<p>Hello. One of my best friends from home has been accepted at CCM and Elon, but was rejected at IU’s new program. I have heard really good things about IU’s new program, but I was wondering if anyone had seen shows at IU or knew anything about the talent level of the MTs there. If they rejected my friend, what are they looking for? Can anyone help?</p>
<p>Hi. I know nothing about the MT program at IU, but my guess this will be one of those things that there is no rhymn or reason to. Obviously your friend is very talented, so don't worry with trying to figure out why. It's exhausting, I know!</p>
<p>I know a little bit about IU's MT program. My d is a theater major there, choosing not to audition for the BFA because she fell in love with the university and knew she wanted to go there. She was told that she would be able to take many of the same classes as the MT kids but have more flexibility in her other course selection. She is taking private voice lessons with Ray Fellman who also works with the BFA kids and she is absolutely ecstatic about that! She was in Seussical last fall as a freshman, much to her surprise. We saw the show twice and were very impressed by the level of talent. The cast had a nice blend of students...grad students, BFA MT, theater and non-theater kids. It appeared to us that the director George Pinney, whom she loved and is a fabulous choreographer, was focused on putting the best kids in the production, irregardless of their majors. That being said, my d tells me that the kids cast for the spring production of Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are mostly BFA kids and the director is the head of the department. So perhaps he really wants to showcase the program? It is tough to know what they are looking for as far as talent goes...the boy who was Jo Jo in Seussical auditioned last year and didn't get in to the BFA program!
IU has informed the kids that their musicals next year will be The Wild Party and Oklahoma. If I can answer any more questions, I will try!</p>
<p>yes, IU has many talented kids aside from the BFA MTs. IU has been turning out outstanding performers for years, they've just never had the selectivity of an audition only, musical theater degree. </p>
<p>for seussical, of the twenty-one person cast, there were nine BFA MTs, six IMP MTs, three were BA theater students, one voice major, one business major, and one MFA acting student.</p>
<p>in 'a funny thing...' of the eighteen person cast, ten are BFA musical theater majors, three are IMP musical theater majors, three BA theater majors, one voice major, and one equity guest artist to play Pseudolas. </p>
<p>as you can see, there is always a mix of students who make the mainstage musicals at IU. however, the students who are focusing on musical theater tend to have stronger musical theater audition skills which is reflected in the cast list choices. </p>
<p>no one can say for certain what IU is looking for. my guess would be that in the same way that the department casts a variety of students in their productions, they are similarly looking for students who vary in appearance, voice type, strengths, and personalities.</p>
<p>That's so exciting about The Wild Party! (And so hilariously contrasting with Oklahoma, haha.) Are they doing the Lippa or the LaChiusa? </p>
<p>And do they know what any of the other shows will be next year yet?</p>
<p>I'm a BFA at IU and our 2008/2009 season is as follows:</p>
<p>Dead Man Walking
The Wild Party (Lippa)
Hamlet
Marisol
Stop Kiss
An Ideal Husband
America Play
Oklahoma</p>
<p>Ha...is this Matthew?
You were helping out with my audition session - I just added you on fb. :)</p>
<p>That's an AMAZING season! Gosh, I might just have to go...
(I'm into the BA already but I'll have to wait to hear about the BFA until after the last round of auditions in March.)</p>
<p>Dead Man Walking...man...a few years ago, they did it at Fordham and a friend of mine was Sister Helen. Tim Robbins came and worked with them, and Sister Helen came and spoke with them...she said it was one of the most overwhelming/powerful experiences of her life. </p>
<p>And of course who doesn't love Oscar Wilde? :)</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing those! It's a really exciting season.</p>