<p>Does anyone know if MT kids at Rider do other things on campus besides his or her major?</p>
<p>Rider has a nice campus and there are things to do all the time. My S who is in the MT program tends to be very busy with classes and/or shows, so doesn’t venture out much beyond the performing arts department, but there are certainly many many events he could be involved with, plus sporting events, clubs, etc. If you do some research on Facebook, you can find links to Rider University page and Rider Office of Campus Life, so you’ll see the kinds of events going on throughout the year. Several of the MTs are also in sororities. Many of the kids have jobs either on campus or in the nearby area. There are travel opportunities – including an arts abroad trip over winter break. There is campus newspaper, radio station, student government, etc. All the performing arts kids take part in the Theatre Fraternity. They seem to be a busy bunch all year long. I guess it just depends on how much you want to go beyond the theatre department, or not.</p>
<p>My daughter is turned off by Riders website. For some reason. What can you tell me about the MT program to peak her interest. Are there lots of productions? Strong dance program? Kids from all over the US? A physical therapy program to work on sore calfs? I like the school and want her to apply.</p>
<p>Look up the Rider MT page on Facebook. There are three MainStage musicals and three MainStage plays a year – all the performing arts students audition for all the shows. Because of the school’s longstanding history as Westminster Choir College, it has a strong “singer” focus with wonderful faculty – including many with major Broadway credits. The terrific MT dance program is run by Robin Lewis, a Broadway pro in his own right, who came to the program from Texas State U. Another standout professor is Nathan Hurwitz, who is a longstanding professional music director / director and also taught in the MT program at Syracuse. Director of the program is Mariann Cook, who also teaches voice. Wonderful acting teachers – again, because of proximity to NYC – all bring big name credits – Les Mis, etc. Also because of this, they can bring in wonderful guest artists for master classes: Laura Osnes, Andrew Lippa, Billy Porter, Derek Klena have been recent visitors. Very active theatre students – all very bonded; student directed shows; theatre fraternity, cabaret nights, etc. Rider kids do well in terms of summerstock placement. Program is more and more well-known. Local area has every retail store and restaurant you can name. Suburb of Princeton, so the area is great “college area”. Hope that helps.</p>