I Didn't Get Into any musical theater programs. Now what? What does one do?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>Maggie,</p>

<p>I wanted to write and tell you that my heart broke for you when I read your news last night. I've been following your 'journey' and I was hoping so much that you would get the news that you wanted this year. I know you must be so very disappointed, and that's normal, but please don't think that this is the end of your journey.</p>

<p>We have had family/friends involved in the theatre business for decades. One of my mom's friends is an actor named Barry Nelson. He was the first James Bond! but is better known for his many Broadway credits. Look him up on ibdb.com. :) My mom's love of theatre spread down through the generations and we've been a part of the theatre community ever since. Friends and family members have been on Broadway, off-Broadway, on national tours, regional theatre, and everywhere in between! The reason I mention this is that each of those individuals had a different path to their destination, different training, different education, different experiences. Very few (if any!) has a BFA. </p>

<p>Now I'm not discounting the training and experience that a BFA program provides. That would be crazy of me because I have a D attending one! Of course, getting the best possible training is a bonus in this business. It's also a bonus to make as many contacts as you can, to experience as many different types of theatre as you can, to read and see as many plays as you can, to educate yourself in as many different ways as you can, to travel as much as you can, to learn to read and write music, to learn to play a musical instrument, to talk to/communicate with working actors/directors/stage managers/playwrights/agents/casting directors. And sometimes, the most important thing that happens is that you're lucky! All of these things will work together to make you a better performer, a more informed actor, a more marketable actor, and a happier individual. </p>

<p>These things can be done within the confines of a BFA program, a BA program, a conservatory training program, a college degree program with another major, or, in no program at all. If you'd like details on the various people we know who are now performing for a living, and how they've done it, just let me know and I'll PM or email you the details. It's not appropriate for me to be publishing their names/info on a public site but I'll share with you privately. My point is that if you want to do this, you can. Maybe it won't be the way that you originally planned to do it, but you can still devise a plan which will lead you to the same destination.</p>

<p>I don't know enough about Ithaca and how it works there for non-majors to comment on what your opportunities would be there. Would you have any performance opportunities there? Can you take any performance classes? I know at NYU there are many performance opportunities for kids who are not in Tisch. There is also the open arts curriculum there which allows non-majors to take selected Tisch classes (not those for majors). My D3 is at University of Toronto and has probably more performance opportunities than are available at Tisch. She is not a drama major yet has performed in three different shows there this year. Does Ithaca provide you with any of this type of opportunity? Is there a community theatre there with which you could become involved? How about Cornell productions? Are they just for Cornell students? Do community actors ever participate?</p>

<p>There are a lot of us here to help you brainstorm, once you're ready. The other thing you might want to consider is sending in a late application to a few non-audition schools which are still accepting them. I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that a few have been mentioned in other threads. In the meantime, I'm sending you huge hugs. Please PM or email me if there's anything I can do.</p>

<p>Eliza</p>

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<p>I definitely second the above.<br>
I think it is very easy, especially after spending a lot of time in this forum, to think that the most frequently mentioned BFA programs are the only way to go, and that if you're not accepted, that means you're not "qualified." Nothing could be farther from the truth. And I say this not only because my daughter, who is extremely talented, has not been accepted at these programs. She--and anyone--could have been too tall, too short, too blonde, not tall/short/blonde enough--who the heck knows? And just being female, I think, counts against you. AND--let's also remember that we're probably at the very peak of the baby boomers' kids, meaning that there are literally more kids out there right now, a trend, I am told, that will last another few years. MT is in that regard a microcosm of what's happening in admissions everywhere in the country.</p>

<p>I am a professional singer (classical) who went to a liberal arts college which back then didn't even have a reputation as being that arts-friendly a school. I didn't get "training"--I got an education, an excellent one, and after that I went on to Eastman Sch. of Music for a master's degree in vocal performance. While I was an undergraduate, I was a big fish in a small pond, therefore I had many, many more opportunities to perform than I would have at that age in a more music-dedicated program. I did consider transferring in my first two years, but I decided to stay and made the most of every opportunity. And I have sung professionally for 25 years or more. (By the way, I also never made All-State Choir in high school!)</p>

<p>There are many, many different paths. The trick is to remain hopeful and resilient while you're figuring out yours. And dig down and find your belief in yourself. You will need that in this business.</p>

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<p>maggie, what everyone else said is very very true. I know you need to regroup and I know you are not staying at Ithaca. Ok, first decision is made. Good. You could take a year off and audition and train with lessons and work and do a full out college audition search next year, rather than apply to just one school as you did this year which was such difficult odds for ANY student. I don't know how tied you are to a four year college but you could consider going to Circle in the Square for two years. It is very good training, just not any liberal arts. And of course, many other paths. You could take a year off and even transfer to a BA school with strong theater and a strong theater scene on campus. There are so many things you can pursue in a year off....you can train and have time to focus on the college audition process, and you can earn money. You can even do shows/credits. You can piece together your own program of preparation. If you do a mix of voice, acting, dance classes, combined with a job, perhaps you can afford to pay rent and live on your own too. It would be a GAP year, but a worthwhile one. It wouldn't be a year off from MT but a year ON....training, preparing, auditioning, and funding that with a part time job. That is just one idea, in case you want to audition more widely for colleges next winter. And if you do that route, and need to cut costs, this time go to Unifieds so you can audition at more schools. But I'd also look into programs now such as Circle in the Square. </p>

<p>Already this year, you showed resiiency when you went to Ithaca and didn't get into the BFAs last year. You will find a new plan and things will work out. You are in transition and it is unsettling. But it can turn into an exciting time of making plans and new directions and paths to your goals. I know you have the drive to do it.</p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>Maggie, I hope you'll look into the many, many non-audition programs. Please don't let the focus of this forum make you feel that the biggies are the only thing worth pursuing. Hundreds of kids are attending these other schools and some of them are getting better training than those at the biggies. Many of them will be way more successful. Also, there are also a few schools who still have auditions.</p>

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<p>Nobody, but nobody, should take home the message that they are not talented or suited for this business because of college BFA rejections. Especially girls! Let that be your mantra for this difficult two week period! Paste it on your bathroom mirror!</p>

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<p>Here, Here!!!</p>

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<p>To all those who have not gotten into the programs you desperately wanted, or didn’t get into any at all…My daughter was going to write about her past year, but since she’s really busy and a procrastinator, I believe it’s best to post the ordeal myself. Many of the old time cc’ers know about her plight, but I’ll repeat for all the newbies. My daughter auditioned for so many schools last year. I’m embarrassed to even tell you how many, but here goes from North to South: Boston Conservatory, Emerson, Syracuse, Ithaca, Hartt, University of the Arts, Penn State, Carnegie Mellon, Otterbein, Millikin, Elon, Florida State, Central Florida, U of Miami, Barry University and New World School of Arts. That’s 16 schools, count ‘em. After her first audition in December, she felt totally awful, unprepared and extremely nervous. She changed her material several times, but got more and more nervous as the audition season went on. The more she wanted the school, the worse she seemed to do. On top of that, she was sick ALL winter. For EVERY audition. Was that brought on by nerves? Who knows? I’m sure it had something to do with it. </p>

<p>Anyhow, she was accepted to Millikin with a talent scholarship, Barry University and New World School of Arts. She felt Millikin was her only “real” choice, as Barry was a BM in MT and not really up to the caliber she wanted and with NWSA I was a bit apprehensive, because of the neighborhood and the fact that you had to get an apartment to live in since there was no housing. She went to the Millikin freshman orientation and was not thrilled, but assumed she’d go for a year, re-audition the following year and go somewhere else then. All summer, she was not very excited about going. It was far away (we’re from NJ and Millikin is in Decatur, IL). She didn’t mind the distance so much as the fact that it took two plane rides to get there.</p>

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<p>To make a really long story short, she lasted 6 weeks at Millikin. There were many reasons (boyfriend issues, mental issues, vocal instructor issues), but she was really miserable and we decided it was best for her to get out. Let me tell you that it seemed like the end of the world to both her and me at that time. She started working with a vocal specialist in NY and training with a monologue coach (suggested by Susan, thank you). She worked as an apprentice for Boeheme Opera Company in NJ on Aida and learned a ton from the makeup artist, stage director, everyone. They later asked her to work as Stage Manager for the educational program they brought into schools in the Camden area. During this time she got a small ensemble role in Jesus Christ Superstar at a community theatre. She also took an audition class in NYC with two women who work on Broadway. She experienced auditioning for Rent in NYC and Disney Cruises. She then got the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret at a different community theatre (which starts this weekend).</p>

<p>I can guarantee you that she learned and experienced more in the past 6 months than she EVER would have if she stayed in college, unhappy and miserable. This year, she auditioned for five programs. She’s gotten into three and is totally thrilled to be going to any one of them (but especially BoCo). The most exciting part is that she has so much more experience in her life, and she has conquered her audition fear. Of course she still gets nervous, but nothing like last year. Plus, she has a confidence in her abilities and knows that perseverance pays off. With my D, it seems like whatever she tries, she has to go through it twice to be successful. The first time around, her nerves kill her; then she mulls it over in her head, figures out what has to be changed (for example song choices, monologue choices, program choices, confidence) and kicks butt. I write all of this to support those of you who don’t feel you’ve accomplished what you set out to do this year. It is not the end of the world, although right now you may feel like it is. Please know that if you set a plan for this coming year (whether it be community college and taking classes on the side or training solely for the year) you will feel better and I’m sure you can succeed. Hang in there everyone.</p>

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<p>Thank you Lynn for sharing your D's journey. It shows that one can pick up the pieces from a setback and find new direction, persevere and make plans and choices and move forward and succeed. Success is also measure in many ways. These things are not easy but one can grow and learn and even have a good time and enjoy the new direction their path has gone in and still work toward their goals.</p>

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<p>lynnm--</p>

<p>I remember meeting you at last year's November Emerson audition. What an incredible journey and inspiring story. Not only did the lessons of these 6 months prove to be valuable, they contributed to your D's "life education", insight and character. Looking back, I bet she wouldn't change anything--especially since the end result was so wonderful ;)!</p>

<p>I also hope she realizes what a jewel of a mother you are. How lucky she is to have someone like you to inspire, encourage and guide her through a very rough period. Bravo!!!</p>

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<p>thank you so much for all your suggestions and kind thoughts that you're sending my way through posts/emails/pms. this is (obviously) really hard for me.</p>

<p>if you have PMed me and i haven't responded yet, i'm sorry. i'm trying to get back to everyone as quickly as possible, but, at least at this point, i'm still a college student and i have classes/homework on top of dealing with what i'm going to do next year. </p>

<p>i appreciate every comment, every kind PM, every word of encouragement you all have to offer.</p>

<p>maggie</p>

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<p>Maggie,
I'd like to add my two cents worth when it comes to those big name audition-based schools by telling you a story. Last year BPT (Broadway Theater Project) held auditons for their summer program at my children's dance studio. There were three very talented young ladies there who were freshman MT majors at UMich. plus a lot of other students including five - 2 guys and 3 girls - from Oakland University (a smaller/and definitely less well-known or perhaps an UNknown school that has an MT program here in Michigan). My husband was the accompanist for the auditions and at the end the 3 auditioners came out and made this comment . . . "Where is this Oakland University? We've never heard of it. Their kids are as good as the ones from U of M." This in no ways is meant to reflect negatively on the UMich kids - they are an incredibly talented group of young people but it definitely reflects well on Oakland University's MT program. Granted the students from Oakland ranged from freshmen to juniors but they held their own against students from one of the most well-thought of MT programs in the country. AND . . . until 2 years ago there was no audition to get into Oakland. All 5 Oakland students were accepted for BTP last summer. I know some of these students personally and I can tell you that the reasons they are at Oakland has NOTHING to do with talent. In most cases there are personal and financial reasons why Oakland was their only option. I have seen a number of their musicals and they have been wonderful - the last, Urinetown - will be presented in Washington DC this summer.<br>
I guess the moral of this story is that there are many wonderful programs out there, many that you hear little or nothing about on CC, many that are not as competitive as those discussed on this forum and many that don't require an audition. Keep looking, Maggie - there's sure to be an Oakland University out there for you :-}
MTaussie</p>

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<p>I'll share one that is probably too far from home for you, but you never know.......It's Ouachita Baptist University (pronounced Washataw) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. You audition for scholarship only. It's always been respected for its vocal program. They have a BM in Musical Theatre with you choosing an emphasis of voice or theatre. It's a wonderful small school that puts on some good productions. We know a couple of kids there that absolutely love it. One of them was accepted to OCU's mt program with a good scholarship and chose OBU instead. So, if any of you are still looking, it might be an option.</p>

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<p>This is my first post here but I've been reading for about a week after a friend told me about CC.
My D auditioned for SYR, UMich, CMU, UCLA and NYU Steinhardt. Was rejected for all. Was waitlisted at SYR just as a liberal arts student. She was not able to audition for Elon, either they were full on the dates she could make it or my daughter had shows. She was accepted to Elon the University, Santa Clara University (undeclared) and Loyola Marymount in Theatre (no aud). I'm trying so hard to look at the positive. She had GREAT auditions! This is a kid who's been doing MT for 10 years. She's done professional, community, and youth theatre all in the SF bay area, with the biggies like A.C.T. She has consistently landed leads since she was 8. Her last four shows -Peggy Sawyer in 42nd St., Sandy in Grease, Belle in B&B, Amneris in Aida and the list goes on. Jim Carnahan even asked to audition her for Little Red for the B'way revival of Into the Woods. Directors seek her out. She's been in over 30 productions. She's a great student 3.8, had glowing letters of rec, has had great vocal, acting and dance training. And not even a waitlist spot. I realize she's caucasian, petite(5'4"), soprano ingenue(sp?) and they probably only took one of those per school but it is still heartbreaking to feel like no one wanted you.
Congratulations to all of you who got in!</p>

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<p>Californiapink, I am so sorry to hear that your D did not get into the MT BFA programs she auditioned/applied for. From what you tell us about her experiences, background and accomplishments, what happened does, indeed, defy credulity. :( </p>

<p>The only thing I can say (and I am far from an expert ... just the mom of a sophomore MT girl who hopes to get into a good MT BFA program in a few years) is that admissions to these programs does not always seem to make sense in a logical way. I keep being told by others who know more about the process that it is not always about the individual kid who is trying out; rather, it is about the individual kids that schools "collect" to make a class! Another mom here (who has far more experience than do I) told me that the girls who had the most trouble landing spots this go round were pretty, soprano, ingenue types. That struck fear in my heart, because my D fits those categories, too. (She, too, has played Peggy and similar roles.) </p>

<p>Still, it is good news that your D has college acceptances, so if she wants to begin college, she can. (I am sure those acceptances seem small comfort, however.) Other kids who have had similar outcomes to your D's have posted here that they had much better success the following year. (Apparently, some who posted here spent the year between their unsuccessful auditions and the much more successful ones doing more training, taking some college courses at local institutions, etc.) CMUJohanna's mom has posted about this issue before; perhaps you want to check out what she has to say. Her D is apparently now a senior MT major at CMU. </p>

<p>I do feel for you. I can't imagine how disappointing this must have been to your D and your family. And after having so much success!</p>

<p>You told us <<jim carnahan="" even="" asked="" to="" audition="" her="" for="" little="" red="" the="" b'way="" revival="" of="" into="" woods.="">> That's so exciting. Did she audition? Wht happened?</jim></p>

<p>Keep your chin up.
Lisa</p>

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<p>Thanks for the kind words Notmamamrose. Yes she did audition for J. Carnahan. It was very exciting and they did like her. She didn't get the part but when we went back east to visit relatives we saw the show and my D met the girl who was cast and they might as well have been twins, very much the same look.</p>

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<p>Californiapink, how is your D taking all this? It must be so hard.</p>

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<p>Your daughter has already demonstrated substantial talent and the ability to be noticed.
As I've said before, this isn't really about being "rejected," but rather not being "selected." I'm assuming this is a fluke. It's heartbreaking nonetheless.<br>
Hugs to you all. There are countless avenues to success.</p>

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<p>It just broke my heart to read about your daughter, there must be not joy in Mudville today. From reading these post I have come to understand that lots of highly talented kids get turned away, there just isn't enough places for them all. I wonder if there has always been so many kids trying for MT careers, or if this is a new thing? As its been said before others have been in your Ds position and have found ways to make it work. With your D's talent, some determination and a good plan I am sure she can too! Good Luck!</p>

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<p>Californiapink--I'm so sorry! This process is so random in some ways. I mean, a lot depends on which schools one auditions for that particular year, too. For example, while it's true that a lot of the schools form their "company" by trying to accept "one of each type," some schools also only want certain types of voices or certain types of looks; some want long resumes, but other schools might actually frown on long resumes. Our kids are auditioning without really knowing the "whole story" about each of the schools they audition for. It's very easy for talented kids to completely fall through the cracks unless they audition at every single school out there--and even then they could still be in the "surplus" for that type or whatever. What about Cal State Fullerton for your daughter? Their MT program is far better, IMHO, than UCLA's, so while the university itself is not as prestigious, she would get better MT training there. With her talents and experience, she would probably find the audition at the end of sophomore year (to get into the program officially) not to be a problem at all, and if there are things to work on toward that end, she'd have her freshman and sophomore years to do so. Have you read the posts on here from Eve Himmelheber who is the head of MT at CSUF?</p>