@MomCares That makes total sense. I think the majority are saying yes it’s possible but the curriculum is so busy and they want to be involved extra artsy groups that they choose to not do sorority or to leave it. Whatever she decides it’s nice to know she has options.
One thing my daughter did to meet people outside of MT was to NOT live in the “arts” dorm (which is by far NOT the nicest dorm on campus, though it is closer to the music/theater/dance classes) freshman year, and she chose to have a roommate that year who was not in theater, but still had lots in common with her (her roommate was in English major/Studio Art minor who also played the cello and piano, and they remain good friends though the roommate moved off campus sophomore year), and ended up meeting other kids through her, and in her dorm.
I was shocked my daughter rushed one in the first place. She left the sorority after her sophomore year. While it was a positive experience she always felt torn especially when she could not participate in the meetings or events. They were excused but she still felt like she was not giving it enough time. She lived in the sorority house this past year and had hoped it would make it better but she still missed a lot and found it hard to get in her chores and other stuff done as well. With 18 credits, working 10 hours a week on campus and rehearsals every evening she just couldn’t give enough to the sorority even though they never made her feel that way.
@Calliene thats a great idea!! good to hear the tip too about the arts dorm not being great.Thanks!
@broadway95 Her experience sounds lke what others are saying, just no time. I will share a little of this with my D but let her make own decision.thanks
My D has had a fabulous experience being in a sorority. It has been a great place to meet others outside of her major. And sometimes it’s just a nice distraction from the pressures of school. She has been able to participate in most things. If greek life is something you want, OCU may be a good option. In fact, both Kelli O’hara and Kristin Chenoweth are sorority sisters of D’s. Kristin even gave them a shout out during this year’s Tony’s! Both are proof positive you can be in a sorority and still become a successful performer post grad.
We did find that at many schools, the majority of students in theatre and MT just weren’t interested in being in a sorority or a fraternity. So the culture and attitude of the school and its students could effect or change how you feel about participating in Greek life at certain schools.
My daughter has been in a sorority at Otterbein since she was a freshman. Before she pledged, she made sure that it was okay for her to be minimally involved when she was in shows . . . it turns out that this sorority has a history of theatre department members (including Tony nominee, Dee Hoty!) so they’ve been great about it!
If you were to ask her, my girl would say that being involved with a sorority has been one of her favorite things about college. It’s been nice for her to have another social group outside of the theatre department, and her sorority sisters are some of her dearest friends. The girls in her sorority are very down-to-earth and sweet, and I’m so happy that she’s had this experience.
One thing I did NOT realize is the extra expense associated with a sorority . . . dues, required shirts, social function fees, etc. Just something to be aware of if your daughter does end up pledging.
This is really good to hear. My daughter has attended a performing arts high school and although she loves theater, she really hopes for the “normality” of the college experience including a sorority if possible.