<p>Hi! When I decided to apply to musical theater programs, I was hoping to be admitted, but I never expected to have a choice of where to go. I've been fortunate enough to be admitted to both of these great programs and find myself very torn. I'm clear on the big/small school differences and the obvious differences in weather but I was hoping that some of the people here can help me decide about the relative strengths of the programs themselves. I really appreciate any guidance that you can give me!</p>
<p>Congrats on the great acceptances! A big difference between those two schools is going to be the approaches to acting that are taught. I believe Elon does a lot of Meisner work and Syracuse has a strong Strasberg bent. Do you as an actor respond better to one or the other? If you don't know for sure, you should read up on both and have a sit down with teachers who have a sense of how you work. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>When I was at Syracuse in the early 1990s I would say that it was a Stanislavski based program with a lot of Meisner influence. Many of the same acting teachers are still there. We didn't really receive any Strasburg style training. The acting program at Syracuse is very action/ intention oriented...</p>
<p>Syracuse's acting department is remarkably strong, and I would say that it has a strong Meisner influence. That's exemplified by the audition, when they often do a variation of repetition with auditioners on their monologues. We do work very heavily with intention and obstacles and all that great stuff.</p>
<p>Ah, then I stand corrected. I was basing that off what is said on the [url=<a href="http://vpa.syr.edu/index.cfm/page/acting%5Dwebsite%5B/url">http://vpa.syr.edu/index.cfm/page/acting]website[/url</a>] ...
[quote]
During the first year you participate in the department's foundation program and study the Stanislavski System and the Strasburg Method of actors' training, stressing psychological, emotional, and sensory development. You participate in classes in emotional recall, physical action, creative improvisation, and voice training.
[/quote]
Maybe they oughtta change that. It's one of the reasons I never considered Syracuse. Guess it's the old menu vs. the real meal thing. :)</p>
<p>We did do sensory work in our first year... again this was in the EARLY 1990s... but I would say that the overall bent of the department is that emotion comes as a result of pursuing an action... not that you play emotons. I believe that the "psychological, emotional, and sensory development" piece is aimed at helping tha actor develop a more responsive instrument, so that (s)he can truthfully follow impusles.</p>
<p>These are both very strong programs for MT. I'm not all that sure that the training per say would be very different at these schools. They both have very strong vocal, dance and acting programs. Personally I consider these two schools very different in some other aspects. </p>
<p>1) SU is a bit larger school in an urban setting. The weather is great if you like snow and cold.
2) SU has more ethnic/religious diversity.
3.) Academically, SU is more competitive in terms of getting in.
4.) SU has an older more established MT program. Everyone has heard of SU, so if you're looking for a "name school", it definately has built a name for itself.
5.) SU has very strong athletic programs. Even if you have never been a sports fan, it builds a sense of school spirit. It's easy to see the spirit on a fall afternoon watching ESPN. Even if you're not a sports fan, "The Orange" is a powerful force on campus and most feel a sense of unity because of it. The games are a blast and an opportunity to meet "persons of interest!" </p>
<p>On the other hand..</p>
<p>1.) Elon's campus is located in a more rural and quiet setting and the weather is lovely if you like a short winter.
2.) We loved the people at Elon. They were nice at SU as well, but we found the southern charm at Elon to be a very big asset.
3.) Elon keeps a larger percentage of it's MT students in it's program from start to finish. SU has jurys after sophomore year.
4.) Depending on where you hail from, transportation to SU can be difficult and expensive. Elon is 30 minutes from the Raleigh/Durham airport & flights can be had for very little money on Southwest and other airlines. The trip from Boston to SU was long and actually pretty painful by car due to bad weather. Flights to Syracuse were expensive & very much subject to cancelation due weather.
5.) The price difference is pretty huge. Elon cost a third of SU, but SU may have more scholarship money. </p>
<p>I'm trying to be objective, but you should know that my D moved Elon to the top of her list over all others after we were there in Feb.</p>
<p>Many thanks to everybody that replied on this thread and to those that replied with private messages. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and good wishes.</p>
<p>I can tell you that my son and at least a couple of his Elon classmates chose to go to Elon over Syracuse, after being accepted to both, and are very happy with their decisions. Please send me an e-mail (not a PM) if you want more information.</p>
<p>I also have several friends at SU who chose the opposite and feel the same way. I would say a visit is in order as the programs seem to both have their strengths and weaknesses.</p>
<p>BrendanN - I totally agree, and they are both good programs!</p>
<p>BUMP for mhappiness :D</p>
<p>Just found this thread, and wanted to put my two cents in. My D just finished her first year BFA MT at Syracuse, and couldn't be happier with the program. This year she had two acting teachers per semester -- one focused on Meisner technique, the other more Stanislavski. The idea is to expose you to more than one approach. </p>
<p>If you have any specific questions about the current program at Syracuse, feel free to post me.</p>