<p>Hello all,
I just thought it might be beneficial to all if someone started a new thread. The last one had 18 pages…starting so fresh and so clean. Happy posting.</p>
<p>-mitch</p>
<p>Hi. I have a few questions about Webster. I'm a perspective student and I have a few friends who go their that are going to be juniors in the fall. One is an acting major and the other two are musical theater. Anyway, I've heard a lot of great things from them about webster but not really anywhere else. To me, it sounds like it is an amaiozing program which is often overlooked by many people. I was wondering what it is ranked in both the conservatory and the school as a whole. Because of the possibility of "being asked to leave" my mother is worried that if that ever happens I'll be left without much of a college career because of minimal gen ed's. She would like to know on the acedemic level how well the school is qualified (not that it isn't). Personally, I would prefer to think that if I worked hard, being cut or asked to leave wouldn't happen. I would also like to know what the best way is to get in contact with the conservatory to kind of get my name out there for them. Basically what type of things I should send them and how I can get Some Info from them.</p>
<p>Sorry this is so long. Thanks</p>
<p>AJMan2K1-</p>
<p>Greetings! I'm going to be a Junior in the Conservatory this fall and it caught my eye to see that you know a few of my fellow peers. That's great! </p>
<p>Hopefully, I'll be able to answer your questions fully- but if you need some clearing up feel free to post again or throw an e-mail by me. </p>
<p>As far as rankings go: This is kind of a touchy subject because a theatre school is always such a personal choice. I haven't seen any formulated rankings recently- but I'll tell you what I've heard. (Plaidman may be able to give you a more scientific answer regarding this.) Webster is in the upper tear of Musical Theatre/Acting programs in the country. It has been said to be one of the most under-rated programs in the nation- and with it's recent tony award winners- is becoming more and more successful by the day. As far as numbers go, I've heard four- but I don't know how accurate that is. Lists vary across the board and so I wouldn't concentrate so much on the ranking of the school- I would more focus on what the school is going to do for you. </p>
<p>I don't know the ranking of Webster University as a school itself. It does have the largest study-abroad program. Conservatory students are a limited however with this because of their schedule. London is an option however, if you would be interested in spending a summer there.</p>
<p>Regarding the minimal gen-eds: This is more of a question if you want a BA degree or BFA degree. BFA's are more specified- and Webster only offers a BFA- unless you are interested in directing (that's a BA). BFA programs generally have minimal gen-eds, and you'll probably find that in other programs also. But you are by no means limiting your education at Webster! I found that with all the research I do for scenes and text analysis- that I was educating myself farther than I could imagine. If your mom has any questions about the academic part of Webster University I suggest e-mailing or calling someone at the school itself. <a href="http://www.webster.edu%5B/url%5D">http://www.webster.edu</a></p>
<p>Being asked to leave can happen, and will happen if the faculty feels that student is not where they need to be. But this is similar to any degree in the fact that if you fail courses in your major- you will be asked not to continue in that major. There is a warning/probation system (similar to any other college's academic warning/probation systems). It's not something to stress about- most of the time if you do your work and dedicate yourself your fine. I encourage you to look over the handbook- it's in a pdf format over on the conservatory's website.
<a href="http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/%5B/url%5D">http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/</a></p>
<p>I've had several classmates leave/ or be asked to leave who decided to stay at Webster and work on a different degree. Most of the time in business or communications. They all are still on their four year college graduation track.</p>
<p>As far as getting your name out there. The best advice I can give you is to just be yourself. Visit the school, meet with teachers, I can't say that it will help out your chances, but it will give you a good feel for the school. Be confident with yourself, and give it the best go you possibly can. Webster looks for specific students, and the best way to see if you fit- is by just being yourself.</p>
<p>Ok- I hope this helps- maybe some of the other Webster kids on this site will add something I forgot. Good luck with your college search- and if you have any questions, keep asking.</p>
<p>AL</p>
1 Like
<p>Is this Alex Burkart?</p>
1 Like
<p>Because the people I Know are Alex, Nathan, and Isreal. They are all going to be Juniors at Webster this fall.</p>
<p>Ahahaha! I think I know who this is. </p>
<p>That really cracked me up. This is definitely a small world! :)</p>
<p>Well, I am getting really stoked about the new year and 06-07 season. I hope that the freshman are excited too. The new year also marks the new set of auditions, applications and such for the 2007 entering class. Make sure you mark your calendars and start working on those applications so you don't freak out at the last minute. And, as always there are tons of folks that occasionally sweep through these boards ready help at answering any questions that might be posed. So, ask away. Here's to the coming year.</p>
<p>-Mitch</p>
<p>Is there a way to get a semester-by-semester suggested course curriculum for the Conservatory. I don't seem to be able to find it on the website. We just added Webster to our list of "possibles" and I'd let to get as much info as possible before we arrange a visit.</p>
<p>Well, the Conservatory at Webster does not have "suggested" courses. Your courses are predetermined for your particular major. Both Regional Theatre and Musical Theatre majors will take Acting, Movement and Voice and Speech in their first year for their conservatory courses. In addition to those courses, there are classes outside of conservatory that are necessary. Musical Theatre majors take Balllet, Voice Lessons, Music Theory, and Musicianship....Regional Theatre majors take Major Dramatists and Health Mantinence. So, you can see it is very specific to your major. If you are interested in technical theatre, the courses are just as specific.
I think that it is a really good idea to arrange a visit to Webster. It will give you a great sense of the structure and flow of the program. It will also let you see the campus and meet the current students. I hope this helps...at least a little :0). Let me know if I can answer any more of your questions.</p>
<p>-mitch</p>
<p>Hey there Mitch...hope all is well!! </p>
<p>SUE B</p>
<p>Hello! I am a freshman in the Conservatory this year! I just wanted to amend musicalmanmitch's course listing for the freshman year to reflect a change in the Regional Theatre major schedule: Health Maintenance is no longer required, and Ballet I has served as a substitute for most of my classmates. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Does Webster prefer incoming freshmen to have previous training or experience? Or can previous experience and training be a problem in some way?</p>
<p>Freshmen entering the conservatory program come from all backgrounds. Some have training and some have experience through community theatre and so forth and so on. What matters the most is the desire to learn more and in various capacities....that and a wonderful attitude and appreciation for the arts. It's as simple as that. :)</p>
<p>Sue,
What kind of training/experience did your sons have before they went to Webster?</p>
<p>drhowarddrfine,</p>
<p>They have been acting since the age of 8...mostly community theatre and high school performances. Did some work on camera with a couple tv spots and industrial films. Private voice lessons from 6th grade on and also private dance for many years including jazz and tap. They took acting classes in the summer for a couple years at a University. Quite candidly...and humbly, we could never afford summer college prep theatre classes...I was floored when we saw the prices...and multiplied by two there was just no way that we could afford it.</p>
<p>We have tried reeeeaaaaal hard to raise them to be courteous and thankful...and most of all genuine. They didn't have the sparkling theatre resumes a lot of kids begin college with...but they were always appreciative for whatever resources that were available. I believe one of their best experiences they had was their first voice teacher who was blind. She had very humble surroundings but her voice and lovely spirit was worth a million bucks.</p>
<p>best to you!!</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>Two questions:</p>
<p>1) What acting method(s) does Webster teach and which does it prefer?</p>
<p>2) Someone, a current student, told me recently that if you have previous acting experience and good training that this may cause a conflict with some teachers who may try and force their own thoughts and methods on you. The indication, too, is they want to break you down and then build you into the "Webster mold". Comments?</p>
<p>Is there a link to the theater faculty online? I can't seem to find it.</p>
<p>drhowarddrfine,</p>
<p>The link to the faculity is listed under the "Conservatory" heading: <a href="http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/Assets/conservepages/faculty.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/Assets/conservepages/faculty.html</a></p>
<p>The conservatory has been in the process of visiting with several prospective MT instructors as Byron Grant is retiring this year. I know students will be sad to see Byron go.</p>
<p>You asked about which acting method Webster teaches. I may stand to be corrected but I believe they teach "technique". They believe in the philosophy of researching a role and creating the character from within rather than relying on old wounds and memories.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say that they try to build their students into "Webster Molds"...the same could be said for any program I guess. BUT they do concentrate on movement, proper breathing, etc. Healthy acting. Students are taught Shakespeare and Restoration....lessons which many students don't get until working in a masters program.</p>
<p>Hope I have answered your questions...and if anyone out there would like to correct me for the record...please feel free to do so. ;)</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>In regards to the "Webster Mold" question:</p>
<p>I don't think there is such a thing as a Webster Mold. Having seen the Senior Showcase a few weeks ago, it was obvious that Webster's Conservatory is producing a variety of talented actors with solid training that had turned them into individual artists who could move into the big scary real world and be their own selves. </p>
<p>The only way I could see previous acting experience and training getting in the way is if you were unable or unwilling to experiment and explore within your craft. I think this is true of all programs, though. If a student comes and uses college as a time to ignore the suggestions of the professors and continue doing what they have always done, I would consider that an enormous waste of time and money! Previous training within my class varies pretty greatly, but we are all succeeding. The key is the ability to explore, and I think you will find Webster very open to exploring.</p>
<p>Millie_Chittick,</p>
<p>You stated it perfectly. Thank you for your comment...a student's perspective is the best!!</p>