<p>I have worked with several graudates of the program who teach in my theatre program, who all loved it and are incredibly talented and kind individuals. They also all work constantly in Seattle.</p>
<p>I'm in the process of trying to get my mom to take me to Wright State again, but the trek from Seattle to Dayton is not cheap... :(</p>
<p>simon<em>of</em>theatre,</p>
<p>When I read a message heaped full of venom like this, I pretty much disregard the whole thing. We have visited the school, my D observed a couple of classes and talked to many of the 3rd year students and also some of the freshmen, and didn't get a whiff of anything like this. Sure, the school is not for everyone, and is far from perfect as they all are. As MusThCC said, every school will have some people that don't like it for this reason or that reason. That being said, your message sounds more like "messy divorce syndrome" than a reason-based discussion of a school's faults.</p>
<p>If one can't handle being cut for not keeping up with the pack, they are in the wrong business. Plus, show business (like the music business) is "not fair" and never has been. It takes luck and perseverance as well as talent, not necessary in any particular order. It will be a lot more brutal on Broadway.</p>
<p>yes, you should disregard these facts.</p>
<p>Yes, my messy divorce syndrome is the cause of the high crime rate in Dayton.
Yes, my messy divorce syndrome is the cause they have a cut policy.
Yes, my messy divorce syndrome is the cause of 2 MTs and 1 Theatre quitting.
Yes, my messy divorce syndrome is the reason they dont have a real showcase.
Yes, my messy divorce syndrome is the reason they are having student mentors for incoming freshmen.
Since you disregard the negative facts, lets focus on the positive of Wright State, they have a moat that surrounds the cafeteria, (I think to keep out the criminals)- oh but wait, yeah, it was dried up last time I was there.</p>
<p>If you didn't get the "whiff" you mentioned , go to the doctor and see if you have sinusitis, cause they STINK!!!!! When we sat in on a acting class, one girl laid on the ground, wouldn't participate at all, and then got in the elevator and punched the wall ! 2nd class, the professor didn't show up until class was almost over and by that time , their acting excercise started a fight among them, accusing the one of showing off, and the other for starting the movements before the others were ready. Where was the professor!!!! I said "let's get out of here, before they kill us all !!" And dance class, we were wondering why they were all eating and running in and out, instead of dancing , they said they didn't get to eat on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And then at the end of the day, I asked an acting major freshman - how they like it and what they've learned? and I got a " I haven't learned anything so far", which disappointed me. But, when you come on the "expected day of Master classes, they love it and have learned so much" </p>
<p>And for getting cut because they couldn't handle the business, they went out to the real business and have been working ever since. The other transfered to another bfa program.</p>
<p>Word of advice to everybody,as far as being unfair , it is also crooked. They want your money and of course put on their best faces. For instance Roosevelt , when you visit, the faculty says , we support our kids and build their confidence, but when you talk to the students, they say we have to stick together, because the faculty breaks you down, to build you back up.( very stressfull) So it was untrue, they were just putting on their best face.</p>
<p>If you want to disregard the negative input ,Im sorry I was wrong
in fact Wright State is full of Rainbows and Marshmallows and Zippety Doo Dah!
Send your kid to Wright State.</p>
<p>simon - I am not a fan of cut programs, but there are students who happily enroll at schools with them every year.<br>
The fact that 2 MT's and 1 Theatre major quit is not at all uncommon - if you checked 10 schools with similar size programs, I bet you would find similar cases, or even higher. Students quit for all kinds of reasons - personal, financial, cast in a show or tour - that do not necessarily reflect poorly on the school.<br>
I know at least one previous year they had a showcase - I don't know the current status or plan. Some schools feel that they provide same/better industry contact through other means, so while a showcase may be nice, it certainly shouldn't be a sign of a bad program if there isn't one.<br>
I fail to see how having student mentors for incoming freshmen could in any context be a negative.</p>
<p>But the crime thing in both your posts is really ludicrous. I've never seen Dayton on the common lists of cities with the worst crime rates. Like any city, it certainly has pockets of areas where crime is much higher than people would like. So do New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, etc., etc., etc. WSU is about 15 minutes from Dayton - a small distance, but a world away from inner city. Are there students avoiding NYU, Marymount Manhattan, CMU, Point Park, UArts, CCM because of crime? Aren't those schools in the city instead of suburbia?</p>
<p>I think every student should examine their choices carefully. The fact that you mixed fact and fiction to come up with such a negative critique of the school is what led the other poster to assume "messy divorce syndrome".</p>
<p>I agree with much of what MusThCC wrote on this thread. </p>
<p>Simon....for starters, those who read your posts must understand that you are NOT a student at Wright State but merely VISITED the school and know people who have attended. So, I hope those who read this thread do not think they are hearing a first hand account from someone who is enrolled in Wright State's program. That is a major difference!</p>
<p>I agree with others who posted that at any school, you will find some who like it and some who do not, but this is particularly true if you are to poll those who VISITED. That is the purpose behind a visit....to ascertain if the school is for you or not. WSU was not for you, and that's cool. It obviously is a place where many students are happy. Like any school, there will be some who are not as well. </p>
<p>You mention a few kids leaving the program. I can't begin to tell you how common this is at almost every BFA program (or college for that matter). Once in a program or school, some don't feel that they made the right choice and the school doesn't fit them. In some instances, some students do not realize the rigors of a BFA program and once in one, realize it is not for them. My kid attends a BFA program that is well regarded and well known and there were kids who left it after a year and did not seek other BFA programs. I know kids who have left tippy top BFA programs that are VERY well regarded and not because the program was not good but it just wasn't right for them at that time and they made a choice to do something else. It hardly is a reflection on how good the program is. </p>
<p>Student mentors for freshmen you say? Take a look at some of the best colleges in the country. Most have peer mentors for freshmen. My D attended Brown University and every freshmen had a mentor that was an upper classman. In fact, in my D's senior year, she was chosen to be such a mentor. This did not replace her faculty advisor. </p>
<p>I am not a fan of cut policies. Many schools have them and so those who enroll know that ahead of time. If a cut policy program is not for you (was not for my D either), then do not apply as it is not a good fit. One of the top MT programs, CCM, has a cut policy. It hasn't stopped people from applying, though it stops some. </p>
<p>As far as a showcase goes, many MT programs do not have one. My own kid did not select her colleges based on which ones had a showcase. A showcase is a nice feature but not the end all and be all. My kid weighed many other factors in her college decision and showcase was not one of them. Alas, she was in her senior showcase last night but that never came up in her decision of where to apply or enroll. </p>
<p>As far as location and crime, many fine BFA programs are located in urban areas. It is a personal choice as to whether such a setting fits what you want. My kid lives in an urban area and loves it. She grew up in a rural area where crime is extremely low. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you in your college search in finding a school that fits you. I don't understand the need to bash a school that did not appeal to you and to say it stinks. Readers are less apt to take you seriously. They might put more stock in what you say if you mention that you visited, and you thought that X, Y, and Z did not appeal to YOU about the school.</p>
<p>awwww, thats precious.</p>
<p>simon
I guess what I find most odd about your post is that you have only 3 all of which are on this thread and stating your dislike of this program. I am wondering what your interest in MT college auditions is if your seeming sole purpose here is to make negative comments about one program.</p>
<p>First off, I don't know if that was a question or not. This thread is lucky to have anybody on it. Wright State wasn't even on the board when I was auditioning. Except for a few people on this thread no one has posted since '08.</p>
<p>I'm surprised you noticed my negative posts embellished between ALL of the positve posts.</p>
<p>Simon, I take it you are a BFA in MT student at another university then? </p>
<p>First, that means you do not have first hand experience attending Wright State. Anyone reading your comments needs to remember that they come from someone who visited the school and may have friends who attend. So any comments have to be put in context. </p>
<p>Second, I think what keepingcalm is trying to express is that your ONLY participation on the MT forum is to bash Wright State. I think people would put more stock in your critique of Wright State if the following were the case:</p>
<p>1) If you had first hand experience there, but an account of a visit would be OK if put in the context of simply a visit. </p>
<p>2) IF you had OTHER posts on CC so that those who read your posts, can decide how much stock to put in them from reading your posts over time..which is how members come to trust the opinions of other members. Higher post counts help but so does a variety of posts on more than one school's forum and more than ONLY bashing posts. Therefore, if you do have criticism of WSU, one would know that you had no ax to grind but that your purpose in participating on CC had more intentions beyond bashing WSU. In fact, when an internet forum has a member who is brand new and only bashes one school....they are often referred to as a "troll." Keep that in mind. </p>
<p>3) It is perfectly acceptable to post negative comments about a school. Your comments would be taken far more seriously if you said...."I visited X school and I really was wanting A, B, C criteria in the school but it did not meet either of these selection criteria for such and such reasons.</p>
<p>Ya know I admit that I don't know a lot about WSU. I don't know anyone who has applied and it may appeal or be known more within that region of the country. I do recall nine years ago, when my own daughter was 11 years old, she was on a professional regional tour of a play with music and a young man who was 18 was also on that tour and during the tour, he got into WSU for MT and was planning to attend. I simply do not know much about the school myself. </p>
<p>That said, I put NO stock in any of the comments you made about WSU for the reasons I just gave above. Had you gone about it in the way I just described, I would have put some credence in what you had to say about this school, even if it was not positive. </p>
<p>But since you are on CC, and since you go to a "superior" program compared to WSU, why don't you post about your program and extol its virtues in order to attract students to it? Think about it. You just said there is not much chatter on WSU. Why don't you contribute something positive here about YOUR school. Then, maybe we'll listen to what you have to say about Wright State.</p>
<p>I am not addressing this to anyone in particular....
I have often suggested that students visit the schools they are interested in - get feedback from current students, talk to the faculty, see a production - this is the best way to get great first-hand info. About Wright State, I personally know Joe Deere and several other faculty there, I have seen a production there - I know what they think of their students and their program. The harsh words expressed in this thread are really uncalled for and represent, perhaps, the view of some students who made the wrong choice and became disillusioned with the program. This can happen at any school, any program. If Wright State is on your list, keep it there, visit the school - you can get the goods there - and it is especially a great deal if you live in Ohio. Again, check out as many schools as you can - good research will help you make a choice.</p>
<p>Yes, I agree with everything mtdog71 said and just wanted to add that Wright State can also be a great deal for out-of-staters. They have talent and academic scholarships.</p>
<p>Wow- I agree with the recent postings, except those of simon<em>of</em>theatre. I am a current student at Wright State and don’t see any of those problems.</p>
<p>First of all, I never worry about the crime rate in Dayton. Most the time, people go places in small groups. But if you are by yourself and do feel in danger, then the campus police will come pick you up from wherever you are on campus. </p>
<p>I am not a fan of the cut policy, but I don’t think it is something to worry about. Its main purpose is to encourage students into working to their full potential. But like others have said, many people leave on their own accord. The only reasons you should worry about the cut system are if you’re skipping class, not working on your material, or having an attitude with the teachers. And if you’re doing those things, you probably shouldn’t be doing theatre in the first place- because if you do that at a theatre job you’ll be fired in a second. </p>
<p>The student mentors are not there to take care of the students who are “stressed about of the school.” They are there to get the new students acquainted with upper classmen, and have an extra person to go for if they need help with classes, scheduling, or summer work. Like musicalmom said, Wright State is getting more out of state students and we want them to feel at home!</p>
<p>And we do have a real showcase, which is a bonus, because a lot of schools don’t have this! </p>
<p>I’m sorry you didn’t have a positive experience at Wright State simon, but not every program is for every person. Wright State has a wonderful growing program with a great group of faculty and students. The teachers are always willing to lend a hand- even in a one on one setting. I’ve had private meetings with many of the faculty to help with whatever I need at the time- class work I’m having trouble with, summer work, etc... They’re there to help you. And the students as well- it’s a very positive atmosphere in and out of class. </p>
<p>If anyone has any other questions, I will be happy to truthfully answer them as a current student of Wright State’s musical theatre program.</p>
<p>Not sure why credence is given to anyone whose entire view of a program is based on one day. I'm certain that his/her experience was dreadful and Wright State was not the program for them. In full disclosure, I know a few of the faculty at Wright State and they are all talented and caring individuals. I've worked with former students, and their training seemed strong and their skills were quite good. I've seen several productions there and they were all high quality college productions.</p>
<p>Let's take this thread in another direction.</p>
<p>Does the theatre dept have a preference as to what kind of computer that incoming freshman have? I know in general people in music and arts use Macs, and we will probably get one for D, but wondered if the dept had specific recommendations?</p>
<p>And does WSU have any on-site technical support if you have computer problems or need repairs, etc?</p>
<p>WSU has on-site technical support according to our tour guide when we went on our tour of the campus last week. Another thing they pointed out was that you should bring your own printer.</p>
<p>I am new to this board, but have been reading it a lot the past few months. My D is a HS Jr. & is interested in MT. WS is one of the colleges she is interested in. I think it's important to research a college program in as many ways as possible. We have researched this school by reading this board, checking out their website, checking their stats on fastweb.com, talking to former and current students and finally we will be going for a visit in May. There seems to be some real disagreement on this board about this program, so I am very much looking forward to our visit to get a feel for it ourselves. By the way, the people my D has talked to that have either graduated from WS or who are currently attending, have all had high praise.</p>
<p>beernut- It does not matter what type of computer your student has! Mac’s are popular, but not necessary. And printers are helpful, but there are many printers around campus that you can use as well! What’s convenient for Theatre students is that there are two computer labs directly under the Creative Arts Center in the tunnels (one a mac lab and the other a pc lab.) So if you forget your computer or don’t want to carry it around, you can walk downstairs to use the lab- here you can print papers off for like 6 cents a page I think? It’s very reasonable!</p>
<p>KABee- That’s great that you’re researching schools! Yay for your visit to WSU in May!</p>
<p>Visiting several schools this week. My D walked out of a class earlier this week with Joe Deer saying WSU is where she wants to go. This is from someone who up until the visit had never even heard of WSU. She was very impressed with the faculty and students. And she liked the campus, especially its diversity and accessibility for the disabled (she’s a special olympics volunteer). Everyone was very friendly and she didn’t see anyone stressed out or unhappy. There seemed to be a very easy cohesiveness and compatibility between the students and the faculty and students. From what we saw on our visit, this program is a hidden jewel. I’m concerned that the rest of the school doesn’t appear to be academically competitive… but the MT program appears to be very good. I would definitely suggest visiting. It’s a “medium” sized university (17,000?) and it may be a good fit for those who don’t want really big or really small.</p>
<p>Yay!! I just confirmed my MT slot the other day!! 
I’m so excited to meet everybody!!</p>
<p>Aspenwheezer - I too was somewhat concerned about the academic competitiveness of the school when my d decided to attend 3 years ago. She was a valedictorian at high school with several advanced courses and college credits under her belt who wanted a bfa in MT. But she is completing the honors program at WSU which has challenged her academically and put her in classes with other bright students. But to be perfectly honest, so much of her curriculum is to fullfill the bfa MT requirements, the competitiveness of the rest of the univ. has not been an issue. Granted she came in with many credits and has not had to take as many gen eds as some of the students but this has been an advantage because it has opened her schedule up to take more dance classes etc than required (she takes usually 3 a quarter including tap because she loves tap - although this many tap courses are not required).
Glad you liked WSU!</p>