University of Michigan Information

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>It looks like several programs now have their own threads where people can go for specific information and as I’ve been seeing lots of questions about UMich pop up on lots of different threads, I thought it might be helpful to have one consolidated thread for UMich.</p>

<p>To start it off, I’m going to provide a list of links to specific information from the UMich website. The School of Music has recently redone their website and I think it is alot more attractive, better organized and helpful. One of the most exciting additions is a partial list (still quite long) of what just some of the UMich MT grads have been doing professionally in the past year (2004-2005). Check it out! UMich grads work!</p>

<p>As always, if you have specific questions about the program, the application process or auditions at UMich, I’m happy to help however I can. I’m hoping that Coach C will also check in here and be able to add her unique perspective and knowledge of the UMich program.</p>

<p>PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/index.lasso[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/index.lasso</a></p>

<p>DEGREE PROGRAMS:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/programs.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/programs.htm</a></p>

<p>AUDITION AND INTERVIEW INFO:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/auditions.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/auditions.htm</a></p>

<p>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/faq.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/faq.htm</a></p>

<p>ALUMNI AT WORK:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/alumni.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/alumni.htm</a></p>

<p>PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES:
<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/prod_opps.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/mustheatre/prod_opps.htm</a></p>

<p>A few other sites are still under construction. I’ll try to keep an eye on the site and post the links as those sites are completed</p>

<p>Enjoy!</p>

2

<p>Wow...that helps a lot. And the new site looks great. Thanks theatermom!</p>

3

<p>I'll be glad to chime in if I see an opportunity to add something - theatermom knows a lot, of course, but I have students who are upperclassmen who have gone through courses that her daughter hasn't yet experienced - WONDERFUL courses, I might add! ; )</p>

<p>And U of M kids DO work - a lot! Also, the list of students who get major callbacks in NYC while they are still in school is quite impressive, although those students often don't get the jobs at that time, as they are usually competing against much more seasoned performers - I think the fact that the students are so noticed while they are still VERY young and have much more to learn at UM shows that they REALLY know how to audition! Just this summer, there were current students involved in final callbacks for ALTAR BOYZ (Detroit/tour and NYC companies), TARZAN (for the role of Tarzan), LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (for the role of Fabrizio), the tour of 42nd STREET (two students actually got offered jobs, and one will take a year off to do the tour)...and those are just the ones I know about. This kind of audition success is of course often true at many strong programs - I'm just filling you in on some UM "insider scoop!" :)</p>

4

<p>That callback list is really impressive.</p>

<p>That's another thing I was going to ask about...I know some schools won't necessarily support you taking time of to work...how does UM feel about that?</p>

5

<p>Thanks Coach C!</p>

<p>There is no question that you have access to much more information than I do so I am as interested as anyone else, maybe more - as in "previews of coming attractions" - to hear about all the upper level classes and UM "insider scoop"! I did know about the Tarzan callback (the student in question would be a PERFECT Tarzan!) and the guy who's going out on the 42nd St tour, but none of the others. Glad to know you're there!</p>

<p>Johnshuler - When we were there for auditions, someone asked Brent Wagner how he felt about kids leaving school to go work. Although I got the impression that he wasn't crazy about the idea in general, he did say that each opportunity available to a student would be discussed with that student and appropriate faculty members and decided on a case by case basis. And clearly it is being done. Maybe Coach C has more to add.</p>

<p>We're glad to help!</p>

6

<p>That's just what I was going to say about taking time off to work - it's not "encouraged" per say, but each opportunity is discussed with the student in question and I really have the sense (from the group of stories I know) that Mr. Wagner and the other department members truly consider each INDIVIDUAL in question when making the decision about each case. Also, I truly sense that the reason it ISN'T encouraged is because UM has a LOT to teach a student, regardless of talent - and the students realize this and few "want" to leave, regardless of the jobs they might be offered. But one of my fave UM stories that shows how much the program cares about the TOTAL EDUCATION of individuals is that of a young MT who left his sophomore year to do a big regional gig that got him his Equity card - he then played some big summer stock leads, came back to UM for part of his junior year, but was getting a lot of interest from NYC (he got an agent through his regional gig) and so left again to see what happened there. All of this was discussed with various UM mentors including Mr. Wagner. After TWO WEEKS - yes, TWO WEEKS - in NYC, he got cast in the Broadway revival of ASSASSINS as a swing and the cover for the Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald (and he went on - when Sondheim was there!). From there, he went into the National Tour of WICKED, but he still stays in very close touch with the department and would like to finish his degree at some point - he is still VERY young - and they continue to encourage his growth as both a person and a performer. This young man is exceptionally talented, mature, and professional (a standout even among many such young performers at UM), and THAT is why this situation has worked for him with UM's "blessing." However, if you are looking at a school with the INTENTION of leaving to work, I would say UM is not the best place for you, because they really look for people who will contribute enthusiastically to the overall department and university and the auditioners do a pretty great job of sensing this aspect of an applicant. UM students almost without exception greatly respect and even love their department, their faculty, and their curriculum, and this creates a really positive work energy at UM that is an important part of their educational philosophy.</p>

7

<p>I know this has been talked about countless times on this board, but I'm still a little confused about rolling admissions and i remember some people saying it's better to audition early at rolling admissions schools, but others saying that it's bad because they will hold back some spots for later in the year...would it be best to audition early at U of M? Especially if it's a top choice? And then, if you did get in, is the decision binding? It doesn't seem like it would be, but I really can't tell...theatermom or CoachC or anyone else, do you have any info on this?</p>

8

<p>UM does use a process of rolling admissions and their first auditions are in November. But history suggests that you are much better off waiting to audition until January or February. I'm not sure why this is so, but apparently, although it has happened, it is very rare that an outright offer of admission comes after a November audition. The most common positive result would be a deferral. They did defer several students the year my D applied ('03-'04) and several were subsequently accepted; but as far as I know, they did not do a lot of deferring last year, instead opting to make applicants wait a bit longer and then giving them a definitive answer or putting them on a waitlist. I think they are having to proceed more slowly and cautiously because their yield (the percentage of students who accept offers of admission) has gotten very high and they don't want to overcommit and end up with too large a class. If UMich is truly one of your top choices, and if it's possible, my personal advice would be to think about auditioning first for a few other programs that are lower on your list and perhaps work out any nerves and/or see how you feel about the material you've chosen and have time to make a change if you think it is necessary. I know that there are several other programs where you might be putting scholarship dollars at risk by waiting to audition but I don't think this is the case at UMich. It is my understanding that scholarship decisions are not made until the majority of acceptance offers have already been made. There is some serious money to be had, but not as much as in some other programs.</p>

9

<p>theatermom,</p>

<p>Thanks for all your great information! Out of curiosity...when did your daughter audition?</p>

10

<p>Hi Kaysmom,</p>

<p>I'm on a friend's computer so this will be short (my service may be down for a few days). My daughter auditioned in mid-January of 2004 and received her acceptance letter on February 2, the date that will forever live in happiness in our family.....</p>

11

<p>theatermom - Thank you so much for the clarification and advice about rolling admissions. :) I think I will just try to get my application in as early as possible to get the audition date I want that's later in the year, rather than try for the early audition date. Thank you again!</p>

12

<p>Your welcome! And your plan sounds just right!! Let me know if there is any other way I can help! (My internet is back up - Yay!!)</p>

13

<p>Those of you involved in UM MT auditions last year:</p>

<p>There had been some talk that UM took a few more students than usual last year. Do you feel there may be more deferrals from the November auditions this year to correct that? </p>

<p>Thanks,
xxx,Mary Anna</p>

14

<p>I can't speak specifically to U Mich, but several schools ended up with larger-than-expected classes, because "yield" was higher than projected.... I believe that will result in more students deferred, or waitlisted, or whatever system those schools use.</p>

15

<p>thanks for the response.</p>

<p>That seems to make sense as a logical way to handle the situation. Although
it's too bad for those who auditioned early in hopes of finding out early.</p>

<p>Pins and needles.... the saga continues</p>

<p>xx,Mary Anna</p>

16

<p>Mary Anna,</p>

<p>Actually, the freshman class at UM is almost exactly on target this year. They say their ideal is 20 and there are 21 students in the freshman class. It is the junior class (29 students) and the sophomore class (25 students) that are larger than they would like ideally. The adjustment in how students were admitted appears to have begun last year when far fewer students were deferred. Instead, many students ended up waiting a bit longer than average to hear of their decisions. When you audition, you are told that ideally you will hear something in approximately 4-5 weeks and I believe that most decisions fall within that parameter although some hear sooner and others wait a bit longer. With regard to the November audition date, I have written about this before but for those waiting this year it may bear repeating. While a student has very occasionally been accepted directly after auditioning in November, it is rare. I believe that Dancersmom's D auditioned in November the same year my D auditioned in January and she posted back then that the auditioners and parents were told this in the pre-audition meeting. The most likely positive outcome from a November audition at UM is a deferral. I think they just feel more comfortable waiting to see the vast majority of their candidates, who audition in January and February, before making offers. Their yield has gotten so high in the past few years (29 out of 30 in the class of '07, and 24 of 26 in the class of '08 and 22 of 24 in '09 - one student who accepted had to later withdraw due to health issues) they are trying to be very careful not to overcommit.</p>

<p>I understand that it is soooo hard to wait for news from all of these schools, but the popularity of MT as a college major has really risen and so the programs are being forced to change their own rules to protect the integrity of the training environment they can offer.</p>

<p>I'm sorry your students were hoping for early decisions, but hope the eventual news is good and they feel it is worth waiting for!</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

17

<p>thank you thank you for your thoughtful post.</p>

<p>UM is such an excellent program and an absolute fit to perfection for my student (I only have one student applying MT at UM)</p>

<p>My student was told exactly the same as you have stated at the audition. We are hoping for a deferral. Indeed, that would be good news and if I were to bet, I think it will be the outcome in this case. </p>

<p>UM has really turned out to have of the most exciting MT school available for a certain kind of student. I am impressed with every aspect of the program. It is of the highest caliber.</p>

<p>How much and in what way has it grown over, say, the last ten years?</p>

<p>thanks again for your info. Fingers crossed.</p>

<p>xxx,Mary Anna</p>

18

<p>With regard to your question about the growth of the program and how it has changed, I'm not going to pretend to know everything about UM as my involvement is limited to the past two years or so. My daughter auditioned in January '04 and is in the Class of '08. I believe what the students would tell you is that the training that takes place there under the stewardship of the Department Chair Brent Wagner has been of a consistent high caliber and one of the things that makes UM unigue is the culture of collegiality that Prof Wagner has nurtured. The students all know that ego issues better be parked at the door and that any diva behavior will not be tolerated. What has changed over the years is the caliber of student that UM has been able to attract. The reason for this seems fairly straightforward - because UM graduates have been so successful on a national level, people in the industry have begun to expect that UM grads will be well trained, professional and very talented. This kind of reputation is priceless in an extraordinarily competitive industry. And when prospective students see and hear UM grads on Broadway and select regional theaters, they want to go to the same school as these successful performers. It is a cycle that the program is very aware of and the students are often told that they now have a legacy of professionalism and success to uphold and they take this responsibility very seriously. The other aspect of the UM program that I appreciate is the extent to which everything about the program is focused on the EDUCATIONAL needs of the students. They certainly are prepared to move out into the real professional world with many many classes, lectures, master classes and guest lecturers who help them understand the business of the business. But the faculty runs the program for the educational benefit of the students. Casting is an extention of the educational mission, i.e., while underclassman after the first term of freshman year are cast in departmental productions, upperclassman are more likely to be cast than underclassman if the faculty believes it is in the best long term interests of the students' training to do so. </p>

<p>Mary Anna I hope this is the kind of info you were looking for.</p>

<p>And If turnabout is truly fair play, maybe you can elaborate on this following sentence from your previous post:</p>

<p>"UM has really turned out to have of the most exciting MT school available for a certain kind of student."</p>

<p>What "certain" kind of student do you perceive that to be? I've tried to debunk many of the untrue "myths" that circulate about the program but I continue to be curious as to the perceptions of this program that others have. </p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>

19

<p>Thanks for the great post, theatermom! Finals are eating my soul :), but I wanted to respond about the same numbers you posted (the fact that it is the junior and sophomore classes that are "larger than expected"). You beat me to sharing the accurate info!</p>

<p>As you may know, UM has had a plethora of great casting news in the last 2-3 weeks alone: the new Olive in the San Francisco company of SPELLING BEE is a 2005 grad (!), the new Glinda cover in Chicago is also a 2005 grad (!), a new BEAUTY AND THE BEAST emsemble member is a 2004 grad, another 2005 grad was down to the final 3 for Kelli O'Hara's replacement, and I just heard tonight that a member of the current senior class is in final callbacks for the Chicago SPELLING BEE. All of this underscores your statement about UM grads being so successful on a national level - and again, this is just the most recent news!</p>

<p>I also wanted, as I have many times before, to stongly "second" your statement about the EDUCATION received at UM. These students KNOW their field, not just their craft!</p>

<p>Good luck to your student, Mary Anna - every student I have at UM is truly happy, and they are all VERY different personalities. What they all have in common is intelligence, utter respectfulness as theatre professionals, and true PASSION for the MT PROCESS - not just for the highs of performing. I also have a strong perspective who loves and "fits" UM auditioning a bit later this year, so I feel your pins and needles! :)</p>

<p>P.S. This may ease your student's mind, Mary Anna - the one student I know of for sure who was accepted immediately after the November audition last year is a boy and a TRUE triple threat - amazing dancer AND tumbler as well as singer and actor who actually earned his Equity card last summer right out of high school - I believe he MAY have worked with theatermom's D (same theatre, but maybe not the same shows?) Clearly, he was an "exception" because of the totality of what he had to offer. So waiting to hear after November auditions is OK!!!</p>

20

<p>Well, I just don't think it's for everyone because of the exceptional screening/audition process and the level of expectation at audition. Also, the program itself, its offerings, curriculum, demands of the program and the emphasis of the personality of faculty. This is all meant as a tremendous compliment.</p>

<p>I know from having been a casting director for so long that those producers/directors who place such a high level of specific demand at auditions are expecting to take on a certain specific kind of actor. Anyone can tell from the requirements; one who has an enormous intellectual capability, has an understanding of piano, composition, music theory, singing, acting, dance. </p>

<p>Also, such emphasis is placed on interview. It will be a significant indicator from the start as to who has the focus, drive, work ethic to make a career in the business. Who is thoughtful, mature and dedicated. And devoid of EGO.</p>

<p>Although the auditon process is never fool proof, theirs is as detailed a screening process as I have ever seen. The care that is taken and the attention. Other top MT schools do a similar audition, but somehow, UM feels different to me. Perhaps I can't even put my finger on it. But I know it when I see it.</p>

<p>When a student gets accepted to UM, they have really reached a tremendous achievement. But having said that, UM isn't for everyone, the LOCATION isn't for everyone, but is really is the right spot for a selected few.</p>

<p>Coach, I bet you can add your own view point, since you have students who attend.</p>

<p>xxx,Mary Anna</p>