<p>Cato,</p>
<p>After seeing Webster close up I can only see one negative with it and that is that the NYC Showcase for seniors is in March...kind of hard to be cast in anything when you still have 2 months of school to complete.</p>
<p>As far as pros? My goodness...so many!</p>
<p>1) Program is extremely acting based. In my eyes this is a plus...many others may disagree...as I know there are lots of varying opinions regarding what is more important...acting, singing, or dancing. Classical vocal music is taught, and even though Webster does not require a dance audition, I can tell you first hand that even students with lots of dance experience who come to Webster find their dance classes very challenging. </p>
<p>2) Good education...although a typical conservatory student's schedule may not appear on paper to be the well rounded liberal arts college education, you can't begin to realize what the conservatory classes require...extensive research on characters and time periods, acting journals, text analysis. My Ss would tell you that it's like History and English classes all rolled into one. Also would like to mention- that my Ss are good friends with an equity actor in our area....he received his training in Michigan and London....needless to say he was awestruck to hear about all the things my guys are learning!</p>
<p>3) Faculty is not only superbly qualified, but nurturing as well. I won't kid you though, if a student is not working to their full potential they will certainly let them know. They expect quality work and progress. </p>
<p>4) Facilities are wonderful. Webster is continuing to update their campus. They have a brand new dance wing at Webster which it to die for. </p>
<p>5) Webster's campus is also home to St. Louis Rep. and St.Louis Opera. Because they share the same theatre with Webster, students are exposed to many more theatre experiences than a typical college campus. My Ss have met some top knotch performers....great way to learn to network and make those ever important contacts.</p>
<p>I am sure that once I have posted this, I will think of many more. I think one of the most positive changes I have seen in my Ss just from this one semester is their ability to time manage.</p>
<p>Cato- from your earlier postings, I see you are going to be at Webster on the 19th of January. We are headed back on Thursday with the guys. Break a leg next week! Perhaps you will get the chance to meet my Ss....they are "Theatre Buddies"....who help interested students get from one building to another and answer any questions they might have.</p>
<p>Hope I have been of some help!</p>
<p>SUE</p>