Webster University

College Majors Musical Theater Major
61

<p>Hey Guys,</p>

<p>First of all, no problem... it is actually kinda fun for me to answer these questions for you all. </p>

<p>As far as taking ballet and Jazz at the higher levels, I am not a 100 percent sure of... I am familiar of what is required. I am almost positive though that if your son does not feel challenged in the Ballet class he is in he can be moved up. You may want to e-mail the head of the MT department though, for I can not supply you with an exact answer. </p>

<p>Webster does not offer a Musical Theatre dance course as far as I know of. They do offer both Tap 1 and 2 though. During the first two years at Webster your son or daughter will not have the time to take it though. It is a loaded schedule. During the first year I didn't know of any student who was taking more then Ballet one or two. During second year students are required to begin taking jazz, then during Junior and Senior year you schedule opens up a bit and you may take tap as an elective. You are in classes with dance majors... especially in the Ballet 2 level. That is where most of them start... There is a BIG jump between Ballet 1 and 2. </p>

<p>Every year Webster hosts the Midwest theatre auditions, where summer stock companies come and audition actors from across the country. For people who choose to participate during the entire audition, there is a singing, acting, and dancing portion. My Ballet teacher actually ran the dancing portion. </p>

<p>Also, every year Webster has a BFA dance show where students from the entire theatre and dance conservatory can audition. Many of my fellow classmates, especially the ones strong in dance, participated in this event!</p>

<p>I hope I answered any of your guyses questions. I suggest that you maybe e-mail the head of the department though so you can get sure 100 percent answers. </p>

<p>-Nathan</p>

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<p>Perhaps the following information will be helpful. I have copied the dance technique courses offered at Webster. According to the catalog, MT students are expected to take Jazz and Ballet for 2 to 6 hours each through the 2000 level. The dance courses are offered through the dance department. Webster does offer a dance major, which means that there are dance classes offered at a high skill level. The only dance classes I saw in the course catalog that seem to be restricted to dance majors only are DANC 3030 and DANC 3040. Those are ballet classes that include pointe work, pas de deux, and partnering. The other 3000 and 4000 level dance classes (including other ballet classes) seem to be open to non-majors, assuming they have the necessary skill level. If I were an advanced level dancer seriously considering Webster, I would ask the MT department chair if there are any restrictions on MT students taking 3000 and/or 4000 level dance courses. As far as I can see in the catalog, there are not.</p>

<p>DANCE TECHNIQUE CLASSES AT WEBSTER:</p>

<p>DANC 1010 Ballet I (2) fall
DANC 1020 Ballet I (2) spring Prerequisite: DANC 1010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 1090 Jazz I (1–2) fall May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1100 Jazz I (1–2) spring Prerequisite: DANC 1090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 1110 Modern Dance I (1–2) fall May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1120 Modern Dance I (1–2) spring Prerequisite: DANC 1110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 1230 Tap Dance I (2) fall May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 1240 Tap Dance I (2) spring Prerequisite: DANC 1230 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 2010 Ballet II (1–3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 1020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2020 Ballet II (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 2010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 2090 Jazz II (1–3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 1100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2100 Jazz II (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 2090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 2110 Modern Dance II (1–3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 1120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 2120 Modern Dance II (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 2110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 2230 Tap Dance II (1–2) fall Prerequisite: DANC 1240. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 2240 Tap Dance II (1–2) spring Prerequisite: DANC 2230. May be repeated for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 3010 Ballet III (1–3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 2020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3020 Ballet III (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 3010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 3030 Dance Study (1–3) fall More advanced course includes pointe work and two other dance forms (i.e., pas de deux, character). Offered each semester. Prerequisites: DANCE MAJOR AND PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR. May be repeated once for credit.
DANC 3040 Dance Study (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 3030 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 3090 Jazz III (1–3) fallPrerequisite: DANC 2100 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3100 Jazz III (1–3) springPrerequisite: DANC 3090 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 3110 Modern Dance III (1–3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 2120 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 3120 Modern Dance III (1–3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 3110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.</p>

<p>DANC 4010 Ballet IV (3) fall Prerequisite: DANC 3020 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
DANC 4020 Ballet IV (3) spring Prerequisite: DANC 4010 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.</p>

63

<p>I have been away from CC for awhile, and so it is nice to come back and catch up with everyone. Since my D is a current student at Webster, I thought I would add my 2 cents to the discussion regarding dance at Webster. My D also has had many years of dance training in all styles, and was interested in continuing at the same level. Although Webster has a good dance program with many offerings open to MT students, the main difficulty for her was in scheduling. All of the upper level ballet, as well as most other upper level dance and choreography classes, were offered only in the afternoon. This is the same time that the conservatory classes are scheduled. Ballet 2 was the highest level she was able to take due to scheduling.
According to D the class was at a fairly high level for Ballet 2, and the instructor tried to tailor the class so that the more advanced dancers were challenged. However, a higher level class probably would have been a better fit.</p>

64

<p>Midweststudent brings up a really, REALLY important issue that is not readily available to parents and students when they are making decisions about programs. While many posters have stressed that you need to look at the specific curricular offerings when you have the luxury of choosing between programs, what you can't always know is when these classes are offered and what scheduling conflicts they will present. That is why there is often a distinct advantage to a defined BFA in Music Theater as opposed to trying to cobble together a program on your own. In a well designed BFA, all the courses necessary, and in many cases even some that represent advanced departures from the standard curriculum, are scheduled so as to work for the students in the program. When you are forced to design your own program, it can be a total crapshoot as to whether you are able to both schedule the classes you want to take and/or be admitted into them. Dance is the perfect example here - case in point, when my daughter was considering Steinhardt, the program director said he would try to help her get into the upper level dance classes at Tisch (which is where her training would have put her) because dance offerings through Steinhardt were slim at best. But we subsequently found out that there is almost NEVER room in those classes because Tisch Dance majors appropriately are given preference. The classes were "available" but not really available to her. At UM, on the other hand, my D was moved up to the advanced ballet section, shared by both MT's and Dance Majors, and had no trouble changing her schedule to accomodate the switch. </p>

<p>You have every right to ask questions about class scheduling when making acceptance decisions and would be foolish not to do so. There are some surprises that are good and then there are others that are....... well, not so much.</p>

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<p>Webster Alumni</p>

<p>Norbit Leo Butz - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Lead Actor in a Musical)
Tony Award Winner
Outer Critics Circle Award
Drama Desk Award
Fred Astaire Award</p>

<p>Jerry Mitchell (2 nominations) - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Choreographer)
and... * La Cage Aux Folles (Choreographer)<br>
*Tony Award Winner
*Outer Critics Circle Award
*Drama Desk Award</p>

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<p>motherof4, here's a whole thread on the Tonys, in case you missed it.</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68833%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68833&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Oh, and it's Norbert, not Norbit. :)</p>

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<p>Motherof4-</p>

<p>Thanks for updating the Webster thread with a note about Jerry Mitchell and Norbert Leo Butz. We are just proud parents who's kids are attending Webster, aren't we?!! Woot! Woot!</p>

<p>;) SUE aka 5pants</p>

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<p>My son will be attending the consevatory this fall, in acting/regional theatre. We are excited. We both really liked the school when he came up to audition. What does he need to know in order to get ready to come? </p>

<p>By the way, we saw NLB on the Tony Awards. He is amazing! I didn't realize he was a Webster grad!</p>

69

<p>Welcome to the CC forum actorsmom!! Glad you posted. I have twins sons who will both be sophomores in the fall in the Musical Theatre program at Webster. I will have one or both email you...if your son has any questions they will be more than happy to answer.</p>

<p>Stay tuned!! :)</p>

<p>SUE</p>

70

<p>i live about 30 minutes from Webster University and am seriously considering applying and hopefully attending but i do not know about its program. it doesnt seem to be recognized nationally. is there an explanation for this or is it a hidden gem?</p>

71

<p>takehomeazak06,</p>

<p>Re: Webster University</p>

<p>Webster University is a program not "everyone" knows about, but I can say it is extremely respected and well known throughout the MT world. Webster is a gem of school IMHO...of course I am partial as I have sons that attend the MT program. ;)</p>

<p>If you read back on past posts you will discover more about Webster. I also encourage you to send away for information and please come see a show this season. Also, if you would like a student's perspective on Webster feel free to email me. I will forward your name to one of my two Ss.</p>

<p>BTW, Webster advertises in "Dramatics" magazine and attends the National Thespian Conference each year. They also attend various performing arts high schools looking for rising talent at senior showcases.</p>

<p>Webster is a bit under the radar, why? Not sure, but it could be because they are more acting based and don't require a dance audition.</p>

<p>Attending Webster allows students to work side by side one of the best Reporatory theatres in the country, the St. Louis Rep. Again, only MHO... :)</p>

<p>Take care and break a leg with auditions!!</p>

<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>

72

<p>takehome...Sue 5 pants will be a great resource for you, as she has been for me. I'm impartial because I don't have a child there, and I wanted to echo everything Sue said. My son is still in HS and about to embark on the audition journey over the next 8 months (scary!). We have visited many schools over the past 2 years, and we are very impressed with Webster. It is definitely on our audition list and competes nicely with many of the programs that you may consider to be more well known. Also, I see Webster grad's in playbills, so I know they are getting work. You absolutely must apply there since you live so close! Good luck to you! I read your other post about your parents not wanting to go look at colleges. Many schools offer scholarships and financial aid if money is a concern. I liked nytheatermom's advice to you on the other thread.</p>

<p>I also think you should look at Southwest Missouri State Univ. since I'm assuming you are in state in MO, and tuition might be less for you. We haven't looked at it, but we have known people who have been well trained there.</p>

73

<p>Actually i live in illinois and money isnt a problem, i dont know what is. They wouldnt mind for me to go and visit webster but to ask to ceck out some of my top choices like University of Cinncinati ect. i think they would be opposed.</p>

74

<p>Just a <strong>BUMP</strong> for those interested in reading more about Webster.</p>

<p>SUE</p>

75

<p>Hello 5pants and sons,</p>

<p>I wonder if you can share your experience and opinions about the voice instruction, related MT music-oriented classes and any other facts or issues related to the singing and music side of the BFA MT at Webster. Some specific questions I have are: 1) the course list shows private voice required--is it 1 hour weekly lesson all 4 yrs?; 2) are the voice faculty from the music department, if so do MT students have a good opportunity to be matched up with the right teacher; 3) does the music dept 'play nice' with the Conservatory? 4) is there any noticable bias amongst the voice faculty, such as anti-belt, pro-belt, etc? Any comments along these lines would be very helpful. The dance info a while back was also very valuable. Thx!</p>

76

<p>mwparent,</p>

<p>I have referred your question to my Ss...I can answer but not in depth and detail as they can. They are in the midst of auditions at Webster so it may take a few days for them to respond...hope that is okay.</p>

<p>I can tell you that one S's voice teacher comes over from Washington University where she is a member of their faculty. She is absolutely fantastic.....not sure if you know much about Wash U, but they have a wonderful music program.</p>

<p>There is an emphasis on classically trained voices...especially the first two years. Ss will expand on that I am sure.</p>

<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>

77

<p>That is helpful info. I look forward to anything your Ss can add, and may they break legs in their auditions! </p>

<p>MWparent</p>

78

<p>mwparent,</p>

<p>thanks for the wishes...very exciting time!! I should also mention that Webster is also home to the St. Louis Opera....I believe some of the instructors are affiliated with that.</p>

<p>SUE</p>

79

<p>mwparent & other interested posters & lurkers-</p>

<p>With school back in session, Ss are in full drive mode (auditions last week and now crew assignments this weekend coupled with a full day schedule...typical MT days), but they took a moment to answer questions regarding the along applied music/music department at Webster:</p>

<p>Q:1) the course list (see link below) shows private voice required--is it 1 hour weekly lesson all 4 yrs?
A:Yes, all four years, a student will receive voice for an hour weekly.</p>

<p>Q: 2) is the voice faculty from the music department, if so do MT students have a good opportunity to be matched up with the right teacher?
A: The voice faculty is from the music department and for the most part students are paired with a teacher that is right for them... if mistaken a student may schedule a meeting and change voice teachers.</p>

<p>Q: 3) Does the music dept 'play nice' with the Conservatory?
A: The music department is very nice with the Conservatory... they work extremely well around the tough schedule and are very well informed. It helps that Dean of Fine Arts is a participating member of the conservatory.</p>

<p>Q: 4) are there any noticeable bias amongst the voice faculty, such as anti-belt, pro-belt, etc? Any comments along these lines would be very helpful.
A: Teachers teach their students to do both a healthy "Belt", if there is such a thing, but mainly teach classical music.</p>

<p>Here is a link to Webster's website which lists the required classes for music. <a href="http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/Assets/conservepages/programsimages/emphasis/musical.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/Assets/conservepages/programsimages/emphasis/musical.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Note from 5pants: The years with voice teacher are spent working on technique and rep. There is also a period of time the student spends one on one with Music Theatre Department Head in which he prepares them in different styles and for showcase.</p>

<p>Hope this helps. </p>

<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>

80

<p>Does anyone know anything about Wash U's program?
St. Louis and Michigan are probably the only areas outside the east coast I'll be looking.</p>