<p>Oh, Thanks,
do you know anything about the Umich straight theater?
I would appreciate any information you could give me</p>
<p>Am wondering about the importance of other factors besides the audition for applicants to the UMich MT program. What about SAT scores, GPA, etc? You need these to first get accepted at the Univ, right? Once you are at the audition stage what else do they consider besides your talent at the audition? Theater experience, training, recommendations ?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>MTMama: My d applied to Michigan for MT as well as Vocal Performance four years ago. Her academic/EC application had to be approved by the University before she was given an audition appointment. From what I've read, the school is considered to be pretty selective academically. (We live out of state and I'm not sure if that made it even tougher.) Once my d had the audition appointment, it seemed that the criteria for selection was just the performance itself. For most of the selective schools it usually just comes down to those few minutes when you must come through with the talent they are looking for. Talk about stressful!</p>
<p>While it is true that you must pass an academic hurdle to receive an invitation to audition at UM, I know that the MT faculty considers very carefully the other parts of your University application and the supplement that comes to the School of Music. When I was at the MT orientation session given for parents when the students were off doing their own orientation (UMich does this in June before the kids start the program in September), both Brent Wagner and Laura Strozeski spoke very eloquently and specifically about the essays that the incoming class had written and how impressed with them they were. I also think that UMich has especially sensitive "diva" radar. They have worked very hard to create a culture of collegiality and support in the department and diva/divo behavior of any kind is not welcomed. I do believe that they can spot this during the audition day. So while your audition is clearly key, there are other important factors that are considered before an offer of admission is extended. Coach C has written about this in the past - especially about the ability of auditors - and not just the ones at UMich - to recognize passion and work ethic in less experienced but naturally talented students and the fact that these qualities are also assessed when admit decisions are made. And while I am sure this is true of other programs, I don't have as much first hand experience with them. But I do feel safe in saying that at UM, it is the entire package that counts.</p>
<p>Thank you - your response is really helpful. I will pass the info on to my daughter who is, fortunately, not a diva - and is an eloquent essay writer! Is the essay particular to MT - or is there a general essay when you apply to the University?</p>
<p>I agree with theatermom. It is the total package at any of these selective school. But I'm not sure that there is much weight on what you have done in the past. I think it is more about your presence, passion, and drive that you exude when you are auditioning.</p>
<p>I believe the essay is specific to the School of Music (there is a choice of a few prompts) - and the students also bring a personal statement-type essay (written in response to a specific prompt) with them on the day of their audition. Although much is certainly based on what happens in the audition at UM, I know with certainty that UM cares very much about a student's outstanding intellect and creativity as evidenced in their past activities, writings, and recommendations, and also about their interaction with faculty as "people" (not just performers) on the day of the audition. A student of mine who is currently an upperclass MT at UM recently had a very specific exchange about this with faculty. UM seems to really love developed "people," regardless of their level of performance experience - as is true of other schools, too. And certainly there are several students in each class who have extensive professional resumes, Equity cards, etc. - but the most common thread seems to be genuine "achievers" with gifts in more than one realm (such a theatermom's D's dance excellence, the advanced instrumental musicianship of many MT's, developed writing talents, etc.).</p>
<p>Thanks Coach C!</p>
<p>I totally agree with both the Coach and CMUJohanna'smom. And I think if you look at the MT curriculum at UM it becomes clear that this department believes in the value of educating their performers in a variety of ways outside of the performance classes. Students are encouraged, indeed it is mandatory to take courses in other academic departments. And what my D liked best is that they don't presume to choose what most of those courses should be. Other than two semesters of english/writing, two semesters of history and two semesters of a foreign language (which the vast majority of MT's place out of by exam during orientation) the choices belong to the students. The variety of what they choose to do with the time they are given to study "other things" is truly mind boggling and often inspiring. And they bring what they learn back to their lives as performers. It enriches their lives and their artistry and generally just makes them more interesting people.</p>
<p>MTMama, I believe that 4 essays in total were sent to UM. I believe that 3 of them went to the admissions office, which included a longer essay and some shorter essays with prompts. At least one of those was specific to the school of music. Then, there is the personal statement that one takes to the audition itself. Good luck! I recommend starting essays in the summer if the schools have given the specific essay prompts or topics.</p>
<p>Oh my gosh - we are just beginning to understand how involved this application process is (my D is a junior).....wow - got a taste of it recently putting together the application packet/audition video for MPulse and rushing it to FedEx at the last possible minute to overnight it! Very stressful! And that was just for one summer program! It wiped me out......I feel like I might have to take a leave from my job next year during the application/audition season! Yikes.....</p>
<p>No one would happen to know the acceptance rate for the students accepted into the regular Theatre program at Umich?</p>
<p>Just wanted to pass on that my S received notification today on UMich website that he has been acceped for dramatic performance major. While his parents loooooved UMIch, he has decided he likes CCM better, primarily because he feels it is a more intensive program with instructors he could better connect with. He was concerned that UMIch does not work with any "viewpoint" training (which I have no idea of). Goes to show that the program has to meet the student and prestige of the school is not the end all.</p>
<p>I know they auditioned 90 people and are going to accept about 16
Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Hi actorsdad, i was wondering what you guys knew about the UMich acting program. Is there any way you could send me a private message with your son's email so i could ask him why he didnt choose UMich? I am really struggling with whether or not i want to go there
Any info would be great!
Thanks!</p>
<p>They told us they were auditioning over 400 students and would be looking for a class of 20-25. They accept about 50, figuring they would get down to the class size they were looking for. My guess is that the cost of the school is part of that, as the drama department does not offer scholarships to freshman.</p>
<p>they auditoned 400 for musical theater only 90 for drama (that is what the dean of admissions told me, but i'm not sure now)</p>
<p>I can't confirm the acting audition number, but the 400 for MT sounds exactly right. Two years ago when my D auditioned we were told that they received approximately 900 applications for MT and after the academic review they invited 400 to audition. And again, while I don't have hard information, assuming that the acting candidates must pass the same academic screening as the MT's, 400 sounds high for the acting audition pool. A simple call to the admissions office in the School of Music would get you the correct answer.</p>
<p>Maybe I heard wrong, but there were over 30 the day my son was in Michigan in December and a friend of ours said they had over 30 in January when she went. That's around 60 auditions in 2 days. Maybe 400 is high, but I'm sure it's higher than 90. UMich has a strong drama department and I'd be very surprised to hear it's only 90. If it is 90, then UMich is a secret gem.</p>
<p>Ok now i am really confused about the numbers i'm gonna talk to someone over there soon hopefully so ill try to find out</p>
<p>Hey,
Anyone else here auditioning for Michigan April 7th?</p>