<p>Michigan is one of the top contenders for “dream school” for my daughter. I am wondering if anyone who has been part of the program can say anything about the “typical” student that fits there/is accepted there. I know the basic academic stats and am sure they are all prodigiously talented! The things we have heard are: “you have to be exceptional at two of the 3, and one must be singing” Are all the voices specatcular? Are some specatacular dancers or actors with bery good voices? Is almost everyone academically almost off the charts? The stats seem to make it appear so…but sometimes being there or part of it offers quite a bit more insight. What kinds of classes are taken the first year?</p>
<p>Any thoughts are appreciated! Thank you!</p>
<p>A friend of mine that is in the department told me they do not have a particular mold they are looking for. Obviously, they want talent, but they tend to look for "potential" also from what she said. She said they look for kids that are workable and seem easy to deal with, that have a lot of self-esteem but aren't arrogant. They want you to be secure in yourself when you talk to them in your audition and not just secure when performing. They are looking for someone that will fit in with their "family" of MTs. The whole group is very close and they want people that will come in and easily connect with that family. From what I have heard all the profs are great and really nice and very accommodating to the students when they audition and really like students that have an interest in the program and have researched it and know a lot about it and what they want out of it, not the students who only love UMich because of what is seen on YouTube, although those MTs are fabulous and it is great advertisement for UMich and what they have to offer. But my friend also said, most of all just be YOU, and be prepared and go into the audition with that attitude that they are going to love me and i will nail it. All you can do it your best, and once it's over, you just wait for the answer, and it is all in God's (or whoever you believe in's) hands and the hands of the auditors, as long as you know that you gave it your all you should be proud of what you've done. Hope that helps a bit :)</p>
<p>Great perpsective and thoughts, thank you for passing it along!</p>
<p>Mybroadwaybaby - I'm a freshman MT at UM and this fall the department just added a new section on their website addressing what they look for in an applicant - the link is UM</a> School of Music, Theatre & Dance - Department of Musical Theatre - Auditions & Interviews. The list is spot-on and really sums up the students in the program extremely well.</p>
<p>I agree with Bird7887 that the best way to approach the audition is to show the faculty that you are a fun, confident (but never cocky - that is hugely stressed here), intelligent performer. There is no real mold for the type of student they take (e.g. singing actor, dancing singer who acts, etc) because the program is so strong in all three areas, but I think they really look for students who have the "it" factor and the special spark that makes them an interesting performer. Voice is definitely a major factor, though, and everyone in our class sings very well - Brent Wagner (head of the program) is also very big on vocal versatility (in terms of style) and really likes traditional musical theater and the technique that accompanies that, so be sure that in the vocal audition your D contrasts a traditional MT song with a more contemporary one.</p>
<p>As far as academics go, everyone had to pass an initial academic screening before scheduling an audition, so those they accept are taken out of a pool of academically qualified applicants. I can say, though, that the students are very driven academically and curious and (for the most part) really want to take advantage of the opportunities that come with studying in a major university.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your daughter in this process! Feel free to PM me with any more questions - I'm happy to answer them as best I can.</p>
<p>Thank you Actormcfamous!</p>