<p>hi... i was just wondering what anyone had heard about this program in particular... thanks alot for your valuable input!! :)</p>
<p>I think if you do a search at CC there has been some past discussion about the MT program. I think it dealt with how the program head had left and the program was rebuilding. But certainly it seems to me it is the main SUNY MT program. </p>
<p>As a New Yorker in Westchester County, I have been surprised that SUNY Purchase has a fine acting program, a fine music program, a fine dance program and a wonderful theater complex -- but no musical theater program. I assume this is the politics of SUNY and not creating a competing school to Buffalo.</p>
<p>"cindy013" auditioned for Buffalo some weeks ago. You could do a search on her (?) username, and then contact her.</p>
<p>In the SUNY system Fredonia is the much more established MT BFA.</p>
<p>UB's program was a newbie - and is now in transition - still unable to replace what was lost. </p>
<p>Sometime ago Purchase made a gesture at MT - but no one there, especially the performing arts faculty, really wanted to embrace MT - this was not a SUNY Central decision.</p>
<p>If you are looking at Cental/Upstate NY - some other possibilities are SU & Ithaca followed by Niagara and Nazareth is making a real commitment to becoming a solid MT school</p>
<p>Yes, but Nazareth is only a year or two old I believe. </p>
<p>I hear mixed things about Fredonia as far as their program as a whole. There is no doubt that their music program is terrific. Also, I hear their acting program is very strong. What worries me however is the dance component there. I hear the classes offered for dance are very basic and minimal at best. This is why I was asking about University at Buffalo, because I know that they have a strong dance program.</p>
<p>mtdog- What was lost that is/was not replaced?</p>
<p>check out SUNY Geneseo. SUNY Buffalo lost the head of their program last year, so it is in transition, but did have a good rep for a strong MT program and they have a beautiful facility. They have a large core of general education classes that are required. The program is still worth checking out.</p>
<p>Nazareth's MT program is new but they have been known for their music program and they have had a good straight theater program. It is a BA degree</p>
<p>Hello All! First off, I would like to say this is a great board and I wish I would've found it when I was auditioning!</p>
<p>Secondly, I am glad to see you all take such an active part in this forum; I think its a wonderful, informative place for lots of valuable information. It's been noted a few times that the program here at UB is "in transition", which is very much what it felt like for the beginning of the year to alot of us. And yes, it was a bit upsetting to see what the univeristy did to Lynne (the former head of MT), as this program was built from the ground up by Her. However, the program is still in very good hands and is actually becoming stronger and stronger. Now don't get me wrong, I believe Lynne to have been a GREAT asset to this program and I probably would not be here if it weren't for her. But on the same token, the program is growing by leaps and bounds. You're correct in some of your posts in saying that they were trying to replace the irreplaceable, but a compromise has been reached. Their is now a new director for the MT program who is VERY well connected to many professionals in NY and all in all, the business. For example, this semester our production of 'Merrily We Roll Along' is being directed and choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge who worked on the production at the Arena Stage in D.C. with Mr. Sondheim and a cast including Victor Garber and Marin Mazzie. Last semester, our production of Guettel's 'Myths and Hymns' was directed and choreographed by Daniel Pelzig (choreo. 'A Year with Frog and Toad') who also taught classes for the semester. And, it was recently announced that the university just granted a fund for the department to bring in such professionals to direct and choreograph for all of the mainstage shows (every other semester). Also, a new Clinical Professor of Voice was just hired and will start in the fall semester (one thing this program is really starting to build and become strong on is its music; so this addition is very exciting). And our dance and acting dept.s are and continue to be very strong. What I particularly like about the dance aspect is that you are in many classes with dance majors so you're really pushed to reach your potential. And the acting program and professors are all working professionals so they are very knowledgeable and constantly working (and who better to learn the business and craft from than WORKING PROFESSIONALS???) So as much as this program is missing its founder and backbone, I can assure that it is getting along well and staying strong.</p>
<p>I auditioned at SUNY Buffalo, Nazareth, and SUNY Geneseo (this past Thursday, actually!) so PM me if you want to know anything about the programs and I can tell you as much as I learned:)</p>
<p>I auditioned at SUNY Fredonia two weeks ago- if you want information on the school, PM me.</p>
<p>UBMTstudent...I enjoyed reading your post as I am not familiar with your program so thanks for sharing! I didn't know that Danny Pelzig worked on one of your shows or did some teaching there but I know Danny as my D did shows with him over a three year period out of NYC. He was the director/choreographer. He has choreographed on Broadway, opera and for major ballet companies. And his degree is in cellular biology! Several years ago, he was teaching ballet at Barnard among other professional work, and a local girl who was going there had him for class. He has an extensive resume in the professional world.</p>
<p>Yes, it was nice to be in the prescence of and working with such a professional. Marcia Milgrom Dodge is just as wonderful (director/choreographer of this semester's production of 'Merrily We Roll Along'). Hopefully with the new fund we were just granted from the university, professionals as experienced and as well known and connected throughout the business as these two will continue to come work with us consistently. If anyone has any questions please dont hesitate to ask!</p>
<p>Those of you who have read my posts know that I make it a policy not speak ill of particular people or programs. As I have always maintained, the best thing to do is check out the programs you are interested in, visit them, see what feels like a good fit. The number of faculty at any school is not so important as finding the one mentor that impacts your life. Most credible MT programs have a several full-time tenured faculty augmented by some junior and part time positions. Take the time to visit campuses, talk to faculty and students, and see what feels good to you.</p>