtained and which will not. Some programs, such as CMU, will make you start all over, which means you will be in college for six years. That may be perfectly fine with the original poster, but then again, it may not.</p>

<p>Also, I would strongly suggest that the OP get to work right away filling out the FAFSA, which will help her determine how much her family/mother will be expected by the colleges to contribute to her education. </p>

<p>The OP sounds like a very focused and intelligent young person and I wish her the best of luck!</p>

7

<p>Michael, I cannot tell you how much all of that helped/encouraged me! I am definitely gonna look into schools where dance isn't incredibly important, and I know I'll be able to prepare monologues and songs by the time I audition. Like you said, it IS possible to get done, and that's all I needed to hear. Thank you so much!</p>

<p>With time being such a big thing right now, do you think it'd be better to wait & apply for the spring, instead? I would really prefer to go in the fall, but if waiting would help, I would. As for the family support, I had a huge talk with my mom today, and she's decided she will support me financially- but that we'll worry about that when I get accepted. But she did say she's going to help me! </p>

<p>I realize that about the BFA program. Honestly, I don't feel like I got anything out of the past 2 years, besides my basics, and I'm looking forward to having to go for 4 years, as crazy as that sounds! But I wouldn't mind doing 2 years, either, so I'm just going to have to look at the different programs at each school.</p>

<p>Now I know I CAN get into a good school- I just have to find the right ones...I'll definitely be looking up info/applying to FAFSA as soon as I can; and after finals, I'll have tons of free time for the Christmas Break! Thank you SO MUCH again! It was so nice to get a personal response, compared to all the "generally speaking" ones I've gotten. :)</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
With time being such a big thing right now, do you think it'd be better to wait & apply for the spring, instead?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>There may be some BA schools where you could begin 2nd semester/quarter, but most programs are so sequential that they only take new students in the fall. This would be another thing to double check as you contact schools.</p>

9

<p>NMR,for what it's worth, when my daughter auditioned at CMU in 2006, there were students who had applied to transfer from other schools. I think that CMU will accept a transfer student but you are correct that the student will be required to take the full 4 years of the performance classes in the curriculum. I think the only classes that could transfer for credit would be freshman writing classes, perhaps theatre history classes and liberal arts classes. I don't think this is much different from most BFA programs and the net result, whether at CMU or many other BFA programs is that a transfer student ends up with additional years of school beyond 4. The financial aspect of this is one reason a BA program with strong MT opportunities may be a better idea for the OP given the apparent lack of parental support.</p>

<p>In this regard, the FAFSA may present a dilemma. If the OP's parents refuse to be supportive and provide their financials for the FAFSA, the OP will not be able to complete the form online unless the OP can answer in the affirmative to at least 1 of a series of about 6 or 8 questions designed to establish the independent status of a student. Under the FAFSA regs, there is a heavy presumption that any student under 25 who is seeking an undergrad degree is a dependent in the absence of very specific exceptions, none of which apply to a situation where the parents basically say "nuts to you, we will not assist you in obtaining financial aid or in paying your tuition". In such circumstances, where none of the specific exceptions on the FAFSA form apply, a student must print out the form and fill it out manually, skipping all questions pertaining to the parents and then meet with the financial aid office to discuss how to obtain a discretionary dependency override from the school. If the school will grant it, the school then submits the FAFSA with the override determination. It's a complicated process (which I recently went through assisting a friend of my daughter's whose father refuses to provide any financial support whatsoever) and each school sets its own standards and requirements to obtain an override. If the OP needs to obtain a dependency override, it is critical that she speak to financial aid officers at the schools under consideration now.</p>

<p>Chrissy, you posted #7 while I was typing. That's great news about about your mom coming around! That will make the process so much easier for you. As NMR recommends, start working on the FAFSA now and get it in asap. MusThCC gives you good advice about the sequential nature of BFA programs. The important thing is to ID schools of choice now, check their app cutoff dates for transfers and get registered for auditions. If the schools you apply to use the common app, it is a great time saver and even if the schools require a supplement, most of them are short and require only short supplemental essays so that you are only writing one major essay for the Common App. BTW, I forgot to mention that Temple University is well accustomed to accepting students from Community Colleges. It has arrangements with several community colleges in Pennsylvania under which successful graduates are guaranteed a spot at Temple and most if not all classes transfer to meet the liberal arts core curriculum at Temple.</p>

<p>Good Luck!!</p>

10

<p>Ok quick question. I'm currently a freshman theatre studies major at wright state university and my first quarter gpa is a 4.0. Now I eventually want to transfer next winter and audition for MT. Now I know alot of colleges require for transfers both high school and college transcripts. Now my high school gpa was around a 2.4 and i'm not proud of that. I could have gotten a higher gpa, but being lazy I didn't push myself enough. Now i'll be in college for about a year and half before I transfer because I just got here. Will schools look at my college gpa more or my high school? Which one will have more impact as far as acceptance goes academically? By the way sorry for bad grammar lol...it's 3:45 in the morning and i'm tired.</p>

11

<p>Wright - I have always heard that colleges look at high school GPA and difficulty of classload for one reason - as a predictor of how that student will succeed in college level classes. They also look at the progression of sophomore, junior and senior level grades to see where this person is going - downward or upward. </p>

<p>It seems to me that first of all you have proven yourself capable of doing college level work and secondly your transcripts would indicate to me a change in you - towards an upward spiral. On the other hand, if it was the reverse, a 4.0 in high school and 2.4 in college - I'm not sure a lot of colleges would be impressed with your high school transcript at all being much more influenced by your college success or lack thereof.</p>

12

<p>NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU YOU DON'T HAVE A CHANCE!!! And don't think you are disadvantaged by not having involved parents. Anything you achieve will be by your own hard work and will be so much sweeter for you. </p>

<p>One of my D's roomies at BoCo transferred after a year of community college, so it CAN happen. Her credits didn't carry, though I think she was exempted from maybe one class.</p>

<p>I just wanted to pass along Raul Esparza's advice on school. He recommended getting an undergrad degree in ANYTHING, while doing as much theatre as possible (and taking outside voice and dance classes), and then going for a graduate degree in theatre or MT. </p>

<p>Just don't give up. Keep working at it.</p>

13

<p>I just want to tell you that your determination is going to get you far! Many times when kids have it easy in life they don't have the same drive as those who have faced many obstacles. I believe that drive and determination are just as important as talent in this business, and it seems that you have plenty!<br>
When I was a kid, I didn't have money to go away to college. My mother was very sick and couldn't help me or guide me in any way (although she was the best mom on earth :) ) So, I went to a commuter college and earned my degree, even though I could have gotten into big universities with my grades. My college ended up being practically free. Anyway, my dream was to become a television producer. When I graduated, I got a job at ABC in Chicago and worked my way up to producer/director before leaving to raise my family. I even won an Emmy award. I'm not saying this to boast...I just want you to know that anything is possible if you have the desire. I ended up getting the best job out of all of my friends and they all went to expensive universities.<br>
So...believe in yourself! Never stop believing that your dreams will come true and you will make them happen! Never feel sorry for yourself for the hardship you have suffered. It makes you stronger! I promise!<br>
Here's a suggestion for a safety school for you: Try Indiana University! Although they do have an MT major that is very difficult to get into, they also have a BA in Theatre that doesn't require an audition. It is supposed to be an amazing program and you will still be able to take many of the same classes as the MT kids. It is expensive, however. But, perhaps you will be able to qualify for scholarships and/or financial aid. (My son goes there and is majoring in pre-business. He absolutely loves it. Everybody does! Unfortunately, he didn't qualify for a single dime!...and I have two more to put through college. Yikes!)
One last thing...Your story warmed my heart. Your parents should be so proud of you. You are strong, intelligent, and sound like an all-around great kid. One day you are going to be a huge success. In fact, in my opinion, you already are!</p>

14

<p>tinamay,
Thank you for a very uplifting post!</p>

15

<p>skwidjymom, I agree with you that kids should not be discouraged, and that they should seek the assistance of those who are willing to give it. There are a lot of kids out there who do not have parental support for one reason or another. Fortunately, for the kids who find CC, there are a lot of very warm, welcoming, and helpful individuals here.</p>

<p>Your comment about Raul's advice made me chuckle. He's done okay with just his BFA. ;)</p>

16

<p>Skwidjymom, thank you so much! I hated putting that as the title. I don't let anyone tell me what I can & can't do bc as the believer that I am, I think if it's meant to be, it'll happen! Thank you so much- I will definitely NOT be giving up ANYTIME soon. :D</p>

<p>Tinamay, your story also warmed my heart! & encouraged me! Congratulations on the Emmy; that's fantastic! And I know exactly how you feel, making good grades in high school & all your friends going to universities...that's my situation exactly! They'll be the ones partying at the universities, not knowing what they wanna do with their life, while I'm set on my dream & fulfilling it more & more every day! (at least I will be soon!) Life is an adventure! College or not, YOU create your future! And I'm thankful for the hardships I've been through, bc I really wouldn't be the same, had I not endured them. I will look into Indiana. All I care about is the program, so I'll def check it out. :) Good luck putting your other two kids in college...they should know how blessed they are to have such a great mom, willing to help take care of them! Thank you for all the compliments. Your response really did motivate me to get all this done even more than before.</p>

17

<p>BorntoSing, although your high school GPA was not the greatest, you were obviously paying attention in English class because you write very well. Maybe it's because I majored in journalism, but I notice one's writing/communication/grammar skills immediately. (and please don't critique me on my writing--it's been decades since I have written more than a Christmas card! lol)</p>

<p>You might look into Oklahoma City University. It is very selective, but the cost may not be as high as some (around $30,000/yr including room & board), and they do not include dance in the audition for admittance. They also have two audition dates in the spring (February and March, I think) which may buy you a little extra time for preparation. Please check the web site, as I am going on memory from 3-4 years ago.</p>

18

<p>At James Madison University in VA where I teach we offer both a Musical Theatre Concentration and a Theatre Concentration. The Musical Theatre program is a BA by audition. The Theatre program does not require an audition at this time. Students in the Theatre Concentration are elegilble to audtion for musicals, and take musical theatre performance classes if they meet the requirements, and space is available. Contact me if you have any questions.</p>

<p>As others have said there are many paths to a successful life in the performing arts. Your tenacity and passion will serve you well!</p>

19

<p>Musicmom, thanks! My mom wants me to be a journalist. She loves how I write, but I've always thought she's just been biased. I correct everyone's English. It's a bad habit, but I can't stand people sounding ignorant; honestly, that's how a lot of people sound in the South. And I talk...a lot! lol So that probably has something to do with it. I will definitely look into Oklahoma City University. It would be kinda crazy if I went, though, because I lived in OKC for 6 years when I was younger, and would probably know other people at the school. haha I heard they have a great program & Kristen Chenoweth (looove her) went there! I was recently corrected because I thought she went to OU originally. But yeah, OSU sounds great, and Feb-March would be wonderful! I'm hoping to go to the Unifieds in L.A. on Feb 7 & 8, but I need to check with the schools to see if they have slots left...what would I do without CC?! You guys are seriously amazing! :)</p>

20

<p>Kat, I believe it was you who replied to post of mine a while back, when I was asking about JMU's program...about how my friend (who you know) told me that there's a Musical Theatre & a Music Theatre major. Sounds like an awesome program, and I would be one who would want to focus on music more than theatre, simply because that's the area where I feel most behind. But I have about 12 schools I'm trying to apply to before Jan. 1, as crazy as that sounds, & probably won't add to the list at this point- but if I have to cross any off, I will definitely contact you because I'll be full of questions! & thanks for the encouraging words. :]</p>