<p>well this thread has died… I will still check peridically next year to answer questions because…I will be attending Webster for directing! Im so excited!</p>
<p>hey Ronit, Congrats! My d starting in the Fall too for MT!</p>
<p>As far as the thread dying… I think some of us have started posted on facebook too, so our attention is split. But if you haven’t found it yet, there’s a facebook Webster Conservatory Class of 2013 group, where a lot of kids are hooking up. </p>
<p>Good luck and Have fun!</p>
<p>Webster Conservatory’s musical theatre program was one of the worst experiences in my life, I advise all rational, invariably wealthy people against going before the summer’s over and it’s too late. Send a PM if you want valid information on the program, which if it hasn’t changed is still primarily located in a small strip mall next to Starbucks. Also, if things haven’t changed, they’ll be freaking out about this message and trying to find out how to punish the sender all next semester: even though nobody posts here. </p>
<p>You need expensive schooling to be a doctor, not to act. And if you’re spending money for the reputation of the paper at the end, there really isn’t much to speak of. If you want to sing/dance/act, start auditioning now before you’re too old and don’t waste your time on Webster. You’ll spend a large portion of your class time rolling around on the floor and playing mind games, which you could do in your own time for free.</p>
<p>I hemmed and hawed about answering this misguided post but here goes…</p>
<p>Haterade: First, let me say I’m sorry you had what you perceive as a bad experience. and while you’re entitled to your opinion, it’s important to remember not every program is a fit for all who attend. Everyone has their own path they must follow. Your perception of Webster’s program is just that. Your perception. It may be valid for you but it’s based on your limited experience & frame of reference. I’m sure you are very talented and have a lot to offer as an artist and I hope this path you’ve chosen will be successful for you. However, your “advice” also seems to be tainted by a bitterness. I don’t know you, so I can’t really say why. In my estimation though, the advice that NO ONE needs to “waste” their time on training and an education (expensive or not) to “sing/dance/act” their way to a successful career, says everything anyone needs to know about your rationale. </p>
<p>Of course you or anyone, don’t necessarily have to attend a BFA program. There are PLENTY of discussions on this board about that. But I would venture to say, for most kids, the benefit of some sort of intense training is better than a little and certainly better than none. Even mature working actors, dancers & vocalists continue to hone their craft. </p>
<p>Here’s are some other peoples anecdotes to consider…<br>
I know and recently worked with a VERY talented gentlemen, who some ten years ago, was accepted at every program he auditioned for (11) and attended not less than four of those well known programs over two years span, including Point Park, Michigan and Cincinnati. He was unhappy at all of them. Does that mean all of those programs are inferior & useless? Personally, I think if he had stuck it out at any one of them, he would be a more confident, more well rounded performer today and hence more successful. Of course, that’s my opinion based on observing his struggle & his own “hindsight is 20/20” admission that he didn’t give any of those programs a real chance. </p>
<p>I know of a MEGA talented young lady who went to NY straight out of high school ( same one my d went to ) and landed a lead understudy role for a hit Broadway show. Then turns out, she couldn’t pull it off long term. Everyone told her she had the talent but needed more versatility & stamina in her vocals and her body & that she should get more training. She was let go. Not the way you want to start a Broadway career. </p>
<p>On the complete other end of things, my friend’s son also with no college degree, did a few movies and has been successfully touring here & abroad for years with his rock band. Now, he’s going to star as Peter Parker in Spiderman on Broadway. The kid never studied musical theatre onstage but was in the pit for his high school musicals! ( again, same school my d attended ) Certainly not the BFA route! But, he has mega musical chops that he’s been honing for many years. He’s very talented and charismatic and has developed great stamina from a rigorous touring schedule. </p>
<p>Like I said, everyone has their own path.</p>
<p>I won’t go into the merits of auditioning for major shows starting at 18… there are plenty of discussions on this site for that as well! Suffice to say, sometimes people think they’re ready and they’re not. Sometimes people think they’re ready and they really are. Either way it’s a very personal choice and one that should be thought through based on the many things that outline your own personal journey. </p>
<p>Truly I wish you the best as you move forward in life. Come back and tell us how things are going.</p>
<p>To Everyone Else: If you know you want a vigorous training program and choose to go the BFA route, remember every program will have their own philosophy etc. Some encourage auditioning, some forbid it for the first year or two. Only you can decide what you believe you need for your own artistic growth at any given moment. </p>
<p>As far as Webster goes, maybe none or few current & past students post here, but if they were involved in the CC community, rest assured anyone wanting more “valid” info would have many many many talented students to PM & ask questions of, who honestly get a lot out of the program & many more who just plain love it. No defense necessary. Would everyone be happy about every aspect? Likely not. But is anything worth working for, all roses all the time? Additionally, any perspective high school or transfer student can and SHOULD come and shadow a current student and see for themselves whether the methods and training are something they’d like to experience. There’s nothing hidden here AT ALL including the satellite spaces that they use.</p>
<p>Re: Cost. </p>
<p>In comparison to most if not all of the well known programs, Webster is cheaper. Personally, we are by NO means “wealthy” people. ( Ha! These days we barely qualify as middle class! 
) But as with every other school there are grants, scholarships and loans. Our out of pocket is about the cost of our state schools here in California, which is the cheapest 4 yr. college degree route you can go in this state. Of course, this TOO is a very personal decision as to whether a student/ family is willing to have a $30,000 to $40,000 debt when they graduate, especially in these uncertain times. No one would make an issue of anyone for choosing not to. I know it’s always on our mind & we’re second guessing it all the time. But, we look at it as an investment. We only hope we can continue to send our d each year. </p>
<p>Finally, since she’s not a member here at CC, I’m passing on a statement from my daughter who is now a sophomore at Webster.</p>
<p>" I live in Los Angeles and during my gap year off I worked around town. I thought I was satisfied with my work, but a lot of the people I was working with had BFA’s and they were such developed and refined actors and singers. Seeing that made me realize that talent just isn’t enough. Knowing how to master and refine your talent to make it extraordinary is vital and something I needed to do. Webster is a school that focuses on the CRAFT and the PROCESS it takes to MASTER the craft. If you are someone who demands immediate results and satisfaction, then you should consider whether this is the school for you. I was happy that I didn’t perform my first year. It let me learn so much about myself and my body and my craft. I feel prepared and ready to audition and apply all that I have learned in just one year to the stage and the rehearsal process. I am an impatient person and am very much a “results” person… but this program taught me the value of the journey. I have become a more well rounded, cultured, aware human being and a better performer in just one year… imagine what will happen in the next three years! " </p>
<p>That is all. :)</p>
<p>^^^excellent post!</p>
<p>When my D started the journey to find the best Musical Theatre program for her, I was lucky to find CC. Found this resource during my D’s freshman year in high school and waited two years to actually post comments, but spent hours pouring over the commentaries. In all of my years on CC (entering my 8th year), I rarely have found many definitively negative comments about any school. So reading Haterade’s post really set me aback. I love SarasMom’s post, so well thought-out and articulated. I couldn’t agree more. Each person’s journey is truly his/her own. However, I have to wonder the motivation behind Haterade’s post. Did something very specific happen to you or your child? I think we always need to understand that what may be incredible for us, or horrible for us, is purely our own personal experience and many factors enter into the experience. My D is entering her junior year at Webster and cannot speak highly enough of the training, the staff, the facilities and theatre spaces, the school in general, and the community in which the school resides. Does she love every moment? Of course not. No matter how wonderful our lives are, it would be unrealistic to think life works that way. We each need to way the positives and negatives and create a sense of balance. I would 100% agree with SarasMom that every student considering any substantial program should shadow a current student and get a more realistic and practical view of the school, staff, students, and training. My daughter auditioned for 12 MT programs in her senior year of high school; she weighed her options and each of the 8 programs where she was accepted very carefully. Webster just felt right for her. </p>
<p>In her first two years, she has witnessed three students exit the program for personal reasons and four because they were cut. We didn’t understand the cut system at first and admittedly that caught us off guard. However, it is clear that every advanced training program must set up guidelines for continuance in the program and significant minimum standards. The bar needs to be set high especially in this industry. Students graduating from the program will carry a prestigious reputation with them. Which leads me to my final thought- Haterade commented on Webster’s reputation, “really isn’t much to speak of,” and I’m not sure where this is coming from. My D and I added Webster to her school audition list because of the reputation. We were seated next to a casting agent at a regional theatre production when we learned about Webster. The agent’s comment was basically, “I only see professional and well-prepared graduates from Webster. You should definitely consider auditioning for them.” Those words added Webster to our list of schools and my D now believes this school is the best kept secret in MT. </p>
<p>SarasMom is absolutely correct that everyone needs to find his/her right fit. Every school has its pros and cons. My D also commented on the program’s philosophy of process versus product. Having viewed five of Webster’s productions, I have been impressed by the product so clearly focusing on the process is not derogatory. </p>
<p>Once again, I rarely see such negative posts and looking back over Webster’s thread, you will be hard-pressed to find many. We always need to consider what motivates a post. I’m sure Haterade is trying to stop others from feeling his/her pain, but no two people are alike so it’s important to make our own judgments.</p>
<p>I would recommend that any prospective students/families PM several of us so that a clearer picture can be formed.</p>
<p>wow…I guess the username screams volumes. But this life is way to short to get caught up in hatred…there is too much of that in the world. </p>
<p>First of all, a little disclosure here…my sons graduated from Webster a little over two years ago. It was a tough 4 years at Webster and as others have said, and the guys would agree, every moment was not pleasant and I think at times they felt as though they were going to hell and back. Kind of like a boot camp. But they learned something very important in the process that life just ain’t easy and if you truly have a passion for something pesty things should never get in the way of your dreams and aspirations. </p>
<p>May I be a little unorthodox here…which is nothing uncommon for me…but it is ALOT like having a baby. When you are first pregnant, the joy is overwhelming…as is the anticipation…you hear your inner voice scream “Am I ready for this?” Soon comes the morningsickness; the weightgain; the baby’s first movement; in my case the threat of losing the baby; the stretch marks; buying things for the nursery; picking the name; going through labor; and before you know it is is over…was it absolutely the most beautiful experience? Meh…kinda and ABSOLUTELY! But no one can even begin to explain to you how much love that little baby can make you feel…no one.</p>
<p>I’ll be the first to admit that Webster does not compare to NYU, Northwestern, nor Julliard…getting a degree from those schools is like getting a golden ticket in a candy bar. BUT what Webster does is provide an incredible education in acting, singing, and dancing. They DO prepare you for the world of entertainment. It is up to you as the performer to rise to the challenge and take what tools they give you and nuture it and raise it. </p>
<p>My guys are now in LA…one is getting married in January. My future daughter-in-law was one of the people who survived the “cut” at Webster. Was she devistated? ABSOLUTELY! Did she let it form a chip on her shoulder and be mad at the program? NO! She picked herself up by the bootstraps and went on and graduated with a degree in Communication Arts. She is hoping to soon enroll back into school to get her masters in speech pathology…she hopes to work with stroke victims in regaining their voice through song. BTW…her singing voice is like Julie Andrews…no kidding.</p>
<p>My guys continue to peck away at their acting careers. I think they have come a VERY long way in a short two years. In August they will begin studio acting classes for the camera…as actors they know all too well that they must continue to work at their craft. Webster taught them that…and it is also their instinctive nature.</p>
<p>Please be mindful of the program you select…as someone said picking a school is extremely personal and should be thought out carefully. Consider these things: the cost, geographic location (for us we could NOT do two plane rides back and forth so it had to be within driving distance), are you TRULY up for the challenges both mentally and physically, can you handle rejection, am I grounded enough, do you have support (family or friends…because it is vital), the list is endless. </p>
<p>Enough for now…you get the drift…the best thing is to get over it…move on; don’t trash what many find valuable.</p>
<p>I agree with much of 5 pants’ post. I can’t speak directly to Webster - my only link is that my D auditioned there the same year as her sons. About the only thing I disagree with is that getting degrees from NYU, Juilliard, or Northwestern are like “the golden ticket in the candy bar.” I know students our children’s age/grade - 1- 2 years out, from my daughter’s school who are on Broadway, on tours, working in regional theatres, or pounding the pavement for auditions. I know kids her age from other schools, including NYU & Northwestern who are in the exact same position (I don’t know anyone at or recently at Juilliard.) </p>
<p>Once you get past showcase/finding representation, I see little difference in the paths of grads from more prestigious schools, and ones that are hardly on people’s radars. Some are having success, some are still pursuing it, and some are finding their paths heading a different way.</p>
<p>One thing I totally agree with - no matter where your degree is from - don’t think you are done learning. If you’re not hitting the gym, and taking classes/lessons, you will not be competitive with those who are fresh out of school. And - ditto her entire last paragraph!</p>
<p>MusThCC…may I clarify my perspective toward the “golden ticket” reference? Perhaps I did use a much broader brush than I should have, but this is perspective is formed based on the feedback myguys are getting on the west coast. My guys have been told point blank that LA agents very rarely
recognize schools other than the three I listed. </p>
<p>In the end it all comes down to how well the performer can sell themselves and their craft. That and a lot of great networking. Let’s face it, if you can’t get out and form some kind of contact list to network from you’ll never get off the ground.</p>
<p>Just a couple months ago, one of my sons received a phone call from a manager that remembered him from his Webster showcase in LA a whole two years ago. He asked My son if he would like to come in and work for him part time, but with no cash compensation. In return S has learned sooooo much about the business and has sat in on some very interesting meetings. This manager has now arranged for sons upcoming interview with a theatrical agent. </p>
<p>It’s all a matter of finding opportunities and running with them. AND when one door closes find another one that may let you in. Cue the scene from “Singing in the Rain” with Gene Kelly knocking on doors.</p>
<p>I realize most of the comments here are positive, but most of the comments here are also parents that wasted a lot of money on this program. I don’t think it’s fair to make young people with undeveloped frontal lobes make important decisions when they never hear the real experience of a student. I know students that didn’t leave can’t speak honestly about the university on this board or in person, or they will figure out who said it and assign repercussions (happened my year anyways). Lucky for me, I don’t act anymore so they can blacklist me until kingdom come.</p>
<p>Every person in my class, every person, wanted to quit. Fear & cowardice kept us there. Of course things change and it could be an entirely different place by now, but it’s more like a cult than a training program and that is a problem. You will do more getting to know you exercises, massages, looking into people’s eyes for long stretches of time (all cult techniques) than anything else. I think ripping people off in 2011 is unethical. From what I could surmise, though, their tech program is legitimate.</p>
<p>And again, I’d advise anyone making their college decisions soon not to go here. PM me for more in depth information!</p>
<p>It saddens me to think any young person could “hate” so severly any program. You failed to mention when you were at Webster. My daughter is a junior in the MT program and although admittedly no program is perfect, she feels her training has been excellent and she is booking jobs, watching her peers booking jobs, and is in contact with many graduates who are doing quite well in their performance careers. She has had some wonderful performance opportunities within the program and feels she has grown considerably in this program. What saddens me in regards to your situtation is that you fervently bash the entire program. Rarely is anything all bad or all good. There are many young people, probably like my daughter, who would enjoy Webster. Please be careful about presenting your very strong opinions to young performers because I believe you would be doing the same harm you claim Webster is doing (cult like mentality…one view). I can assure you my daughter is not in a cult environment. She is far to outspoken and independent for that. </p>
<p>I sincerely hope that you have found happiness in the life you are now living.</p>
<p>Hi SEATA, my D just got accepted in to Webster’s MT program and is very excited to go visit the school before making her final decision. She auditioned at NYC Unifieds. I was a little concerned reading his negative comments on Webster but I know there are always 2 sides to every story. He’s definitely off base on the cost factor. My D has received a very nice academic scholarship which makes this program very afforadable in comparison to her other choice (NYU). Is your daughter in the Acting or MT program?</p>
<p>I have been doing some more research on Webster Conservatory, but I have only seen rumors of a cut system. Do they still cut people from their program yearly or after two years?</p>
<p>I can’t seem to find a concrete answer about this…Please help!</p>
<p>Hi MezzoSmarty:</p>
<p>If you google Webster Conservatory Handbook, you will find the info on this topic on pages 14-17. It looks to me like students are evaluated for the full four years at Webster, so the various probations or warnings can come at any time. I don’t see this as a “cut” system, but as a system of “boards” or “reviews”, much like many schools have (CCM is one that i know about). Usually in a “cut” system, schools accept many more than they know they want to graduate, so they must reduce the class size. I think it is a very spelled out process of asking students to move on if they are not working up to standard, in the same way an English major or History major would experience if they were getting D’s in their major classes. </p>
<p>I have talked to several parents whose kids attend or attended Webster and have found no surprises. Most have said that those who were on probation generally expected it, with a couple of exceptions. From what i can gather, it is the intention of the faculty at Webster to graduate all who are accepted, and from what my D gleans from the students she has talked with who attend, they are all very supportive. </p>
<p>If any current/former parent/student has anything to add, please do. We would love to hear.</p>
<p>GO TO NYU. GO. I know a current Webster student who HATES it there. Said the faculty and classes were “silly” and “amateur”. I’d strongly advise against it as I trust my kid’s friend’s word, but then again, not every child is the same. Still, NYU is an amazing opportunity - don’t turn it down! Many would die for that NYU acceptance - I can’t say the same for Webster.</p>
<p>Yes for $35,000 more a year and a boat load of debt!</p>
<p>I would advise that you visit both schools and see which is the better fit. You can find positive and negative reports from individuals for any school, which could be influenced by isolated events which may or may not affect all students. Webster’s program is small as far as numbers of students, so there is a lot of individual attention. Webster’s alumni have also been quite successful in their career pursuits, both on and off Broadway, including Tony Award nominations AND winners, so it must be doing a few things right! But not every school is right for everyone. Visit and talk to the current students at both before you make your decision.</p>
<p>Boy, I dont know how to respond to Flossy. Probably could have articulated the message a little better without being over the top. Might have lost a little credibility doing it this way. I will respond with my view on the Webster program, which I hope will be constructive for prospective students (and parents!). </p>
<p>My view is that there are many solid schools out there, including Webster. Which school fits a kid the best probably depends on the kid so it is important that you do your homework. I subscribe to the notion that at the end of this crazy audition process and all the labels, kids end up at a school where they should be and it all works out. Parents told us this would be the case and I can now attest to it.</p>
<p>In our situation, our D is in the MT program at Webster. Her class is split between MTs and Acting majors. She is very pleased with the program, particularly the quality of the acting coaching she receives from the faculty. Yes, acting is heavily emphasized at Webster, including the MT majors. This is the type of program taught at Webster. In my Ds situation, the strong acting training coupled with the voice and dance, is exactly what she needs (and desires). She has progressed each year and feels she will get to where she needs to be when finished. I am not sugar coating it, however. It has been difficult. The program is intense, requires, and demands hard work. Some kids probably do not adapt well to this and end up leaving. My impression is much of what is being taught is driven to become second nature with the goal of it all being put together at the end. I have seen several Webster productions and the acting truly is very good. The seniors who left the program each year seem to be pretty polished. </p>
<p>This is our story and we feel Webster has been is a very good fit for our D and are very pleased with her progression. My advice is many of these schools are very good and should be considered. If you do your homework, your child will end up in the right place.</p>
<p>Thanks, Music22242! My D is an acting major at Webster, but does as much as she can with the musical theatre program. I could not have put it better. The kids work and are worked extremely hard–it’s intense and the pressure can really get to them sometimes. Some thrive, others don’t but still might get by, and a few might leave. I have also attended several of the productions at Webster over the past 3 years. They have all been very professional and the acting and singing have been extremely good. Webster is also one of the few schools that offers majors in set & costume design, directing and stage management–not just performance. So these productions are truly, top-to-bottom, beginning-to-end, the students’ work.</p>
<p>My D is in her freshman year majoring in acting at Webster. As the above posts have stated it is an intense program and not for everyone. Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of shoes, they may look great, but you need to try them on for the perfect fit. We visited a couple of schools and each one had great programs, but when my daughter visited Webster, she felt it was the right place for her. We have been happy with the decision and more importantly, so has she.</p>