@4angels and @collegeboundSam these are my observations and not opinions weighting the program either for or against. We were there for the university wide event - so not specific to MT. Re travel to and from- it is difficult and expensive to fly in and out of Springfield but easy to drive around the Springfield area. One student said that kids who fly home will usually catch rides with kids who live in Kansas City or St Louis and fly out of those airports
Re the campus- it is relatively compact for a large university The athletic facilities seemed nice. We spent the majority of our time at the Student Union which has chick fil a , either papa johns or dominos ( I can’t remember which), and a Subway, and a Grill/ healthier option that I have never heard of Downstairs they have a bowling alley/ping pong/pool room that was great. They also have a small grocery shop, gift store/clothing store and a copy center there. Lots of areas to sit/lounge and at 7pm on a Saturday we did see two groups in the student union - 4 girls working on a project and 8 kids playing cards. We did not do the dorm tour although they all seem pretty conveniently located. We did go over to Craig Hall where the theatre is located ( it wasn’t included on our regular tour ). The doors into the theatre were locked so we could not see the theatre but the lobby was big and we were able to look at the headshots of all the kids who had done the LA/New York Showcase. Their headshots were amazing! We went in search of kids hanging out ( because that’s what theatre kids do ) and found some on the second floor in the very small black box. They were mostly acting majors ( no MTs) and an English major. They talked to S for a few minutes. They were working on a one act We saw the big concrete pad where the tent theatre will go up. Parking was easy. As a matter of observation- there were lots of empty parking lots
We met with Mr Westenberg for a small breakout type session. Here’s where it will be hard just to give my observations and not my opinions because he is so enigmatic, enthusiastic and passionate it is hard not to fall in love with him instantaneously. Even as I am trying to reign my words in, I really just want to gush about him. He believes that everyone he has made an offer to can make it in this business and he wants to develop that and provide opportunity Freshman can’t audition for the first semester shows because they are cast the semester before. He highly recommends AP/dual enrollment/online summer coursework to open up schedule for more options in theatre coursework Several kids minor (one was asking about dance minor) one of the students there was a religious studies dance minor They have two very interesting opportunities that are by audition. One goes to schools in the Springfield area and does short plays/musicals for them and teaches them how to be an audience ( some very low income schools have no exposure to arts) another group creates shows that handle tough topics ( sexual harassment, sexual discrimination,etc ) and presents them as short skits to corporations, fraternities, etc making it fun and less awkward. They are taking 20 this year They have started a Musical Theory for Musical Theatre students ( I personally love this because not all MT students play an instrument and have had theory -so it helps to give kids a fair shake in a tough music based curriculum subject ). Student MUST get a C ( not a C-) in all Theatre subjects Senior Showcase is by audition. Some kids will get the opportunity to work for the Tent Theatre and thereby start earning equity points before they have graduated.
@gatorbridget ? how we feel about Bob Westenberg. I have no doubts in him- but for us, location is a tough drawback. I have no doubt this program will be a top 20 in no time. It’s an absolute bargain, and that man is gold. I’m just not positive it’s in the right spot for us. Thank you for your input!
@gatorbridget do check Allegiant airlines- it has direct flights to & from LA, Orlando, Fort Myers, Phoenix,& Las Vegas. Also consider using the Fayetteville airport in Bentonville I think it’s XNA. Walmart headquarters are there and so they have a fabulous airport that has direct flights to places like LaGuardia every single day
We found some good flights on Southwestern from Newark to St Lewis. Does Allegiant fly directly to Springfield. Finding direct flights from NJ to Springfield looks like a challenge.
@32barMom , @pegski , @triixxie, @mtmom1967 , Hi my son will be visiting on the 17th and sitting in on 2 classes, meeting with Bob, and getting a tour of the theater and studio spaces. . It would be great if we could make a list of accepted students locations.
You can contact Kathleen Hains to set that up in the department. Please share your observations and feelings about Missouri when you attend if you can.It would be most helpful as it is the farthest of our accepted schools, but the least expensive with what seems to be a great program. My S is from NY, Westchester county just outside the city.
@collegeboundSam@32barMom , @pegski , @mtmom1967 My D and husband visiting on April 9th. They are flying from Newark to St Louis, and than driving 2+ hrs to Springfield.
We choose to fly to Springfield 4/17 due to a tight schedule having to see 2 schools in 2 days. Flying into Springfield 6am from LGA, then flying out at 7pm same day to Virginia visiting JMU, fhen back to NY the next day… Can’t wait till this is over and a decision is made.
@collegeboundSam is the flight from LGA non-stop? which airline? I am trying to find nonstop flights to Springfield. Also, I was texting another person today with a son named Sam, who visited Missouri today. -coincidence? This other person is from my D mt prep group.
No, one stop to Springfield. No direct flights from NYC area. Only non stop is to Fayetteville Arkansas, then a 2 hour drive. Our layover is only half an hour.
There is another Sam admitted? Weird but fun. I know that another Sam was admitted to JMU as was told to me by JMU MT head. Probably same person and we are shadowing each other. That’s funny.
My S is Peyton. I have a confession to make…he is “still in the pool” but has not been offered a spot yet. Mom is praying it happens, but we were late to find out about this program and missed all the audition dates. They let him send videos in and I believe our offer may be hinged on this visit. (No pressure son!) lol He is a great student and will get in-state tuition if he gets a spot, so mom and dad would really love for this program to be it! Plus, for us, it is only 4.5 hours from home. My son is a good singer/actor but has had no formal dance training. So he has had some rejections in the conservatory circuit and just isn’t super excited about his choices until we discovered MSU. Cross your fingers for us!!!
@pegski Here is to hoping that Peyton gets the “Yes”. It seems an exciting program, other than the travel aspects. In state tuition,+ merit award and top notch Broadway talent on the faculty make it seem like a dream come true. We won’t visit until the 17th, and Robert gave us until the 23rd to commit, so hopefully my son will like it and feel at home. I am sure that they must have admitted a few people who will say “no” in the next few weeks. My son is a strong singer and stronger actor, but mid level dancer. I think that Robert is looking for “potential to succeed” and not “broadway ready”. If we pass, I will surely let you know. Hold on tight, it’s going to be a long April.
