<p>The schools at the top of the forum are not necessarily the "top" programs... rather schools that have some degree of conversation on this particular board.</p>
<p>I have worked with students from the Kent State program.. and was very impressed.</p>
<p>My neice is in the Kent State program. She's a sophomore, and she loves it. Since she began, she's been given a lot of opportunities, not only to act in various college productions and community playhouse productions, but advisors helped her secure a summer internship last summer with a production company in Cleveland. Her love is costume design -- even though she enjoys acting, too -- and this internship has turned into a paying summer job for next year as they've asked her to return for their season. I know that she seems to be blossoming in Kent's program, and she feels that she's getting good mentoring, as well. </p>
<p>ames, I too am from Ohio and a proud grad of Kent, I disagree with your stance! :D I've heard the same about OU and OSU it's just sibling rivalry! I think each University has their own strengths and weaknesses. Kent has very strong programs in Architecture, Nursing, Business and education and let's not forget that the technology for LCD TVs etc was developed at Kent's own internationally acclaimed Liquid Crystal Institue. As for the Theatre dept, it is a growing and I think all too often overlooked program. If you click on my name and look for other posts, I have posted in the past about Kent's recent developemnt of a studio in NYC and the Theatre Dept was the recent recipient of the largest contirbution in the history of the University.</p>
<p>OU and OSU do also have the same things said about them, as does Miami. OSU is alright academically, as is Miami, but OU is the biggest party school in the state.</p>
<p>I'd like to put in a good word for Kent State. After having been through three sets of auditions (my original ones in high school, a second set after my first semester and then a third set in the Fall), I finally ended up at Kent State, and I love it. I originally in high school decided to not audition there because it was so close to home for me, and like many in my area, was turned off by Kent's old reputation. I originally attended Catholic U in DC for MT and it just didn't suit me at all. In fact, I was at the point of quitting MT all together after a year at CUA. But after being at Kent for a year, and in the BFA program I can tell you it's an amazing school and I couldn't be happier. The BFA is very up and coming. Its a smaller program (although this year's Freshman class is at about 20, they are the largest class...in the fall there are 8 seniors, 11 juniors, 20 sophomores and from what I've heard about 9 or 10 freshman). The program allows for much personal growth and strengthening, and there is much one on one time with professors, as well as a good chance of being cast most of the time you're here. The school has a strong acting curriculum (they just hired a new head of MFA Acting who also teaches undergrad courses, he is wonderful). Students are required to take Art of Acting, Acting Process, and Character and Scene Study 1 and 2 and can also elect to take Styles of Acting 1 and 2 and Acting for the Camera 1 and 2. In addition, BFA MT's have to take Musical Theatre Performance every year, and take Music Theory classes, three semesters of Theatre History, Script Analysis, and many more theatre electives (seminars, voice and speech, and movement classes). They also take dance classes and voice lessons, plus LERS (classes required by the university...ie math, english). The program is headed by a lovely lady named Terri Kent, who is a wonderful director and teacher, and truly cares about all her students. The rest of the faculty are equally as good. In addition, they are hiring a new full time music director/professor in the Fall. This person will teach music theory for MT, Ensemble Singing for the MT, Audition Rep, MT history, as well as music direct shows and coach students privately. The School of Theatre and Dance also recently received a 6 million dollar donation which was matched by the University. This money is being put towards the renovation of the Music and Speech Center, which is going to become a new performing arts center to be completed in Spring 2010 (my senior year!). The new performing arts center will have three performance spaces in it, plus a recital hall in the Music School. Kent also owns and runs it's own equity summerstock called the Porthouse Theatre. Porthouse often uses many Kent State students in it's summer productions. The seniors are also offered a chance to be featured in a Spring Showcase which is presented every Spring in NYC for casting agents, producers and directors. This year's seniors (there were 8 of them) all received at least four major offers (if not more) from casting directors or agents. As you can see, I have a lot to say about Kent. It is quite a fabulous up and coming program. There are no caps in admission (meaning they dont decide to accept 16 freshman etc), but it is selective and individual enough that each student gets a lot of attention. It is important to keep in mind that Kent State is a liberal arts university. Students must put a lot in. They have to make sure they sign up for as many classes as possible, take their LERS (gen. eds.), and work. Things aren't handed to them. But, its a great school and really up and coming. Check it out!</p>
<p>Thank you for your information. My daughter has been accepted into the MT program for the fall '08. She recently was awarded a Creative Arts Award throught the honors college. Do you happen to be in that program or have any friends in the honors program? She is concerned about how demanding it is since MT has many demands of its own.</p>