Xavier University in Cincinnati has not been mentioned as of yet on the Musical Theatre Major board, so I thought I would give detailed information about the program in case anyone might be interested. My daughter went through the audition process last year and I lurked here daily and loved getting the inside scoop on programs, so here goes my impression!
I was beyond impressed with this small but mighty theatre department lead by program director, Stephen Skiles. My daughter ended up at a state school BFA Musical Theatre program due to a too good to turn down scholarship offer, but Xavier was her favorite as well as mine and her father’s once audition season ended. Xavier’s BA in Musical Theatre is a new degree program, currently in its 2nd year. They also offer a BA in Theatre and Theatre Education as well and those programs have been around a bit longer. I think they just graduated their first theatre students last year. What made Xavier a favorite of ours? Well, first of all, the audition process is truly centered on getting to know the prospective student. This is not a sing a few bars, do a short monologue and you’re out the door type of thing. The director, Stephen, sat down and talked to my daughter for a half hour before even hearing her sing or do her monologue. This is done with each applicant. Also, all those auditioning get to sing full songs (ballad and uptempo). After the audition process was over, we were given a personal tour by a current theatre student who was happy to answer any questions we had. Another thing that we loved about Xavier is that since it is a BA program, double majors are allowed and encouraged. The theatre student who gave us our tour was a TRIPLE major and she told us she was set to graduate on time in 4 years.
Xavier is very ambitious when it comes to productions. Their season includes three musicals and around four or five dramatic plays. Combined with being a smaller theatre department in regard to the total number of students (the Musical Theatre program admits around 8 students a year), this means plenty of stage opportunities. They also work with New York’s Fault Line Theatre on a yearly basis, workshopping new plays. Stephen directs some of Xavier’s productions, but he also brings in noted guest directors. This coming spring they will be doing Sondheim’s Company and it will be directed by Pamela Myers who was nominated for a Tony in the original Broadway production. The theatre facilities are very nice. Large stage, state of the art technical aspects, and comfortable seating. They also have a smaller, more intimate theatre space. However, I will say that there is a shortage of classroom space for the theatre department. They are making do with a few rooms near the theatre. I think this is because the theatre department itself is relatively new—hopefully as they grow this will change. The lack of dedicated classroom space did not bother my daughter, but I suppose it might some.
I can vouch that Stephen is very responsive when it comes to students and parents wanting to learn more about the program. I emailed a few questions before my daughter’s audition and he was very warm, welcoming, and prompt in getting back to me. Once my daughter was accepted artistically into the program we inquired about her having a visit day. Stephen went over and beyond in arranging a great day for her. She got to work with Stephen and several other instructors one on one with her material, including a private voice lesson. She traveled around doing a normal college day with theatre students, having lunch and dinner with them. Afterwards they were currently rehearsing for a production of Cabaret and Stephen invited our daughter to stay for the rehearsal as well. She gushed about her visit when we picked her up and reported the students were wonderful and made her feel quite welcome. My husband and I got the chance to talk to Stephen at the beginning of the day and also at the end. One thing we noticed was that Stephen seemed very approachable and well loved by his students—they didn’t hesitate to ask him questions or come over to talk to him. He waved one girl over to tell her he had heard from New York Public Theatre and things were looking promising for an internship she applied for (which she eventually got!) He is a passionate advocate for the theatre program that he developed and a passionate advocate for his students.
My daughter loved Xavier and thought the world of Stephen. It was a bit heartbreaking to have to turn down admission there. If not for the full tuition plus scholarship from the state school she would be there right now. She is happy where she is at now and thriving, but I’m confident she’d be happy at Xavier as well. Stephen has set the tone for a very nurturing and positive environment. For those with sons or daughters open to a BA Musical Theatre program or wanting the opportunity to double or dual major, I’d heartily recommend checking Xavier out! It is kind of difficult to find information and direct links going through the main homepage for Xavier, so I’d suggest doing a google search using the terms Xavier Theatre Department to get you directly to audition information and more details about the programs they offer.