Really understanding musical theater programs and what they offer is a challenge for the uninitiated, of course, but as a parent of an MT student and aspiring theater professional (and paying the tuition), I am sorely disappointed in Wagner’s Theater Performance Program (aka auditioned musical theater program). The program’s director is NOT committed to making sure that all students accepted into the program have an opportunity to practice their craft. Instead, at her direction, the professors and directors pick a few favorites (this is more true for the more competitive female students, who comprise a majority of each class) - and recast them over and over. Perhaps Wagner is seeking to link it’s name to the few they think will really make it on Broadway; but in doing so, Wagner is really doing themselves and their students a disservice! They picked these students to be in their program and they owe them the opportunity to practice their craft and training! The program is fairly large (30 students per year of ~120) for this small college with limited physical resources – why have such a large program if not everyone is going to be fully trained? For the tuition? The students are all truly amazing and the program has a stellar reputation in terms of it’s students and faculty – so c’mon Wagner: do your job and do right by these students!
I respectfully disagree with your broad statement about the Wagner program. I think there are a lot of opportunities for students to be involved in productions at Wagner. While I agree that most of the Main Stage casting goes to upperclassmen, this is not different from many MT programs. In fact, some programs don’t even let underclassmen audition until Jr/Sr year. They have Student Cabarets, SRMT and CSP productions which anyone can audition for and provide lots of opportunities to be involved - including submitting, directing/producing shows. They are there to learn - and yes, while I agree it is great to see your kid in a show, training is what they are there for. I feel like as long as my kid is thriving and learning and making the most of any opportunity she is given, she will be fine. Even if she never makes it on stage AFTER graduation, she loves Wagner and the education/training she is receiving. Like any program, do your homework before you commit - talk to current TP students, go to shows, sit in on programs. At the end of the day, committing to a program you think is the right one, may not be. Maybe you feel this is a disservice to your kid, but I don’t think it is a fair assessment of the program in general or to the students that love the program.