Webster University

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>SoundMom
The first three times we visited we stayed at the Cheshire Lodge near Forest Park and rented a car. This hotel is wacky looking. It is very old English and funky. If you love clean modern hotels do not stay here but if you like Charm and are not too picky about things it can be an interesting place to stay. It's a fairly short ride to Webster. The last time I visited I stayed downtown at the Westin and at the Hilton at the Ballpark. I got the Westin on their website for $139.00 a night and the Hilton at the Ballpark on Priceline for $53.00. For the money the Hilton was a steal!! Loved both hotels though. Both very nice places but a ways from Webster and a very expensive (around 30-35.00 cab ride). The Metro Link is great if you are going to the places it travels to but transferring to the bus that goes to Webster can take awhile depending on the schedule. You could take the Metro Link as far as you can and get a cab, but call ahead for the cab to meet you there. I ended up renting a car. I got that on hotwire for $13.00 a day and picked it up at the airport. I think Sue Burkart usually stays in Kirkwood which is closer to Webster. She may chime in here too. So will Barbara and then you can have 3 opinions.</p>

<p>If you stay or go downtown go to the City Museum. It is so much fun! Especially for college aged kids. Seriously. The zoo in Forest Park is great, and the science museum is also really cool. Check out Webster Groves too. Some great record stores there. Also visit "The Loop" which has a lot of funky clothing stores and great restaurants. </p>

<p>St. Louis surprised us with all it has to offer. I could go on and on. But look up the City Museum and see if it interests you. It's really wonderful architecturally and fun.</p>

<p>Let me know if I can help any more or send me PM.
Marianne</p>

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<p>Marianne....I LOVE your keen sense of originality...you have me schooled!! :)</p>

<p>We usually stay at either the Kirkwood Inn (an old Best Western)or the Holiday Inn both about 5 minutes from campus via car...both offer Webster discounts just mention at time of reservation or even check-in. The Kirkwood Inn offers a free continental breakfast. Kirkwood is a neat little town as well...has many nice restaurants and is a train station depot city...very quaint.</p>

<p>My husband & I are going down to Webster on the 28th-30th....will be going to "Cripple" on both Friday and Saturday nights...so perhaps some how we might "bump" into each other?</p>

<p>Thanks for chiming Marianne. ;)</p>

<p>SUE</p>

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<p>Hi Sue,
We would love to "bump" into you on Saturday. I will PM you.
Thanks,
Jennifer</p>

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<p>As Marianne noted, I'll chime in too! :)</p>

<p>We always stay at the Holiday Inn Express, Sunset Hills (near Kirkwood) and as Sue mentioned it's about a 5-7 minute drive from campus and does offer that Webster discount. They also offer a courtesy van to and from the airport and have an AVIS car rental pick-up/drop-off right in the lobby. So if you want the convenience of a car for short drives back and forth and around campus, but just don't want to drive all the way from airport and back, that's a great option. Be sure to arrange the rental in advance so it will be waiting for you at hotel.</p>

<p>Forest Park is a great destination -- in addition to the zoo (as Marianne already mentioned), the Fine Arts Museum is located within the park (both are FREE admission). Arch Museum downtown, (at the base of the arch) is fascinating; if you want to ride the tram to the top of arch, I suggest you buy tickets for that in advance on the internet (or you could face a 1-2 hour wait). We also enjoyed the Loop (great shopping, restaurants); borders Washington University, so very college-town atmosphere; 15 minute drive from Webster. And don't forget to walk around Webster Groves; small area right next to campus with some shops and restaurants and a larger area about a 5 minute drive (15 minute walk) called Old Town Webster (I think) with more shopping. It's a pretty little town. </p>

<p>Enjoy your weekend!</p>

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<p>5pants- I met your S's today while visiting Webster with my D. They are wonderful. They were friendly, informative, and just a lot of fun to meet. You did good mom! My D is hoping to get an offer from Webster. She liked it a lot after auditioning at the Chicago unifieds with Lara and Neil, but she LOVES it after spending time there. Thanks for all of your insights and help. BTW, the letters should be going out by Friday, Monday latest.</p>

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<p>So glad your D enjoyed her visit! And yes, Sue should be very proud of those two young men. </p>

<p>Here's hoping for good news and WHEN (fingers crossed) it comes please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or answer questions.
Marianne</p>

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<p>SEATA,
I got to meet your daughter the other day! She came and watched my freshman movement class, and since I was out with an injury I got to talk to her! She seems very sweet and very passionate, which are two wonderful things to be! I just wanted to wish both of you luck with everything! If you have anymore questions feel free to message me!</p>

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<p>ejsamsonite- thank you for your offer and your kind words. She truly enjoyed learning from you and getting to know you. She has fallen for Webster; of course, now she has to wait for the letters to go out this Friday. Thanks again and I'll let D know you are there to answer questions.</p>

<p>5pants- I saw your S in "Cripple..." at Webster tonight. Bravo to him and the entire cast. It's an awesome accomplishment that was touching, sad, and keeps you laughing throughout, which is truly a feet.</p>

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<p>Wow, I am blushing...I mean that sincerely. Thank you...I hope you all receive great news. Fingers crossed!! :)</p>

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<p>ejsamsonite- I do have a question for you (or anyone else who can offer insight). My D is feeling that Webster is the right school for her; however, she also feels connected to Vicki at BW. When looking at the list of pros and cons, Webster seems to win regarding her needs with one exception, master classes. Do you feel that Webster offers high caliber master classes? We read the article re: Jerry Mitchell and that was truly awesome, but that's the only one we know about. Could you enlighten us regarding other master class experiences? Thanks a bunch.</p>

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<p>SEATA, Lynn Redgrave is there TODAY doing a master class, Richard Dreyfuss was there last year, Michael York the year before.</p>

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<p>Hello all. Wow, there have been very few posts as of late! My name is Zack, and I have been a lurker on this thread since January. Let me first say that all of the insight from Sue and others helped sway me to audition for the Conservatory, not to mention my choral director had a voice student go through the program about six years ago. In any case, I was sold when I first sat down with Lara and Neil in Chicago. We talked about my work in radio (I'm a DJ and Voice-Over Actor for regional radio commercials in Northwest Wisconsin) and talked about them and the program, a nicety not extended to me by other programs. Rather than a panel of faces, it was like auditioning for a good, new friend.</p>

<p>Another thing that struck me was something completely unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but has still stuck with me: Webster helps coordinate the National Unifieds in Chicago and they were able to give their auditionees a nice sitting room with warm water, et cetera, rather than sitting out in the hall like other auditionees. That told me that they have connections and know how to treat their students.</p>

<p>I have read every post in this thread and thought I would eventually run into talk of specific classes, highlights, advice to incoming students, but never came across anything. Most questions directed at the parents and Plaidman (who I assume is Dottie?) seemed to focus only on the audition process and student retention (which drug on and on...in my opinion, it is great that students are given the opportunity to be put on probation. It is just a little extra boost. They are only doing it to help you excel and grow.). Also, I hardly saw actual prospective students, only their parents. I feel that it is important to head your own school search. Anyway, I was wondering what advice any of you have to give to me, now that I will be attending in the fall. As it is, I have absolutely zero dance training. If taught a move, in most cases I can duplicate it, but I have no actual basis upon which to work. I have extensive classical voice training with a retired opera singer from Germany, originally from Wisconsin nonetheless, and no acting training. I guess the closest I have come to acting training has been through the recent Student Edition of Les Miserables at my local community theatre. I had the privilege of playing Javert, and had phenomenal help with the role from an area veteran, so I called her my "acting coach." Obviously all the acting training I will ever need, and more, will be at my disposal through the Conservatory sequence, but any edge I can obtain between now and the beginning of term would be nice, considering I am not coming from a performing arts high school or otherwise. I am currently delving quite heavily into advanced music theory, and struggling to re-learn piano, so I'm sure the theory and musicianship courses will be just fine.</p>

<p>Also, maybe Sue's sons can weigh in on General Ed classes that would possibly highlight or reinforce the training offered through the B.F.A. I refuse to take a course that will not benefit my training in any way. Granted a few may come up, but since our requirements outside the major are so few I would rather they be worthwhile (although Freshman Seminar may not be so "worthwhile"...I am considering the one where we read Tolkien or Harry Potter just for kicks!).</p>

<p>Also, will the first day at the Conservatory correspond with the overall start date of the University: Monday, August 25th? I am sure we will be notified soon but I will be moving from here in Wisconsin to Colorado this summer to work (right at the foothills of the Rockies!) and would like to notify my landlord soon when I will need to leave and start the journey to my final resting place, for the next four years anyway.</p>

<p>I would appreciate any advice at all. I have already spoke a bit with Daniel Ford, a junior, and sent an email to Shayla, a frequent here, so if you are reading Shayla, you can either respond here or there. It makes no difference to me.</p>

<p>Thank you all for beautiful images you have concocted in my mind. I certainly have quite a bit to look forward to, and thanks to all the positive advice given here.</p>

<p>Status change: Lurker to Participant!</p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<p>Zack</p>

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<p>Yes, Conservatory starts on the first day of classes, August 25th. You will find you will be off and running on a relatively fast track.</p>

<p>I will hope you will hear from Dan, Shayla and the twins about your course questions. Your advisor, after your first semester, will your acting teacher that year, so they will be able to guide you with your "outside" course choices. Your thought that you will be taking classes to support your training is accurate. If you make other choices, they will be yours and you will have many.</p>

<p>While I am writing, I want to thank Sue and all the parents that will be coming here for graduation. Please come up and say "hi" during the day.</p>

<p>Hunter Bell ([title of show]) is being recognized as Distinguished Alumnus of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts and will be there. That should be fun.</p>

<p>Zack, you are in for a very challenging and exciting journey. I look forward to meeting you. By the way, I am not Dottie, I am the other guy in Chicago and the person that started the Unifieds. Indeed, Webster is connected.</p>

<p>Everyone, thanks for your comments. On to the next ones!</p>

<p>Plaidman</p>

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<p>Hello Zack, I am finishing my freshman year as an acting major at Webster Conservatory. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about freshman year specifically.</p>

<p>In regard to your question about Gen Ed classes that do not directly pertain to your training, I will say that once you get here you'll realize that there is very little that will not help you in your training. They are all worthwhile (although personally I'm biased against math and science courses.) However, as a freshman MT major, almost all (if not all) your classes will be music, dance, or Conservatory classes. Ejsamsonite would be able to tell you exactly what you'll be taking freshman year, as he is an MT major in my class, and a swell guy.</p>

<p>As for freshman seminar, register as soon as possible for classes and if they're offering the Saturday Night Live class again, take it, it's easy and fun! Other good seminars were "Poverty", and "Seinfeld". Steer clear of "Plants and People" and "Voices of Protest." Freshman seminar can be a drag, but it's just a semester long, and everyone has to take it. By all means, do not wait until the last minute to register for classes or else you'll be left with very few choices. Believe me, I waited and got stuck with "Plants and People", which despite the enthusiasm of the teacher was not very interesting at all. </p>

<p>Overall, welcome to Webster Conservatory! It's a great place. Feel free to ask me any questions; I am happy to be of service. Also, if you have a facebook, add Kat Singleton to your friend list, she'll be your freshman year acting teacher, and join the facebook group for your class. </p>

<p>--Bunch-Back'd Toad</p>

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<p>Masonz, if you go back to the beginning of some of these threads you'll find lots of stuff about Webster in general (ALL GOOD!). Some of it is from 2005 but nonetheless helpful.
Let me add congratulations! It sounds like you are off and running and Webster is a great program for you.
My D is still in the decision making process and Webster is up there. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and keeping her informed as to what I find out.
I think looking at getting into the right MT program has overshadowed graduation a bit...She wouldn't have it any other way! Congratulations to you all!</p>

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<p>Welcome! You are going to love Webster! Hopefully one of the students will get a hold of you. My D has loved all of her classes and they have all helped support the MT training.</p>

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<p>Thank you all for your swift responses! You have no idea how good it feels knowing that I will soon be part of the Conservatory family! Neal (sorry, I spelled your name incorrectly in the last post)l! How are you? I assumed it was either you or Dottie. Some of your posts were reminiscent of the conversations during the Unifieds. Well, just little hints of familiarity here and there! I want to thank you and Lara again for making the process as easy, relaxing and fun as possible! You both were great! I hear you teach both theory and musicianship at Webster, and cannot wait to work with you!</p>

<p>Okay, good to know about the start date! I will let my landlord know. The problem is I have to coordinate about four different schedules the week before that as we get ready to depart Colorado, so that will be good to know. Maybe you can help with that. My roommate (in Colorado) will be my friend Erik. We're each moving out there to work at the same restaurant and then he needs to be back to Wisconsin to attend UW-Stout on the 25th. To consolidate travel plans, could he essentially come out to Missouri and then catch the AmTrac (spelling?) back? He would have to transfer lines in Chicago and that would be it, right? Just trying to make the shift as easy as possible without wasting too much gas. And when can we move in to the dorms (probably a question for Residential Life, but..)?</p>

<p>I have a ton more questions to ask, but I have to fly to a choral rehearsal. Thanks again to all!</p>

<p>-Zack</p>

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<p>Zack,
I have taken the train from Chicago to St. Louis, it takes about 4 1/2 hours to 5 hours and is very enjoyable.
Marianne</p>

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<p>Hey there Zack!!</p>

<p>Glad to hear you are excited for Webster....AND you should be. Sounds as though the conservatory life will be right up your alley....knowing how challenging the conservatory is I would probably take a freshman seminar that would be light on reading...unless that is something you truly enjoy. My one S took a class that had him reading LOTS of novels...luckily he got a head start on a couple of them over the summer and he also loves reading. Not sure what to recommend to you as undoubtedly they have changed since my Ss were freshman. The SNL class would definitley be one I would take...personally speaking of course. :)</p>

<p>Certainly my guys would love to answer your questions...and will do so if you want. They too are on facebook....look for Alex and Nathan Burkart. </p>

<p>Where in Wisconsin are you from? We live in Janesville. Let me know...if you don't mind sharing.</p>

<p>Also, Plaidman is not Neil...lol...strike 2...it's actually Peter who looks stunning in his plaid sports jackets. He is the Dean....whom I plan to finally meet formally in a couple weeks...Peter it will be a pleasure and what an exciting and fun time this INDEED will be. Alex and Nathan have raved over Hunter Bell!!</p>

<p>One other thing Zack....if you have a chance this summer...although it looks as though you have things lined up....I would definitely take some dance classes. Either jazz or beginning ballet....my guys had several years of tap and some jazz before auditioning for Webster. Dear Byron Grant, who was head of the MT department at the time wisely told A&N to take ballet that summer in...to at least become familiar with the terms used. It was smart advice and they followed it.</p>

<p>Hollar if you think of anything to ask. There are many here to tend to your questions.</p>

<p>best,</p>

<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>

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<p>Wow! I believe I have now exhausted the list of professors in attendance at the Chicago Unifieds! Peter! Peter Sargent! How are you? I remember you vividly! You were the first face I saw in the waiting room, arguing with that man about the water or something along those lines! I also remember you asked me why I had arrived so early! And yes, I remember the plaid jacket. That should have been my first clue when trying to reveal your true identity: go with the username! Well, let me first say that I had a great experience at the Unifieds, and thank you so very much for coordinating the space for us to sit. That was very kind of you!</p>

<p>Sue, I live up in Northwestern Wisconsin in a small town called Rice Lake, about an hour north of Eau Claire and two hours east of the Twin Cities. I drove through Janesville once on my way to Washington D.C. Sadly your sons are graduating, otherwise we would be the Pals from Wisconsin!</p>

<p>Yes, I would appreciate any help they can give on any multitude of subjects, even suggestions on the Freshman Seminar. Sadly, the SNL Seminar is slated in the afternoon this year, so that is out! I've already read all the Harry Potter books, so that would most likely be an easy course. I think I've ruled out Tolkien. That would require way too much time and I am not normally a read-for-pleasure sort of guy (Harry Potter being the exception!). Deal or No Deal seems interesting, since the students decide what our subject will be! Although that could be risky! Maybe the Seinfeld Seminar? Seems like it could be fun!</p>

<p>Sue, also thanks on the dance advice. I have been thinking about that lately. I do not know whether or not there is a dance studio near the town I will be working in this summer (it only has 500 permanent residents, so dance studio prospects are probably rather slim) but I could probably pick up a Dance DVD, right? Along the lines of those workout DVDs, in a sense? I am also working diligently to lose at least another fifteen pounds by the fall. I have dropped twenty since the Unified Auditions, and would rather not be the fat gentleman in tights!</p>

<p>I will be making my over-the-phone registration appointment soon, and I cannot phathom what 27 credit hours boils down to. Do I need to choose some courses on my own? Will someone at that office be capable of directing me towards the courses that do not fit into the Conservatory sequence, such as dance, voice lesson (with a to-be-determined vocal coach, obviously), music theory, musicianship, et cetera? When is the best time to begin attempting to satisfy general ed requirements?</p>

<p>I have so many questions, and I am sure there are many things I cannot fathom questioning. So any random advice that any of you would like to put on the table, I am all ears. Sue, I will look up your sons on Facebook as well.</p>

<p>Good talking to you all. Sorry again, Peter, for mistaking you..twice!</p>

<p>-Zack</p>