<p>I just wanted to let people know that if they have any questions about Ball State University’s BFA Musical Theatre program I’d be happy to share my d’s experiences. She is only a freshman this year but absolutely loves it. So, send questions my way if you have any and I’ll see if I can get answers for you.</p>
<p>How was the audition conducted?</p>
<p>Sorry claydavisbc for taking so long to respond. I will talk to my d today and give you the insider's viewpoint...:)</p>
<p>claydavisbc....Ball State U is going to be at LA Unifieds for the first time this year. Dr. Mortimer said that they were trying it out, as they have no problem getting their candidates without Unifieds, but trying something new :)</p>
<p>I talked to my d this afternoon. Here is what she remembers from her audition and some of what I remember...
When we first got their my d signed in and got a number. There were a lot of students in the program in the large room to mingle and answer questions. They were extremely friendly and helpful. Then everyone was taken into a bigger room (dance studio space??) and we all (prospective students and parents) sat on bleachers as the faculty introduced themselves and Bill Jenkins (head of the dept) explained the day and a little about the program.
Prospective students were invited to join current students on the floor to do some warm up activities. Then the students were taken to another location.<br>
My d said the dance part of the audition went first. They taught a simple jazz combination and then the whole dance routine to all the students. Then they called 7 or 8 students names at a time to do the dance. Then the students went to another location (a theatre) to do their monolouges and songs. There were a handful of faculty to observe the prospective students. While my d waited for her turn she waited with everyone in a room with current students and was able to ask questions, etc...<br>
Hope this info is helpful. As the poster said above...BSU is participating at the Unifieds this year as well as holding on-campus auditions.</p>
<p>Do you know how many students they took in their freshman BFA Musical THeatre program this year and how many seniors graduated last year?</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>They took a total of 17...16 Freshmen and 1 transfer. I do not know how many graduated this last spring but I will find out.</p>
<p>Couple of answers for those that have asked about our auditions as well
as other issues:</p>
<p>1) We are graduating 13 MT's this year from a class of originally 18.
2) We are going to Unifieds in LA, NYC and Chicago. Both MT and Acting
major auditions will occur. You will need to bring your own taped accomp.
3) We will accept from 12 - 16 freshmen based on talent, etc.
4) BSU has a great Honors College program with acceptance usually resulting
in half tuition waivers. Check it out!
5) Auditions also include dance: work at the bar, basic tap rudiments and
then a really fun (as in "crazy") combination, plus Jazz combinations.
5A) This added will be a music theory entrance exam (very short) and always
two 16 bar selections of contrasting styles. One minute monologue as
well. Check out our info at Ball</a> State University - Department of Theatre and Dance
6) I encourage any potential MT to spend a day with us, sit in on classes and
ask questions from the students. They will give you all of the good dirt
about our program. And you will have one heck of a good time.
7) Questions? Email me at: <a href="mailto:hrmortimer@bsu.edu">hrmortimer@bsu.edu</a> for answers.</p>
<p>Dr. M., it is so great that you have posted. Please correct the info about the number of freshmen admitted this past year if I am incorrect...it was an estimate.</p>
<p>I have a question around what time should I appy to get in? I am currently a Jr. in Highschool I don’t know if i should appy at the end of this year or begginning of my senior year? Also are there any prerequisits before auditioning like you should have taken dance for so and so years?</p>
<p>Musicmajor721 – are you talking about applying to Ball State for college admissions – beginning college in fall 2011? In that case you would apply to all schools and audition your senior year… fall of 2010/ spring of 2011 (depending on admissions deadlines and audition dates).</p>
<p>This is actually Nick’s mom (he gave me permission to reply)…I would love to know about other classes your D is taking in addition to theatre. We have visited Ball State and it is one of his top choices, and mine also because it offers a BFA but also a good solid core cirriculum which I think is so important for lots of reasons, the biggest of which is that I already know he is obesessed with theatre and will use that portion of his ed. to the fullest, but I also want him to be a more educated man when he graduates, and maybe have some credits towards a second degree later on. I know Ball State was in the news for changing their core cirriculum. What does your daughters “cirriculum” look like. Also, can you give us a typical “day in the life” of an MT major, to show what kind of time is spent outside of class. Is she in Honors College? Alot of questions!!!</p>
<p>My husband was talking at work about daughter’s beginning of the journey to choose her A list of colleges for MT auditions (she is a current hs junior). When he mentioned Ball State, one of the men in the group starting talking about the party-school aspects. Now, his daughter was NOT in MT, and I am fully aware that any child at any college can make bad choices (apparently, this gentleman’s daughter did, sadly). But, I also know there are some “known” party schools. Hearing that anecdotal remark really made my daughter put Ball State a little lower on her prospective list. I don’t want her to base her decisions on anything but facts and good fit…can anyone comment about the campus atmosphere, the MT BFA program as a small component of a University, etc?!?</p>
<p>Hi there,
I am a junior MT @ Ball State. The campus atmosphere that I have found here can be found on any college campus. I don’t feel like there is more partying here than you would find at any other school you would go to. I grew up in Salt Lake City, UT, in a very conservative environment. I don’t feel like my values have changed or anything in my 3 years here. I wouldn’t want your daughter to put Ball State lower on her prospective list because of partying. I really don’t believe it is an issue. We are a family here, and we look after one another. This program is too fantastic and improving too rapidly to overlook. I would be happy to honestly answer any other questions you have. You can e-mail me at: <a href=“mailto:meritter@bsu.edu”>meritter@bsu.edu</a></p>
<p>Since you are a junior do you know if the school has a senior showcase with agents and casting directors? If so how many signed last year? Can freshmen audition during their first year?</p>
<p>mscl516,</p>
<p>My D is a freshman MT major at BSU and I think I can answer your questions for you. </p>
<p>Yes, Ball State has 3 senior showcases…Chicago, L.A. and New York. Per a previous post from Bill Jenkins, Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance, at last years New York showcase all of their students receive interest at the NY Showcase and 7 of the 9 received agent offers. 5 received multiple agent offers. </p>
<p>Also freshman are not cast in Fall shows the first semester of school, but can audition in November for Spring semester shows.</p>
<p>Hope that helps answer your questions.</p>
<p>Hi, I am interested in any information on Ball State’s Musical theatre program and also what are recommended audition songs and non-recommended songs- I know there are lists of overdone choices…thanks!</p>
<p>Here is a new article written about Ball State’s Musical Theatre program:
[Muncie</a> as musical theater hot spot? | Lou Harry’s A&E | Indianapolis Business Journal | IBJ.com](<a href=“http://www.ibj.com/lou-harrys-ae/2010/01/12/muncie-as-musical-theater-hot-spot/PARAMS/post/15691]Muncie”>http://www.ibj.com/lou-harrys-ae/2010/01/12/muncie-as-musical-theater-hot-spot/PARAMS/post/15691)</p>
<p>Was the reason for a graduating class of 13 from an orginally 18 person class simply people who dropped the program? Or is there some sort of cut made somewhere in the 4 years?</p>
<p>Ball State does not have a cut system…students may be removed for performance issues however, if the work being done is below the level that is deemed appropriate and acceptable by the faculty.</p>