<p>Hey, so I am wondering how IU and Northwestern University compare in Theatre and/or Musical Theatre programs. Which is better?<br>
From what I am hearing now is that if you're not a BFA at IU, you'll have a hard time getting cast. And they are the only ones who are showcased before graduation. Is that true?<br>
If you have a hard time getting cast in shows at IU, is it harder at NU? Or are the programs different, so at NU you have different training?<br>
Also, at NU, how does the regular theatre program differ from the Music-Theatre Certificate Program? Do the certificate people receive special treatment, or do the regular theatre majors have equal opportunity? Also, do they have a senior showcase in Chicago or NYC?</p>
<p>Any replies are appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't know anything about IU but I can definitely speak about NU.</p>
<p>NU has about 80ish shows every year. You audition each quarter for all of the student-run and main-stage shows that there are. Because there are so many shows, there are a lot of opportunities for people to be cast. That isn't to say that everyone gets cast but there are plenty of opportunities and most people will get to be in their fair share of shows during their four years.</p>
<p>Training at NU is structured so you don't start acting classes until your sophomore year. Your freshman year you take 2 academic theatre type courses (a more generalized history course and a seminar course), a tech theatre class, and a class that is basically training the actor's voice. All theatre majors are required to take these classes, even if you don't plan on going onto the performance track. You are then assigned an acting class that you stick with for the next three years. I believe each acting class is around 15 people and I am pretty sure you get a lot of individualized attention.</p>
<p>As far as MT certificate goes, they take the same classes as regular theatre majors except they have a MT techniques class that they take and are required to take a certain number of dance classes and there are some other things like piano skills that I am not quite sure of the specifics. But MT kids don't receive any special treatment within the program, unless you consider techniques special treatment.</p>
<p>As far as showcase goes, there is an acting and MT showcase in NYC (which I saw yesterday and was PHENOMENAL). You have to audition for these and they select around 10 for acting and 10 for MT (a few of them overlap). Then there is a Chicago showcase, where everyone in the program is allowed to participate. So either way, if you choose, you can participate in Chicago showcase but you need to audition for NYC.</p>
<p>I hope this helps a little. If you have any other questions just let me know.</p>
<p>Ellytaylor,</p>
<p>What IU are you talking about? ISU and IWU are both in Bloomington-Normal IL. There is a Sub-Forum to IWU. It is in the list of MT schools on the top of the MT Forum. If IWU is the IU you are talking about, I assure you they/I will be willing to answere any questions you have about it. Feel free to visit the IWU forum. There is a lot of info there. :-) Hope to hear from you soon.</p>
<p>I'm guessing they were refering to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.</p>
<p>typecastme, I am SO jealous that you went to the NYC showcase! we were supposed to be in NY last weekend, but the snow forecast (that never really materialized) caused our flights to be cancelled. It was very disappointing!</p>
<p>When and where is the Chicago showcase, do you know? I'm sure S knows... just haven't talked to him in awhile and he's out of town with the Utones. Glad to hear the showcase was so great!!</p>
<p>edmondsg...... I'm so sorry to hear that your NY trip was derailed by the snow. :( We were lucky to fly out of Midway on Friday...flights were just about on time. I heard from W today and he said they are now the "tan-ertones." :)</p>
<p>typecastme.... How awesome that you were at the showcase! Hope you are enjoying break.</p>
<p>CA - I'll bet W IS a tan-ertone... M is probably a pink-ertone. :-)</p>
<p>edmondsg...I think Chicago showcase is sometime June?? I could be making that up though. I know I saw some signs in TI about starting to rehearse if you want to be in it.</p>
<p>thanks, tcm - maybe i'll get to see that one.</p>