<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I’m applying for the Musical Theater program at Elon, and was wondering what current students could tell me about student life there. Are theatre kids isolated from the rest of the student body? Is it a suitcase school (all the kids leave on the weekends?). What are the most common activities to do over the weekend- party, drink, greek life, school-planned things? And how many musicals/plays are done per year by the department?</p>
<p>Thanks so much!</p>
<p>My son is a senior MT major who has had a great experience at Elon. No doubt, he mostly associates with the MT kids, but he’s made other friends through the Elon College Fellows program, and he also knows many acting and dance majors. If you look at the statistics, I believe 70% of Elon students are from out of state, so it is not a suitcase school. Most of the MT’s do not have time for Greek life, as they have many events of their own. They stay busy all the time and have many performance opportunities. You can check out the Elon performing arts web site for more.</p>
<p>BobBrown,</p>
<p>Hello! My name is John Yi and I am a junior Music Theatre major, and I would love to talk about student life!</p>
<p>It is very easy for theatre kids to be isolated from the rest of the school solely because we spend the majority of our time in the performing arts building, but that holds true for any other majors—Communications, Religious Studies (because they spend most of their time in their respective buildings, too). Consequently, if you are someone who wants to venture out and get to know students from all different areas, there are so many opportunities to do that through clubs, student life organizations, and parties on the weekends! </p>
<p>For example, I am a Leadership Fellow, and that alone has introduced me to a whole different pool of students who desire the same interests in Leadership like me, and it has been very worthwhile to be a part of this other ‘family’ that I can catch up with any time I want.</p>
<p>And in terms of what happens every weekend, there is almost always a show being put up every single weekend. Just last night I saw DanceWorks (SO AMAZING!), and tonight I am seeing La Chateau Enchante, a jukebox musical written by one of our Theatre Arts majors. Thus, in addition to seeing shows every weekend, there is also much time to go out with your friends and celebrate the weekend! Of course, all of this is contingent upon getting your work done and time management. :)</p>
<p>Hope this helps,
John</p>
<p>BobBrown</p>
<p>Just wanted to mention tha my D is a MT major and is an active member of her sorority. You can do both! Obviously, MT productions/rehearsals must take precedence. You may not be able to attend all of your fraternity/sorority functions, but it does give you an opportunity to socialize with students outside of the MT bubble!</p>
<p>Greetings!</p>
<p>BobBrown—Additionally, in order for me to balance MT, Fellows, social life, classes, etc. I live by my planner! I find that pre-planning for the whole year through my agenda is the best way for me to keep my life organized, and my mind at zen!!!</p>
<p>Affectionately,
John</p>
<p>John-who-is-about-to-graduate - Did you often have rehearsals on weekends? Or were you free to do as you chose?</p>
<p>I am not John, although he is a wonderful friend of my daughter’s and mine. Thought I’d answer your question since I don’t know if John will see it. Yes, they rehearse on weekends if cast in a show, or they assistant direct or assistant choreograph or any other participation they may have in a particular show. The MT kids are VERY VERY busy, always. I mean really, always!!! Like more than you can even imagine! Most thrive on that. If they are involved in other activities such as fellows programs (a few are, like John), or sororities, or other clubs such as ballroom dancing or a capella groups, etc. they are then even MORE busy! Rarely do they leave campus on the weekends (well I mean except to go out somewhere locally, but not for a weekend away type thing except during breaks) because there is always something to rehearse/practice/research/study/memorize/etc., even if only for a class, not a performance. They DO however, find a way to blow off steam despite the heavy work load, some more than others.</p>
<p>Thanks NYdancemom! That’s just the sort of info I was looking for.</p>
<p>My observation is that the MT kids are so motivated doing what they love that they thrive on being very involved and always busy with rehearsals, etc. They are best friends with each other and really consider that their social lives. It’s almost like a sorority / fraternity just being in MT. Not too many of them try to maintain other social activities, such as Greek organizations. It seemed that they really didn’t need it. They have lots of fun among themselves and plenty of parties, etc.</p>
<p>Thank you my friends for all the good input!</p>