Thanks, Susan. I wondered if that was a possibility, although it is a bit early, but thought I’d check and see if perhaps another production was in the works and I hadn’t heard about it. 
Some of my favorite MT music is from Miss Saigon, although the show isn’t a favorite of mine.
One of S’s audition season cohort is currently a sophomore MT at Otterbein and loves it. From the “outside” the entire group seems to be pretty close-knit and either of their own volition, or because encouraged by the department, they travel together to several auditions throughout the midwest and east coast for summer stock (if not “encouraged” by the department, they are at least supported to some degree in rehearsal schedule leniency - which is NOT the case at S’s program). If this is any indicator of training quality, the Otterbein kids seem generally to be well-represented - especially considering their size - at callbacks/hiring for places like PCLO and other highly-regarded summer theater.
My son too is a freshman at BoCo. I cannot say enough about how much he loves this program! He has been fortunate to have already been cast in two shows. The faculty are very nuturing and the students become so close regardless of what year they are.
While CC is an EXCELLENT resource - I would not correlate level of discussion here with overall quality. I can take just one or two parents who are enthusiastic about a program to raise awareness on this forum. And even though there are LOTS of schools represented, we don’t cover all schools equally.
@NJDad68 My daughter is a senior at Otterbein. I’m sending you a PM.
@NJDadBFAMT After going through the pros and cons of each school, probably before they even made your audition list,is there one that has that intangible for your child?That this is where I belong even if it cant be explained by data and stats or even if it doesnt make sense on paper?
@MTBFAmom What do the Boco kids do on weekends or free time? Thanks!
It’s not our experience that MT kids have much free time, but when they do, they try and catch up on sleep. My D did a summer program at BoCo, and it’s in a great location for everything a big city like Boston has to offer (sports, arts, restaurants, shopping…and a great outdoor scene when the weather is nice).
@Bogeyw my daughter is between Syracuse and Boco. I wanted your opinion on the change in senior showcase to a webcast. Also, how did you feel about the whole off campus housing search for next year? Was that challenging? Thanks!
Hi @muscialmama, based on what I am hearing from my D, the web showcase has been very well received by the agents and industry in general, and word is several other schools are going to be transitioning to this method because of it. (I can’t confirm any particular schools…this is just “the word on the street”, so be that as it may). But it does sounds like the web showcase format may become more common by the time your D or even mine is a senior. That said, I am also hearing that BoCo didn’t do a great job of executing it this year. There were definitely bugs to be worked out. I’m glad my D’s not a senior this year to be the guinea pig in this new format, but I would imagine they’ll have it figured out by the time she is a senior.
Finding an apartment was no problem. There are tons of rentals that become available with so many colleges in the area. The area around BoCo and Berklee are very safe. If you use an agent or broker to find one, be prepared to pay a broker’s fee of one month’s rent. If your D can find some seniors who are giving up their apartment when they graduate, you can usually work directly with the property management company and coordinate the lease without using a broker or paying that fee.
Hope this helps! I’m heading to Boston on Tuesday for the freshman revue, then D returns for the summer about 10 days after that. Time flies…I can’t believe she’s almost done with her freshman year.
Good luck with D’s decision and feel free to ask any other questions.
@Bogeyw Thanks for the info! She really loves Boco, and had a great visit.
Is BoCo in better shape financially these days?
@ClarinetDad16 Did BoCo have financial problems?
I never heard about any financial difficulties @ClarinetDad16 but given that BoCo froze their tuition rates for next year would indicate to me that they’re doing okay financially. I think the merger with Berklee helped in that respect.
I did hear of financial problems from friends in the area, hence the merger.
@musicalmama - from what I heard and read, Boston Conservatory had almost depleted its endowment (reports had it at $15 million at time of merger announcement), with their buildings not in optimal condition.
Hopefully with the efficiencies the two schools can have as one BoCo can have an injection of funds. Personally I was surprised that one of the Universities in their backyard didn’t merge with them instead of Berklee.
@ClarinetDad16 Do you have a child at berklee or Boco? Just wondering. Trying to get as much info
@musicalmama - no but BoCo was on the radar
From what I have read and understand as of right now, Endowments are being held separately and not being combined. https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-boston-conservatory/frequently-asked-questions
What university in their backyard @ClarinetDad16? BU, Northeastern? Something else? Why? I cannot imagine a more logical union than Berklee/Boco. If I were considering BoCo for MT, I’d be very excited about this merger.