<p>who have visited CCM.</p>
<p>I noticed a couple good posts on another thread, a, hoping to entice copies posted here where people can easily find them.</p>
<p>I've been accepted to the drama department and posted this in another thread - here's my impression of their program when I visited:</p>
<p>I visited last month and sat in on a freshman acting class and a sophomore acting class. (I don't know how much I've posted about the trip, sorry if any of this has already been said) Freshman year you study Viewpoints and Laban stuff. That class was fabulous, first they did lots of Viewpoints exercises and some improvs (to music, extremely cool!!! a whole story was created on the spot through just movement..definitely a very talented group of people) and they they discussed a book by Ann Bogart, which they had written essays on to hand in that day. That was probably the best part for me, listening to a group of such talented and articulate people talk about what they got from the book (they'd obviously been very moved by it and made lots of discoveries about themselves and acting, etc). What REALLY got to me though was when someone would criticize something Ann Bogart had said, or if they had a question about something, Richard Hess, the head of the department who taught the class would say stuff like "Well, this one time in rehearsal when she said that..." It was very cool. Three students also read monologues just to get a feel for them and get feedback from the class. Playwright Terrance McNally (sp?) was coming to do a master class the week after I was there so Richard Hess talked some about that and addressed their "boards" which they were all obviously dreading haha. Anyway, very good class, very intense but I felt zero competition between the students, it just seemed like an awesome learning environment.</p>
<p>I was then given a tour of CCM's facilities (AMAZING) by Richard Hess, and that afternoon went to the sophomore acting class, taught by a lovely older woman whos name I can't remember. That class was a little strange that day because they were involved in a master class with an expert in Elizabethan styles (they are preparing to audition for Measure for Measure) and they spent about half the class period in discussion with her. It was really interesting though. Usually in the sophomore class they are doing Meisner exercises (they did do a few improvs), and the sophomores are apparently a very strong class.</p>
<p>I saw "The Glory of Living," a graduate student directed show that evening. The piece was incredibly, insanely tough to watch, very gritty and in your face (the stage was even raked, in their gorgeous little black box theatre, making it even more in your face, aside from the material itself). The lead was played by a sophomore, who was truly fantastic, and the rest of the performances were equally strong, particularly the boy who played opposite her and another guy who was only in one scene but WOW. I was very, very impressed. </p>
<p>I think the thing I like best about the program is how different each year is. There is no set acting philosophy there, but rather they teach a great variety of techniques, and you become a very well-rounded performer there (not as in, well rounded like with lots of outside education, but you become a well rounded actor). They have a senior showcase as well as a FRESHMEN showcase for local commercial and voice-over agents, which allows many of CCM drama students to work all through college (awesome!). I also just loved the intense-yet-supportive environment. It's a great fit for me personally, I don't really know what your students are looking for though Mary Anna. And yes, Richard Hess is wonderful, I've experienced the same sort of thing with him as far as e-mails go. He's a fantastic teacher as well. If anyone has any questions just let me know.</p>
<h2>One more thing </h2>
<p>I totally forgot to address the "ugly stepsister" thing. It's really hard to say from such a short visit. There were a lot of MT's at The Glory of Living when I saw it, so obviously they support each other. I talked to an adorable sophomore girl who said that she'd transferred from another school beccause she has a very good friend in the MT program who was like "it's amazing you have to come audition!" This girl also sings and I asked her if she felt frustrated being at a school where the departments are so separate. She said it was at first, but starting sophomore year you can take voice lessons and she just seemed really content with the program and very happy. So, I dunno. There seemed to be a lot of division, but not necessarily snootiness, if that makes sense? I think the programs respect each other and know that they are there with different outcomes in mind.</p>
<p>Ah your talking about Adrien! </p>
<p>Hello- Benjamin here...Freshmen Dramatic Performance major (class of '09)</p>
<p>Could you give us some insight on the drama program at CCM. It's great hearing from a current student. My son has been accepted there and would love to get any insights you can provide.</p>
<p>I have alot of biased insight-- I love my school, and couldn't imagine myself anywhere else.</p>
<p>However there are a million things I could talk about- so if you could be more specific I'm sure I could give you a very honest, no BS answer.</p>
<p>EDIT: Btw- I beleive I was in the warm-up room with your son and might have caught his audition, I remember someone from Maine.</p>
<p>First of all, I would say that my son and his parents were very impressed with the program as presented, Richard Hess, and the facilities. I believe CCM and UMich are his first choices (his parents put CCM 1st). </p>
<p>Has your Freshman year been about what you expected?</p>
<p>What's the relationship with MT students like?</p>
<p>How were the Boards?</p>
<p>Is Richard Hess as wonderful as he seems from first impression?</p>
<p>How do you like the Cincinnati area?</p>
<p>What dorm are you in?</p>
<p>Thanks for any insight.</p>
<p>I had no expectations my Freshmen year, I was eager to learn and decided to just be a sponge and soak in any and everything I could. Staying open minded and 'going with' any and everything helps. Putting full effort and committment is essential, and fun-- after all it's what we're here for!</p>
<p>Our relationships with the MT's are very strong. Inside CCM we are working with MT's, voice majors, musicians, everyone. We all live togather in the dorms, work togather on projects, hang out togather, party togather-- I dated a sophomore MT for the past 4 months. Next year I'll have the opportunity for private voice training and dance (I was a dancer for 14 years and I've only done musical theater previously).</p>
<p>Boards are only part of the retention process. After the next board exams (this March) we have a retention meeting where the faculty looks at your entire experience so far. They look at your attendance, grades, effort, performance in boards, and growth as an individual and decide if this program is working for you and if you should continue the training-- there is no set number of people to be cut, but usually there are people that need to be cut...and it is evident early on. We've already had two people leave on their own will, as they figured out that this program, and theater are not for them. The faculty here is working with you and for you- and you can feel them rooting for you. They want us to be here- after all they invested their time and the schools money to get us here. If you do your work, attend class, and are growing as an artist and applying what we learn there is no worry.</p>
<p>Richard is great. I get him, and I agree with his ideas and opinions- but not everyone does. You don't have to agree with everyone, and some here don't- but that doesn't get in the way of anything.</p>
<p>Cincinnati-- its...Cincinnati. haha But honestly we are here for the school- and it makes up for this area. Everything is closeby and everything you need is available. The arts are rich here, and opportunities to see theater and experience art are everywhere.</p>
<p>'All' CCM students from outside Cincinnati stay in Siddall- it's literally 50 feet from CCM.
</a> this is a view from out my window haha. Siddall is ugly, and we all hate it but we all live in it togather freshmen year and its a great bonding place. Most CCM students live on the same couple of floors and its fun.</p>
<p>Any other questions or clarifications I can provide :-D</p>
<p>EDIT: my name is Benjamin Newell btw-- you can call me Ben</p>
<p>Thanks for your imput. I'll pass it on to my son. Sounds like the perfect program for him! He is a hard worker and very dedicated. He's doing 2 shows right now, both musicals. He keeps telling us that the only thing that matters is the program, nothing else. He just wants to soak everything up. He especially liked the fact that all acting methods are utilized, as some schools concentrate on only a few methods. He likes the boards process, as he feels it keeps you focussed and gets the uncommitted people to make a decision about their future. Will he be able to continue voice lessons as he enjoys singing?</p>
<p>He should be able to-- it really depends on some things. However we do take vocal production (for the actor) and I've found that my singing voice has improved dramatically just from the breathwork and vocal awareness I've gained.</p>
<p>This school is very process driven, we aren't a product based program and our teachers recognize that this is the place to learn not to be a star.</p>
<p>I also wanted to touch basis on the rule for the DP program that freshmen aren't allowed to perform because this can be an often controversial issue. I have been so busy with classwork, working in the stagecraft and costume labs (hours must be put in-- and I can explain that if you would like mroe clarification.), boards, and other opportunities that I wouldn't have had time to rehearse and focus on school. We have so much performance acting work in class and other things such as the Opera department needed 5 males for non-speaking acting roles and we were cast and allowed to perform in that. Then spring quarter we work on the Freshmen Showcase and then perform that at the end of the quarter- so bottem line is, I never have felt like I wasn't getting a chance to perform and work-- it just isn't in the mainstage and studio shows the first year.</p>
<p>The "process driven" program is exactly what my son is looking for. I agree that the first year should not be about performances, but learning. Do you spend a lot of time as a freshman working behind the scenes for performances? What's a typical day like? </p>
<p>I promise not to keep asking questions all day. I'll forward info to my son and he can take it from here. No sense for me to get in the middle. His decision on what school he attends is entirely up to him. His mother and I have spent a lot of time and energy getting as much info on the various programs, so that he can make an informed decision, but in the end he has to be happy with his decision. </p>
<p>Thanks for your help and maybe we'll see you in the fall.</p>
<p>Hey Ben thanks so much for taking the time to write all that. How did you decide on CCM versus other programs?</p>
<p>Ben,
Could you elaborate on this statement:
"Richard is great. I get him, and I agree with his ideas and opinions- but not everyone does."
Thanks! Great info for everyone...</p>
<p>Actorsdad-- as a freshmen (musical theater, and drama) you are required to take the courses 'Intro to Costumes' and 'Intro to Stagecraft' both of these classes meet for an hour T/TH. Each class is taken a different quarter (3 Quarters in a CCM year). Along with the classes, you must take Costume Lab and Stagecraft Lab hours. The lab requires you to put in roughly 6 hours/week working in the costume shop and stagecraft shop (again over different quarters). With the costume class, you must crew a show working on the costume side, and for stagecraft you must crew two shows working backstage as scenic/props/rigging/etc. </p>
<p>I would go through a 'typical' day- but there is no typical day here...every day is unique. But I can give you the basic class rundown--</p>
<p>1st Quarter: MWF Acting 1 9-10:50, Artist in Society 11-11:50, Script Analysis (either 12-12:50 or 1-1:50) and then usually Costume or Stagecraft lab hours whenver you choose them (before 6 pm).</p>
<p>T/TH Costume 9-9:50 OR Stagecraft 9:30-10:50, Voice Production 1 2-3:20, Theater Movement 1 3:30-5</p>
<p>Freshmen English is mixed in wherever you can fit it- I had transfer credits for that class so I take History of Theater on MWF...its a required sophomore class.</p>
<p>aspiringactress1-- I was accepted to Webster and CCM and a few other programs that I didn't pay much attention to- I auditioned at the Chicago Unified auditions and auditioned for CCM on a whim. I didn't have an audition slot, and I caught Terrell Finney (CCM OMDA Head) on his lunch break and asked him if he'd see my work. He did, he liked it, Terrell and Richard e-mailed me a week later and said he was going to push my file through admissions committee. Now to how I chose CCM. I'm from St. Louis and Webster was really my 'backup'. I wanted to get out of 'home' and I knew CCM's name from the MT department. I never visted CCM before I came to the school- I simply accepted my offer and never looked back. It was a huge risk, with a huge payoff to me.</p>
<p>beleiversmom-- I can! I think Richard is very enthusiastic, quirky and fun. Others feel like Richard is full of **** when he talks, but I remember that each of our teachers is a valuable part of our process and I take their words and classes for what they are worth (and that is alot to me). Just as personalities clash in the workplace, in the home, in school- not everyone agrees with Richards personality and that causes them to butt heads. However-- I think this is sounding like one must agree with Richard to keep peace, and thats not true. We talk alot about our own aesthetic- what we find attractive on stage, what compells us- and that is different for every person. It's perfectly acceptable in class to oppose Richard on the books we are assigned to read, on the music that is played in class, on the exercises we do. The faculty knows that everyone has an opinion, and that is to be respected. I'm not sure this made any sense...and it might be more useful to use specifics, but I don't think this is a big enough part of CCM to talk about. Every person coexists with other people in different ways, and my thoughts on Richard are going to be different from yours, and everyone at CCMS.</p>
<p>I also want to applaud you all for being so interested in finding information, and making a good descision. I knew nothing about CCM before I came here-- and I'm lucky to have ended up in the right place. You're already a step ahead of many people.</p>
<p>Dear Ben and others,</p>
<p>My S is a junior who will be applying to CCM and other schools next year. We are trying to visit schools of interest this spring while they have performances we can see. Pirates of Penzance is being performed Mar 4-5 at CCM and that is a weekend we could travel. Do you have advice about how to schedule class visits for him on Monday, Mar 6, as well as other things we should make sure we see and do while at CCM and in Cincinnati? (He knows -slightly - only one girl, now a freshman at CCM, who graduated from Walnut Hill last year but he isn't sure whether to try to contact her in advance...so I'm turning to trusty CC!).</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>I might be a bit prejudiced here. I should start by saying I've known Richard Hess for many, many years - he comes from my hometown. </p>
<p>Richard Hess is a talented, hardworking, caring, experienced teacher and director. One can say that about many folks who have dedicated their lives to sharing their experience and craft in the performing arts.</p>
<p>What is universally true is that no teacher can be all things to all people. I have seen this many times - it is older and surer than death and taxes.</p>
<p>Richard Hess is one of many reasons why CCM is so highly regarded as an elite conservatory MT program. This is because he is good at what he does.</p>
<p>True teachers are giving trees. They give, don't expect alot of thanks and praise - and the students take and use what is offered so freely. It is the exception, not the norm, that students take time to express gratitude or appreciation. </p>
<p>On the other hand, especially in the area of the performing arts, where the performer themselves are the art (and therefore, everything is more personal), student detractors are far easier to come by. It also interesting to me, the detractors feel obligated to be much more vocal than supporters. This phenomenon is amplified in cyberspace where it is so easy to lauch torpedos with the protection of the clandestine cover of the web.</p>
<p>There are two broad catagories of student who are dismissive of good teachers. One is the student whose experience and education has not sufficiently prepared them to digest and appreciate the information or technique being offered in that course. J. McVicker Hunt, a prominent social scientist, speaks of the main problem in education being that of "the match". That is - matching the student's ability and predispotion to learning at any given level - to what the teacher is offering at that level. Often this student do not appreciate what gifts have been imparted to them until years later. This is the type who might respond, while still a student, that the material is bull**** - when if fact, the material is simply beyond their comprehesion level for the time being. This is not unlike the ungrateful child who does not take in what their parents have to say - and then years later - as the adage goes - "The older I get, the smarter my parents become". Alternately, that same (bull) response might be garnered from a student who is pretty sure they are completely compentent in the subject matter and are simply not open to new experiences or interpretations.</p>
<p>The other powerful element that make performing arts teachers more susceptible to those able to rant with anonymity is this - the casting syndrome - where the students' inner dialogue is "my talent is not being sufficiently recognized". As I mentioned earlier, in the performing arts - the performer is the medium - when you are not cast (or cast in a role that you perceive as lesser) - it is very personal - it is easy to feel as though you, yourself, the person - have been rejected. Most students in good programs where outstanding in their high schools - and now they are with leagues of others who are also outstanding. Many, most students grow to accept the casting - trust their teacher/director - hope that their time will come in another show... a necessary survival skill needed for the "real world". A smaller group react quite negatively. They become vindictive - they believe they have been wronged and go to great lengths to gain vengence - on the production they are not in, on the students who have the leads they wanted, on the teacher/director, sometimes on the school itself. This is sad. Especially when, 99% of the time, the teacher is well intended, doing the best they can - dealing with a world of parameters that students (and sometimes parents) have no vague concept of - I could give many examples - but that would take hours that I do not have.</p>
<p>I am not saying that all teachers are good - or that the good ones are flawless paragons and can not be criticized. I just wish those criticism were given, in person, to the teacher - or at least presented in a forum where the accuser is indentified and the accused can offer a response. It is an American pillar of justice that the accused has the right to face their accusers. This disappears in cyberspace.</p>
<p>No teacher can be all things to all people.</p>
<p>MTdog, I think what you say of teachers is very true. I've been a teacher msyelf and agree with what you have written on those issues. </p>
<p>In this instance, on this thread, we have a student who HAS identified himself, and is not anonymous. This student has written what appears to me as a very fair and even handed post. He is not criticizing this teacher and in fact, LIKES the teacher. This student has no personal issues with this teacher. This person seems to be getting a lot out of working with this teacher. He is saying that the experience with the teacher (as is true with all teachers) differs for each kid. While some were not as keen about it, he is fine with it, but recognizes that some react differently. He was acknowleding that, whether justified or not, he was telling a fair observation of what he is seeing amongst a variety of peers. I thought what he wrote was mature and well written. There wasn't criticism of a teacher but more saying that some kids had issues, whereas he did not. He is saying that he thinks there is value in this learning that perhaps others are not taking in the same way he is. He even talks of the respect in class of discussing different opinions. I thought his posts were actually very positively written, while at the same time acknowledging that not all students view it in the same way as he does. I think that could be written about a lot of teachers. Lots of kids will react and interact differently to what is being offered. I think this student on this thread has posted in a very fair and mature way. I hope you weren't being critical of his posts. I didn't see his posts as critical of this teacher at all. I saw them written in a very positive and mature light. I think he was acknowledging the values of the lessons taught and was speaking that others take more issue with the opinions in the class, and so forth. You'd find that on any college campus. I think THIS student was aligned with your reasoning about what he can get out of these classes with this teacher. He saw similar value in it that you are mentioning. By the same token, he saw that some peers reacted differently to this style, whether justified or not. You wrote that no teacher can be all things to all people and I would infer that this student would agree!</p>
<p>I absolutely agree.... and no specific criticism was intended. I was speaking generally - except, of course, at the beginning when I was speaking specifically about my experience with Richard Hess. </p>
<p>Thank you for the response and chance to clarify!</p>
<p>kedstuff-- Check out <a href="http://ccm.uc.edu/admissions/schedulevisit.aspx%5B/url%5D">http://ccm.uc.edu/admissions/schedulevisit.aspx</a> I think it might help :) </p>
<p>Much information can be found at <a href="http://ccm.uc.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://ccm.uc.edu/</a></p>
<p>I would also call Richard and speak with him about your interest-- he is very open and helpful...513-556-9575</p>
<p>Phew, I'm glad. Your points were well taken. I wasn't sure when you mentioned about anonymous students posting on the internet, if you were referring to the student on this thread because it did not seem to apply. Glad you weren't. I'm glad he is participating and offering inside views from a current student, something prospective students crave and find helpful. In this instance, a parent poster asked him to elaborate on a prior post when he stated that not all students agreed with the opinions of a particular teacher. He replied in a real fair manner, I thought. I'm glad your feedback was meant to be general, as I wasn't sure since it followed this boy's really fair handed posts. So, thanks for YOUR clarification :D.</p>