I need help

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>I feel like the time has come to make some final decisions, considering applications will be released, for the most part, in the coming week. I'm going for a musical theatre major with either a minor, or, where available, a double major in a theatre arts management, business, or marketing field. I have narrowed down my schools to the following, but have several questions regarding auditions:
Emerson College (doing SF unifides)
Wagner College (do they only do auditions in NYC?)
Hartt School (SF unifides)
University of Northern Colorado (do they only have auditions at the school?)
UC Irvine (I heard that auditions there are not until after sophomore year. Is this true?)
CSU Fullerton (again, is it after the second year, or is it before freshman year?)
Ithaca College (SF unifides)
and possibly Oklahoma City University (are their auditions only at OCU?)</p>

<p>My main concern is that my mom doesn't want to spend the money to go flying off to Colorado, New York, and Oklahoma. Actually, she doesn't want me applying to OCU at all because she is afraid I will be killed by a tornado. I'm trying to convince her otherwise, especially since I've learned that their dance component is only for placement. </p>

<p>That's another thing, I'm not a dancer. I took a year of jazz a few years ago, and am currently starting a year of jazz, tap, and ballet. I also danced for a few years when I was little. So of the above schools, can you rank them in ease of dance for the audition? </p>

<p>Also, does anyone know anything about northern Colorado? I have already been accepted there, and it's my favorite safety, but I really don't know much about it. I am also favoring it because other than CSUF, it is the cheapest school. </p>

<p>And I need audition process help, just in general. Thank you! I'm really starting to get nervous over all of this. I don't know how likely I am to get into any of the programs. I have a 4.29 GPA, 1990 SAT, 33 ACT, so I'm not worried about getting in, but I have only ever had supporting and chorus roles in shows, can only do one to three a year, have limited dance experience, and very limited vocal training. (I have had four lessons last year, and am starting up again in a week or so.) So what are my chances?</p>

2

<p>It's very difficult to tell you your chances of getting accepted into an MT program. Unlike academic programs, almost EVERYTHING relies on your audition. That, and your potential to grow. If you believe that you have the potential to grow, then show that to the auditors. They're very good at seeing talent, drive, and potential. Also, make yourself different. You're talented amongst average people, but once you get to these auditions, you're at the same caliber of several great performing artists.</p>

<p>Your academics won't matter MUCH in most schools, however, in universities such as NYU, you must be accepted to NYU before you can major in Theatre Arts at Tisch. Although having a good GPA and great SAT score will help in showing your logical side of your brain, it doesn't help the auditors in knowing the talent you possess.</p>

<p>As for airplane fees? What I plan on doing for my college auditions is driving. Except maybe to select cities. Try to take the auditions in "blocks". For example, I'm considering auditioning for CCM and UM, and since they're both in driving proximity of each other, I'd just take them both in one week. Luckily, the audition dates are in very close range of each other. As for those colleges that don't audition at Unifieds, most likely, they either A) Accept video auditions, or B) accept nothing but live auditions at the campus. There, you have no choice but to go and audition if you plan on going to that college. However, the colleges that participate in the Unifieds might also change...so you never really know.</p>

<p>And something that I always tell myself. Even if I don't get accepted, it's the college's loss that they don't have me. It sounds conceited, but it's very true. If you truly believe you have the potential to be successful, it's their problem that their college's name isn't under your BFA training. Another silly little anecdote I remind myself is that Shoshana Bean (Who attended CCM) was rejected from her first choice, CMU. However, look where she is now...You might think that something went terribly wrong...but it just might be a little "detour" to your final goal.</p>

3

<p>My D is a theater major at University of Northern Colorado. Remember, even though you are already accepted there, that is the academic acceptance. You still have to audition for MT (or straight theater), and it is very competitive. They only take about 18 per year in the MT program. The dance audition was very minimal--just demonstrate a few steps, but they were ones you would know from ballet class. You do have to audition at the school, and it is kind of expensive, because you have to fly to Denver, then go to Greeley, and stay there while you audition. It would be hard to do without a rental car.</p>

<p>You would be eligible for their new program of merit scholarships for out-of-state students with good GPAs. But I have to tell you that most of those accepted in MT have extensive backgrounds in MT with a lot of training in voice and dance.</p>

4

<p>Bookiemom, thanks for the Colorado info. I didn't realize it was so selective. Do colleges scorn you for doing taped auditions? Because driving is really out of the question. I live about 1300 miles from Greeley, 1600 miles from Oklahoma City, and 3000 miles from Staten Island. And to top it all off, my mom informed me a few hours ago, to a tearful reaction from me, that I would have to pay for most, if not all, of my application fees and audition travel expenses, as well as all four years of my college tuition, with the $50,000 I have reserved for college. So now I really don't know what to do. And on top of even that, what I forgot to mention in my first post, about why else they might not accept me, is that I don't look like the typical mt student. I'm 5'11'' and quite overweight, so I'd be taller than most everyone else, and bigger. So my chances really aren't very good, I figure... I do have an excellent mezzo/belter voice, really good acting abilities, and a terrific academic record! But that's about it.</p>

5

<p>The worst that can happen is that they'll reject you...but if this is something that you want to continue to pursue, you're almost sure to get it if you never give up. I know how incredibly corny that sounds, but you don't have to "make it big" to work in musical theatre. There are SO many different opportunities, even if you don't want to be performer, to integrate musical theatre in your life. So if you don't get accepted into an MT program, it's definitely not an end-all thing.</p>

6

<p>Good luck to you, and congrat's on great test scores! </p>

<p>I only know about Ithaca and OCU, both of which we like very much. You are correct that OCU's dance is for placement only in the many levels of dance they offer. You must be prepared for their singing auditions, so take more voice lessons, if anything. Ithaca - no dance is required at audition. You may elect to incorporate dance into one of your songs (not required). I think Ithaca emphasizes dance the least. </p>

<p>OCU only auditions on campus, to my knowledge. I think I read where someone posted they knew someone who got in by sending a video taped audition, but please read forum for yourself on this, as we are not familiar with their tape requirements. I think you have already noted that Ithaca will be at unified auditions. They audition at many cities.</p>

7

<p>The BFA program at CSU Fullerton is now ranked as one of the highest in the nation (by the Performing Arts Guide). The admission process is as follows:</p>

<p>ANYONE who can be accepted to the university can declare Theatre Arts as their major! This is a huge perk to attending a public university. So, once you are accepted to the university, you are a theatre major.</p>

<p>All Theatre majors share a "core curriculum:"</p>

<p>One year of voice and movement (taken in freshman year)
One year of acting (taken in sophomore year, as prereq is V&M)
One semester of analysis (taken in either freshman or sophomore year)</p>

<p>You must earn at least a "B" in V&M and acting, and a "C+" in analysis to be permitted to audition for the BFA in Musical Theatre (at the end of your sophomore year).</p>

<p>Before the program auditions (in May of your soph. year), you can/should take as many dance classes (jazz, ballet and tap) as possible - you need to pass all three areas in the program audition, and you need to complete intermediate courses in all areas to graduate with the BFA). You should also take Musical Theatre I (in soph. year, as V&M is a prereq.), and Music Theory (gen. ed. that the BFA requires you take), and Sight Singing (also required of the BFA).</p>

<p>It is recommended that you continue private voice lessons (to remain competitive for the program auditions) at your own expense. The school pays for private lessons in your jr. & sr. year if you are admitted to the program. Many of our own voice teachers give private lessons, but would be glad to recommend you to other teachers (for less $, different styles, whatever your needs are).</p>

<p>Approx. 35-60 students audition for the BFA program each year, and we accept only 9 to 11 (depending on how many we are graduating that year). You see, NAST accreditation demands a low student:teacher ratio, and we have only so many faculty members available (all your BFA classes are taught "in house," meaning the instructors are ALL in the Theatre & Dance Dept.). In order to maintain NAST accreditation and keep the student:teacher ratio low, we enroll no more than 20 students in the program at any time (junior and senior classes combined). For example, last year we graduated 9 students, and took in 10 (the first time we have gone over our quota); and 35 students auditioned (that was both our own lower classmen AND transfer students).</p>

<p>Good things about the dept:</p>

<ul>
<li>We do two main stage musicals each year, and primary casting consideration goes to our BFA students. </li>
<li>We also have a touring revue group, the Preeminents, who perform at major So. Cal. venues, at our university alumni recognition awards (Visions and Visionaries), and each year is featured in the President's community welcome concert (Concert Under the Stars), which is free to the community and attended by over 3,000 picnickers! </li>
<li>Most of our students choose to audition for Front & Center, the university's annual fund raising event featuring headline artists (like Natalie Cole, Whoopie Goldberg, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Bros., Colin Powell, and other distinguished celebrities).<br></li>
<li> Most performance opportunities outside of main stage are (like Concert Under the Stars, Front and Center, and Visions and Visionaries) are all paid, so the students are compensated for their time and expertise.</li>
<li>The tuition is incredibly reasonable when compared to peer program institutions.</li>
<li>The faculty are all working professionals</li>
<li>Our graduates are working in international and national tours, on and off-Broadway, on cruise lines, in theme parks, in regional theatre, in concert settings (like the Hollywood Bowl), and in industrials</li>
<li>Your upper-division courses will not be opened to those outside the BFA major, ensuring the integrity of your education, lots of student teacher contact, and a "support group" that goes through the fire together before graduating.</li>
</ul>

<p>I am the Program Coordinator (just assumed the job this year!), would be glad to answer any further questions you may have about our program. I can be reached at:</p>

<p><a href="mailto:ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu">ehimmelheber@fullerton.edu</a></p>

<p>Best wishes, and sing your song!</p>

8

<p>I tried to find this info on the CSUFullerton website, but I couldn't - so, is there a senior showcase offered for graduating BFA MT seniors?</p>

<p>Also, I was wondering if you could provide a link (or more info) to this Performing Arts Guide you speak of that ranks CSUFullerton as " one of the highest in the nation," as I'm not familiar with this guide. Thanks!</p>

9

<p>We used to have one, and did not do it this past year (with many retirements, and new hires taking place, I think that the responsibility got lost in the shuffle).</p>

<p>The norm is to have a senior/grad showcase in early May. We only go to Los Angeles, as we haven't the funding for a cross-country trip (and don't intend to gouge our students to cover this expense). Local industry professionals (casting directors and agents) are invited.</p>

<p>We also bring in guest artists who are currently working/casting in the field, to work one-on-one with our upper classmen; so these often serve as auditions (we got two current students cast for this summer last semester alone!).</p>

<p>Hope this answers your question adequately.</p>

<p>eve</p>

10

<p>Wagner College</p>

<p>If you check their admissions page you will find that all theatre students must audition, however, dance is not required as far as we can tell. It appears they might also accept videotaped auditions. Since you are from Northern CA, I can see the reluctance to travel all the way to NY. Nevertheless, the environment at such a school could be a substantial change for you. I'd encourage you to try your utmost to visit on campus. We did, and were pleased. Most of your questions will get answers from the schools' websites. Unfortunately, it does take some time to sift through, and lots of note taking. The good thing is - - if you're the one doing the research, you'll feel very informed and confident about your final list of schools, making the application process that much smoother. Good luck in your search.</p>