<p>MTDancerMom I cannot answer any PM because I do not have enough posts. I emailed you via CC.</p>
<p>dreamsilks I cannot respond to a pm because I do not have enough posts on CC yet. Please feel free to email me.</p>
<p>Sorry dreamsikls I meant</p>
<p>haha thats ok hinklepa … I wanted to know if you knew anything about the theater performance program at Rider… my D was accepted into that program. Was wondering if it is very separate from the MT program… they told me she could audition for the musicals as well.</p>
<p>dreamsiklz: Call and talk to Ivan Fuller about the differences between the two programs. I called and questioned him about the availability of dance classes and private voice lessons for theatre performance students. A lot depends on whether there is room in the MT dance classes or you may need to pay for lessons yourselves–dance and voice are extra $ for theatre performance majors. Again, call him and ask about the things that matter to your child.
I do have to say that they seem like a cohesive supportive group from the students’ side. We went to see a play while we were there, “The Misanthrope”. It was wonderful and had MT and theatre students in it, freshman through seniors.</p>
<p>austinmt I did speak with someone and she said my D would prob have to pay for voice lessons which is perfectly fine but as for dance she would deff be able to take those classes without a problem and no extra fee. She has been a dancer for 15 years … competitions and solos and I was told she would be placed in the proper dance leveled classes that meet her needs. So we were very excited to hear that. Also she did say that theatre performance majors and MT all get to audition for all the plays. Sounds to me like they are a very cohesive supportive group. Sounds like this is a good fit for her. :)</p>
<p>dreamsiklz, just to be clear, the MT students pay for voice lessons also.</p>
<p>I knew MT students could take private vocal lessons but wouldn’t that be in addition to private lessons or a singing class built into the program already??</p>
<p>I was also told that the theatre performance students can audition for a dance minor or musical theatre minor at the end of freshman year. Don’t want to spread misinformation so check on that to be sure! 
Congrats to your D! Rider seemed like such a warm and friendly place!</p>
<p>Yup austinmt… I was told that too, just not told that they had to wait until the end of their freshman year… for dance minor I am talking about. I knew the MT minor you had to wait…</p>
<p>In the Rider spring musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - one of the brides is a theater arts major - not an MT. She has also been placed in the higher level dance classes with the mt’s and I assume she also takes voice lessons. However, some of the MT’s have actually transferred to the theater arts program since they want more more acting classes instead of piano and music theory and have reached the highest dance classes already. I would take that to mean that the theater arts program is a good one.</p>
<p>or rather the Theater Performance program - it is the one I was referring to.</p>
<p>I’ve talked to Ivan Fuller through email and he said that Theatre BA’s can audition at the end of freshman year to transfer into the BFA for MT if they wish to do so.</p>
<p>My D is interested in Rider for MT. By the looks of these posts, does she have to be an advanced dancer to get in?? Her strength is voice first, then acting, then dance. But I want a program for her that will really enhance her skills in all areas: voice, acting and dance. Let me know anyones thoughts…</p>
<p>My D was accepted into the MT program Friday. She is so so excited. I have heard all great things. We are waiting to hear from Pace. Any suggestions between the 2 schools?</p>
<p>I have a son at Rider MT and a son at Pace MT – feel free to PM me with questions. </p>
<p>Which program do you think is better? Does the campus at rider empty out on wkends because most kids outside of MT are from NJ? Which dorms are better?</p>
<p>Oh @powermom, there is no “better” – they are different and both of my sons have had fabulous opportunities and great summer stock placements. I’d be happy to answer specific questions via PM. </p>
<p>Regarding weekends – many of the Rider MTs come from far-away states and thus stay on campus. There are lots of social activities and rehearsals and things to do.</p>
<p>For those of you considering Rider MT, the Spring mainstage musical is “Merrily We Roll Along” – There is a preview performance on 4/23, and regular performances 4/24-4/27. Google “Rider Musical Theatre” and “Merrily We Roll Along” to get the website where you can order tickets. If you cannot visit at that time, you may be able to arrange with the department to get a glimpse of a rehearsal. </p>