<p>Just wondering if anyone on here is accepted and has decided to attend Montclair University next year (BFA Musical Theatre Program)?</p>
<p>Yes, my S was accepted. He hasn't made a decision yet as to where he's attending next year, but we're hoping to have that wrapped up in the next two weeks! Are you planning to enroll there?</p>
<p>BTW, you may already know this, but Montclair is having an open house for accepted students this Saturday, 10 to 1.</p>
<p>Would that be good to go to if you are in Theatre...because I don't know if thats specifically designed to let you see classes or stuff or mette the tehatre department. Can you please us kno more about that? Thanks.</p>
<p>There wasn't a lot of detail on the invitation, but I don't think it's an opportunity to sit in on classes, as it's a Saturday. More like, get to know the university better, talk to people from your intended major, and get any open questions answered.</p>
<p>Are there any current Montclair students here?</p>
<p>my friend got an acceptance letter to Montclair..have you heard if the program is top notch or not?</p>
<p>Lizbennett, I'm not sure if I'm enrolling there next year but I'm really looking at it strongly. I live in Southern NJ so I actually may be going up there tomorrow or friday to go and sit in on some classes....and I have yet to see the dorms, so I have to get on top of that as well. I don't want to judge the dorms yet, since I haven't seen the inside but the exterior of the freshman dorms look a little sketchy. The upperclassmen dorms are much nicer though. </p>
<p>And to answer Elvis's question: the program has been completely re-worked now that Univ. of Miami Musical Theatre Coordinator - Clay James - has taken over as Musical Theatre head. Tonnns of new classes have been added and it says on my acceptance letter the program will be very conservatory styled. They have 6 theatres on campus, including an outdoor theatre and some new rehearsal studios\dance studios were just put in. I do know for a fact that the dance program is fantastic! I know two girls (who I have worked with before) who are currently enrolled in the dance bfa, musical theatre minor and are phenomenal.</p>
<p>Our son has been accepted but is not enrolling, since he's got some options at smaller school environments, which was his preference. He has told them this. I will say they were very accomodating of my son's schedule toward auditioning and consider that a positive reflection on the program. We believe the M/T program is growing in leaps and bounds there, and should be an exciting environment for their students with lots of performance options. They also constantly have professional artists of all sorts performing throughout the year. We believe they are a great source of the arts and entertainment in that neighboring community as well which is very nice. Plus they do offer a senior year internship in NYC and they have their own train stop on campus w/ one stop service to Manhattan; I'm not sure if there's any cost for Montclair students. The dorms are fairly typical of most larger population schools. Housing should not be a problem, we were told, as long as you stay on top of paperwork and submit apps asap. Financially, they are an excellent option, especially if you're in state. I'm sure if any prospective students want to chat w/ a current student, the department will try their best to get you connected. Good luck!</p>
<p>I just visited Montclair yesterday and loved it. The dorms at Freeman and Russ Hall are very nice and are at the front of the campus, near admissions (where most of the theatre students are housed). I didn't care for the dorms in the back of the campus though (Bohn, Stone). I also found out that the program is going national next year and they are holding regional auditions.</p>
<p>We looked at this school last winter...and were very impressed. The theater was new and absolutely incredible. (I loved the outdoor theater!) I remember it to be a small campus, very pretty, white buildings surrounded by a very nice area. I am not surprised at all that it will be going national next year....they completely changed their program to be highly competitive. I would definately put a star by this school....and you forgot to mention a very BIG selling point for all of you broadway show addicts....it is about 25 min from the theater district!!! AND there was to be a train stop to NY on the campus....wow!</p>
<p>My D was accepted to Montclair as well as two other schools. The program does sound like it'll be really growing and the new Director, Clay James,
has had seven years of experience at U of Miami. We will be visiting there
again April 21st Fri. and in the evening there'll be a dance performance.
We're really looking forward to it. I have to remember to check out those
other dorms - we saw only one I think it was called Blane? - with a recreational area on the first floor. Please write if you're going there!</p>
<p>Bumping for Sarahlsmom</p>
<p>Here is the low down on Montclair State University and believe me I did the homework. My son has recently been accepted by them, has accepted their offer and is thrilled to be attending. The Coordinator of Musical Theatre is Clay James who has been there for under two years and was previously Head of Musical Theatre at the University of Miami. He had a strong hand in developing their program over a period of 8 years and leading their MT program towards national recognition. He has completely overhauled the MSU curriculum and is leading them towards national recognition as well. Gone will be the Concentrations through either dance, music or acting and in place will be a BFA in MT. Stong training and balanced number of classes in acting (6 semesters), dance (6 semesters of four classes a week- ballet twice plus tap and jazz) and music ( theory, acting for the singer, voice forum, private voice etc)in all 122 credits. And yes they do a SENIOR SHOWCASE in NYC which is taken as a class their final semester. Heavely attended by major casting directors and agents. We were told by a faculty member that many of their seniors already have signed with agents, have offers from major regional theatres and several students have jobs on Royal Caribean waiting for them. Two students just got Hairspray on Broadway and the national tour of High School Musical. In just two years they have become increasingly competitive, seeing close to 250 students and accepting only about 20. Clay James spoke of yearly attrition of a couple of students in that there are always those who don't realize how hard the training is and don't make the cut through the probationary standards they have in place. Standards identicle to other top BFA programs. Next year they plan on joining the Unified Auditions which will make them more compettive on a national level. The production work and performance facilities are amazing. Six theatres including a space just for dance performance and the $35 Million state of the art Kasser Theatre which seats only 500 but has a stage space equal to major performing arts complexes. Their productions of Parade and Cabaret, which they just completed, had production values and performances equal to professional touring productions and were all fully produced on campus. We had to wait for cancellations as the entire run was sold out and we didn't have reservations. Cabaret was listed on talkingbroadway.com as a must see and completely unexpected on every level. I heard that Grand Night for Singing in October was professional level as well. All productions use full orchestras. 27 pieces for Parade, 16 for Cabaret and 7, including a harpist, for Grand Night. Paul Hoestetter from the School of Music (I think that was his name) conducts the larger shows and was a protege for Eric Stern, a major and established Broadway conductor. Again professional caliber. Clay James told us he makes a point of using both BFA and BA students in his productions and the BA program is growing as well with a new coordinator of the program starting in the fall. He also told us that the lead in his production of Parade just completed a run in Avenue Q and is embarking on the national tour of the show in May. They do two musicals a year and four plays not including three major dance performances. They have a nationally recognized dance program which fully supports the MT program with a professional faculty from NYC including Bill T. Jones the choreographer for Spring Awakening on Broadway. Students this year from Montclair, for the second year running, recieved the Irene Ryan Award for Best Male AND Best Female Performance at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Major stars, including Whoopee Goldberg have done master clases and I hear that Christine Ebersole is in plans to hold a series of Master Classes in the fall. The school is growing by leaps and bounds with it becomming more of a residential campus and they are working fast to keep up to the pace. Yes the housing, by what I read and hear is an issue and the heating problems have been addressed by new units being installed this summer by what I have been told. Plans for a new housing complex is in the design stages, I believe, but will not be ready for at least two years. The Village, upper classmen housing complex is incredible. 3-4 Bedroom apartment style units. The older dorms are older but comfortable and being updated and enhanced for comfort. Do get a move on for housing deposits and don't be affraid to pick up the phone if you need help. I believe that the women I spoke to was Jeanine who assured me that freshman students are a priority for on campus accomodations. Construction has begun on the new John J. Cali (Mack Cali Construction, a major endowment) School of Music and when finished will rival the facilities at Julliard. Everything is state of the art. Also the first School of Music in the State of NJ. Saw the plans and they are amazing. Brand new $50 million fitness and recreation center ready this fall. And the the $300 million recently opened University Center classroom complex is nothing short of breathtaking. Again state of the art. Most of this is driven by the President, Dr. Susan Cole, the driving force in their $350 million capital campaign. She just recieved a top national award in higher education I was told. I do hear that she can step on toes of the faculty, but is totally dedicated to increasing the student educational experience and standards at MSU and has raised the bar in expecting the faculty to do the same. Lets face it, some faculty ( I can remember some of my college professors) get complacent and don't want to jump that high, so take the complaints of some faculty as just that. She demands alot by what I hear and with my son's education in her hands, at least I know where she stands. And higher education can be political as well. Attended a talk back involving the Dean of the College of the Arts, Dr. Newman and Associate Dean Linda somebody who were straight talkers and fielded questions with complete candor and direct answers. Totally approachable as was Clay James who returned our phone call within hours. His number is 973 -655-7341. Great college feel but still an accessable and small campus community with loads of support for the arts. Love the two train stations on campus and the fact that NYC is only 12 miles away. My son dosen't need a car with trains and buses right at the front door. They do have a new web site for the University which has been recently updated and is more accessable and easier to use then the one we originally started with when looking for MT programs. Enrollment and size of the university has doubled in the past three years. They even have a Starbucks Cafe on the front of the library which just opened a couple of weeks prior to us visiting the campus. I am thrilled my son is attending MSU and as an in state parent the university will be providing him with a conservatory education at a fraction of the cost. By the numbers I saw for out of state students, an amazing bargin as well for the education they will be receiving. Clay James told us that this year they have MT students who are transfering from Rutgers, Ryder, Westminster Choir and Shenandoah. More competition for those auditioning. I'm thrilled my son was chosen. Put a star next to this program and check it out.</p>
<p>i got in you guys..i would love to talk to other who have aswell :)</p>
<p>THANKS for the informative post! I knew a lot of the info you presented, but not all of it. I showed it to my D and she is more excited than ever to be attending. I think this is TRULY the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of an exponentially growing school and program, and to get in on almost the ground floor. Once they start attending Unifieds, things really kicking up.</p>
<p>Everyone we met two weeks in the theatre department is amazingly nice, helpful, and excited about the program. Eric Diamond and Clay James are truly exceptional and really caring.</p>
<p>I will PM you.</p>
<p>Clay James just sent me a cirriculum of the first year at Montclair, and i dont see any voice on it...is it most acting and dancing? can somebody clarify this for me please :)?</p>
<p>Kayla....make sure to ask the questions you have DIRECTLY to the school and don't rely on what others say. Also, get the curriculum for ALL FOUR YEARS, not just the first year. Are you accepted to the BFA in MT (I think they also have other degrees like BM in MT and so on)? I believe Montclair also lets you specialize in one of the three areas at some point in the program. Get the information you need directly from the program. Things are always changing at schools, as well.</p>
<p>Also, have you looked at this on their site?:
<a href="http://www.montclair.edu/arts/nap/musicalTheatre.html#SampleCousesMusicalTheatre%5B/url%5D">http://www.montclair.edu/arts/nap/musicalTheatre.html#SampleCousesMusicalTheatre</a>
(when you get there, click on "common core curriculum"</p>
<p>Then, I went over with you a day or two ago to examine the course catalogue (when you were asking about if there were any liberal arts) and I gave you the pages that described the liberal arts requirements and also the pages with the requirements for the BFA in MT. Can you revisit the catalogue with the description of the MT program and courses? That should have what you need.</p>
<p>Here is a copy of what I gave you yesterday on another thread as to where to find the requirements and curriculum:</p>
<p>
[quote]
First with regard to Montclair State....I looked up their Course Catalogue online. It is a pdf file. The link to it is on the Musical Theater program page. In the catalogue, on page 52 of the PDF file (which appears to be page 46 of the catalogue), it starts the outlining of the general education (liberal arts) requirements for those earning a BFA at Montclair. It explains all these requirements as well as lists course options to fufill them. I didn't read through it all as you can yourself.</p>
<p>Then on page 248 of the pdf file (which is page 242 of the catalogue), it begins all of the requirements for the various theater degree programs. Scroll until you read the ones for the BFA in MT. Familiarize yourself with this whole department.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Also, in an overview of the BFA in MT program, it states:
[quote]
The BFA /MUSICAL THEATRE concentration at Montclair State University is a rigorous training program offering a conservatory experience within a liberal arts setting. Students receive intensive instruction and a concentrated focus in acting, all disciplines of dance, private vocal training, music theory, movement, production, stage craft and diction. In addition to course work in repertoire, a sequence of musical theater classes focuses on various styles, character analysis, ensemble aspects, vocal production, song analysis and musical theater history.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>However, I do believe you can choose to concentrate on music or dance within the BFA in MT program. But when it comes to describing those options, it says (on their webpage for this degree, under "sequence of study"):</p>
<p>
[quote]
BFA - Dance/Musical Theatre
BFA - Music/Musical Theatre
BA - Theatre/Musical Theatre </p>
<p>Due to the highly individualized nature of this major, a 4-year recommended plan is not available for this program. All students in this major, or students interested in this major, must work directly with the Department Advisor(s). To contact an advisor in this program, please contact Professor Eric Diamond, the advising coordinator for this program, in Life Hall Rm. 126 (x7340) or call the Theatre & Dance Department at (973) 655-4217.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Montclair changes requirements for some majors. Make sure the curriculum you're looking at will pertain to the year you start. For example, they changed my major two years after I enrolled and my major was the old requirements and not listed in the new materials. Make sure you have all up to date information and save that information in case they change it after you enroll.</p>
<p>hello all! i am a current freshman BFA muscial theatre at montclair state. i dont want to burst anyones bubble, but i feel like you should go into our progam with the most accurate information possible. i really like the program, but eric diamond, who is a teacher and unofficial spokesperson of the program tends to give false information because he and the other teachers are so obssesed with "recruiting" new students. (This is probably the biggest pet peeve of current students, we feel we are getting pushed to the side so the teachers can recruit new students, who, in turn, will also be pushed aside)
first let me address the curriculum issues. the past few years incoming freshman have been told they would recieve a bfa in musical theatre, and as of now the sophomores definitely will not and it is unsure if we will. (though i have heard from several sources we will only get bfas in dance, acting, or bm in music). the curriculum is pretty solid, but it is constantly changing and we find ourselves taking new courses they suddenly decide should be required and other classes we have taken are now useless. also, the schedule is completely packed with most of us taking over twenty credits (not including shows). we are crammed with work and classes. there has never been a senior showcase before for musical theatre majors so i dont know how they can say it is heavily attended. as of this year, only acting bfas have had a showcase.
while a few people have agents throughout the program, the graduating class is certainly not all working. one girl will be on a cruise line because she AUDITIONED for it, not through an offer, and she is considered one of the very best. also i have no idea what eric diamond told you but there is not a single montclair student in the broadway version of hairspray. there is a boy who is on the national tour, but he never even was a student here- he was just offered acceptance before landing the tour and has many friends here who i guess consider him an unoffical and hope he comes here. another boy auditioned but did not make it into the cast of the broadway hairspray- he is the one who will be on the high school musical national tour. also, the man in avenue q actually transferred out of montclair state before he was in avenue q, but this was because he was cast in a show in the phildelphia area and wanted to go to school near the theatre. also, transfer students from those schools you listed might be accepted, but that doesnt mean they attend.
the kasser theatre is an absolutely beautiful facility, but unfortunately, the musical theatre department only is allowed to perform once a year there. the acting department also produces one show a year there. all the rest of the shows are in a small "black box" theatre. im not sure who told you grand night was on a professional level- it most certianly was not. it was a good show but certainly not on the level of cabaret or parade.
the ba and dance programs are pretty unrelated to the bfa. there are hardly any bas in shows ,and the man who was the lead in cabaret was orginially a bfa and only changed his juinor or senior year. the bas are considered on a different level than the bfas, and really dont get the same respect. some of them think its a joke anyway. the dance majors have their own dance shows and while we can audition for them, they definitely get preference. they dont really interact with us as much.
the housing facility has been in the works for several years and likely not be completed for quite a few more. in the meantime hope you will get any housing whatsoever because most students curretnly have to live in an awful hotel next year. and the current residents halls are not being redone, unfortuantely. the village is beautiful but very few are able to get housing there.
besides these hangs up, the program is definitely growing and in ten years or so will have a great name. reply with any questions you might have about the program. as a current musical theatre student, i can offer you more accurate information then the teachers who are pushing you to come. hope this was helpful for everyone.</p>
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