Syracuse BFA MT

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>The first year at Syracuse (if you have not already passed out due to AP courses and such), you take a basic requirement course in writing both semesters. These classes are sort of hit or miss. My first semester I had a TA who was absolutely miserable. He basically had our whole class telling him how frustrated we were. But second semester, I loved my teacher. He was enthusiastic, and I still can chat with him online if I have writing questions. But once you get through these basic requirements your academic life will improve. </p>

<p>You have to take "x" number of academic credits to graduate. I forget how many...but it balances out to about 1 academic a semester. Some semesters it is 2. These credits, are enough to choose a minor. You can minor in pretty much anything in the school. The one thing you cannot do is minor in anything else theatre realted. It HAS to be academic. I know kids who minor in education, psychology, music industry, religion, film, etc. But all in all, after you complete your basic writing requirements, your academics are up to you. I have chosen not to minor because I really want to explore a lot of different academic areas just to see if I have any other interests. But a lot of kids do. This also gives you the freedom to take classes that will give you skills that will profit you in temp jobs when you are poor in the city after graduation. haha. </p>

<p>As far as quality of classes go, I assume they are excellent( I haven't taken anything but writing yet). Syracuse is a very good school for academics and looks impressive on a resume. I mean, before you can even get into the school you usually must have a 3.5 GPA or higher (With theatre there is a little more leniancy since it is mostly based on your audition) I am a big believer though, that your academic experience is determined by you. If you want to learn, you can do whatever you want to do.</p>

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<p>bump.....received my course registration info today. I am SOOOOO excited.</p>

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<p>Congrats! I am glad you are excited! Isn't it easy to fill out? Good luck!</p>

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<p>SuttonwannaB</p>

<p>Yup not a problem...all the required classes are already listed and for me, as an acting major, I pick two electives. I am going to go ahead and put the Ballet I in and the voice as the MT majors have listed along with my 2nd and 3rd choices for electives with a note and see what happens. I know the MT majors have priority in the dance.It does say during opening weekend there will be a dance placement class and I am sure I will pass out of Ballet I and POSSIBLY(?) II and on August 27th I have a meeting with my drama department advisor to straighten out any schedule issues. So that is good. </p>

<p>Do they only offer Ballet I in the Fall or is there other levels and other dance styles(jazz/tap) to take?</p>

<p>Did you find your advisor to be helpful? Is there one I should request?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>To be perfectly honest, I have never spoken to my advisor because I haven't needed to. He is one of the teachers that I haven't had yet, and since my schedule for the first year was pretty set in stone, I had no problems. As far as requesting them, I am not sure if you can do that. But once you are at school, if you are unhappy with your advisor you can switch.</p>

<p>As far as dance goes, yes there is a placement class opening weekend. I think it was on the first day of class. There is Ballet 1, 2 different teachers who teach Ballet 2, Ballet 3, and Ballet 4. They are for all semesters. First semester they offer Tap 1 and 3. Second semester it will turn into tap 2 and 4. Jazz has two levels, Beginner and Intermediate. :)</p>

<p>I am so excited for you! I hope dance works out alright for you</p>

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<p>Conversation between SuttonwannaB and I about Syracuse. I thought others might want to see it also.</p>

<p>Re: Syracuse University </p>

<hr>

<p>Hello Abigail-</p>

<p>I love Syracuse. I think it is an amazing Univeristy, as well as choice for MT school. </p>

<p>Here is a list of some stuff I like about it:</p>

<ol>
<li>Non-competitive family atmosphere</li>
<li>Affiliated with an equity theatre!!!!!!!!!!!</li>
<li>In the top ten for MT schools</li>
<li>You can choose an academic minor</li>
<li>The academic credits you take evens out to about 1 academic a semester (Not too many, not too little)</li>
<li>Not a conservatory, so you are part of a bigger picture, yet like a conservatory so you get the intense training you need</li>
<li>Very individual relationships with my teachers...I know I can go to them for guidance at any time</li>
<li>Freshman MT majors take the same acting courses as the acting students</li>
<li>Acting class in the Meisner technique</li>
<li>You get Music Theory classes and piano classes during your 4 years</li>
<li>Acting seems to take the main focus but the 3 disciplines tend to get the same amount of attention and work</li>
<li>In JUnior and senior years they offer a LOndon and NY semester</li>
<li>Theatre Lab once a week where the whole department meets for announcements, to watch work, etc.</li>
<li>You can get into the shows for free</li>
<li>Very expressive environment</li>
</ol>

<p>Here are just SOME of the things I love about Syracuse. It would probably be easier if you asked me questions...</p>

<p>Re: Syracuse University </p>

<hr>

<p>I'm so excited just to find someone to talk to about it because no one ever considers it.
~Alright, so how does Syracuse rank against other schools in your opinion?(ex. CMU, NYU, Mich, Baldwin Wallace, Otterbein, and Emerson in particular)
~Also, is Ithaca as good as Syracuse for MT?
~How many of your grads end up working a lot in MT?
~Other than Taye Diggs and Melanie(I'm not sure if thats her first name)Tepper, what alums have achieved success in MT?
~How hard is Syracuse to get into for MT?
~Do you have a Showcase just in NYC or at multiple cities?
~What other schools do you Showcase with, or do you do it alone?
~Do you have to audition to get into the Showcase?
~Do you know of anyone that has double majored?
~Do many people graduate with and equity card?
~If the panel finds everyone they need for their class in the first couple of auditions, do they just cut the rest off?
~Does the panel wait until all auditions are finished to notify prospective students?
~I want to audition December 2nd, are there any shows going on that weekend?
You shouldn't have asked me for questions, I have so many. Thank you SOO much.</p>

27

<p>thanks for this thread. My D and I will be visiting Syracuse and Ithaca in a couple of weeks. If I think of questions between now and then I will ask you!</p>

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<p>Thanks, all of your information about Syracuse's musical theatre program has been extremely helpful. I have a question though. Does Syracuse more closely consider the audition or the academic background? I personally have only about a 3.0 GPA and average SAT scores. If I do really well at the audition. What are my chances of getting accepted?</p>

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<p>Which schools would you consider to have the top BFA Musical Theatre programs? Which schools have programs similar to Syracuse?</p>

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<p>Hello- I was wl from Syracuse this year (for acting bfa) and they didn't end up using there wl. So afterall, I am attending a different university in hopes of transferring this year (for fall semester 2006.) I wanted to know if you nkow anything about how difficult/ easy their transfer program is at syracuse- any elp at all would be wonderful! thank you!</p>

31

<p>I got a private message from someone with Syracuse questions. I hope the person does not mind me answering them to everyone on the board so they are here for later reference.</p>

<p>~Alright, so how does Syracuse rank against other schools in your opinion?(ex. CMU, NYU, Mich, Baldwin Wallace, Otterbein, and Emerson in particular)
Personally, and statistically Syracuse is in the top 10 of programs. I think it can definitely rank against any of the schools you listed. You have to remember that each school has different things to offer, different focuses etc. So really this question is a matter of personal opinion. Visit to find out for yourself! :) </p>

<p>~Also, is Ithaca as good as Syracuse for MT?
Yes, I think so. Both schools focus a lot on acting. Our department head's daughter went to Ithaca for acting. </p>

<p>~How many of your grads end up working a lot in MT?
I actually don't know the answer to this question. I know that a lot of people are working. There was a guy who came to visit this year who is in the Movin Out tour, and a guy named Josh YOung who is very up and coming. He toured with Les Mis. There is also someone in the Cathy Rigby Peter Pan tour. I have seen a lot of grads in various Broadway playbills that I have seen. I know people who go to Syracuse DO get work. </p>

<p>~Other than Taye Diggs and Melanie(I'm not sure if thats her first name)Tepper, what alums have achieved success in MT?
Her name is Arielle Tepper and she actually is a producer, not a performer.<br>
Two others besides Taye are Vanessa Williams and Julia Murney (The Wild Party). There may be more people that have achieved fame but these are the most famous.</p>

<p>~How hard is Syracuse to get into for MT?
I would say it is easier than Carnegie Mellon but not as easy as NYU. Last year they invited 60 to get a class of 30. I think we ended up with about 2o something. This year, though, they are starting to reduce the program size. So class sizes will be getting smaller. Just remember that all of these top schools are hard to get into. I suggest having some back-ups as well. But you just never know. One person I know got into CCM but not Syracuse. Getting into or not getting into these programs is so very random. YOu never know what they may be looking for in a particular program. </p>

<p>~Do you have a Showcase just in NYC or at multiple cities?
JUst in NYC. </p>

<p>~What other schools do you Showcase with, or do you do it alone?
I believe it is alone?</p>

<p>~Do you have to audition to get into the Showcase?
Yep! Spring of SEnior year they have auditions in front of the whole department and the whole faculty and 3 people from the biz pick the 15-20 most ready SEniors. </p>

<p>~Do you know of anyone that has double majored?
No, it's difficult because of requirements. They say that getting a BFA in MT is like double-majoring because there are a lot of 1 credit or 2 credit courses that you take. </p>

<p>~Do many people graduate with and equity card?
Not many. But if you get cast in the Equity shows, you can receive points towards an equity card. I will be doing this in The Sound of Music in the winter. </p>

<p>~If the panel finds everyone they need for their class in the first couple of auditions, do they just cut the rest off?
I am not sure. This would be a question to ask when you call to set up an audition. BUt I seriously doubt it.</p>

<p>~Does the panel wait until all auditions are finished to notify prospective students?
I think so, unless you do early decision</p>

<p>~I want to audition December 2nd, are there any shows going on that weekend?
Yes, most likely. Go to the Syracuse Stage website to look at the season.
<a href="http://www.syracusestage.org/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.syracusestage.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>How much is the program cutting back? Do you know why exactly?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>That seems to be like the new thing to do..take fewer people. I guess they just want a smaller talent pool with more people. Or maybe they want to have more successful alumni, so they take less people. Plus, study has it that the smaller the class size, the better. And I think people are looking for selective programs when they choose a college. </p>

<p>But what did you mean when you said they invited 60 people for a class of 30 and then ended up with 20?</p>

34

<p>it means that they offered admission to 60, knowing that not everyone would accept the acceptance. They were hoping for 30 (they probably have this statistically figured out from previous years) and wound up with a class of 20 because less people accepted the acceptance.</p>

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<p>With college admissions, one figure is rate of acceptance. For instance, if 500 audition and 50 are accepted, that is a 10% rate of acceptance. However, not everyone accepted into a program is going to opt to attend (they have many other acceptances to choose from too). So, then another figure discussed is referred to as the "yield", which is the number that will actually attend which should correlate with the expected number of slots they wish to fill (based on a history of past year's trends in terms of how many accept the offer of admisisons). So, if a school auditions 500 for example, and accepts 50 to yield 25, the acceptance rate should still be stated as 10% even though only 5 % of those who auditioned will be in the class.</p>

<p>For Syracuse, this PAST year, (those about to start), we were told at the auditions by the head of the program, Jim Clarke, that they had 400 audition for MT BFA, would accept 40, to yield 20. That was the plan, anyway. Applicants were told in late March the decision, no matter when they had auditioned (unless they did ED). My child actually received a personal phone call from a faculty member telling her of her acceptance before the letter arrived in the mail, which was a very nice touch at Syracuse. Syracuse also has an Honors designation, as well as merit scholarships. It seemed like a really great program. </p>

<p>Susan</p>

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<p>I am going to Syracuse. My welcome letter from Jim Clark read "....More than 750 students applied for a position in this this year's class of 60 new students. We have 45 students as MT and acting majors, fifteen few than in years past".</p>

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<p>PLease realize that the figures I gave, were just MT. They also mentioned (on the audition day) the number applying and the number accepted and slots for the entire BFA class which includes MT and Acting combined.</p>

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<p>SuttonwannaBe-
Could you please read taxguy's review of his visit to Syracuse posted on the colleges listed alphabeticlly thread and comment as a current student? This would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!</p>

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<p>I am a current student at Syracuse, but I am just a freshman and so far so good!!!</p>

<p>My personal response to taxguy's review is "everyone has a right to their own opinion". If you would like to see professional and well researched information and responses from a variety of students Newsweek and Princeton Review put out books that rate quality of life, food, dorms and academics through VERY thorough research of many colleges throughout the country. I suggest you take a look at them and they will give you an "idea" of what the student body has to say and etc...but my biggest suggestion to anyone would be to visit the colleges you are interested in and come to your own conclusions. Because as they say "someone elses' trash is someone elses' treasure"</p>

40

<p>hi! does anyone know how many Syracuse takes?is it a cut program?
I'm auditioning Jan 21 at Syracuse (at least for now) anyone else?</p>