<p>I was recently accepted to DeSales for the theatre major/musical theatre concentration and Temple for the theatre major. I was not accepted to Temple's musical theatre concentration. I am having difficultly choosing what school to go to. I am very serious about my future career in theatre (primarily musical) and want to get the most out of my theatre education. I want a school where I will receive the training and opportunities necessary to pursue theatre professionally. I am torn because I know DeSales MT program will give me more dance and voice training, but their campus is very small, rural and conservative (aspects I was not leaning towards in a college setting). I love Philadelphia and Temple's campus and atmosphere, but because I would just be a theatre major, not MT, I wouldn't want to screw myself over by not choosing the school where I would get the better training and opportunities. I am very serious about my career in theatre and need help badly! More information about Temple's theatre major would be appreciated too! Help!!</p>
<p>Have you visited both? Honestly I know very little about either program but for my kid it would be about the program not the school and since you didn’t get the program you want at Temple that could put a damper on your time there. Sometimes. those who didn’t get MT feel like they are on the outside looking in and I hear that can be unpleasant.</p>
<p>I drove through DeSales and the only thing I could think about was wanting to leave</p>
<p>Uh-oh. Well, that’s not good.</p>
<p>I would find out things like…can anyone audition for the musicals, can you take voice and dance classes either outside of school or as a minor at Temple…</p>
<p>@actingmt Yes, I’ve visited both schools multiple times
@bisouu Anyone can audition for the musicals, but only mt students are given dance and voice training. That being said, it is in Philadelphia so there’s bound to be many dance studios and voice teachers nearby. But also take into account busy schedule and budget of a college student. </p>
<p>Non MY majors do have the opportunity to take voice, and dance classes if there is space. I have also seen several straight theatre majors cast in both plays and musicals. You also have the opportunity to 'tradition sophomore year.</p>
<p>theatremo, DeSales is connected to Penn Shakes as well. But if you’re not happy on campus, that’s huge. It’s also Catholic, besides being conservative, so if you’re not an observant Catholic that may be another factor as well. As far as classes, my S has taken affordable classes at Koresh in Philly: <a href=“http://www.koreshdance.org”>http://www.koreshdance.org</a> Classes are excellent and drop-in so would work with any schedule. There are many private voice teachers you could hire–you can pm me and I can give you references if you wanted. Philly is a much more affordable city than other East Coast cities, so private voice lessons are not horribly expensive, even from top people. I’m sure the faculty at Temple would also refer you for voice lessons. </p>
<p>Personally, I would go to the college I feel happiest in. That seems to be Temple for you. You can easily supplement your voice and dance training even if it’s once a week–I’d think you’d have time for that. YOu can do more intensive dance in the summer or during breaks. </p>
<p>I know someone at DeSales who absolutley loves it…and people at Temple who don’t…you will find good and bad everywhere…you should visit and ask questions and see what feels right.</p>
I faced the EXACT (by exact I mean not getting into Temple’s MT and getting into Desales MT) same situation about 8 months ago. If you don’t mind me asking… Which did you choose? And are you happy there?
My D visited Desales several months ago and loved it. Everyone was so nice and program seems great, we also saw a show and really liked it. She’s a jr so we’re just feeling schools out but it’s on her list to apply. They are affiliated with the PA Shakespeare Festival and you can get equity points from that in the summer.( They do musicals at PA Shakespeare festival not just Shakespeare. ) we have also looked at Temple but it may be too large. We are Catholic too so that’s not an issue w/ us & DeSales . I really don’t get the impression that they push that on students.