Ok, I know I have already read somewhere about Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky for MT…can anyone comment on these programs or link me to previous discussions on them? Western may be too much $ as we are out of state, but Northern has less expensive tuition for OOS. Thanks! I have some info on both programs that was emailed/mailed to me but thats it. Wondering how many audition for these schools…
Western Kentucky is an audition later school. The audition for the BFA takes place at the end of the Fall semester Sophomore year.
In terms of numbers of students auditioning, this is hard to say. I’ll actually know more in a few months since my daughter will be auditioning at the end of this semester. I believe there may be twice as many students as what is stated in the following excerpt from an e-mail sent to my daughter from Tracey Moore (now at Hartt) in July 2013
[Italics]You are reading the handbook correctly: students who are interested in the BFA are accepted as freshmen with the status “seeking admission.” They take all the classes required for the degree and are evaluated as though they are BFAs, but their status is not “fully admitted” until after that 3rd semester audition.
Right now, our program is growing a lot, so we usually have between 15 - 20 students entering as freshmen. By the time we get to that 3rd semester audition, there are usually about 6-8 students who will audition for full admission to the BFA program. Don’t be shocked by these numbers: it is actually a very natural progression. In those first three semesters, many students find they are not prepared for the rigor of the MT classes, or discover that they do not want to major in MT, or discover something else (design, directing, acting) that they love more, and so THEY decide that they are not going to audition. That usually accounts for about 8 to 10 of the initial 15-20. Then, there will be a few who are encouraged not to audition because the teachers do not feel they are going to pass. Then, there are some do not make it through the 3rd semester audition. Those people have a couple of different options. Some may choose to audition again (you get two tries). Some decide to complete a BA degree in theatre with a music theatre minor. (There are many differences between the major and minor, but the main one is the number of classes: MT majors, for example, have 8 semesters of voice lessons. Minors have 2 semesters.) Some decide to become BFA in acting and to minor in MT or dance. And a few – usually not too many, because people love being a part of the theatre & dance dept. – change majors to other programs all together, such as Business or Political Science.
Before I leave this question altogether, let me say one more thing. It may seem weird that we wait until the 3rd semester to audition, but here’s why we do it: If we base our decision on an early audition, you have ONE chance – just a few minutes – to “make it or break it.” We prefer to look at your work over the longer term. For example, how are you in classes? Are you a good student? Do you work hard and apply yourself? Are you a good citizen in the department? How do you treat the tech staff? How do you conduct yourself in tech classes? In backstage assignments? And, finally, if you are cast: How is your work as a performer? Do you show up to rehearsal on time, prepared and attentive? Do you respect the director? The choreographer? Etc etc etc. We are interested in finding out about you as a WHOLE person, not just the 3 minutes of our first meeting you and auditioning you. And here’s the other side of this: This 3 semester period ALSO gives you a chance to get to know US: Are you learning what you should? Are you being challenged and pushed by your teachers? Are you in the right level of classes or do you need to move up? Are you getting a chance to have your voice heard in the department, to contribute to your environment and make a difference? All of this is important.[/Italics]
I hope this helps. My daughter absolutely loves it at WKU and has no regrets about her choice. She just joined a sorority this year, was cast in a play, and is carrying 19 units. She barely has time to breathe and couldn’t be happier!
@LoveMyMTGirl - I think you also said in another post somewhere that the “audition later” approach also gave your D time to continue to develop as a performer before auditioning. It sounds like it has been a perfect fit for your D - and I know she had a couple of “audition first” choices that she passed up for WKU!
D is a BA theatre student at NKU and I can try to answer questions if you have them. You could also look up some of my past posts. I’m not at my laptop and I’m not good at linking old posts anyway. OOS cost is cheaper, especially if you live in one of the counties that qualifies for metro rate. Good scholarships too. Nice Honors program.
Regarding theatre BFA, students can audition once before they enroll (typical audition process) and up to twice at school (by end of sophomore year). While not on par with the super competitive schools, don’t think of it as an easy school either. I don’t remember audition numbers, but think it is a few hundred. They don’t have a set number to accept, but I think they wind up with classes of ~20. They are getting good kids in the program there.
D loves the school & theatre program.
@kategrizz, yes, my daughter did come to MT late. She started getting interested mid Sophomore year in high school. She had been singing and taking voice lessons and had a natural talent there, but the acting and dancing came much later. She was definitely NOT polished during the audition cycle, but still had 2 acceptances, as well as 2 waitlists that she withdrew her name from when she decided on WKU. I do think that we would not be comfortable with the audition later concept if she did not have a relatively successful audition season. Knowing that she would be even better trained when she actually does audition gave us even more comfort. Her audition is coming up in a few months, so we shall see!
thanks for this info all and @raellis123 if we get to the point that NKU is on the list, which I think it may be, I may msg you further questions. The chair of the dept emailed me and was quite responsive and informative. That is just sorta far for us, about 7 hrs…but the program sounds great so far. Western Kentucky sounds interesting too @LoveMyMTGirl . I just think the tuition might be too much for OOS and it is even farther. But…I actually am intrigues by the audition later program & I agree it is a cool approach as it gives the student an alternative in case the BFA isn’t for them. I see your point though that she was successful in her initial auditions and that builds confidence.
Another suggestion if you’re interested in Kentucky schools is the University of Kentucky in Lexington. They now offer an MT certificate program led by 2 former Broadway performers. Those same 2 have also started a regional summer theatre company that opened to rave reviews this past summer. You can google The Lexington Theatre Company to learn more. To give you an idea of their connections, they brought Jonathan Groff in to help with UK’s Spring Awakening. In addition, UK has a fantastic voice program led by Everett MCCorvey (Google him also!). Just another option to consider.
So is it a BA theatre program and how is a MT certificate worked in?
My understanding is you get a BA in Theatre or a BM in voice along with the MT Certificate. Here is a link with some description of the courses it includes and how you audition: