<p>-What is the relationship between the theatre students like? </p>
<p>All of the MTs are close. I dont wanna speak for all of us, but I feel our class creates a very safe and supportive work environment. </p>
<p>-What is the relationship between the theatre students and faculty like?</p>
<p>The answer to this question actually surprised me about Emerson. Within the first month I had already had a one-on-one meeting with the head of the department. Our entire faculty strongly encourages us to meet with them. I wasnt expecting for them to have as much interest in getting to know us right off the bat. From working with Stephen (the head) on family weekend showcase I know he is very honest and expects a lot from his students, but is also great about being almost a father figure to the department. </p>
<p>-How much of the required curriculum is Theatre/Music/Dance related? How much of other academics? </p>
<p>My current schedule as a freshman is as follows: one 3 hour acting class (movement one semester then voice and text), chorus/ensemble singing, dance (either jazz or ballet), one weekly hour long voice lesson, one college writing course, And Local Action/Global Change, which is my gen ed. (next semester I will have Languages of the Stage, a gen ed of sorts for the performing arts department, in place of another gen ed). Each of these classes takes place twice a week. Keep in mind this is only for your freshman year. Your schedule will slightly change sophomore year and then drastically change junior and senior year if your make it into studio. </p>
<p>-Please discuss your favorite professor in the theatre program and how he or she teaches, what you like and don’t like about him or her, and what makes him or her unique?</p>
<p>The three main musical theatre faculty are Scott LaFeber, Stephen Terrell (head of musical theatre) and Scott Wheeler. I dont take class with them until junior year, if I make it into studio, but I have met with all three of them individually and Im very excited to work with them. The professors I have class with now are all excellent. From Professor for my gen ed to my voice teacher I feel very privilege to take class with all of them. </p>
<p>-What is the average format of the courses in the program?(class size, one-on-one student attention, performance, written work, home work, etc.) </p>
<p>Every class I am in, even my gen eds, have less than 20 people; therefore individual attention is automatic. Workload varies for each class. I have performances projects in acting about every other week, one chorus concert a semester, and dance mock auditions twice a semester. </p>
<p>-What is the most important thing you learned about Acting in your time here?
-What is the most important thing you learned about Singing in your time here?
-What is the most important thing you learned about Dancing in your time here?</p>
<p>Okay, I’m going to answer all of these questions together. I’m not the best person to answer this question because I’m only a freshman and the answer will vary for each individual. All I can say is that from what I have learned so far and what I have observed and heard from upper classmen about future training, I am confident Emerson will provide me with phenomenal training, catering to who I am, individually, as an artist. </p>
<p>-What are your school’s theatre productions like?</p>
<p>Again, I’m not the best person to answer this question because I’ve only seen one Emerson Stage show and freshman year is a non-performance year at Emerson. The show I saw, Esperanza Rising, was beautifully done in the Majestic Theatre. It was a straight play, but many MT majors were in the cast. I was extremely impressed with the individual performances as well as the overall quality of the production. Scott LaFeber and Stephen Terrell direct the two musicals Emerson Stage produces each year.</p>
<p>-What is the one thing about your school’s MT program that makes it unique from any other? </p>
<p>A big reason I chose Emerson over the other schools I was accepted to was that I felt I would become a more well rounded and educated musical theatre actor than if I went to another school. In regards to the program, I believe that Emerson gives tremendous individual attention and doesnt try to mold you into ANYTHING. I felt from seeing the work that Emerson produced and from talking to individuals from the school that Emerson honors the artistry of musical theatre and did work that went deeper than just being fierce (not that Emerson isnt fierce haha). Also, Emerson has amazing acting training and I was looking for a program that put acting first.
As a college, Emerson is unique because it gives all of its programs a strong foundation in the liberal arts, including musical theatre. This contributed to my goal of becoming a well-rounded musical theatre actor. I also feel that since Emerson is such a specialized communications and arts school that the students are very focused and dedicated. Emerson has a thriving arts community in theatre and beyond. </p>
<p>-How many and what performing opportunities do you have at your school?</p>
<p>As a freshman MT major, I was required to be in Family Weekend Showcase, directed by Stephen Terrell, during the first few months of school. It was a fantastic experience to work with the head of the program, get to know my class, and most of all, perform on the stage of the Majestic. There are so many opportunities to perform in student run theatre companies, dance groups, comedy troupe, mini musicals, etc. outside of Emerson Stage shows. After freshman year I will be allowed to audition for the Emerson Stage shows, which include 4 straight plays, 2 musicals, a dance concert and a new works festival.</p>
<p>-Are there opportunities for studying abroad? If so, please give a recent example.</p>
<p>Yes, the Kasteel Well. I was accepted for this coming Fall. I cant even describe. Go on Emersons website. I CANNOT wait to go. Emerson is the only school I know of that has a study abroad program where you can still take classes within a musical theatre curriculum.</p>
<p>-Talk about your most recent Master class</p>
<p>Joseph Leo Bwarie 99 came and talked to us when the Jersey Boys tour came to Boston. He was playing Frankie Valli and answered some of our questions. Not a master class per se.</p>
<p>-Any things you wish your program had?</p>
<p>Many people say that Emerson doesn’t have strong enough dance. I have come from a relatively strong dance background and I feel that there are many ways to supplement your dance training here at Emerson, if you want more dance. The dance quality of dance class here is very high, but there are not as many levels as other programs (all freshman are in jazz or ballet 1) and you only take class twice a week. I take extra class on Sundays at the Boston Ballet, which is a ten-minute walk from campus, and have taken a few classes at Jeannette Neills dance studio in Boston as well. </p>
<p>-Any things you wish it didn’t have?</p>
<p>Not really. </p>
<p>-Are you having fun? </p>
<p>Absolutely.</p>
<p>If anyone has further questions I would be happy to answer them!</p>