<p>My daughter has been accepted at a prestigious, small private liberal arts college that is listed in the book "colleges that change people's lives." This college has given her over $100,000 worth of academic and theatre scholarship monies over four years. She can major in musical theatre there as an interdiscplinary BA major. She also was accepted at Fredonia with a small academic scholarship, for the BFA in musical theatre. Is she better off attending the well-known liberal arts college and getting more intense professional training during summers and/or getting an MFA after undergrad? Or is she better off going to Fredonia for a BFA, in terms of getting better MT training? How well-thought of is the program at Fredonia in the MT world? </p>
<p>Thanks for any help you can give me!</p>
<p>I won't claim to know very much about any of this, but I would absolutely, 100% go to the LAC over Fredonia - she is still getting MT training, and that scholarship sounds too good to pass up. This is assuming she's not totally in love with Fredonia - I would have to think more about my answer if Fredonia is her #1.</p>
<p>I am currently in the college decision making process and trying to decide between Ithaca and CAP 21. I've heard great things between about both programs. My three major concerns are challenging dance classes (something I want bc it's where I need the most work), balancing tough academic courses with studio/ training time at NYU, class sizes and individual attention. </p>
<p>Any advice? It would be greatly appreciated! :)</p>
<p>buffalomtdad- I would love to know which college you are referring to. I read the book years ago finding a school for our oldest S. All those schools in the book are outstanding. How can one turn down all that money? MT and acting people need to know how to exist on a small budget, college loans only make that really difficult. Young adults that don't have much loans just have more options. Never heard of Fredonia so can't make a call on them.</p>
<p>creolebarbie08 (and others) - there are quite a few threads out there asking people to compare colleges, and althought I understand that any input is helpful, I do want to point out that this is very, very much linked to your personal needs and preferences. </p>
<p>You mention that you are looking for 1) tough academic classes: CAP21 through NYU certainly offers those 2 days a week, 2) challenging dance classes: NYU's are leveled, and so you are placed in one of typically 4 levels, making sure that you learn effectively, and 3) the class size/individual attention, CAP 21's classes typically have 12 -15 students and there is a lot of emphasis on personal growth and maximizing one's potential. With 2 days of academics and 3 days of studio work, Tisch/CAP21's program is well balanced (at least that's how my D feels about it).</p>
<p>All that said, I understand that Ithaca offers a fine program as well, and so personal preference is really what it boils down to.</p>
<p>Is Ithaca more of a conservatory program?</p>
<p>They (Ithaca and Tisch) both are conservatory programs within a college/university.</p>
<p>buffalomtdad- you asked "How well-thought of is the program at Fredonia in the MT world? "</p>
<p>My answer to that specific question is that most casting directors couldn't give a rats behind whether your D went to school at Fredonia or CCM. If they are looking for a 5'5" blonde that has a great smile and can tap (and that's what she brings to the table) then she will be cast, otherwise she will have to go accross the street and wait in line with the other 300 people (200 of them from CMU, U of M, NYU, BOCO, Emerson, CCPA etc. :) )to audition for the next part in the next show. I'm of the opinion that you should send her to a school where she can get the best education for the least amount of money first and then concentrate on acting, voice and dance training second.</p>
<p>Congrats on the scholarships and excellent opportunities.</p>
<p>buffalomtdad- Regarding choosing schools, my D and I make it a point to go visit and sit in a couple of classes, speak with the faculty, talk to the other kids, see a show and go over the curriculum with a fine tooth comb so we can understand which school is the best fit. We are currently in the process of doing that. I know that this is not always possible but to me it is an ideal way to make a choice. Finally, in some cases the final cost of attendance can make this decision much easier.</p>