<p>I think this was mentioned once already here, but don't overlook Northwestern's program -- lots of good things happening there with some big names.</p>
<p>Does anyone have opinions or information about the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (The</a> School for Film and Television Acting Schools, formerly "School for Film and Television")? It's a two-year school that focuses on straight acting. Their emphasis, in the past at least, seems targeted toward acting for commercials, soaps, etc, but there are some indications that that might be broadening to include stage. They hold auditions around the country, but it's difficult to find any information that shows how selective and/or well respected they might (or might not) be.</p>
<p>U of M's acting department doesn't do musicals. Occasionally acting majors will be cast in the MT Dep't Musicals - but not often. Acting majors, MT's, and non-majors can all be in the shows put on by MUSKET, a student group, whose productions are often great and have HUGE budgets. Don't let the all-student direction of MUSKET shows dissuade you - one recent grad who was a great student director is now assistant directing huge projects in NYC - Jersey Boys, the Jerry Springer the Opera concert, etc. :)</p>
<p>Oh, how I looovvvee the notion of Jerry Springer being turned into an opera! The very thought makes me smile so hard my cheeks hurt.:)</p>
<p>Well, NMR, if you're going to be in NYC on the 29th or 30th of this month, your cheeks can suffer at Carnegie Hall. </p>
<p>Playbill</a> News: Casting Complete for Jerry Springer The Opera Carnegie Hall Concert</p>
<p>Who could resist Harvey Keitel as Jerry Springer? :)</p>
<p>As of now, Muhlenberg is on my short-ish list as a safety. I like the idea of getting the BA in acting and being able to load up on dance and voice classes. Of course I'd rather get a degree in musical theatre, but am trying to explore options. What are some other programs like Muhlenberg, but not necessarily with an only optional audition?</p>
<p>I visited the University of South Carolina was very impressed with the theatre there! I visited with the head of the department who is super friendly and is willing to help in any way. She let me go to a rehearsal that evening for "Oh What a Lovely War". They don't have an MT major but the head tells me that most theatre students do a lot of it in the community. The kids were also very impressive!! Even though it was "just a rehearsal" I was blown away. If I'm not mistaken, you can still apply.</p>
<p>Ninnynoddle, I am not sure you would want to count on Muhlenberg as a true safety, as it is pretty competitive admissions-wise. 65% of MC's students are admitted early decision, which means that the competition for the remaining 35% of spaces is very competitive. That is not to say you would not get in, but just to say that it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion.</p>
<p>Ninnynoddle-
Have you checked out West Chester or Montclair State? It has been a couple of years since I have researched MT, but Montclair was starting a new MT major at the time. We visited there and liked it. (hop, skip and a jump to NYC!!!) West Chester has a beautiful new performing arts building and I was extremely impressed with the people who I spoke with there. Also, d has a friend at Arcadia who loves it there.<br>
I believe any conservatory student can audition for productions at Shenandoah. I know of non-mt majors who do audition for the musicals, childrens shows and dramas.</p>
<p>We visited DeSales and loved the school but my D wanted a BFA in MT. They only have a BA so it was really a back up for her. They have the PA Shakespeare Festival and the people and facilities were really awesome. I would also considered it for Television/Film majors. Dorms are beautiful too. Very impressed!! Check out the website.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.desales.edu%5B/url%5D">www.desales.edu</a></p>
<p>The program at Montclair State is now in its 5th or 6th year, I believe. I have seen a number of excellent productions there. You definitely could not consider that a safety school, althought they don't get the huge numbers of applicants that some more established schools do.</p>
<p>We were impressed with Penn State's BA acting program last week. It is one of the few audition-required BAs. Students said that they have lots of options, including helping the film students out with their projects.
I am also surprised that Bennington College in Vermont is rarely mentioned as a BA alternative. True, it's an eccentirc, isolated college, but with its open curriculum, a student can choose from a wide variety of theatre related classes, moreso than any other BA program that I have seen. It would be a great launching pad for someone who wants to get an MFA. Its not formal and polished like Muhlenberg, but, on the other hand, that's the beauty of the program for those who are a good fit. My S loved the place. He was just called for a second interview.
I should qualify that there is about one guy for every two-and-a-half/three gals at Bennington, so that when my S walked into the dining hall, lots of heads turned. A woman may see things differently.</p>
<p>NotMamaRose, thank you for letting me know about the admission rates at Muhlenberg! I hadn't considered how competitive it would be if not applying early decision. That sucks! Oh well, I still like the program. </p>
<p>West Chester and DeSales actually sound rather interesting! I hadn't looked into either, but I really like what I've seen from their websites. If anyone has more information on either one I'd love to hear anything about them!</p>
<p>Ninnynoddle, re: Muhlenberg. It's just info you should have. My own D is applying regular decision, so she is well aware of that, as well. That said, you may well be just the kind of kid that they want in the program and should definitely apply. In addition, Muhlenberg's early decision deadline is not until Feb. 1, so if you really like it enough to make it your first choice, you still have time to send in your stuff and do an interview. Best of luck! :)</p>
<p>Oh, I'm still a junior. It won't be my first choice school, but it still might be a good back-up! Good luck to your daughter. :)</p>
<p>I am new to this thread and also have concerns with where to send by D. Does anyone have input as to Columbia Chicago for there acting program. It is very pricey and I am not sure that it warrents the cost. There claim is great placements and networking...Any input would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>There has been some discussion of Columbia on this forum recently. If you go to the Musical Theater main page and do a search, you will find quite a few relevant threads.</p>
<p>a friend of mine just visited columbia and was told that it is more for "first time theatre students" in other words... The inexperienced or ones who just want to do it for fun... She said they were playing zip zap zop for a class warm up... Also consider that the school does have a 48.5% graduation rate... if I remember correctly it is in that vicinity... The entire school has very little requirements as far as what it takes to get admitted (Standardized Tests aren't required...) I think it is important to go to a school where the entire student body is striving for excellence always and a place where the faculty is constantly inspiring and innovating... I don't think this necessarily happens at columbia as much as it should.</p>
<p>Any input as to state schools that have great acting programs? We visited ISU and she loved the campus but was not impressed with the theatre program.</p>
<p>Top BFA Acting School or well respected school are..</p>
<p>The Juilliard School
SUNY Purchase
Carnegie Mellon University
North Carolina School of The Arts
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Boston University</p>
<p>Those are the most difficult ones to be accepted to..I know for Juilliard and Purchase over 1,000+ audition for those two programs and Juilliard has 18 and Purchase has 16 in their freshmen companies.</p>
<p>There are still other great programs out there..but those are well known in the industry. Most people say the best of the best go to those schools.</p>