<p>I can't add much new that hasn't already been so eloquently stated by so many posters. I'll add my thoughts which are the same. My heart does ache for the students (and their parents) who are very talented and got shut out of the BFA programs they auditioned for this year. Clearly, there are far more talented young people than slots available. As some have posted here, many of you are accomplished in your craft with achievements that back that up. A very close theater friend of my D's who I've seen perform many times in many many lead roles...talented dancer and singer....and who has played many leads in her local community...as well as the lead in a professional production playing opposite a male who had played that same role in the Broadway production....well, both my D and I were very concerned about her college list. She had only five schools on it. These were four of the so called "Ivies" of the BFA MT world and one other top program. While she was as competitive talent wise as much as anyone we know, and with the looks even, we felt that ANYONE, even the best of the best would not be wise to have a list like that. I think that some who enter the selective college admissions process...be it BFA in MT admissions or elite/Ivies admissions, must be very aware of the state of "affairs" in this area and know that NOBODY can predict if they will get in no matter how qualified. We knew that going into it with our kids but many do not. This was a case in point. This talented girl did not get accepted to any of the four MT "Ivies" and while she did not get into the fifth top school for MT, she did get in luckily for Acting and will attend, though I think of this girl so much as a leading singer/dancer, more than actress (thoughs she is talented in that area). </p>
<p>My D and I both feel that she and any other student must have MORE schools on their list (than five) when dealing with HIGHLY selective admissions colleges/programs that turn away many who are "qualified". As well, a student must have a BALANCED list of options....which will differ from student to student....some need BA options, BA with audition schools, and/or some less "elite" BFA programs. This is quite imperative and even then, the odds are very tough. But with a longer and more balanced list, most kids will end up with one or more options. The odds are improved compared to the ones in the example I just provided. </p>
<p>For those who did not have this process go well this year.....while it is very upsetting.....all is definitely NOT LOST. It is a setback but that is all it is for now. I love MTPapa's department store analogy. Anyway, there ARE options. Going to a non BFA school that has a theater major is one option. Going to a BA school with an active theater scene on campus is another. Taking a GAP year is another option.....doing intensive training, some production work, etc. and then reauditioning next year. There are SEVERAL success stories on this forum alone who have gone that route. Bravo to them. Another option is doing a two year program such as Circle in the Square. </p>
<p>Those with talent, drive, and passion, will deal with this major disappointment but move forward and take steps to plan what they do next. They can get there. They can try again next year and use this year in positive ways. As well, a BFA degree is not the only route to success in this field. Many make it with no degree. Many make it coming out of BA colleges. Yes, it is hard to redirect one's plans but with time, things can move in a positive direction and the path to the goal can be achieved in a different way or take longer or whatever it takes. The student and parent will be wiser on the next go around (if they opt to re-audition next year) and hopefully will cast a wider net of colleges/programs, as well as increase the odds by applying to more than five or so. For this competitive field, I think much less than 8 is very difficult. But more than the number, it is also the RIGHT list. I'm not saying not to reach for the top schools if you feel you are competitive and have other indicators of being so, but to realistically know that you can be shut out and so apply to more BFA programs, not just the "name" ones because a fine fine education and training can happen. It is the person who makes it, not the school. The school needs to be a good fit but the person will take it as far as she can. </p>
<p>I hope this disappointment will pass and that you can move ahead onto some positive planning. It'll get better. This field involves so many setbacks and it is very difficult but those who want it bad enough and who can't imagine doing anything else, will persevere and keep at it. Good luck. Keep reaching....</p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>PS...to the mom of the D who auditioned for Little Red on Bdway....my D was also seen for that role on Bdway. BFA admissions is a little like what auditions at high levels of professional theater are like. MANY talented young girls were seen for that role....many had Bdway credits....several were called back over and over....some were seen by Sondheim himself...several had the "talent" to do the role...but at some point in the process, there are too many who are "qualified" and it can come down to factors beyond the actor's control....who else is in the cast, the "vision" the director has for that character, the height/look, the type, and so forth. Talent gets someone to the callback stage at that level, and then something else gets them selected. Someone who is not selected may be selected for some other role some place else or that same role some place else. At the most selective BFA programs, yes, you must have talent to be considered, but there is a smidgeon of luck if all things being equal on the talent front and so few slots available, if you get chosen to fill a slot or need in that class make up. That part has unpredictability to it. It isn't always of commentary as to "being good enough" to get in. More are "good enough" than slots available. Being selected from a narrowed list, has some luck to it. The odds are slim and one needs to KNOW that going into elite BFA admissions auditions and in professional theater or Broadway level auditions.</p>