International students.

[CanadianMTgirl]

<p>Okay, so you'll probably laugh. I'm Canadian and I'm in grade 9, yet I'm already looking at college. And that's the thing. It's because I'm Canadian, this process is going to be so much harder.</p>

<p>So let's start off simple. I know things could change over the next few years, but at this point, I would like to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. That's just not possible up here. The only musical theatre program that has produced any success is Sheridan College, which is the equivalent of an American junior college certificate. U of Windsor used to have a BFA MT program, but it butted heads with their drama program and doesn't exist anymore. So, even though I will be applying to BFA Drama and Theatre Performance programs in the country, my main focus is to get into a school in the US for MT.</p>

<p>Here's the basics about me. I'm in the Gifted Program and I'm very involved in many extra-curricular activities. In fact, I was chosen to be one of 20 grade 9s and 10s to go to a leadership camp in April with our school. By the time I graduate high school, I will be certified as a fluent French speaker and will receive a certificate of bilingualism. The school I attend does offer an AP Program for grade 12 students, which, as a gifted student, I will automatically be placed in. Can't really think of anything else extraordinary to mention, but if you need more info, please ask. Aside from school stuff, I do have Cerebral Palsy in the mildest form in my right leg. However, it doesn't hinder me (much). Basically, my calf muscles are tighter in my right leg than in my left, and I find it harder to walk with my heel down. I do work with a physiotherapist though, and it shouldn't get in the way of my dancing.</p>

<p>So, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask a few basic questions about international students, and then I'll get into the more MT-related ones.</p>

<p>Are there many colleges offering a MT major that offer financial support to international students?
As an international student, would I be able to get accepted into the Honours College?
Are there colleges that offer financial support to people with disabilities?</p>

<p>Here are the more MT-related ones.</p>

<p>Would it be considerably harder to get into an MT major program, being from Canada?
If I couldn't make it to the auditions (obviously Unifieds would be the best bet for me) for certain schools, would they be completely against the idea of a video audition?</p>

<p>That's pretty much it for now. I've lurked CC for a while now and I think this is the best fit for this topic, but if I'm missing something, please direct me elsewhere. Thanks so much!</p>

[takeitallin]

<p>Hi Canadian MT girl
Even though you are only in 9th grade, you can at least start thinking about getting a head start on auditions. I don’t know a lot about the curriculum in Canada and how those classes translate to classes offered at US high schools. I don’t know that MT programs here offer financial support specifically designed for international students. You would probably have to call schools in which you are interested to find out what you would have to do differently than a US student in order to be considered for financial aid. US students complete the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in Jan. of their senior year to be considered for financial aid. I am sure there are posts on CC that could give you a lot of info. As for talent based scholarships, there are many MT programs which offer them and you would be eligible for talent based scholarships just like anyone else. They can range from a few hundred dollars up to full tuition at some schools. </p>

<p>As for Honors programs, you need to look at the various MT degrees offered and determine if you are interested in a BFA or a BA degree. BFA’s generally don’t include as many academic classes and are more focused on performance type classes. They generally would not offer an Honors program. If you look at the list of schools at the top of the MT page, you can find which offer BFA’s. Some (but not all) of these programs do not have quite as demanding academic requirements and your admission will be based more on your audition. BA programs are more academic and you may have to be accepted to the school academically before being considered for the MT program. These schools are more likely to have an honors program. I am sure there are opportunities for foreign students to participate in those programs. Again you would need to research which schools you are interested in and call the admissions dept. </p>

<p>I am not familiar with financial aid for disabilities. </p>

<p>Your Canadian residency should have no bearing on being admitted to an MT program if you qualify academically. The only thing to keep in mind is that some schools (especially state schools) have out-of-state and international tuition and it can be quite expensive. Private schools are the same for any student usually, but can also be very expensive. Unifieds would be your best bet- maybe Chicago or New York? I think there is a thread somewhere here about schools which allow you to submit video auditions, but if there is any possible way you should try to do the Unifieds. </p>

<p>In the meantime, work on developing your voice, dance, and acting skills. Go to as many auditions as possible to develop your auditioning skills and you confidence. Try to do some shows if you can- high school or community. The more experience you can get, the better. Look thru the MT threads on this site as they have tons of info. Good luck!</p>