<p>Hi,
I am new to all this and have been reading alot of the posts to get info. I'm nervous about getting into a big name school just because alot of people have had much more training. Money is going to be a factor in my decision. I wanted to know if anyone knows anything about the program at University of South Dakota. My parents said the tuition is doable but I also want to be somewhere I can grow and that will help me prepare to make a go of it in NYC after I graduate.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi there!
I’m a Freshman Musical Theater Major at USD and it really is a fantastic program. The tuition is a huge plus, considering even the out-of-state tuition price is cheaper than even one year at a big name program. Also, the teachers are highly qualified and extremely professional. Because we’re a smaller department, there’s a lot of opportunity for personal attention and roles in productions. As far as NYC prep, each senior class gets the chance to participate in the New York Showcase. The students get to go to New York, and perform in front of casting directors and agents, as well as spend a week there to get the feel for the city. Just this year, two of our students signed with agents after this trip, and several others got very promising offers and callbacks. This program gives you a very diverse experience in all aspects of theater, and you walk out with the tools you’re going to need in the big bad world of theater. I highly suggest you consider it as one of your options!</p>
<p>If you are interested in auditioning for the program, or simply just visiting, feel free to contact Matt Nesmith at <a href=“mailto:matt.nesmith@usd.edu”>matt.nesmith@usd.edu</a>. If you would like to email ME for more information, my email is <a href=“mailto:emily.vortherms@usd.edu”>emily.vortherms@usd.edu</a>. Please feel free, I’d love to answer any other questions you may have. :)</p>
<p>You could also look at the University of Northern Colorado - it is a Wiche school. This means in-state tuition + 1/2 - which makes it very affordable. There is some information in the sub-forum or look at the University of Northern Colorado website (school of theater and drama). There is also a NY showcase - this should not make a huge difference in your decision - but it is well regarded (according to people whom I respect). It would not qualify as a safety school by any means - but is closer to your neck of the woods than many others. PM me if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>Hey!
I also am a Freshman Musical Theater Major at USD. I came from Denver, Colorado and one of the things I loved about USD was the size of the theater program. Although the school is medium sized, the department has enough people that the competition is high but small enough that you get one on one attention with all of your professors. As a freshman, we also get lots of opportunities you wouldn’t normally get at a bigger conservatory program, like auditioning for main stage productions, enrolling in upper level dance classes or even one on one time with professors. Money was also a big factor for me and like (VorthermsE) said it is cheaper than some instate tuition. Because we get so much one on one time with our professors, I think we are able to grow so much in such a short amount of time. Also because of our department size, we are able to practice what we learn in the classroom and bring it onstage. Our department just added the New York Showcase a couple of years ago, which gives you an opportunity as a Senior to go to NYC with your fellow classmates and perform in front of New York Agents. Hearing from the Seniors that just got back was awesome. They got to get feedback from the agents on what they could improve on and what they liked about them. Like (Vortherms said) some of them even got hired on the spot and one even got an audition for Jersey Boys. Even though our department is newer, we are growing and expanding and I think being able to be a part of the process of a building department is giving us so many opportunities we wouldn’t get anywhere else! I have not regretted coming to USD and I love the department!
I know you already have two emails to contact but I am <a href=“mailto:Cecilia.Quintero@usd.edu”>Cecilia.Quintero@usd.edu</a> if you have any more questions! Please feel free to contact me. I also work in the Admissions Office as an Ambassador, so if you have questions along those lines I could help you out! Hope you consider the U!
Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the input and email addresses! It’s great that you get the one on one attention-and I agree a growing program can be a great opportunity. As far as the professors go do you know if they work in the industry during their off time? Do a lot of them have “real world” experience or are they basically just in the teaching world?</p>
<p>If any of our professors work, (say during the summer) they usually have directing jobs. Our musical theater professor will be directing at The Black Hills Playhouse this summer, a theater company out west river. Our movement professor is the Artisitc Director of the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival (held right here in Vermillion). Our acting professor is not only an Equity Actress, but has worked in several theater and film jobs in her life time, has a specialty in dialect coaching, and she truly is just a joy to work with. As I’m sure (Quintero) will agree, all of our professors here are highly qualified and even as our first year will shortly be over, I feel like I’ve learned so much from all of our teachers.</p>