<p>My D audition last week at NYU for CAP 21. Was anyone else there last week? We were surprised at the simple questions during the interview sections. We thought they would be more about her theatre experience, why did she pick the monologues she performed, not just where do you see yourself in 10 years. Any thoughts.</p>
<p>My friend is a Professor at Boston College in the theatre department. He told my D that in his experience, schools are looking for real people with real character. During auditions, he frequently asks kids he's considering for parts to tell him something funny or embarrassing about themselves or to tell a joke! He looks for kids with personality who are comfortable in their own skin. The auditioners at NYU had your D's resume and repetoire in front of them & they could see what she's done. A question like "Where do you see yourself in ten years" can speak volumes about who she is. It's great that they wanted to know!!! </p>
<p>Sarahsmom42</p>
<p>Thank you for the words. We are so nervous about this Friday. I think I thought since it was NYU the interview would be more complicated.</p>
<p>My D, a junior, goes to a very competitive High School and takes all Honors and AP classes. She has between a 3.5-3.75 unweighted. At this point, we have not gotten PSAT scores back. Since we could remember, her passion has been musical theater and she is an excellent dancer, singer and actress and has a fantastic resume of both professional, community and school shows. While she knows she will pursue it -- or eventually something theater-related -- she would like a well-rounded college experience, where she could sample some other things and perhaps double-major. Is that possible at Tisch? Their website implies it is, but from what I hear, its not always possible. Also, can you suggest some other programs (either conservatory or not) where she could get great theater training but also exposure to some other things (either on-campus or academically)?</p>
<p>Alliesmom, I am interested in the responses you get to this question, too! From what I have been able to discern (here and elsewhere!), the terms "musical theater program" and "well-rounded" cannot often be used in the same sentence! :) By that, I mean that we have heard, time and again, how intense and focused the musical theater programs are, because students must study and practice voice, acting and dance. I am told that, at Tisch/CAP21, students do have to take a certain number of liberal arts courses (soozie can correct me on this if I am wrong, but I heard that students do their MT classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and take academic classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays), but I am not sure whether one can take enough of them to constitute a minor course of study. Perhaps your D would be better served, in the long run, by pursuing a BA in theater/performance, rather than seeking a BFA, which seems to leave little time for anything else. I look forward to hearing comments from those who know more than me (and that's most of you!) :)</p>
<p>It is possible to double major at Tisch though would be easier to do a minor in another subject. I do know some who have double majored. Generally, when thinking of a BFA path, I don't think of double majoring as a goal. However, I do have a daughter who is in MT who is also an excellent student and wanted a challenging learning environment and wanted to also learn about subjects beyond MT, and so she did prefer to go to a school where she could do that (but had no plans for a double major, so differs from your D in that regard). She enjoys learning and wants to be an educated person, not just well trained in singing, dancing and acting. She goes to Tisch/CAP21 and loves it. Another school she really liked that met her personal criteria was U Michigan, so I suggest that school for your D. I am not suggesting schools so much with double major opportunities as I really think that goal better fits with a BA degree, but I am suggesting BFA schools with more challenging academics or selectivity, as well as a significant amount of liberal arts courses.</p>
<p>Another option which is not a BFA would be to look at Northwestern. If your D really wants a double major, consider a BA school such as Mulenberg or American. If she is willing to do a straight BA theater program but on campuses with numerous MT opportunities, she might wish to look into schools like Brown, Yale, Skidmore, Tufts (I don't know enough of her qualifications to say for sure). </p>
<p>But there are BFA schools that have a significant liberal arts component such as Penn State, Emerson, Syracuse. At these schools, she surely can get academics and "sample other things". At Tisch, she'd be in a more selective academic setting and again, some students do double major or minor in something else. My D has a boyfriend in Tisch who is double majoring in BFA Drama and History. I know someone who did the BFA and also did the pre med track. I think one should really decide if they want the narrow focus of a BFA or a broader education such as a BA (where double majors are easier to do) but if she wants a BFA that has a significant liberal arts component, then look at some of the schools I just mentioned including Tisch. My D spends three full days per week in studio classes and two in liberal arts. She enjoys both though plans a career in MT. Also, you may wish to consider the BFA programs that are in more selective schools academically in terms of the challenge level of the liberal arts portion of the degree. I believe that AlwaysAMom's D is earning her BFA at Tisch and has a double major in Writing, so again, it can be done. I know of other Tisch students with a minor too. But even without a double major or minor, liberal arts is part of the curriculum at NYU, just not as big of a portion as in a BA degree path.</p>
<p>PS, I didn't see NotMamaRose's post when I just posted, but I agree with her that the words "double major" as a college selection criteria set off a bell in my head as someone who might be better suited to a BA path, than a BFA degree program. HOWEVER, putting "double major" as a goal aside, if your D is simply seeking a BFA school where there is a significant liberal arts component where she can indeed "sample other subjects", then there are BFA schools which I suggested (and there are others as well) where she can achieve this. But for students who strongly want a double major, I'd be examining if a BFA path is the right one and would think about some of the BA options I mentioned as well.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your advice! I should qualify my original post. I think my D is not so interested in a double major per se as she is in the opportunity to sample other things while at college. She is passionate about theater but still wants to see what else is out there. She loves to read and write and is an excellent writer (she still thinks about becoming a drama critic) and would probably enjoy English and History courses. Are you saying that this can be done at Tisch?</p>
<p>Michigan and Northwestern are other schools she is interested in. Were you talking about the elite MT program at Michigan or the more general BA theater programs? </p>
<p>I looked at some of the other schools you mentioned. Brown and Yale are probably reaches for her but she was interested in Tufts. Their website doesn't really "sell" their drama program. Are there other outside activites?</p>
<p>Hi again Alliesmom,</p>
<p>First, let me say my own D has something in common with yours. She doesn't want a double major, however. But she is an excellent writer and frankly could have gone into that field, though her passion is musical theater. She is definitely doing a lot of writing at NYU. For one thing, freshman year, there are two required writing courses revolving around the arts. She loved these and exceled and was invited to be in upper level Honors courses but hasn't done those due to other courses and interests. Right now, she is studying politics and is writing a paper for that. Same with another one to do with musical theater itself. At Tisch, you must also study theater (more liberal arts end of theater). Even in her vocal performance class, she had to do some writing and critiques and that teacher had no idea she was a writer (she sings in the class!) and once he saw her writing, encouraged and begged her to pursue it. My daughter is on the waiting list to get into Playwriting class next semester. She will always be a writer, I am sure of it. She loves the creative process...be it writing, creating shows, writing music, choreographing. </p>
<p>So, your D could surely study a lot of English, Writing, History, Journalism, etc. at NYU. In fact, she will be required to take two writing courses, and 8 courses in Humanities and Sciences. "Sciences" is so broadly defined as to include Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Journalism. My D is taking a course in Political Science and next semester in special topics type of course in Sociology to do with war. So, for sure your D will be required to take liberal arts courses and can focus on subjects that interest her whether it be creative writing, English, History, etc. </p>
<p>At some other schools like Penn State, the gen. ed. courses have more specific requirements. The ones at NYU are very broadly defined and have lots of leeway and choices. For instance, there are no math and regular science requirements. My D is also very well read as you say your D is and so one attraction of NYU/Tisch for her was that she wanted a challenging/selective school academically with some liberal arts courses to augment the BFA program. Many of the BFA programs are NOT located in schools that are that selective academically (examples: Hartt, Marymount Manhattan, Ithaca) though there are several BFAs where one can do a significant number of liberal arts courses (I mentioned several to you in the last post such as Emerson, Syracuse, Penn State). </p>
<p>With U Michigan, yes, I was talking of the BFA in MT which is all my D considered at that school. Academic selectivity is not as difficult as at NYU but U Mich is definitely more academically challenging than some other schools where BFAs in MT are located and is a fine university. I would not select U Mich for your D as far as a BA goes. If she goes the BA route, I would suggest she do so at a school that does not ALSO have a BFA program. </p>
<p>Northwestern has a fine BA in Theater program. The MT Certificate Program is by audition after the first year and so there will be no guarantee that if she is a student there, that she will make it into the MT program itself but she will be in the theater program if accepted initially and there is no audition for that. Another similar option would be UCLA.</p>
<p>As I said before, there are schools with strong theater BA programs where there is an active theater and MT scene on campus. I am very familiar with Brown. I have a daughter who attends Brown and I know of several friends of my girls who are very talented in MT who CHOSE the BA path and attend Brown, as well as a former client of mine. One of these friends just took a leave at Brown and played the lead in the national tour of RENT and is about to return to Brown. The lead in Jersey Boys on Bdway who won the Tony is a Brown graduate. The person who created the music for the new Broadway show, Spring Awakening, is a Brown graduate. There are so many successful people in the theater world who came out of Brown. Brown has a student run musical theater club that puts on very good shows. The theater dept. puts on dramas and musicals as well. There are numerous superb a capella groups at Brown too. </p>
<p>I also know Yale pretty well as my older D applied there and we visited twice and my girls have several theater friends who chose to attend Yale rather than a BFA path. Even on this forum, there was DizzyDani88 last year who chose Yale. There was a wonderful poster who has since left whose son applied to many BFA programs for the class of '09 but chose Yale. That was Jamimom. You can do a search of their posts. My younger D's friend is a freshman at Yale and had gotten into CAP21 and Northwestern. There are many theater opportunities going on at Yale and same with a capella groups. I have no clue your D's qualifications except her GPA which would make Yale a stretch. I would have to know way more. Even with a 2400 SAT, number one rank, or perfect GPA, Yale is still a reach for anyone due to the very low admit rate. Same with Brown. </p>
<p>I know Tufts very well too. I went there! So did my husband. My older D strongly considered attending Tufts as she loved it and she got in. Thus I was recently back for three visits with her when she applied. We visited the theater department and listened to presentations. We also saw a student run musical of Godspell. Kids from any major could be in Godspell. I also know a boy who has a very solid MT background who chose to attend Tufts and is there now. I recommend that you visit. A BA in theater program, however, is not the same as a degree program in MT but if there are MT opportunities on campus, that may suffice for some kids. I also suggest schools like Skidmore, Wesleyan, Vassar for your D. My D has a friend with a very solid MT background who chose Penn (the Ivy, not Penn State) and is active in MT there.</p>
<p>Also there are some BA in MT schools such as American, Muhlenberg (theirs is not in MT per se but you can create such a program of study there), Indiana U, James Madison, Wagner, and others. </p>
<p>Without knowing way way more of your D's stats and background, I can't really recommend schools. I am speaking generally about types of degree programs and schools. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Thank you so much for this information. This has not been a good week. My D got rejected from Northwestern where she applied as a theater major. I was kind of shocked. I thought she would get in. She had good SAT’s 710R, 710W, 770M, 740M2, 700 Lit. Over a 3.9 GPA. I thought a great essay, and we don’t see the recs. But she had to change high schools twice due to husband’s job changes (couldn’t be helped). She is a smart thoughtful pretty girl with a beautiful voice. She is crazy passionate about MT, though we’ve pushed the academics. So we thought Northwestern was a great solution. On the positive side she will now get to try her wings in the audition process. She got good feedback at CMU’s summer program. But she’s kind of been waiting to hear from NU before getting serious about monologues, songs, etc. Now she has 8 apps to do, 8 auditions, and semester grades that will count. I’m stressed, and I need to be supportive. Bah Humbug. Are there any safeties?</p>
<p>So sorry to hear of the diappointing news this week. It does sound a bit overwhelming to consider what lies ahead. The busy part of finishing up applications and audition prep should help keep your daughters' mind focused on the future (especially over the winter break). Our cyber-hugs go out to you.</p>
<p>I am very sorry for you and your daughter's disappointing news. However, I am a firm believer that things happen for the best and that when one door closes, another door opens. Something good is bound to be in store for your daughter. Hang in there! </p>
<p>p.s. Just a warning (and not meant to add anymore stress), some of the deadlines a quickly approaching for applications for MT programs. I know CCM's has already passed and it seems like one of the other top programs has a deadline of today.</p>
<p>Much appreciated. Older D comes home from Wash U tomorrow, and H comes back from 2 week business trip, so help is on the way. With the info on this site I’m hoping to get excited and organized for all these MT auditions for D.</p>
<p>Just wanted to note that this evening my S finally hit "submit" on the last of 11 applications- whew! What a process. Auditions are all scheduled, with four already over with. I had no idea what we were in for when we first began this endeavor- but I have the utmost admiration for all the students and their parents who are persistently plugging away over these many months!</p>
<p>Finishing applications is definitely a cause for a celebration! Whew, a lot of work and he is done that big step. Focus on auditions now. Be happy for the apps being done; what a load off his shoulders. Likely yours, as well.</p>
<p>My S also finished up his applications this week (at least the first round of them). He's chosen to go the B.A. route and so he won't be on the audition trail with the rest of you. So, at this point I'm feeling the excitement from all the CCers and rooting for you all.</p>
<p>Hey....you have always had such great info....My D aud for Hartt MT and we r going back for Dance. She was turned down by M.Manhattan (1st choice) wasnt able to audition...huge blow! Pace U accepted her without seeing the audition yet. Why doesnt anyone ever talk about Pace...it has inside the actor's studio now and I hear good things about the MT and Theater program but most of the time on forums like this I hear nothing....any info? We still are aud for U of Arts and Boston Conservatory...fingers crossed,very stressfull...Thanks!!</p>
<p>sorry still not great at this. That last message was for college mom but feel free to give input everyone........Happy New Year all of you!!!...Lisa G</p>
<p>Hi Lisa G. I know it is a stressful time for all seniors. Hopefully, your daughter's college list is balanced so that there are some options with a mix of chances for admissions. Sorry to hear about Marymount Manhattan and I presume you are referring to academic admissions. It is important to examine the academic range of admitted students to any college you look into to make sure if your own "stats" reasonably fall into that range. I do not have a reason per se as to why Pace is not discussed much on ths forum but I think many participants here have not applied there. Also, Pace just added a BFA in MT. For those wanting NYC and an "easier" level of academic selectivity, as well as artistic selectivity, it is a good option for further exploration. In terms of academics, Hartt, Pace, UArts and BOCO are on the least selective end of some of the BFA schools and so if that is an issue, you've chosen wisely on that aspect. Another option may be Roosevelt or Point Park. Your daughter may wish to have a back up BA school. I don't know if she'd be interested, but there are also two year certificate programs such as Circle in the Square Theater School, American Academy of Dramatic Arts or Neighborhood Playhouse. Good luck to your daughter.</p>
<p>Hi and thanks for keeping me straight on the forum and also for your reply. I guess the reason we leaned towards the Bfa instead of the BA is more studio and less academics....more of a day feeling like highschool was not for my daughter. Anyway ...more running to the mailbox this week with fingers crossed and a lot more auditions. 2 for BOCO,1 for U of Arts, 1 for Montclare, 1 more at Hartt and 1 for Pace. Best wishes and Good luck to all of you!</p>
<p>This is my first post and all I can say is "WOW" I wish we had found this site about 9 months ago! My D has survived her first 2 auditions receiving one rejection. She was actually more positive about it than I was! She has 2 more auditions in March but I'm feeling like maybe we should have scheduled more. We both felt a little intimidated at her first audition when we found out many of the kids were auditioning at 8-10 schools. Our problem has been scheduling conflicts! She has a lead in her high school's upcoming musical, the State ITS convention is in February the week after the musical and she is also in symphonic band and has had numerous conflicts with that. Thanks for all the wonderful advice I have received from this board!</p>