<p>My son was accepted into the New School on Broadway’s Acting program. I have some concerns about enrolling in this new, unproven program. My experience with new projects tells me that it takes 1-2 years to iron out the problems, etc. I’m concerned that my son will be part of a test group, rather than a stable, focused program. I would also like to know a little more about the director, Kent Gash. Clearly, he has extensive credits, but again what is he like as a leader/director/mentor? I think the leadership of any program is so very key.</p>
<p>If it were me, I would not liken this to a brand new program or school. It is still Tisch, which is a long running Drama BFA program. Tisch is running this studio, not outsiders. Given the strength of their programs, I would have faith in this studio. The studio classes are not that different than other acting studios in the make up of the curriculum itself, and the faculty are just different. But the faculty they have gathered sound very good to me. Also, studio is just half of a student’s credits. Your son will still be doing the Theater Studies courses that any Tisch Drama student does (with choices within those) and the liberal arts courses, no matter which studio. But the studio component is still run by Tisch faculty, who are all very experienced at training actors. I think the leadership involves well regarded people and it also has a board that oversees this studio and there is the head of Tisch Drama who also is overseeing this studio. I would not have a problem sending my kid to the New Studio on Broadway. Others may feel differently. I feel Tisch’s acting programs are proven and that would be enough for me.</p>
<p>You asked if Kent Gash is a leader, director, and/or mentor. If you read this bio…there is a section that speaks to his teaching and directing experience…
(in addition to his professional experience in theater which is important in a faculty member in this field)</p>
<p>I am currently a student at NYU Drama, with experience working with Mr. Gash. He has been around the Drama department this whole year, and is nothing short of amazing. He directed the Mainstage Musical for NYU this year called “Who’s Tommy,” and every cast member I spoke to, Cap 21 kids included, exclaimed that he was the most amazing person they had ever worked with. They commented on how demanding, yet supportive he was. One girl said that her level of performance would never have been where it was had she not worked with him, and she had already been at NYU Drama for 2 years.</p>
<p>While it’s clear that nobody truly knows what it will be like, I can tell you that this is not a “test” or “project.” This is one of the most finely planned studios to date, with huge assistance in development from some of the biggest names in the Bussiness. I’m pretty sure a guy like Bernard Telsey sure would not attach his name to anything short of stellar. </p>
<p>NYU has powerful enough of a name to get the best. And that is precisely what it is doing. Certain students who are in studio classes that “audition” potential new studio teachers have commented on the superb level of the auditioning faculty…not to mention, one actor who is CURRENTLY on Broadway.</p>
<p>This is a studio that is running with the current standard of the bussiness. This is why most kids are jealous of these kids coming into the New Studio.</p>
<p>Rest assured, the New Studio will be stellar, Kent Gash is a master mentor/teacher and leader, and this will be the place to be.</p>
<p>Truly, I wouldn’t worry, though I am saying this as my own kid is going to finish with her class through CAP21, the “old” musical theater studio.</p>
<p>My son also got into NSB Acting. We are from Jacksonville, Florida and very excited to not only be accepted into his dream school- in New York- but also to be part of thes new program. From everything I have read- it sounds amazing! I’ve already met some other accpeted students through facebook and hope that more will show up. Looking forward to this great adventure!</p>
<p>oops- I think I just sent you an e-mail and it was supposed to go to the original poster! Sorry- I’m new to CC and still trying to figure it out! Sorry!</p>
<p>Our son’s enthusiasm for this endeavor is contagious. He is so excited about being a part of the inaugural class of New Studio. He sees it as a fantastic opportunity, as well as a genuine responsibility. He wants to contribute to making the studio a huge success, rather than just looking at it as “what will my training be?” I think he has a lot of faith in the Tisch Brand, and knows enough to understand the high level of commitment from the college and the board of advisors–all of whom are highly respected and influential. </p>
<p>We, the parents, are looking forward to open communication with Kent Gash and his New Studio team in the coming months. I truly understand the anxiety attached to such a commitment. But realistically, this is a really good bet. Everyone is invested: the kids in the program, the professionals developing the program, the teachers executing the training–and most of all, pat on the back, we the parents! If your kid wants this studio, and you are prepared to pay for it, I think you simply can’t go wrong. Have faith! And Best Wishes!</p>
<p>I have been reading this thread with great interest, so thought I would add my perspective. </p>
<p>My son has been accepted into the NSB - MT program, and is planning to accept. However, because the NSB is untested, he approached the opportunity cautiously at first - it would not be good to be at a school with problems. So he did his homework. He talked to several current Tisch students (at least one - many two - who are current in CAP 21), read all of the information on the NYU website, including about the Advisory Board and the new Director, and attended Admitted Students Day in NYC with my husband. My sense is that he also drew upon all of his impressions and knowledge of other MT programs, including the many he also auditioned for (some successfully), and those he has heard about from his friends.</p>
<p>His overall impression is that the NYU is very committed to making this studio a huge success, by backing it financially and by bringing in the best possible teachers, and that it will be an amazing,wonderful experience to be in the first class. He is absolutely thrilled. He was very impressed with all of the people he met on Admitted Students Day (including Gash). He was especially pleased to see that the dance teacher who auditioned him at Carnegie Mellon, whom he really liked, has been hired away by NYU (he was there)! Of course nothing is for certain, but he has learned enough to make him very very excited.</p>
<p>For full disclosure I should add that he was given a generous scholarship by Tisch, which certainly helps when making a decision with potentially overwhelming financial implications. But his mind was made up before we learned about the scholarship - the scholarship just sealed the deal.</p>
<p>So, in sum, I can certainly understand why one would be cautious at approaching this situation, and by seeking out information, such as through this thread, hopefully you can get the information you need to make a decision. I strongly encourage you to attend Admitted Students Day if you can. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I can definitely see why you’d be concerned- I think I would be cautious as well, not because the program is untested per se, but rather because as two weeks ago, they were still looking for teachers (according to an email the drama students all got from Liz Bradley, the Drama Dept. Chair, and from postings on the Playbill job listings section). While I know where some of the teachers are coming (I believe one from CSU Long Beach), it seems a bit odd to me that both the teachers and students in the New Studio will be new to NYU -and possibly NYC. (Maybe ‘odd’ isn’t the right word.
However, Im sure they are all incredibly competent adults who will be able to adapt very quickly and provide the students with quality training.</p>
<p>I don’t find it odd to be hiring remaining staff five months before a semester commences. I would be surprised if studios such as CAP21 are not finalizing certain positions for the coming year five months ahead of time.</p>
<p>Perhaps it doesn’t seem odd in general, but when you are selling a new program, it makes people nervous not to know who will be teaching there. We are in the process of deciding between this and another program, and it would be helpful to read some bios.</p>
<p>I understand your point, wkdk, if you wish to examine the faculty in the studio (their bios) before deciding. </p>
<p>I did not think of that because admittedly, we did not do that with any college when my kids applied. But I realize some do. We believed the program and school to be strong and didn’t need to know about each faculty member. But I realize some do investigate that and that is important to their decision as to where to attend.</p>
<p>Each applicant’s selection criteria differs. I can appreciate that! For my own kids, we let them select their colleges and they explored each option and did two visits to their final choice and could articulate why they chose the school they did and that was enough for me. But each student (and in some cases, the parent) has criteria that matters to them in making this decision. As a parent, we stayed out of the decision process and felt our kids had good reasons why they chose where they chose. Now that they graduated, we can see that each kid found her perfect fit. So, I must admit, I never examined the faculty at their schools before they enrolled.</p>
<p>It’s not like the New Studio is somehow unprepared because it is still figuring out curricular details and final decisions with hiring teachers. It is not the only Tisch studio that is still putting on the final touches. If it makes you feel any better, at the Lee Strasberg Institute, one of the old studios which had been with Tisch for 30 years, we still don’t know the curriculum for next year. Not even the teachers know yet who’s teaching what, or who they are hiring. The freshman schedule this year is different from what the freshman had last year. When I went in a month ago I was told that they aren’t even thinking that far ahead yet. I’m sure that hiring must be difficult for many conservatories because many teachers are also working professionals with changing schedules.</p>
<p>I was also at the Saturday in the Square Event, as an Arts Rep, and I feel that they definitely have things figured out. In fact, they are probably WELL ahead of the game even compared to some of the current Tisch studios (at least mine), in terms of figuring out their goals next year, curriculum, etc. I listened to Kent Gash, and the two heads of vocal and dance, and they seemed to have a clear vision in mind. By the way, I went to CMU Pre-College and got to study with the head of NSOB dance for a day (he was subbing), and he is absolutely amazing.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the information and encouragement.</p>
<p>I should offer a little information of our own. My son was fortunate enough to be accepted to some excellent programs as well as receive generous scholarship offers. I couldn’t agree more with what another parent has mentioned to me, that for every student there are 10 great programs. That’s a credit to colleges and the theatre profession, but has complicated our lives to the nth degree - I know you all know this so I’ll stop preaching to the choir. </p>
<p>Our recent trip (Monday and Tuesday- the only available time to us both) to both Boston and NYC precipitated my questions. Whereas he was able to attend classes in Boston as a shadow student, this opportunity was, of course, not a possibility at NYU and we left wanting a better idea of the “fit” rather than window shopping gloss. At NYU we were warmly and professionally provided with an opportunity to speak with a counselor, students and even given contact info. for Mr. Gash - we’ve been playing phone tag.
Unquestionably, NYU Tisch is committed on all levels to the success of NSB.</p>
<p>With that said, my questions arise from reaching the final stages of this decision, weighing the details of each of the programs, and finding that SPECIFICS on the leadership and direction of NSB scarce. Feel free to label me a cranky, skeptical consumer if you want with no offense taken. </p>
<p>The program description is truly awesome, but also ambitious and very general (as program descriptions often are). Yes, Mr. Gash’s credits make me weep, but there can be a considerable gap between acting/directing and the overseeing of an undergraduate educational program. His teaching experience and theater administration is also duly noted. I simply wanted a clearer impression of his leadership philosophy and style and some idea of the new hires for comparison. </p>
<p>While I may be cranky, I’m not entirely unreasonable: I know that both student and program must go through an adjustment period, that if the college program foundation is good, it’s student effort from that point onward. </p>
<p>Again, thanks so much for your comments. Much, much appreciated.</p>
<p>I think your concerns are genuine. My intuition tells me you are not comfortable with the NYU template for the New Studio. I can’t blame you for your caution. This is a huge commitment in terms of cost, relocation for your young actor and acceptance of whatever will develop. We are prepared to make that commitment–at least for the first year. We are receiving no federal loans nor NYU scholarships. We believe in our son, and he believes in NYU Tisch and the New Studio. He has no doubts, so we are putting all our doubts aside. to quote Napolean, “First you commit, then you see.”</p>
<p>calimoms, I understand that you seem hesitant and I respect that truly. </p>
<p>I guess what I can’t tell is where your son wants to go and where he sees himself for the next four years. Is he hesitant about NYU or does he prefer NYU? For us, it was all about where our kids wanted to go and this was their first big adult decision. They chose and we stayed out of that decision. They didn’t choose willy nilly but made informed choices and could tell you why they chose where they chose. It was enough for us. </p>
<p>Does your son have a preference for a favorite school at this point? Also, the feel in his “gut” is another factor. I can’t tell if he wants NYU but you have questions about that choice or if he has questions about that choice. </p>
<p>It really is about whichever school fits what he wants. There is no best school but only best fit for one’s personal preferences. He is the one who has to attend and so feel out what is important criteria to him in making this choice. My suggestion is to go with what your son wishes to do (unless there is a financial restriction that you have). We did that and truly, both our kids did pick schools that fit them so well. We trusted them to decide what was best for themselves and they really did and looking back on it, they could not have found better matches and in the end, were very happy all four years and that really is what it is about. You can get a good education at so many schools and you just want your kid to be happy.</p>
<p>Busy weekend and beginning of week got in the way of my following up on all of your useful input.</p>
<p>To hear from those of you who are involved as students, reps, parents, etc. at NYU and BU has been great. It counts to know about your experiences. I see that advance hiring in the profession is probably too much to ask. Also, the fact that NSB will be administrated by Tisch is indeed a positive thing.</p>
<p>As wi-mom and soozie note it’s about doing the homework and finding the best fit for the student. To that end, my son has arranged a phone chat this evening with Mr. Gash. We’re also collecting the required class list for the first 2 years of each program.</p>
<p>Soozie: the problem is he liked both BU and NYU equally. He thought that BU placed emphasis on a supportive atmosphere, a place to concentrate on artistry, but was interested in maybe having those things AND an introduction to some of the realities of the business by going to NYU. I was just splitting hairs by trying to get as much specific info. on the program. Just more info. to feed into our overloaded brains.</p>
<p>Will be very interested to hear your follow up with Kent Gash, should you feel it appropriate to share. NYU is a very special place, in our opinion, and we are so excited about the New Studio in particular. Still, when we read of someone having such “pull and tug” about commiting to it, we pay attention. In the end, it comes down to what your child tells you is right, I hope. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>calimoms, it sounds like your son truly likes both programs equally (thanks for explaining as that was not clear initially) and he is doing the right thing to gather as much information as possible and to talk to each program directly. He can’t go wrong with either choice, in my opinion. So, it will come down to a personal preference he has and whatever that is, I would go with it as a parent. It may not even be a clear cut reason but merely a feeling in his gut. Good luck and let us know how it goes.</p>