Musical Theater Nightmare

<p>This is not musical theater, per se, but Towson University has a by-audition BFA program that is only holding the first of three audition dates this weekend. It's is an actor training program with, I understand, musical theater opportunities, especially as the Department of Theatre Arts (or drama, not sure which it is) is attached to a very good music school. I also understand that they have a number of musical theater classes. In addition, I believe students can be accepted to the University and declare a theater arts major (BA) and later audition into the by-audition performance track.
Welcome</a> to the Towson University Department of Theatre Arts</p>

<p>While auditions may not be until later, Towson's application deadline, like Muhlenberg's, is February 15.</p>

<p>Oops, thanks, Chedva. I know several kids who have already applied, but won't audition until early March. I am glad you added that heads up!</p>

<p>Deep breaths Drupack- it will help! You did not mention any area of the country as being better for your D. You did mention she is a great singer so I would suggest you check out Oklahoma City University. Appilcation deadline is March 1 and they do have a March audition date( no idea if they have room or not but it is there). It is a BM in Musical Theatre and a great program. </p>

<p>As others suggested, I would spend some quality time reading - with your D ...hey it is a holiday weekend! - here and get those calls and emails on the way. It is not too late!</p>

<p>Good luck- MikksMom</p>

<p>Also check out SUNY-Fredonia (New York State) -- they have a good BFA MT program, but it's less well-known so tends to draw fewer applicants. Wilkes University (Pennsylvania) has a BA MT program -- an audition is required but again, fewer applicants so your chances of admission are higher.</p>

<p>Don't be too discouraged -- very few students are accepted to all the programs they may audition for.</p>

<p>Durpack -</p>

<p>You have received a lot of great advice already, but I wanted to add the advice to check with experienced people to make sure your D's audition material (both songs and monologues) showed her off in the best, most "marketable" way. It may seem late to change audition material - and you may not need to - but I have seen many students who have successful auditions after disappointments, based on changing their material and finding things that truly showcase their unique talents.</p>

<p>Good luck!!!! :)</p>

<p>I agree with Mikksmom that OCU would be a good choice, especially if her voice is her strong suit. I would call the Music Department and ask if they still have any audition slots open, then get busy, they will schedule an audition even if you haven't been accepted yet, but your application is submitted and "in the works". They are very nice and helpfull there and always seem to have time to talk to you on the phone. The web site has very detailed information about what is needed for an audition. Please feel free to PM me for more info if you are interested. And by the way, the pianist they use for auditions is absolutely amazing and I am sure can play ANYTHING properly.</p>

<p>Durpack -</p>

<p>Just finished Unifieds and some other auditions last week. Talked with other kids who were auditioning for MT at the U of West Florida, Jacksonville U (FL), and Seton Hill College (PA). Smaller programs, but they may offer possibilities for you at this point in the game.</p>

<p>Also talked to 1 kid that was looking at a community college program, then transfer. Some of the transfer threads may help you research that option more.</p>

<p>Good luck...</p>

<p>I haven't seen anyone else suggest this, but your D might consider waiting until next year and reauditioning. To me it seems like spending the year working, continuing tp study voice/acting/dance, researching schools, and then trying again next year would be the best choice. There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking a "gap year" (I have three MT friends who did it last year either because they weren't ready or weren't happy with the results). With how expensive college is, it makes sense to me that she be as sure as she can possibly be that she's at the right place - starting the audition process this late in the game will be limiting both in the number of places where she can still audition and in that there won't be as much time to research and find programs that really stand out to her. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Agree with all of the above. I am thankful I happened upon this forum in the fall (D is a JR, anyhow). There is a ton of info here. Read as much as you can. Everyone who posted here gave excellent advice. Some of it is conflicting, I know, but read it all. I was going to suggest Wagner (Staten Island) and Muhlenberg. I see they've been mentioned. Also how about American, James Madison? It isn't bad to go to 1 school and transfer (OK, pot calling the kettle black, here....but really, I am TRYING to be supportive to my D who wants to transfer. Consider this practice!!). I am so sorry your D had such a negative experience. If she truly wants MT there are more "no's" down the road - no one gets every part they want - but I am sorry it was such a huge first blow. MT in unbelievable competitive. Everyone here is helpful. Keep us posted. Good luck!!!</p>

<p>First off--Tremendous thanks to all who have posted--either here or in private! It has all been very educational AND encouraging! From my heart-- THANK YOU!!! Haven given ourselves time to calm down and get things into perspective, we have decided to apply, apply, apply!!!!!!!! There ARE schools out there--with excellent MT programs--still taking apps and doing auditions! We are "glutting" the system so to speak! We are working on lots of apps to hopefully get finished and submitted! THANK GOODNESS FOR THE INTERNET! Have been out of school most of the week though because of weather so we won't be able to have transcripts/ACT scores sent til Tuesday. But are hoping to get all apps submitted over the weekend! Daughter is calmer now and we are trying to not get our hopes up too much at this point. Once we get acceptances, we'll sort, visit and decide. But for now, we are just getting applications out there! Will keep you posted! And by all means, keep the suggestions coming in!!!! They are so helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dru</p>

<p>You might check Marietta College, in Ohio. I believe they have rolling admissions, and were very accomodating with auditions for my D when we visited. (It was not an official audition weekend but they put together a panel to listen to her). They offer a BFA in MT, and the students we spoke to were happy with the program.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I live in Ohio and am going through auditions with my daughter as well. I know Heidelberg also has an MT program. I'm not sure you even need to audition there. If worse comes to worse, she could do that for a year and then re-audition next year. I have also learned you can sometimes get into a theater program at a college and then audition your sophomore year for the MT program. This whole process has been such an education. My daughter has been accepted into Ohio Northern's program and I believe they still have another audition. You may want to check that out, too. Best of luck to your and your daughter!</p>

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Then she can take as many classes as she likes, even if she ultimately decides not to major in it.

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<p>I'd double check this. I know this is true with dance classes, but not so sure it is true with theatre classes. I was visiting my D at Muhlenberg this weekend and although she went to Muhlenberg with the intention of double majoring in theatre and vocal performance, students do not declare their major until after they begin school. D has not gotten around to making the official declaration yet (mere procrastination, not change of heart), and this weekend told me she had to take care of that asap, because otherwise, when it comes time to register for fall 2008 classes, she won't be able to sign up for certain theatre classes.</p>

<p>All students on campus can audition for all theatre/dance productions, but I don't think all students can take whatever theatre classes they want without declaring a theatre major or minor. And while Muhlenberg only does one main-stage musical during the school year, their Summer Musical Theatre Program offers three musicals, and many students take advantage of it.</p>