<p>does anyone know what the difference is...or which program has a better reputation or produces more working actors?...or....anything?</p>
<p>My son is currently a freshman at UM's Frost School of Music, pursuing a BM in Musical Theater. He's really loving his experience. His younger brother, currently a high school senior, will be auditioning there as well, and just received a letter from the department explaining the differences of the BM and BFA degrees, which are both offered at UM. The prospective students may only audition for one of the programs, but the two are nearly identical. The BM program kids come in with a stronger music background, and throughout the four years will have additional classes in theory, piano, and music history. The goal of the program is to educate not only "triple threat" performers, but also performers with very strong musicianship skills. Otherwise, the 20 or so students that make up what is referred to as the conservatory, take all their classes together. We have seen several shows there this semester and have been so impressed. My son has also enjoyed the master classes he's experienced, given this term by Susan Egan, Karen Morrow, Marvin Hamlisch, and Jerry Herman. The freshmen cannot audition for shows, but have their own performance troupe, Ovation, that does private parties to raise money for their senior showcase. No academics the first year. I'd be glad to try and answer any other questions you might have!</p>
<p>My audition for the Miami BM in MT is on January 27th in Miami.. its my top choice school.</p>
<p>Do they really only take 20? Ouch.</p>
<p>Kimi...I'm wondering if I "know" you. Did your sons go to SDM? The fact that you have a freshman son in the program and a senior son in HS who wants MT too and you have been able to get to the shows in Miami, makes me wonder if we met at the Jan. 14 auditions last winter at UMich and at camp as well (younger son in Cabaret in summer of '05). My daughter ended up at Tisch/CAP21. If you are not the same person, nevermind as Roseana Roseanna Danna used to say, lol. If you ARE the same mom, welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing all that about UMiami which sounds wonderful and also that your son is thriving and enjoying it so much. It is helpful to hear from parents with kids in these programs, some programs which we do not hear about as often as well. I have a client auditioning for UM this year so your post is of interest to me that way too. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Good detective work, Susan! You pieced things together perfectly! I'm so glad your daughter loves CAP21; my second son will audition for them this year at the Unifieds in Chicago. It's amazing to go through this two years in a row! The good thing is (hopefully) , instead of taking tons of trips this time around, we're doing the southern schools on-site, and the rest at the Unifieds. Let me know if I can help you in any way for your client's upcoming Miami audition. Lots of luck with your new venture,
Kim</p>
<p>Hi, ThespianDreams,
My son will be at the 1/27 audition as well. Actually, there are approximately 20 freshmen total, between the BM and BFA. I think there are 18 or so this year! Best of luck,
Kim</p>
<p>Well, Kimi, small world I guess! the couple facts you posted all fit, what can I say? Glad to see you on CC! I had kids who applied to college one year after the other (though only one did BFA audtions) and it sure is quite a "job" over a long period of time but now, they are both GONE! </p>
<p>BTW, my D has been with and seen lots of kids from camp in NYC and is coming down to FL on Dec. 30 for a week to meet up with a bunch down your way. I'm glad to hear your son is happy where he is at and hope for the best for son #2. I saw him in Cabaret, nice job! I know two more boys from camp at UM, but you likely know them too. </p>
<p>Happy holidays...Susan</p>
<p>Goodness.</p>
<p>I guess all I can do is practice and pray. And have lots of luck.</p>
<p>Hey- you never know.</p>