<p>Sjschaef: just spill the beans here. If it didn’t work out, please say why. It may or may not be relevant to someone’s decision but at least it would be out there. Thanks!</p>
<p>^^I’d never post something like that publically would you? There are lots of reasons that a school may or may not work out and sjschaef is not saying it had anything to do with the program. Could be the school itself, location, roommates, who knows. Very nice offer to respond to PMs don’t you think?</p>
<p>I did not expect her to address personal issues. If it was indeed personal, that’s all that needed to be said. Since this is a thread about Utah and NOT a particular person, asking her to address if/or there was a problem with the program is completely relevant to all. No reason to be snarky.</p>
<p>I was not being snarky but I certainly came off as preachy about you calling the poster out and it is certainly not my business and I"m sorry. </p>
<p>The only reason I’m even looking at this thread is because everyone has been getting to know this relatively new program and I was wondering where the discussion would lead because of the experience of another freshman this year that is also home now.</p>
<p>A good friend of mine’s son started as a freshman at Utah this fall too (though not in theatre). He was back home in 5 weeks. It was not because the school isn’t beautiful and perfect for many people. I have no doubt that is the case. But Utah like many other schools has a very dominant culture and personality and if it isn’t for you, no amount of loving a BFA program or whatever major you pick may compensate for that if it is something that doesn’t work for you. </p>
<p>In the case of my friend, her son lived his entire life in arguably the most liberal city in the country and he is Jewish and a partier. I think he thought because he had attend a catholic high school for 4 years and it had been mostly OK that he’d be fine in Utah. He was not. There was no cultural fit for him and he knew very quickly he had made a mistake. Personally, I’m not sure how this wasn’t noticed prior to deciding to attend but for whatever reason, it wasn’t or it was ignored.</p>
<p>Anyway, it is up to the poster to decide what if anything they wish to share publically and you are free to request more. It has nothing to do with me and I do not know their reasons. It could easily be BFA program specific. I have no idea. I was just surprised by the call out especially but again, not my business and I apologize.</p>
<p>Thanks for clearing the air half :). That is interesting about the friend. We happen to live in a HUGE mormon population center and not at all bothered by that. We are a liberal episcopalian family. My D’s BFF and BF are both Mormon, in terms of that culture (fi that’s what you are referring to) it’s not a problem for us. My D does not drink or party. Her idea of a grand time is popcorn and watching SVU ;). I really want to hear more specifics about the program. Just booked D a flight to go have a look-see. She will know how it looks to her once she is there. Hoping to Skype with D and faculty while she is there.</p>
<p>My last comment in this thread and then I promise… I’m out. </p>
<p>I want to be clear it is not about the culture at Utah being a problem. My story was about this boy whose own culture felt in conflict with the culture there. In short, it was his problem not Utah’s. If being in an environment where for example you’d not be one of only a handful of Jews matters, probably not a good pick as it wasn’t for my friend’s son. If you are a big partier, the school isn’t famous for that. If you want a highly diverse campus, well you can read that Utah is just not known for that and 80 some odd percent of the attendees are also from Utah many of whom commute and could live at home.</p>
<p>I could argue just as strongly about the need to understand the culture at NYU too where my daughter goes to school. If you don’t like the idea of a huge and confusing city, or a heavily liberal campus or having roommates from all over the world who may not even speak English very well, don’t pick NYU even if its BFA program seems to be what you really want. School is more than just the theatre progam. OK I’m out :)</p>
<p>MT Curly I didn’t get your email address if you still wish for me to email you. Thanks!</p>
<p>I cannot figure out a way to post this other than adding on to the current post since the Univ of Utah does not have its own thread under Musical Theatre Schools.</p>
<p>Since the Univ of Utah is such a new program, does anybody in the MT world know how it is perceived in the working world? Is it gaining respect? Also, how does the Univ of Utah plan to put its graduates to work? Will they focus on Broadway or LA or both? Does the current faculty have connections to either or both? We know there is not an alumni network out there so how will connections be made? I am trying to help my D decide whether or not this is the program for her and these are her biggest concerns.</p>
<p>My D and I are heading out to Utah tomorrow, to check out the program and the school as an accepted student. We will be taking a campus tour, seeing their production of Spring Awakening, visiting with their Academic Advisor, taking a tour of the theater facilities, and my D will be sitting in on the Freshmen MTP Acting finals. If any of you have questions please post here or send me a private message and I will try to get the answers.</p>
<p>I’ve committed and can also answer any questions. I visited back in march.</p>
<p>shaun0203 - What did you think of your Utah visit?</p>
<p>We had a great trip! We saw their performance of Spring Awakening. Extremely talented kids, well directed and choreographed (by Denny, the head of the department). Terrific set, music, lighting and sound. Afterwards, there was a Q&A for the cast with some theater professionals passing through and we were invited to stay for that. We sat in on the Freshman MTP Acting finals, made up of scenes from American theater of the 1950’s. It was well attended by other professors and students and the Freshmen were prepared, committed and enjoying the process. We also sat with Faye, the academic advisor for the department, to review the curriculum.The curriculum hasn’t been finalized yet but they are making some changes which we trust will be positive. The campus is very pretty and in great shape, and it is very easy for students to access downtown SLC by their light rail system. They are building a new student rec center which will be ready in December 2014. The Performing Arts Building is in the center of the academic part of campus, right near the student union (the largest of any we have seen - they even have a bowling alley), the bookstore and the library, as opposed to so many schools we visited where the theater department is on the outskirts of campus. I have no doubt the training is going to be excellent and intense. Of the 127 required credits to graduate, there are only 30 Ged Ed credits required. They dance 5 days/week for 1.5 hours. Freshman year includes that Dance class, Music Theory, Acting, Private Voice, Script Analysis, and a crew requirement. Feel free to email me with any specific questions you may have. shaun0203 at yahoo dot com. Since my D doesn’t attend yet I can just offer opinions.</p>