<p>We are looking at schools w/a MT program & trying to choose a variety, not just the top/most selective to help the odds. I'm not sure if our potential list at the moment is too top heavy? My D has some that she likes better than others & would love a conservatory approach, but is ok if that's not what she gets into. We are looking at the school's program, not just choosing a school because it has a good reputation. </p>
<p>This is our current list:
Pace; Rider; Wright State; Baldwin Wallace; Temple; University of the Arts; Nazareth; SUNY Fredonia; Ithaca; Syracuse & maybe Montclair & Point Park.</p>
<p>We are also working on a couple of safety schools, so she has some non audition schools too.</p>
<p>Thanks for any feedback you can give, we really appreciate it!
Tami</p>
<p>Without knowing your daughter, it is hard to say, but that does seem like quite a diverse list! I would encourage visiting the schools if you can, meeting the people there, and really looking at the programs. BTW my daughter chose Montclair from 6 options after visiting, and is now 2 weeks in and loves it so far. This is an exploding conservatory-style program just outside the City with new dorms, guaranteed housing, and terrific new faculty. In spite of reading CC for years, this program was off our radar and we were shocked at how impressive it was when we went there. I would definitely include it if your daughter wants a conservatory approach.</p>
<p>I think I saw in another thread you want to be near upstate NY? Look at Ohio Northern; it’s an up and comer. And I have to plug UB. Great university, great local theater environment, and A good theater department.</p>
<p>Even though Otterbein is not a conservatory, you all should check out Otterbein’s curriculum . . . my daughter has one non-major related course a semester. Also, she’s chosen to take a non-theatre course each J-Term. Kids who don’t do J-Term will have four other courses to fit in elsewhere. </p>
<p>I think sometimes folks pass Otterbein by because of the low acceptance rates, but I say “go for it”! Someone’s got to get in right?!</p>
<p>kksmom, I agree re: Otterbein. It was one of my son’s favorite visits and my wife and I were very impressed with the school and the theatre department and “Dr. John” is one of the most informative people we met along the way. Good, frank advice in the group session there. It is a small program, but as you say, someone’s got to get in.</p>
<p>You’re so right, Dr. John IS great. He’s such a strong advocate for all theatre kids - not just Otterbein students . . . he really wants all kids to find their “just right” place. My daughter just loves him . . . he’s the reason she wanted to attend Otterbein in the first place. :)</p>
<p>^His posts on CC back in the early days of this forum were part of the reason Otterbein was on my son’s original list. Our visits, the wonderful people there (students and faculty alike), and the productions we saw convinced us quickly that the quality of the program was real, not just talk. My son felt connected from the very beginning!</p>
<p>Times3, his posts here were like hitting the lottery when we were educating ourselves on this crazy process. </p>
<p>When we were there, a girl asked a question about double majoring, or getting a certification to teach or something along those lines. Whatever it was, it was something that was not possible, or near impossible to do at Otterbein. He was very frank in his answer to her and instead of doing what many people would do, which is try to steer her towards something you CAN do at the school, he literally steered her to a couple of other Ohio schools where he knerw she could get the degree/certifications she was looking for. That made a huge positive impression on the parents in the room, and the admissions folks from Otterbein in the room didn’t flinch or cringe. He clearly has their respect. </p>
<p>We saw part of a rehearsal there for a play and it was very, very good and the quality of the program was evident.</p>
<p>Lastly, in my kid’s audition at NY Unifieds, it was very late in the day, maybe the last slot of a very long Saturday, and Dr. John (Stefano) spent time with him above and beyond what you can expect. Even though my son ended up elsewhere (PPU) and feels like he is definitely where he belongs, he advises high school kids all the time to make sure they have Otterbein on their list just because what he got out of the visit and the audition was so preactical and useful.</p>