<p>Recommend Oklahoma City University - great school! Possible to double major MT/VP. </p>
<p>Many CC recommendations on summer program (just do a search) from there as well to help make the choice.</p>
<p>MikksMom</p>
<p>Definitely look over the threads I suggested....but I will also throw out:</p>
<p>OCU
NYU-Steinhardt
Baldwin-Wallace</p>
<p>(but many other summer programs likely also fit your D's interests whether UMich's MPulse, NYU/Tisch/CAP21, CAP21, Carnegie Mellon, UMiami, and others)</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions. I will start the research process and see what piques her interest.</p>
<p>I guess I need to clarify something here. My D is interested in MT, to be sure, but she's also strong academically. Years ago, if you auditioned for a BFA program (the most competitive option) and didn't get in, you might be offered a spot in the BA program. Not any more, apparently... now you only get one choice--you can't use BA as your second choice, and therefore a safer option. Some, like Emerson, will let you name a second choice, but it can't be in the Theater Dept. When I've asked about the acceptance ratio in the BFA programs vs. the ratio in the BA Drama or Theater Arts programs, they are about the same. So when she's applying for Emerson, although she might like to consider their BA in Theater Education if she didn't make it into the BFA MT program, she will not have that option. And since they are both just as difficult to get into, she will choose the BFA, even though she might actually be well-suited for the BA.</p>
<p>I regret turning this into such a complex dilemma... the fact is, we are trying to keep this process sane and balanced, with some lesser-known programs and BAs with a MT concentration, etc. We are hoping for the best while still allowing for the "the unthinkable." We've taken to heart many of the tidbits of advice that followed my questions, so thanks to all.</p>
<p>Artesia...</p>
<p>I think there are other ways to go about what you are trying to accomplish. Yes, it is true that some BFA programs will not consider you for a BA if you do not get in (i.e. NYU) or will only consider you for ONE of their theater programs (i.e. Emerson). </p>
<p>But, for one thing, I would not be so keen on a BA Theater program (generally speaking....there are exceptions) at a school that ALSO has a BFA. I would pick OTHER BA Theater or MT programs separately for the non audition part of the college list. In other words, the BFA schools would be chosen only for their BFA program. </p>
<p>For instance, I have a child who is also a strong student academically. Generally speaking, many of the BFA programs are located in colleges/universities that are NOT that selective relatively speaking and to which she would normally NOT have applied if not for their BFA program. She wanted an academically selective school and in fact, that was ONE of the appeals to her of NYU and UMichigan. Anyway, if she were not attending a BFA program, and went to a BA instead, her list of schools would be entirely diffferent ones. </p>
<p>So, what you can do is have your D build a list of BFA schools in a range of academic and artistic selectivity and then have some BA in MT or Theater Schools, some of which are academically selective to challenge her (I have no clue her qualifications but an example might be Northwestern) and some which are also academic safeties. Some of the BA options could be by audition (which is not a true safety) such as American, James Madison, or Wagner. In other words, her BA options need not be the schools where she is applying for a BFA and if she doesn't get into the BFA, attends for the BA (though I think this would be an option at a place like Indiana which has both a BFA MT option and an Individualized BA in MT option). For intance, my D was admitted to Emerson but not to the BFA there. She never would have considered attending Emerson if not in their BFA (no knock of Emerson....great school....a close friend attends) as it would not have fit her needs and she could not have done theater there and she could have attended a more academically selective school if going to the BA route where she also could major in theater. </p>
<p>So, there are ways to go about this where your BA options are NOT just the ones where you also are applying to the BFA. You COULD do it the way you said (i.e. at Ithaca you could be denied the BFA and be admitted to the school itself for a BA), but I think this other approach may suit your purposes better. If your D doesn't get into a BFA, her other option need not be to major in something else. She can and should have some very good BA in MT or BA in Theater schools (that have some MT opportunities) on her list, one of which is also an academic safety.</p>
<p>Aha -- I understand now what you were saying with regard to BA programs. Most people seem to feel that when a school has BOTH a BFA and a BA program, the BFA program is far superior -- at least as far as professional training goes. Since your D is strong academically, she should also consider applying to some schools WITHOUT a BFA program -- such as Vassar, Muhlenberg, etc. Then she won't feel she's in the "second best" group at that school.</p>
<p>"Years ago, if you auditioned for a BFA program (the most competitive option) and didn't get in, you might be offered a spot in the BA program. Not any more, apparently... now you only get one choice--you can't use BA as your second choice, and therefore a safer option."</p>
<p>Be careful about over-generalizing. Each school that offers both a BFA and BA in MT (or acting, theater performance etc) will have its own policy about applications to both the BFA and BA programs. Some, like Emerson, prohibit it. Some permit an application to the BFA program with the BA as a back up. Admissions policies and percentages vary too. It is important to ask each school to make sure you understand that particular school's approach. Don't use Emerson as the "standard". (But take heed of soozievt's comments about BA's in theater performance at schools with BFA programs.)</p>
<p>"My D is interested in MT, to be sure, but she's also strong academically." </p>
<p>Maybe I'm misreading this, but perhaps this raises an even more important threshold issue. As has been discussed in various threads, a student should not apply to nor attend a BFA MT program unless they are 110% absolutely sure that they want to spend the next 4 years of their life getting professional training for the world of MT and little else. A BFA MT program is like a dual major in performing and is for those who cannot imagine themselves doing anything else. Even at BFA programs where there is a liberal arts component, it is not unusual to have as few as 6-8 liberal arts classes over the course of 4 years and the curriculum in BFA programs is usually highly structured and sequenced with limited spaces for electives outside of the department. </p>
<p>If your daughter is "interested in MT" but also wants a strong liberal arts education (nothing wrong with either), then it's important to do a lot of soul searching now to make sure that applying to a BFA conservatory style program fits her desires as opposed to a BA program at good liberal arts college that has a very strong theater department with many MT opportunities. Unless a student can say with absolute positive assurance that at the end of 4 years of college they can not see themselves doing anything else other than trying to eke out a living as a professional performer, then a BFA program is probably not the right choice for the student. (Which is not to say you can not be a successful professional performer without a BFA, but that's a different question than whetether a BFA program is the right one for a student.)</p>
<p>Michael, I am so glad you brought up that point. I also was inferring this a bit from the original post by Artesia. She mentioned her D being interested in Theater Education, for instance....she'd consider that program. That sends up a bit of a flag to me that you have now brought up as well. If she would be content with a BA in Theater Education, is she positive she wants a BFA? It would seem to me that someone who is 100% sure of a BFA path and of focusing on this field with a full fledged commitment to it, wouldn't be considering another major as the alternative. Rather, the alternative would be back up BA programs that are strong Theater or MT programs in their own right. In other words, the student would still be seeking to study MT or Theater, not an alternative. However, I have seen some think this is the only alternative. I have worked with someone who thought if he didn't get into a BFA, his other option would be a BA in Communications, though he is 110% into his commitment to this field. But the alternative to the BFA need not be another major but rather a very strong BA Theater program! </p>
<p>Anyway, what Michael wrote about the need to be 110% sure if they want to focus on MT as being a key criteria whether or not to seek a BFA vs. a BA, is really important. That said, there are kids like mine (and others I know) who only wanted a BFA (actually my kid ONLY applied to BFAs!) but cared about the BFA being in a school that offered SOME liberal arts and preferably, if she could have her ideal, be in an academically challenging school. That is part of the appeal of Tisch to her. Not all kids care about that component. Some feel the liberal arts are a necessary "evil" and want very little. Others, like my kid, enjoy the liberal arts classes and want to be well educated for their own purposes and interests but also feel that helps them to be better actors. It is a different set of criteria. Some students also prefer the classroom environment outside of the BFA training, to be academically challenging enough for them. Others could care less about this criteria.</p>
<p>And just to reiterate, if having a sizable "portion" of liberal arts is important, it's critical to carefully look at a BFA program to determine the extent of liberal arts opportunities. Some have almost none (even at schools that are considered strong academic schools like Carnegie Mellon), some have a handful (like Syracuse where there is space for 8 classes outside of the department over 4 years) and some mix it up pretty well the first couple of years before focused specialization in MT occurs but then the opportunities are very limited (like Emerson and Northwestern).</p>
<p>Hi all!
I just returned from helping our D move into her new dorm at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa. D is a Freshman BFA MT student this fall and I can't tell you what a super reception received! D is the second child we've send off to college, and this welcome wagon deserved an A+!
We arrived in Des Moines the day before move in and stayed w/my sister. We had shipped a bunch of stuff to her house and spent the first hour or two unpackaging it, washing her sheets, towels, etc and loading it into their truck. We arrived early on campus the next morning. It was overwhelming at first, there were people scrambling everyone with boxes, furniture etc. After arriving at her dorm, we were greeted by a big group of people from the admissions office wearing blue t-shirts. My daughters admissions officer recognized her and actually GREEETED US BOTH BY NAME! In two huge loads, these wonderful fellows unloaded and hauled everything up to my D's newly refurbrished room. We didn't touch a single box or suitcase! Not only did they take it up, they put down the rug, lofted the beds, uncrated her futon and appliances and then took away all the boxes!! We were just stunned.. It was 90 degees outside, and I had planned to lose ten pounds hauling loads up to her fourth floor room.
After a couple of hours of unpacking, hanging up show posters, photo collages and all manner of funkified decor, we said a brief good bye. I knew that I would see her in ten days to attend a wedding, so it was not tooo scary. She spent the first several days with the other freshman, getting aquainted and learning everything she could possibly want to know about campus, the city, activities, clubs, etc. By the time the upperclassman arrived, the freshman were quite comfortable. The first week of classes, D emailed me every night, VERY excited about her classes, her professors, the facilities, the level of talent among the other students and about the auditions for the fall productions. After auditions, she was "called back" for three different shows and she was cast as "Marta" in "Company". She was actually weeping with excitement when she called to tell us! She never expected to get a role. At Drake, everyone is expected to audition. If you fit the part, nail the audition, and the director wants you, you're in! Freshman and upperclassman alike.
Well, so far it seems that she could not be happier. You might be thinking that Des Moines Iowa is just some podunk little town. Well, think again! It's one of the fastest growing cities in the US and the shopping, hotels, dining, and entertainment are first class. Drake is ranked by the Princeton review as one the the best in the midwest. It's quite a gem, but let's just keep it between us!</p>
<p>Sarahsmom...sounds like an awesome move in experience! Also, it appears your D is not only settling in but having a blast! Most of all, congratulations to her for being cast in Company, and as a freshman...Yippee! What a way to start. Keep up posted as Drake is not a school that we have had any CCers on this forum attend and so hearing first hand accounts is really helpful.</p>
<p>Thanks, Soozie! She is in heaven and that is a huge relief for my husband and I. I'll let you know more about Drake as we go along. Two of the other shows happening this fall are "Art" and "Autobaun" her roomie was cast in "Art" so they'll be buring the midnight oil!</p>
<p>Congratulations on a good start! It really makes us lonesome parents feel better when we know our kids are having a good experience. Yes, please keep us up to date on the program at Drake.</p>
<p>Thanks onstage! I'm hoping to give back the support that was so generously given to me when my D was going through the app/audition process and I'll keep everyone posted on what it's like at Drake!</p>
<p>How exciting to have your daughter doing so well. It must make all the effort last year really worth it. As a parent beginning the journey with a senior, it is great to hear these success stories.</p>
<p>Sarahsmom42, It is great to hear how the kids we met last year are now happily making their way. I am so happy for your D and I will post more about my D's welcome in a Westminster thread in case anyone wants to hear about another newer program.</p>
<p>I'm anxious to hear how all of the kids are doing too. Our house is pretty quiet. I guess it's time to get going on my next production!</p>
<p>Sarahsmom, I am so glad your D. is loving it at Drake. Company is an awsome show and tell her to just have a blast!!</p>
<p>DG....how is McDaniel? I'd love to know after following your "story" on CC too. I also am working with someone who may be adding it to her list, so it helps to hear first hand accounts. Enjoy school and I hope it is going well for you.</p>
<p>Soozie,</p>
<p>Yes, McDaniel is going well. I elected not to audition for the first production "Playboy of the western world" for various reasons but I will be auditioning for the second semester shows, of which there is one musical, one play and a musical theatre opera workshop. I will also probably be audtioning for their summer stock. I am in the choir and taking private voice which I enjoy very much. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.</p>