<p>My D, rising Senior, did a weekend session in Nashville a week ago with a very well established New York drama coach. He indicated that while he thought everyone who can should get a college education the BFA programs were a waste because you have to be trained all over again to work in the real world. </p>
<p>Being an engineer this made sense to me because it is very true that text book engineering and real world are quite different. However, MT productions in the better programs do not seem to be that far behind the stage productions I have seen on the professional level.</p>
<p>What does your D think? Can she envision herself pursuing a degree in something other than MT or drama? Would she be happy studying something else?</p>
<p>I am confused about that drama coach's statement: "He indicated that while he thought everyone who can should get a college education the BFA programs were a waste because you have to be trained all over again to work in the real world." I am wondering several things. First of all, many BFA graduates go right into work situations both on the road, at regional theaters, and in NYC after college- read JOBS- so I wonder where and when they would get that "real world" training"? Others my D knows- at least a dozen in the past 2 years- have made national tours or Broadway while in college and have left or taken a leave from their programs depending on the program, so again- where and when would they get this training? I think one thing rarely mentioned when looking at BFA programs is to decide if your child wants a program where they mold you to their way, breaking down your habits they do not like, or a program that will grow the student into the best the student can become but not putting out carbon copies- and then if your child is lucky enough to gain admittance to both types of programs, she can then pick which suits her best. Believe me, she will defintely "get a feel for the right fit" before this process is over.. And finally, if she can see herself doing anything else, do not go for the BFA. Apply to at least 2 or 3 non BFA programs if there are any she likes, since this audition process is so beyond anyone's control no matter the level of talent. Too many unknowns. We just fininshed this process, and my D turned down over $30,000 in scholarship to an ivy to pursue her dream of a BFA. I did make her look long and hard at all of her options. She had both BFA and BA choices as well as the ivy. Good luck!</p>
<p>I thought about reading the 22 pages, but it seems overwhelming...
I'm an upcoming senior and thought I would say hello and join the community. I'll be wandering around the board and posting more as the audition process gets closer.</p>
<p>Tritalentsmom- Thanks it was a strange statement that actually created some good discussion. It servered to solidify the fact that she dosen't want to do anything else except teach HS Show Choir after a long stage career - of course she indicated that she wouldn't turn down any good films that came along.
Oh to be 17 again!</p>
<p>Welcome to the CC Musical Theatre discussion forum, JayMetz! I agree that trying to read everything that has been posted (even during the last year) on this forum seems intimidating, but I would strongly recommend you consider doing it. :) You will be surprised at just how much valuable info is contained therein. (Plus, it's just good, fun reading!) There are many other rising seniors on this board, and even more parents of rising seniors. It's good to have you here.</p>
<p>Hey all! im a rising senior for the class of 2008 and im just waiting for the audition process. Im in this alone though, because my parents dont know much about it. I was wondering if anyone knew when you need to start contacting schools about your auditioning. My friend was up visiting a school and said the slots were already filling up for auditions? is this possible?</p>
<p>also is there a sort of combined audition anywhere? where a bunch of schools come to one place and you audition for the ones your interested in? and is this a good idea or not.</p>
<p>There are Unified auditions for some of the BFA schools. Go to the search function on this thread on typr in Unifieds and information should pop up. </p>
<p>As far as setting up auditions.... I would check the web sites for the schools to which you are applying. Most of them will have information about audition dates and how to go about scheduling auditions.</p>
<p>I don't know about audition slots filling up but I can answer your question about schools coming together in one spot. Check out this site <a href="http://www.unifiedauditions.com%5B/url%5D">www.unifiedauditions.com</a>. Last time I checked there were about 20 schools participating in cities such as New York, Chicago, and L.A. (Could be more but I am not sure). </p>
<p>My d will attend the Unified Audition in Chicago...I think it is scheduled for Feb 4,5, and 6th, 2008.</p>
<p>I know others have said this but it really is worth it to read everything you can --- all the threads. We (my d and I) have learned so much. I know that the Unified Audtions are discussed in lots of threads.</p>
<p>I am far from an expert (I am the mom of a young lady who will be a high school senior -- and who will be auditioning for BFA programs in MT this fall, winter and spring) but I am very skeptical, indeed, that audition slots are filling up at any school! Some not only have not even made their '07-'08 applications available online yet, but also have not even posted their audition dates. More than a few schools want kids to have applied through the regular admissions office (often, with supplements related to theater and MT) before they even allow you to request an audition date. Theatregirl08, can you tell us what school your friend was visiting? Again, I could be wrong about this, but I have been in the process of helping my D (who is at CMU's precollege right now) by making a spreadsheet with audition dates, requirements, etc. and from what I have been able to ascertain, no schools (on my kid's list, at least) are even open to making audition appts yet. Maybe someone more knowledgeable and experienced than am I can comment. Mtmommy? Soozievt? Theatermom? Alwaysamom? I hope one or more of them weigh in. In any case, welcome theatregirl08.</p>
<p>For anyone just starting the process, start by reading the posts at the top of the main MT page. It is very important to look at the FAQ thread, as that contains a comprehensive list of programs offering a major in MT. It has both audition and non-audition schools.
I know it is daunting to read hundreds of posts, so I would suggest you start with the info at the top, and then use the search function (also located on the main MT page) to look for previous discussions about specifics.
This will give you a very brief overview. There is a treasure of info on this forum.
Good luck to all you who are just sarting out in this process. You are going to have a very exciting and hectic year ahead of you. Remember to enjoy this time with your kids, as in the blink of an eye they will be off living thier dreams.</p>
<p>Unless something has radically changed since my daughter auditioned this past year, I doubt audition spots are "filling up" as a general matter. Most schools are just getting around to putting their applications online in July and our experience was that schools don't post their audition schedule until the mid August - beginning of September. My daughter registered for her auditions the second half of September to the beginning of October and did not have any problems getting the dates she wanted for each school. She applied RD so I can't speak specifically to audition dates that are reserved for ED or EA other than to comment that they too are not usually posted until all the dates go up for a school. The best bet is to check the website for each school of interest to get the most accurate info.</p>
<p>Ditto for my experience...most schools seem to open up their slots in August/Sept. As we needed early dates, I was pretty on top of the 8 schools on my D's list to get the ones before Xmas and the early winter ones as we had show dates to work around. </p>
<p>NYU was last up in November for RD dates(but I got in on the first day we could).</p>
<p>Good luck to all!
MikksMom</p>
<p>PS- I used to read others comments about this pre-freshman summer and think how fun it would be. It is. We have laughed over the audition dress and shoe shopping several times.</p>
<p>As others have already said, I HIGHLY doubt audition slots are filling up at any school (do let us know which school you are referring to). </p>
<p>First, it is important to research the audition appointment making procedure at each school as it differs widely. At some schools, you can start making appointments as soon as the dates are released and before filing an application and do so by phone. Even for those schools, my D did not start lining up her auditions until September and got ALL of her first choice dates at every college. None of my clients have signed up prior to September either and I haven't had anyone shut out of an audition slot due to "filling up" (though again, all are on top of and have charted the procedures at each college and sign up in the most timely ways allowed). </p>
<p>At some schools, you can only line up an audition online. At other schools, you must first file an application in order to make an audition appointment. At some other schools, you first must be invited to audition after review of an application. At NYU, for RD, audition appointments can be made online or by phone but not starting until Nov. 1. </p>
<p>In other words, you must find out the procedure for making audition appointments (as well as possible audition dates) for all of your schools. Map out your ideal dates and then be on top of how soon each school starts accepting appointments so that you can secure your optimum dates. Again, for anyone who starts doing that in September, they will be fine. </p>
<p>As far as Unified Auditions, others gave the site to read more but also again, use the SEARCH function on CC to search about Unifieds on the MT Forum as this topic, as well as almost every other relevant topic to MT college admissions, has come up many times and so members try to help newbies but don't want to have to write out the same information over and over and so read up on CC and you will have a lot of these questions answered. </p>
<p>NMR.....you are totally on the right track....getting organized in summer.....being aware of the appointment making procedure and dates and then lining up as soon as they allow, but it is not yet that time for most schools. September will be fine (or later for schools requiring an application, an invitation, or a later start date for this procedure).</p>
<p>I know this is not a big deal, but should boys be clean shaven when they audition or does it depend on the school. My son looks young and likes to have a little stubble to make him look a little older. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Do you really think it makes him look that much older instead of appearing like he is trying to put on an "image"? I think that auditors want to see students be themselves.</p>
<p>I dont' think it is an image he is trying to portray. He just hates to shave. And I do think it makes him look older because he can grow a full beard. I just wondered if auditioners will think he is trying too hard.</p>
<p>I can't believe that I'm almost a senior in high school! Summer is just flying by ^_^. But I'm already getting prepped for auditions and visits, and this message board has answered many of my questions. I haven't been posting a whole lot but hope to in the future.</p>