Fall 2009!

<p>thought i’d start a thread for all of us applying for 2009.
has anyone applied yet?</p>

<p>I'll be applying by Friday. I went to an open house this past Monday (11/10) and fell in love with Fredonia and the musical theatre department. Everything seems very together there and even though it's about three hours away from my hometown, I really would love to go there. In fact, it's competing very heavily with my top school right now which I thought would be impossible to do.</p>

<p>Hi! I'm a freshman in Fredonia's MT department, and if either of you has any questions about the program, auditions, ANYTHING(!) please, just ask :)</p>

<p>I'd love to know how the audition runs. I know at the open house they said song, acting and dance but I also heard that there is a theory placement test.</p>

<p>I was just wondering how you like the program and your experience at Fredonia?</p>

<p>Sorry for the late reply -- I just finished with first semester juries and trying to get home for Thanksgiving break!</p>

<p>I auditioned last year on the very last audition day (March 30, or something?) It was my last audition of the season, and I went into it with little knowledge of the school or program, other than that it was well reputed. First my mom and I checked in at Mason Hall (the music building). There we got my times for my dance audition and my actual acting/singing audition. I found out that I was dancing first, and my group of auditionees were walked over to Dods Hall (where the dance studio is) by current theatre majors for our dance audition. We did have a few minutes to change into our dance stuff, but I would reccomend coming with your dance apparel on under your clothes, ready to go. We did some classical ballet barre work with Angelika Summerton (Geli! I LOVE her!!), and if I'm remembering correctly, we also went across the floor. Next, we did some modern warm-ups and across the floors with Samantha Kenney. Sam then taught us a jazz combo from Victor/Victoria (the mainstage show that the dept was putting on). We were then separated into groups of 4 or 5 to perform the combination in front of most of the dance faculty: Geli, Sam, and Helen -- head of the dance dept. It was tons of fun, and it really felt like a dance class! The whole portion lasted about an hour-hour and a half. Side Note: If you have ballet slippers and jazz shoes, I would bring them, but you do go barefoot for the modern. Don't forget to wear form-fitting attire/leotard, too!
After dancing, we all changed into our audition outfits in the ladies locker room, and I rejoined my mom in Mason and we attended an info session given by (my absolutely awesome acting teacher!) Ted Sharon. He talked to us about the program, the audition process, and the business. Essentially, he gives you the facts about Fredonia and theatre as a career, and answers any questions you might have.
I had some time before my acting/singing audition, so my mom and I went over to Rockefeller Arts Center (where the acting/singing portion is held) and hung out in the student commons. We spent a good hour talking with two other auditionees and a current MT student...just talking to him about the program made me even more excited to audition! About 15 minutes before the singing/acting auditions started, we were all able to rehearse our two songs with the accompanist. I had a great accompanist and practicing with him before going in to actually audition really helped calm my nerves. By the time it was time for me to go in, I felt pretty comfortable. I auditioned for Dr. Ivey, an acting professor (love him, too!) and for Julie Newell (a voice professor). I did my monologues first, then sang. Since I am heavily classically trained, I also sang a French art song in addition to my MT songs. I did have to sight-read and undergo an aural music test (Ms. Newell played chords on the piano and I had to sing either the bottom, middle, or top, and she played notes that I had to sing back to her, etc.) It was fairly reasonable, and I admit that I am not the most confident sight-reader! Dr. Ivey also did a mini-interview and asked me questions about why I was applying to Fredonia, things about my resume, etc. It was very laid-back -- they simply want to get to know you. After that, my mom and I were able to get a tour from a BFA tech student of the theatres and facilities (all very nice), and then we got in the car and drove back home to Michigan.
I found out that I was accepted into the BFA MT program a few weeks later. I was very excited! A lot of factors went in to me finally deciding to attend Fredonia (I won't bore you with them, especially since this post is almost as long as a novel...), but I honestly could not be happier with my decision. Yes, the program is FANTASTIC, but my favorite thing about the university, by far, is the people. If you have a chance to visit, definitely DO IT! :) Again, if you have any questions, please ask. I know how crazy it can be auditioning and trying to get a feel for a program, so if I can help you out with anything, just let me know. </p>

<p>Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!</p>

<p>P.S. When you come for auditions, don't be afraid to say 'hi!' :)</p>

<p>Well, I've been academically accepted to Fredonia and I couldn't be anymore excited about that! Now I just have to wait for my audition in February! And my hope is that I get accepted to both Fredonia and my other top school (where I've also been academically accepted) that way I can sit and ponder what I want to do. It'll be a very hard decision, that much I know. </p>

<p>Anyone else been academically accepted yet?</p>

<p>Uhm nO! But since I'm a transfer from another SUNY, it should be ok no?</p>

<p>LsaDFM - You have confirmed what my D and I feel about Fredonia. We live in Central New York so the distance (7 hours) is the only negative. She had her audition 1/17 off campus so I hope to hear from the Music Ed dept. Has already been academically accepted. Despite Fredonia's "under the radar" reputation among music schools, I would encourage all music and theater majors to visit and experience the subtle differences between Fredonia and Crane (Potsdam) for example. LsaDFM, how was your first full semester there? Any advice in terms of dorm choices, etc?</p>

<p>Hi, sorry about the late reply!
Between being at home for five weeks (winter break) and now being back at school with a full schedule, sometimes I'm not as good about checking up on this message board. </p>

<p>My first semester at Fredonia was fantastic! As someone who was accepted into other (bigger name) schools, I still could not be happier with my choice to come study at Fredonia. The professors are simply brilliant -- their teaching styles are unique and varied, and everyone in the department is so accessible and clearly wants to see you succeed. Plus, the friends that I have made/are making here are the ones I know I will have for essentially the rest of my life (yes, yes, I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true!) In fact, some of my fellow BFAs and I were just talking about how we will probably try to share apartments in the city after graduation! So exciting! :)</p>

<p>The first semester at school is very intense and focused. In fact, I've been kept very busy with classes, friends and shows (much to my mother's chagrin...it's hard for her to get a phone call only once a week instead of more often). However, all of the hard work is completely worth it if you are 100% invested and committed to honing your craft and becoming a better performer. Fredonia firmly believes in giving each student the tools necessary to bring forth their potential for success in this very competitive, unsure business, and I know that when I graduate in three years I will be able to go out into the real world with confidence and a strong foundation of technique and skill. </p>

<p>In terms of freshman dorming, I really lucked out. I am with an incredible roommate in the recently refurbished Nixon Hall. Fredonia has two dorming options available to freshmen: corridor style (Nixon and Alumni Halls), and suite style (Kasling Hall). Personally, I really disliked the suite style. The rooms are smaller and more isolated, so essentially you are cooped up with three-five other girls. A lot of people tend to get suites after their freshman years to room with friends, but as a freshman not knowing anyone else, corridor style is probably preferable. However, I do have friends who live in Kasling (suite-style) and they love it, so it's really about personal style. Nixon and Alumni (corridor-style) are essentially the same setup. The only difference is that Nixon Hall was re-done this past summer so it is brand new and beautiful (even the bathrooms)! In corridor style it is two girls to a room, with long halls. I know that a lot of the people (outside of the drama/dance/music department) that I hang out with, I probably wouldn't have met if not for my residence hall. </p>

<p>Fredonia is a wonderful place. If you put in the work and really want to be an excellent performer, it can give you all of the help you need to make your aspirations a reality. </p>

<p>Goodness, I just have so many positive things to say about Fredonia that this looks like an essay...hopefully this answers your question(s)! Break a leg to all of you who have already auditioned or are going to be auditioning in the upcoming season!</p>

<p>P.S. If you have any more questions, always feel free to ask me! Also, you might want to check out the Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance Website for student blogs, info on upcoming performances and pictures from Rockefeller Arts Center.</p>

<p>Thanks for the insight and comment about Nixon. My D was just accepted into Honors Program so I hope that positions her to request housing first. Not to jump the gun...she still is waiting on the Music Program acceptance. Such torture for otherwise good students who get academically accepted and then have to wait for the music department to respond as well. SaraMT and my daughter seem to be in the same holding pattern. This is not good for a mother's nerves!!!!</p>

<p>musicmom1234, I am also in the honors program, but unfortunately that doesn't mean we get to select our housing first. As a freshman, dorming really is on a first-come-first served basis. However, a HUGE perk of being an honors student is getting to register for classes before the rest of the campus. This past semester I got to register for second semester on Halloween while a lot of my friends had to wait until the middle to almost end of November! Also, being in the honors program can lead to other great opportunities; Through my involvment with student groups and the honors program I was nominated for the Leadership Development Program which allows students to actually get a minor in leadership (so cool, plus it looks great on a resume)! </p>

<p>From the buzz I've heard around Mason/Rockefeller it sounds like there have been a lot of great applicants and positive auditions. Believe me, I can completely relate to the waiting jitters you all must be feeling. I'm excited to see who our freshman class next year will be! :)</p>

<p>Thanks. Good information. We should have an answer by February 16th so we'll have to learn patience.</p>

<p>My daughter is a freshman BFA musical theatre major. Overall, we are very pleased with the experience. Here are some pros and cons:</p>

<p>Pros:
Excellent instructors. Our d's acting teacher is amazing and her voice teacher is excellent.<br>
Fall juries were a very good experience- good feedback.
MT students get a one hour of voice lesson each week.
Excellent productions. My d is in awe of the shows she has seen so far.
They allow freshmen to audition for the mainstage shows (however very few get in)
The theatre majors are like a family. The upperclassman are very encouraging and friendly.
The music school is very comprehensive and therefore theatre students get to take advantage of the faculty and courses that a full music school can provide.
Campus is beautiful and well kept.
The students at Fredonia have a good time and the overall environment is very upbeat and positive.
The town of Fredonia is pleasant and safe. You can walk there.
The education at Fredonia is a fantastic value. You cannot beat the price compared to other private university programs.</p>

<p>Cons:
Freshman are kept on a short leash by the theatre dept. They are discouraged from doing student run theatre groups or music dept. groups. Their schedule does not allow them to participate in any choral groups. I guess this is to ensure proper focus and good instruction. My d misses singing in groups very much.<br>
The head of the theatre program is not particularly helpful to students or parents and not overly friendly. He is more of a theatre teach guy and seems to lack patience for actors and musicians.
Freshman are not given much help from advisers or admininstrators. From scheduling to finding an accompanist, they are pretty much on their own. My d has learned in a hurry how to take care of things herself- a good thing I guess in the long run.
The dance department is not as strong as the music and acting. They now offer a BFA in dance and I think they are trying to get it up to par with the rest of the department. Although, my d has had good instruction in modern and ballet, there are not quite enough sections of each class. They are always filled above capacity and students have to plan carefully to get the dance clases in.</p>

<p>Overall, we are very happy with our d's choice to attend Fredonia. "Fredtown" is a happy place and we feel she is getting great training for the musical theatre field.</p>

<p>musiclady17-
My daughter really liked everything about Fredonia except its distance from home.
7 hours at least! Do you have any knowledge of shuttle buses to Amtrak or Buffalo airport?
Many of the SUNY schools offer this but I don't know if the distance to Buffalo would make
a difference. We are also awaiting a decision from Ithaca College so won't really have
the ability to make an informed decision until ALL offers are on the table.
FUN.</p>

<p>Musicmom,</p>

<p>I know there is bus transportation daily from Fredonia to Buffalo but I am not sure about the best way to get to the airport. I can try and find out for you. We are only 3 hours away so we don't have to deal with that aspect...</p>

<p>By the way, the theatre dept. just announced the '09-10 season and the kids are so excited! The first play is "Charlotte's Web", the opera is "La Boheme" and the big musical is "Kiss Me Kate" for the spring semester. There are also several straight plays planned as well. I just hope she can get a part! She has been so patient and can't wait to be a sophomore! </p>

<p>Bes of luck to you and your daughter! Hope everything works out!</p>

<p>Musislady-
Wow. Nice line up for the '09-10 season. Good luck to your daughter on being cast.
We love the idea of an opera production in addition to the other offerings. My daughter
will be Mus Ed student who has played at everything from marching band and hockey games
to full classical wind orchestras so Fredonia's diverse music program is still capturing
our attention. You mentioned that one of your CONS was that the Theatre students
were kept on a leash. I looked at the course requirments for both the BFA and Music ED
programs for first two freshmen semesters and I can see why...pretty structured.
I guess that then moves us into the PRO category whereby they can complete their
degree in 4 years. Can't wait to hear if she is accepted.
February has now become the LONGEST month in the year!</p>

<p>Hey I'm an accepted BFA MT for the Class of 2009! I've applied at a lot of places, has anyone else heard?</p>

<p>Congratulations on your acceptance!! You must be very relieved. What was your audition date?</p>