<p>Just wanted to see how all the kids are doing.</p>
<p>My D ended up in the dorm after deciding not to do the apartment thing. She is in a room with 4 other girls but it seems to be going pretty well. She loves all the other kids in MT. They have been hanging out alot with each other and have already gone to see a show together. Her first classes were today and she texted me during a break “This is so great! I love it”. I’ve gotten a few of those. Yay!!! I am very excited for her. So glad last year is over but it was all worth it to see her so happy.</p>
<p>Isn't great to see them so happy after the grueling year they had. And it will just get better each passing day. Enjoy and best wishes to your D. (Mine tells me they saw each other either yesterday or today - can't remember which!)</p>
<p>My D is reporting the same thing. She loves her classes, the other MT students and her roommate. It's been more expensive to set her up, but overall, we are thrilled with how much she is having fun and enjoying herself. I am very thankful.</p>
<p>This is such a very exciting time in their lives. New school, new friends and spending their days immersed in something about which they are so passionate. During the day, when walking to and from my office, I frequently pass by the Terra Building and the excitement and energy in the air is palpable as students are rushing into the building, standing outside chatting about their first week of class, making plans to see a show, settling into life in the city and getting familiar with all there is to do. It seems like everywhere you go within a 5 block radius from the Terra Building, there are UArts students out and about just doing their thing. So for all you "out of town" parents, sit back, relax a bit, treat yourself to that chocolate martini - you too worked hard over the past year!</p>
<p>Kimoki, my daughter is indeed very excited, about the show, about Meisner Acting Studio, about just being back in the grove of things. Between classes, the show and working weekends as a dancer/MC for an entertainment company, well the whirlwind has started again!</p>
<p>My D saw Court Martial at Fort Devens twice and she commented on Johnnie Hobbs' performance. I think it's awesome to be able to see your professors on stage. It really adds to the respect the students have for their professors when they get to see them "doing it". I didn't get to see it but I did watch the video and it was also great to see SOTA bringing back alumni and to see pictures of the new Skyline Theater. That video just backs up the feeling we got from everyone in the Musical Theater Department from the summer program 2 years ago to now.</p>
<p>My son, too, is absolutely loving it so far; though he got tired of orientation and JUST WANTED TO GET STARTED!! He sounded SOOO happy when he called Thursday reporting on his first day of classes. His acting studio, especially, made his whole week. I got the sense that he didn't want the weekend to come. He also enjoyed Court Martial at Fort Devens and Johnnie Hobbs. He wishes he could see more of the Fringe Festival but he knows that if he wants to attend UArts next year (and beyond) he needs to prioritize his spending and be as frugal as possible. Right now, he is trying to line up private voice lessons. I am trying to let him take care of it on his own, but know I could expedite the process. He did go to check on how he would add these to his schedule and was directed to a Stoppleworth (??) When he checked, he was unavailable so sent him an email asking how to register for lessons. He would like to keep up with his singing (even if we have to pay extra for lessons) plus it will help him if he decides to audition for the MT minor. He did text today the Hanna has arrived!</p>
<p>My D also said how much it was raining, which she wasn't used to being from California. She was loving it until she got soaked walking back to Juniper from wherever. Still, she's so happy especially with her acting studio, and her musical theater class with Patty Raine.</p>
<p>Glad to see your kids are all settling in well. It was a pleasure meeting them earlier this year! </p>
<p>AZKMom, they either directed your S to Rick Stoppleworth because he is the head of the MT Minor program or because he is actually to be advised by Rick throughout his time at college.</p>
<p>It's raining heavily in Astoria, too, and I hope your kids can go out and enjoy Philly when it's dry very soon!</p>
<p>Our girls are friends. I was just talking to my d and she was standing next to your d. They are only a few doors away from each other. My d is very excited to have more room and be around other MT kids.</p>
<p>That is so wonderful. I am so glad she got away from that 5 girls in a room deal like my D did. It really is much better for them to have more space. Is she in a 2bedroom room? My D's bedroom she shares with one other student is very small, although the kitchen/livingroom area is a good size. Her kitchen is wonderful. Are our d's on the same floor? I understand one of the MT boys is also moving into Juniper. There will be at least 3-4 of them. My D's roommate is also an MT major. My D loves the program, the MT kids, the dance classes, everything. She was especially happy to pick up 2 extra dance classes as we had paid tuition for a full course load, and due to her AP grade she was able to drop one English class, so she was able to substitute that for 2 dance classes for credit at no extra cost to us. How is your D enjoying the program?</p>
<p>Yes, I think they are on the same floor maybe a door or 2 away. I think the room she is in a 4 person room with 2 bedrooms but there are only 3 kids. She shares a bedroom with a sophomore theater student. I haven't seen it yet. My husband went down and did the move and he said it is much nicer than her previous situation. To tell you the truth it wasn't so much the room but a particular girl and I guess that will happen. My D also got to add some dance classes. I wonder if they are doing that together too. My D never took formal dance classes so that worked out well. She is enjoying everything, classes, new friends, shows, center city, etc... I finallly asked the question " so now that you're here and livin the life do you think this is for you" and thank god the answer was yes!! She did say that she also realizes how hard it is but that she loves it. </p>
<p>If your D ever needs something just let me know I only live 25 min away and I will be running stuff down to my D all the time.</p>
<p>Just to add to kimoki's last comment, for all the "out of town" parents, please do not hesitate to let me know if you or your student are in need of some "local assistance". As I've mentioned, my office is literally a block and a half from the Terra Building and my daughter is living 2 blocks away. I am in the city on almost a daily basis and frequently on weekends. Whether it is "local information" or to "pitch hit" in a crisis (of which there will be NONE), don't hesitate to let me know if I can be of help.</p>
<p>Kimoki and MichaelNKat, thanks so much for your offers of help for us out of towners. So far, so good for my D. She is so happy it brings tears to my eyes because it was such a traumatic year for her last year. To have found such a great college meeting her specific needs has been such a joy to see. I'm so glad your D's feel the same way about uarts.
Also, Michael, your D has been SOOOOO nice to my D, you have done a great job of raising her!!!! Kimoki, I think that our D's are in a great dorm and so many more MT's are in there now, so I think they'll have an even better time.
Certainly, if things crop up, I would be happy to contact you. Thanks again.</p>
<p>My D is a transfer acting student at Uarts. She was moved into the sophomore acting class and she called home Friday night with more joy in her voice than I have heard in a very long time. She has had a bumpy road and it thrills me to hear her so happy. She loves the meisner technique and says only good things about her profs, about Philly, and about her classmates.</p>
<p>MNK..thanks for all the kind offers. You have been such a champion for UARTS and I know now why you would be!</p>
<p>Holly, it is nice to hear that your daughter is so happy and has landed at the right fit for herself. I know she has been through a lot and so I am glad that it is turning out so positively for her.</p>
<p>Holly, it's great to hear that your daughter is enjoying UArts and Philly so much. I wonder if she and my daughter are in the same Meisner class. Do you know which professor your daughter has?</p>