<p>My daughter was accepted at Hartt School, University of Hartford for BFA in music theatre, but we haven't gotten the financial package yet. We have been told they only give talent scholarships, no merit or school grants, and the scholarships are small. So we are assuming we can't afford it and must plan for an alternative program. She was accepted to Messiah, which has a new BFA program, DeSales Univ. and West Chester does not require an audition so we know she is in there. Her private voice teacher does not think any of those schools are good, and wants her to add Rowan to her list- is there any reason Rowan would be any better than the three she is already considering? I can't find much about the program. Thoughts or first hand knowledge of the programs would be great! </p>
<p>My D was accepted to both Rowan (audition MT) and West Chester academically. We saw both Godspell (WCU) and Psycho Beach Party (Rowan) and D felt that the talent was a little bit better at WCU. Both have phenomenal music departments but I think that WCU’s dance department may have a slight edge. As for acting training, Rowan may have the edge there. </p>
<p>Overall, I don’t think that you would get too much difference in training between both programs. I like WCU’s campus much better, their residence hall options are better and I believe it to be less of a commuter school. (I attended WCU and live 15 minutes from Rowan). </p>
<p>Lastly, when D auditioned at Rowan, she inquired about Physical Theatre options and was told that their training is actually based on that. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. </p>
<p>This helps a lot- thank you! My daughter feels like she is done auditioning, and to audition at Rowan would be a big rush at this point- I just feel if we can’t afford Hartt, that WCU, or DeSales or Messiah would be good options. Her voice teacher is from NJ and she has a student there so maybe she is biased? If WCU is about the same training wise, I would rather just not add another audition/application fee at this point. Thanks for getting back to me! </p>
<p>I have a friend whose daughter seems to love messiah and she is doing great there. I have seen one show at Westchester and must admit…it was equivalent to a decent high school production. But I know someone there who is happy as well. I know an acting major at DeSales who loves it and I was very impressed by the experiences he is having there. Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Stanzie, I can give you the name of a WCU grad if you’d like to ask a few questions. She hasn’t been there for several years, though, so not sure how current her information would be. An incredibly talented young woman who was cast in a national tour prior to graduation, and who has worked a lot in the years since. I don’t know anyone from DeSales or Rowan, neither of which is particularly known for theatre, and, to be honest, I’ve never heard of Messiah, so can’t comment on those. PM me if you’d like the name for your D to make contact.</p>
<p>Stanzie, D recently attended WCU and I know current MT students there if you would like to ask questions please pm me. I leave near Muhlenberg and DeSales and know some students that attend those schools too. As far as WCU, I liked the school and town but there are changes happening to their theater department both good and bad. They have some great dancers there.</p>