Does anyone have any suggestions on how to find out about schools that offer MT or theatre arts programs that are not really listed on this forum? All the major schools are on here but the others arent and I am stumped as to how to find out about them other then to request info be sent to us. I cant really visit them all obviously so hard to see what the deal is…
Look at the two pinned posts at the top of the Musical Theater Major section of the forum that start with “Big List” - those threads have lists of nearly every program from BA to BFA to BM to 2 year pre-professional programs.
yes i know the schools are listed but there is no further info or comments / opinions on the schools listed really, so wondering how I could get some info on what others think of their programs.
The first place to start is with those lists - and visiting websites and doing some research… and then when you’ve narrowed your search down; perhaps list a few that you are interested in more info on to see if there are current students/parents/alum that can give you insight. Another idea would be to search this section for “hidden gem” or “regional” or other keywords that might lead you to info on some of the lesser discussed schools.
If your D is on Facebook, she can join the Facebook group “The Troupe”, where students who have already been through the audition process shed some light on their programs/the craziness that is auditioning and interviewing for theatre programs. Many students in the group act as “representatives” for their institutions–some lesser known. Your D could also post and ask if anyone knows a student who attends a certain program–Last year’s similar FB group boasted over 1300 students by year’s end, so there’s a good chance that SOMEONE “knows someone” with that kind of reach.
Another great way to learn more about programs is to contact the institution directly. Oftentimes, they’ll be able to put you in touch with a current student.
Phone them. We had some great conversations with faculty from programs that are off-the-CC-beaten-path. Sit down with your student and prepare a list of questions beforehand - make sure that you have a detailed look at their website first. D was able to tell right away whether the program might be a good fit by talking directly to a faculty member. We would email them first to set up a time for the call.
Here are some people we thought were really great:
Michael Staczar at the University of Tampa
Matthew Nesmith at the University of South Dakota
Valerie Accetta at UAB
A girl graduating from my son’s high school this year is going to SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design. She’ll be studying performing arts and theater & film. I have heard OF the school, but not much else… Another school to add onto the “other” list, that you don’t hear much of on this board. (I believe it’s a non-audition program, but an interview is required.)
We have a friend who just graduated from SCAD and is staying another year to get a masters in Arts Admin after getting an undergrad degree in performance. He has had great opportunities there - in film especially. The film industry is growing and thriving in Savannah. SCAD does require an audition for the BFA and does participate in Unifieds at all 3 locations. But I don’t know much more than that. Certainly worth a look!
My S did a walk-in for SCAD at NY Unifieds two years ago and was accepted with a very nice scholarship. The program is very oriented towards working. They have a casting director on campus for instance and arrange auditions with Disney. It’s also (per the name) super design and tech-heavy, that school, and the photos of shows look amazing. And, one final thing, the school has a top-tier reputation in animation, so you would probably meet some people who would end up at Disney and Pixar and such. It’s an interesting program. For my son, it sort of came down to his interest in legit theater and location (he wanted chicago), but we seriously considered it.
@CanadianMTgirl can you give me more info on the FB group “The Troupe” ? I searched for it but cannot find it…perhaps there is more to the name? That sounds like a great resource!
@theaterwork … it won’t allow me to post the link. But if you search “The Troupe” and then narrow it by “Groups” it should be the second one that shows up.
Also @theaterwork, if you find those schools under the Big List, then search the forum for that specific school. Chances are, you’ll find a thread or two that has specific information about that school. There is a lot of research involved, there is no doubt about that!
ok i found it…thanks! can parents join or is it just students?
Last year some kids complained about so many parents being in the group but there were still parents in there this year too. Go for it!
I am the researcher in our family right now, D is just going into her Junior year so she is slacking at research…lol thought it might be more beneficial for me right now
I think the problems that people had with parents in previous Facebook groups (The Allied, The Unified, The Ensemble, etc) was that when parents participate, it turns into too much of a CC-like environment, which can be very high-stress for a lot of students (that’s probably why there aren’t too many people my age on CC). If you choose to join The Troupe (or whatever group is made for the class of 2021 next year, when your D is a senior), it would be my advice to observe rather than post (unless you have a specific question that you can’t get answered anywhere else). That Facebook group is a space intended for students, and I think a lot of them feel a lot safer knowing that they are among their peers.
If you have a specific region in mind, you may want to search that way. I know in the Carolinas, kids apply to MT programs at Western Carolina, East Carolina, UNC-Pembroke, William Peace, Catawba, UNCG, Greensboro College…
Yes @limbo2019 we have William Peace, and UNC Pembroke on a list & Catawba. I just read about Greensboro College but cant remember why I thought it wouldnt be a good fit…I also have the East Carolina on list…the list is too long! UGH
Be sure to make notes as you go as to why a college is a good fit or a bad fit or any other notable thoughts. You will revisit this list many times and you will forget why you removed a school from your list.