<p>Kayla
My dad told me in no uncertain terms during the middle of high school to not even consider a career in theatre. This attitude continued all the way up until I started my degree, but he has totally come round now. I think a lot of it was concern that I was never going to have a job and that I would be wasting my talents waiting tables. I spoke at length to him about career plans and how, even if I didn't end up a huge theatre star, I could make a better and more enjoyable career than in the more academic degree he was keen on me doing. Do talk with your dad and don't keep him out of your decision making process. Nowadays, my dad is the one ringing me up constantly to ask if I'd had word about auditions and the like. Hopefully your dad will come round too :).</p>
<p>Kayla, I too, like so many, have followed your journey and I have found you to be entertaining and your spirit to be amazing, I am a fan! My dad (very "old school") thought that it was terrible that my S wanted to pursure MT in college. He said it was something for girls (sorry girls) to "fool around with", when they had nothing better to do! He said that my S should go into science (my dad was a college professor in biology). My S stayed the course and followed his dream. Little by little my dad came around and now he is proud of him and apparently brags about him to his friends! I am very sorry your dad hurt you, but he's probably just worried about your future. In my gut I think things will work out for you, all around.</p>
<p>Kayla
here is a post from Otterbein's page. BA students do get to perform and can audition for senior showcase. You might want to read the entire thread but I though this post might help you feel comfortable in contacting Dr. John as he encourages you too</p>
<p>Dr. John's posting-
MTaussie and abparent have given you accurate information. Dance classes and private voice lessons are open to BA Theatre majors. Casting is open to all majors. BA majors may also audition for the senior showcase. There are acting classes specifically designed for the BA students, including a repeatable class which usually has 6-8 students in it, and a "Coaching Actors" class in which the students explore teaching different acting techniques to each other. But the BFA acting classes are not open to BA students.</p>
<p>Please write to me directly and I can answer in more detail.</p>
<p>Kayla, hang in there, you are learning patience , and the ability to deal with rejection not just from the schools, but right at thome! Your dad may be harder to please than the colleges, but where there's a will, there's a way, and if he is just getting the full story from you now, he hasn't had time to sit with it for as long as you have. It may take him years, but if you are happy, he may eventually come around. However, even if he never does, you have one parent behind you, and you have to get support where you find it. Luckily, you are very good at reaching out to get that, even internationally!
I'm sure you are disappointed, but I think many people on this board and their students experience a disconnect between wanting something very badly, and their friends and families scratching their heads about why you are even interested. It's a strength that all of you share that you persevere in the face of adversity. It owuld bring elephants to their knees, and many peoplwould give up. But you haven't, and that, my dear, is what it takes.
Btw, I know my D started doing theater as a young child, and her dad was not supportive at all, it took many years, but at some point he realized that it opened up a whole new world, and his new job (schlepper)has bragging rights (lol).
A great big hug to you,and I hope things will work out. Maybe you can write a musical about it.(There I go again, always looking for the upbeat song in the wings when things are going sour onstage...:) )</p>
<p>Kayla,</p>
<p>Have you seen the movie "Pursuit of Happyness" yet?? I'm thinkng of the line that Will Smith directed at his son when he noticed that he'd crushed the boy with a comment. He told him to "never let anyone take away your dream, not even me" (Will Smith, the father). Hang in there and keep moving along toward your dream.</p>
<p>From your father's perspective, I wonder if he may be fearful that you will leave Barbados and never come back. You've said that there is no MT or training opportunities on your island. So, as you continue to pursue MT, it is possible that you will need to continue to stay in the U.S. after graduation in order to work. That's a very scary thing for a parent to face. </p>
<p>Finally, I think you'll make a wonderful step by starting college here (any one of them) where you will have access to the training that you couldn't get in Barbados. The college may have appropriate training, or you may have to go outside for private instruction, but you'll at least be able to receive it.</p>
<p>Thank you so much u guys :)</p>
<p>I wanted to ask a questions..i know some school or mstt require a deposit, and it is refundable before May 1st...a deposit is normally required into order to hold a place..but is it possible to send in a deposit after May 1st...Cause Indiana has all my stuff, i just have to wait and hear from them and i hope its not long because its already so late already...so im not sure what to do..</p>
<p>Kayla,
I would try calling them. Technically, you don't have to send in a deposit until May 1, but since you live far away and want to mail it in a timely manner, I would clal them and explain your dilemma if they are your first choice.</p>
<p>Kayla -- </p>
<p>I wasn't really planning on posting this AT ALL, but I figured it may help you in your situation and I realized that you never know who's reading and what their situation is, so someone could also benefit from hearing it, who knows.</p>
<p>You know I got into Hartt this year and how excited I was. Like you, with your being presented the opportunity to leave Barbados and study what you love, I felt like my dreams were all coming true. Long story short, because of finances, I can't go. I'm paying for college by myself and there's just no way I can deal with the cost. I've looked at it from so many angles and it's really just impossible.</p>
<p>Sometimes, we just have to say "Que sera sera" to life and do it our own way. You've already done that with wanting to leave Barbados for college, and there's nothing that says that if you decide to study something else that you can't say it again and figure out your own path. It's what I'm having to do. Things won't always go our way, especially in the casting world, and we're getting an advantage in a way -- we're learning how to persevere pretty early, compared to some people.</p>
<p>It looks like Indiana could work out for you, but if it doesn't, you'll find a way. And we'll see each other on the casting circuit sometime and say "MY WAY WORKED!" "AHH MY WAY WORKED TOO!" and hug, or something!</p>
<p>AAaaarrgh, Sporti, I am truly sorry that your dream turns to more frustration once again. I'll send cyberauntie hugs, and I can see that you are already dreaming up alternate plans. As I said above, where there's a will, there's a way....I feel for ya though...</p>
<p>I know Indiana's policy because they having rolling admissions, if you are admitted after april 20something... you can have two weeks to reply rather than having to reply by may 1st. call admissions.</p>
<p>I think we need to start a Kayla thread. It’s kind of taken over. I really don't mean to be rude or malicious or anything because I know we're all facing rejection and I know it is hard but this doesn't seem like the right thread to be going through life stories and giving pages and pages of advice.
I’m sure a lot of you will disagree with me and I don't mean to say this isn't important or anything. I hope all works out with Kayla and school for next year.</p>
<p>Yea I understand Bruce...its ok :)..im sorry...this really has taken over the rejection thread and im sorry..</p>
<p>Yes it is the right thread because it also talks about bravery and hope and advice in the face of rejection. Yes Kayla and Sporti you are inspiring!</p>
<p>It's really not that important so don't worry. This is just such a stressful time and I just get a little perturbed about random stuff like this sometimes. I know this is such an amazing discussion forum with so many supportive people who just love to help other people and give advice. It's really amazing and has been such a great support system for me too.</p>
<p>Bruce,
Could you use some support right now? Do you wish to share your plans? I believe you have some waitlists, right? Are you in at any school or a back up? Let us know how we can support you as well. I know it is stressful. Things may not work out as originally hoped, but there will always be "curves" in the road, and you will find your way. Wishing you the best as you forge ahead.</p>
<p>My plans were kind of screwed up. Apparently a lot of people planned on having the same back up school as me and thus I am on the wait list there and it looks like I am not going to be admitted into their program. I was also rejected from FSU and on the wait list for Elon but I found out today Elon will not be going to their wait list. I am also on the wait list academically for Elon and if I am accepted academically I will go there and re-audition at the earliest date because I absolutely fell in love with the school. With no Music Theatre major in my future next year I will work my butt off this summer continuing my study in voice and going to any and every acting, ballet, jazz, and tap class possible and hope I can retain what I learn until auditions roll along. I was stupid enough to only apply to three schools and get no help with my monologue and only have four months of dance prior to auditions. Luckily I had two solid years of vocal lessons to balance out the acting (or lack thereof). I am proud of myself for my wait list this year and I believe if I work hard this summer I will be more successful next year. I truly feel for everyone experiencing rejection. I have never experienced this much rejection in my whole life but I am happy I am beginning to experience it now because it only makes me want this more and pushes me to further my abilities for auditions next year.</p>
<p>So my final tally is </p>
<p>Rejected: FSU</p>
<p>Wait List: University of Alabama, Elon</p>
<p>Hi Sporti2005 - My D is a 3rd year at Hartt - The first 2 years she lived on campus - this year she lives off campus --- saves us lots of money. I believe my email is activated, so if you have any questions, just ask. She has a 2 bedroom apt. (really nice) that costs us only $500.00 a month, plus electric ($40.00/each) and internet ($40.00/each) I don't know what your finances are, but there are other options. Wish u the best!</p>
<p>Bruce, I am sorry to hear of your disapointment. Actually, all things considered, your outcome was pretty good, even though not as hoped and even if you don't have a BFA acceptance. BFA admissions are HIGHLY competitive with very low admit rates. BFA programs are reaches for ANYONE because even if someone IS qualified, the low rate of acceptance makes for long odds. Thus, I wish you had been advised to apply to more than three programs. By only applying to three, your odds were diminished. Further, NO BFA programs can be used as "back ups" or "safeties" because none are sure bets. No audition program is a likely admit. It is true that some are less artistically competitive and so the odds at U of Alabama are better than at CMU, for example, but it is still a BFA program. Ideally, you should have had a range of BFA programs, more schools, and one or two BA safeties where you could still pursue MT or theater. I commend you for achieving wait list status at Elon and U of Alabama. FSU is one of the more selective programs and a very small program and so could never be counted on. I hope the academic wait list at Elon comes through for you. </p>
<p>Even without a BFA acceptance, it does not mean giving up your pursuit of theater. You can regroup, train more, do a BA, take a gap year, or reaudition or transfer. MT does require three skill groups. You seem to have the work ethic to keep training no matter what your college plan for the next year will be. Good. Since you fared pretty well with just three BFA schools on your list, consider what you might be able to do with more training in all three skill areas and also by having MORE than three schools on your list on the next round if you try again. </p>
<p>And no matter what, a BFA is not a complete necessity in terms of future work in theater. It surely is a great training ground, but not the only way to make it. So, regroup as needed and keep training and keep working toward your goals. You have a good attitude which will take you far. Life involves setbacks. Theater surely does. Keep pluggin' away. Let us know your plans once they evolve. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Bruce: Have you looked at Northern Kentucky?? It looks like their BFA auditions are on campus on April 23rd. Coming up very quickly, but it might be do-able for you.</p>
<p>Bruce. I see you live in atlanta. You might want to check out the Savannah school of art and design. They don't exactly have an MT program but you can major in Music/Theater and minor in dance. And trust me the training there is great especially the music and dance. Just contact the departmet and request to audition for them. Just a suggestion :-)</p>
<p>And just so everyone knows (if you already don't know). This year was the hardest year for college MT and T auditioners because if not every than almost every school had the largest number of applicants ever. That's insane! I'm thinking "great the year I decided to audition." (lol) And it's probably only going to get bigger. Just think of the numbers for next years class of '08.</p>