1:06:11 Mock Play Audition (Danielle Kerr) A BFA in MT is very specifically targeted at on-stage musical theater, and there is little time in most programs for additional classes. I have a daughter in a BFA program, but I am also a vocal and theater coach and I recommend BFAs only to my students who are highly motivated and dedicated to the idea of a professional theater career. And in this next year I suggest you increase your daughter's dance training so she will be more prepared should she go the MT audition route.
,Thank you both so much for all of this information. I'll take your advice and do some more searching at the MT forum!
,terig, you CAN start your own thread! Good luck. Students need not take additional hours to satisfy practicum requirements. A student can elect to stay in their same studio all four years, or else after the first two years (or even after three years), switch into a different studio for a different approach. Also consider visiting the Kilroy List, a survey of excellent new plays by women, trans, and non-binary playwrights. Re: Northwestern, yes it is good. We sure are at a fork here and aren't sure where to proceed.
,Film acting is very different from live theater work, and requires a different approach to performing. Our Musical Theatre program trains students for the new era of Broadway performance exemplified by productions such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson, and Come From Away.Our mission is to produce professional musical theatre artists whose voice, acting, and dance training empowers them to be nimble performer-auteurs in a diverse and changing profession. Please be aware that in seeking permission from Northwestern University to participate in a Wirtz Center Production you will be waiving all claims for injuries you might sustain arising out of your participation. In addition to directing many acclaimed productions, Rogers has literally written the book when it comes to college auditioning. BA students generally do not share classes or teachers with BFA students -- in other words, the "best" classes and teachers are not available to BA students at this kind of school. Her college counselor is a firm believer that your undergraduate studies should be in an area of passion and interest and MT is certainly the case with her. At the top of the list of thread topics, there is a button that says, "new thread" and if you click it, you can start a new discussion like you did this time but on a new topic. The Northeastern Department of Theatre is dedicated to creativity, collaboration, and excellence in the pursuit of innovative ways to see, to investigate, and to make theatre for a new generation. There are SOME BFA in MT programs located in challenging universities that require a chunk of liberal arts (but not as much as one would get in a BA degree) and your D may be attracted to these. My D is also in the Honors College, which allows her to take extra credits at no extra cost.
,Onstage, thank you again. In addition to department productions, Northwestern has a thriving student theatre scene across campus. I know many kids with a MT background who have chosen to pursue degrees in acting but still participate in MT. As well, one appeal of NYU for my D is that she is a good student and prefers the challenge level and atmosphere of a more selective (academically speaking) university. Music Admission and Financial Aid: musiclife@northwestern.edu. Why we love it: Incredible faculty include Amy Rogers, who created and developed the BFA Musical Theatre degree program in 2002. Music Theatre Workshop, Level IV (Drama 144) A performance class concentrating on role building and performances of abbreviated musicals. There is no guarantee that you will get into the program. 34:59 Slating (Nate Cohen) For questions pertaining to the content of submission of supplemental application material, please contact the corresponding office directly. As a result, Baldwin Wallace's program has earned accolades from leading agents, casting directors, critics … I'm becoming a little obsessed with this website. As a result, you won’t need to focus exclusively on voice, acting or any other single type of performance. This confused us as well, but I think what was not clear to us until now is that you can move to different studios. Your D should have selection criteria in mind and find schools that closely match her criteria. 46:10 Places to look for plays (Nate Cohen) The Theatre MFA programs in Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Dramaturgy, Stage Management, and Theatre Management & Producing seek students who have the talent, vision, and commitment to become exceptional artists. Many options abound at Tisch, which is a different set up than some other BFA programs. Again, thanks to you all. Musical Theatre students also take dance courses, in addition to other performance-based classes.
Hi! So for now, she is looking at both and won't rule out a school without a BFA, but best case scenario would be a school that offers both. Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts offers an intense four-year actor's training program leading to a BFA degree in acting or musical theatre. Some students may opt to do Stonestreet Studio in junior or senior year after studying MT at CAP21 and have a chance to get some training in film acting in that studio. Hello! I think it is a little hard for my daughter because as much as she loves musical theatre, she also has this passion for books and literature and just the whole educational process. Her main consideration right now should be if she prefers to go the BA route (a viable path) or the BFA route. A bird in hand.... was his thoughts.
,Thanks, Soozievt. I have a daughter who is a senior at Tisch. If not, I'm sure I'll be redirected. 28:09 StuCo “Spevents” (Casey Wells) Are you saying that a BFA is only for those who know that they want to perform "onstage" for a career? My comments are more general: in the "real" world, it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference what degree you have -- or in fact, even if you have a degree. One thing an applicant would have to consider is that there are no guarantees of getting into the MT program if admitted to NU. Just a suggestion. (Nate Cohen) Below, you will find a list of requirements for Bienen School of Music, Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME), Integrated Science Program (ISP), Mathematical Methods in Social Sciences (MMSS) and School of Communication's Musical Theater Program. I've been reading posts for a couple of weeks now as my daughter who is a Junior is starting the process of searching for Theatre Schools. Oh, and one more BIG question...what's the deal with NYU-Tisch? For example, Tisch (not the only one!)
,Also, in terms of keeping this forum organized and easier for people to find information, it would be better to start a new thread on Syracuse rather than discuss every topic on this thread.
,My son was accepted to Northwestern as a voice performance major. By exploring various creative techniques instead of a prescribed, regimented program, we're confident you’ll develop an individual way of working that suits you best. An acting technique class exclusive to the students in the BFA in Music Theatre Program. Generally speaking, a BFA, however, is more intensive professional training and prepares one well for the profession. Department of Theatre David.Kleineick@northwestern.edu 847-491-3170 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-2405. It's a bit easier for Acting majors to take gen-ed credits, because they have slightly fewer required theater credits. If I go for my BFA in musical theatre at Penn State, is the education in other subjects equally as important? The first two years of the program are focused on inner development, while the third and fourth years are focused more on applying skills to performance. and NYU/Tisch and UMich, but no other BFA programs (but had other BA ones on their list). Thanks to all of you for all of the WONDERFUL information I have already received. Her advisor says that Syracuse is a wonderful school. Technical Proficiency. Contact Wirtz Associate Production Manager, Valerie Tu at 6:18 Wirtz Auditions – Timeline, Protocols, Rules (Valerie Tu) Auditions for the MT certificate program take place during the first year. I have loved spending every minute with them. Welcome to the Northwestern Auditions Website. Here is a Week In The Life of a Northwestern Theatre Major/Musical Theatre Certificate Program. Unlike most musical theatre colleges in Chicago, here you'll train to become a "triple threat"- a talented actor, dancer and singer. She spent five semesters in CAP21 and for several reasons, wanted to do Experimental Theater Wing studio for her final three semesters. Northwestern’s BA in theater offers an additional Musical Theatre Certificate program. Rutgers? I know it's a reach, but what a dream! While there is no audition to get in as a freshman, the selection criteria is still very selective and they end up with a very talented class in the theater program every year. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085 The Spring 2021 Wirtz and first-round StuCo Cast Lists have now been posted. **, you are my world, my everything, and so I am yours. Upon being cast in a production, you will be asked to sign a LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM before you may participate in the production. Students wishing to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre in the Department of Theatre Arts must adhere to the following criteria for admission: Perform and pass an audition, in person, for members of the faculty. 3 Disciplines. Thanks again. Our annual Audition Info Night was held on Sunday, September 20th featuring panel speakers: Cindy Gold (Northwestern Theatre Department Faculty), Nate Cohen (Northwestern MFA Director), Heather Basarab (Wirtz), Valerie Tu (Wirtz), Brannon Bowers (AMTP), and Casey Wells (StuCo co-chair) and moderated by Sophia Danielle-Grenier (’21). They have both BFA and BA programs. 13:38 Tips for Musical Auditions (Brannon Bowers) We urge all directors to challenge preconceived notions of casting, and we encourage people of all ages, ethnicities, colors, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities to audition for all productions. He holds a BFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, and he is an Adjunct Professor of Movement to BFA and MFA Acting majors at TTS DePaul. What a great place to get answers! That appeals to my D who enjoys academics, as well as feels that a well rounded person who has knowledge of the world is a better actor. I think her acting at this point takes 2nd place to her vocal ability, and her dancing a very distant third. The Northwestern MFA in Acting offers comprehensive training in acting technique to advanced students while offering a historical context for the work of theatre and an understanding of the role and responsibilities of theatre artists in society. For example, my D is a MT performer. 19:09 Preparing and Playing Accompaniments (Brannon Bowers) The Ultimate Musical Theater College Audition Guide: Advice from the People Who Make the Decisions offers an honest, no-nonsense guide … I think her Theatre teacher (who, btw, also has had a career in the profession) seems to think that as far as auditions would go, her best chance for success and ultimately acceptance into a program would be in MT. There were plenty of rejections that come along with this business and life, and they were there for me every step of the way. 1:13:00 Prep for Musical Audition (Ruchir Khazanchi)
,Then, visit each school's website and read about the curriculum for each program and compare and contrast the schools. 39:00 How to select a monologue (Nate Cohen) Good luck!
,In the BFA program at Syracuse (my D is a BFA in MT there), there is a strong academic program as well. Would you suggest that she get a BA then? 47:16 More Audition Tips (Nate Cohen) She has dreams of film...comedy, etc. Our annual Audition Info Night was held on Sunday, September 20th featuring panel speakers: Cindy Gold (Northwestern Theatre Department Faculty), Nate Cohen (Northwestern MFA Director), Heather Basarab (Wirtz), Valerie Tu (Wirtz), Brannon Bowers (AMTP), and Casey Wells (StuCo co-chair) and moderated by Sophia Danielle-Grenier (’21). I think she would not want to miss out on the whole traditional college experience, which was the point of my original post. But just so you know, anyone in Tisch (who graduates), gets a BFA. At 17 years old, it is really difficult to make these kinds of decisions that have such an impact on your future! 1:17:13 Q&A It is designed to be a total immersion, highly intensive course of study. These were goods students and so some landed at Yale, Brown, or Northwestern. We are going to see her in the Tisch MT Industry Night (showcase) in a few days!
,BTW, your D could study in an acting studio at Tisch and still do a lot with voice, dance, and be in musicals. The Northwestern Student Theatre Coalition (StuCo) is a collective of nine student theatre groups and two dance groups, each with its own executive board and performance series. MT students have a very full schedule but are able to take additional non-theater classes, especially after freshman year. However, Northwesten's program is top rate. At Tisch Drama, our studio system exposes students to different approaches to acting, music theatre, production, design, theatrical management, and directing. Does anyone have anything to say about what this would mean in terms of the real world? A couple of questions to all of you experts out there. Every semester, she has two academic classes. Much better than the actual school websites!
,There are frequent posters on this board with students at both Tisch and Northwestern, so I am sure you will hear from them regarding specifics of those schools. Just try to start ones on each topic you have. Perhaps a BFA in Acting, or a BA in Acting would be a better option, because it would allow more time for on-camera classes. The Contemporary Triple Threat 3 Schools. 1:20:40 Wirtz Withdrawals (Valerie Tu) Whether Northwestern gives a certificate or a BFA is less important than the quality of the education you can get there -- and that is excellent and very well-regarded in the industry.
,Second, many people would advise you that getting a BA in theater at a college that also offers a BFA is not a great idea.
,terig, I totally understand the issue with your daughter. No, it will not matter in the industry if your D has a BFA or a BA degree. She is not completely sure if musical theatre is where she wants to go, only because she isn't sure that she wants to be limited. BFA in Music Theatre, Illinois Wesleyan University Area(s) of Interest: TV/film, Performing arts, Theatre, Dance, Video/digital media, Entrepreneurship Experience: One of my most significant experiences has been working as the Assistant Artistic Director of an educational summer theater camp, Broadway Bootcamp. I'm still not sure of specific "rules" on these threads, but if possible, I'd love to hear a personal account of the MT program there (i.e., audition to get in, when she applied, when she found out, was it a top choice? 1:08:12 Prep for Play Audition (Danielle Kerr) I loved that you set me straight about Tisch! Merry Christmas! Like this thread was on Northwestern. When we were researching the different studios at NYU (Stella Adler, Meisner, CAPS21, etc..., each one indicated a program that was 2-3 years in length). Syracuse (and Ithaca) are both on my D's list. Bienen School of Music webmaster: bsmweb@northwestern.edu We discovered this after auditioning and having that program mentioned to my D as an option. 23:29 AMTP Opportunities (Brannon Bowers) Very good. But as a poster pointed out, like, a year ago at the beginning of this thread, it is NOT a BFA. Would love to hear any and all suggestions. Have questions? She doesn't have a huge list (maybe 15, but of course that will be whittled down). that also have a strong academic program? fits such a description. 25:22 StuCo Introduction (Casey Wells) 2:40 Hello and Welcome (Sophia Danielle-Grenier) He was accepted to two voice performance programs and a number of theatre programs but only a few MT programs, and he made his choice among those MT acceptances because he did not want to chance not getting into a program later. The Certificate in Music Theatre provides the opportunity for School of Communication students majoring in theatre, dance, or performance studies and Bienen School of Music students majoring in voice to create a second area of specialization that is important to their development as musical theatre artists. For your review, you can read the Wirtz Video Audition Policies for Spring 2021, linked HERE. I think I've also left the impression that she isn't committed to musical theatre. If she cares about academics, for example, UMichigan's, Tisch's, or Penn State's programs may appeal more than Boston Conservatory or Roosevelt.
,By the way, I agree with your D's teacher that she should get the training first, -- but you should try to pinpoint exactly what training you are looking for. Then, there is the audition for the MT Certificate program after the first year. * Long Island University, BFA Musical Theatre *Loyola Marymount University, BFA Acting * Manhattan School of Music, BFA MT * Marymount Manhattan, BFA MT, Acting * Montclair State University, BFA Acting, MT * Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, BA Honors Performance (UK) * Muhlenberg College, Talent-Based Full Scholarship * The New School, BFA Acting * NYU Tisch, BFA Acting, MT, Alec … Food for thought as you beging your journey. (You may also wish to read the Auditions Procedures and Casting Policies document from previous years linked HERE. First, my D's theatre teacher is concerned that Northwestern does not offer a BFA, only a certificate. Will your daughter graduate with a BFA from NYU?
,Check into the BFA Acting programs that also include voice and some dance. Same with in the musicals at Tisch.
,terig - also check out Indiana University, another one of those "best of both worlds" schools where you can combine conservatory training within a broader academic environment. Phone: 847-491-7575. Many of these programs would still offer an opportunity to audition for musicals, and even to study voice.
,As far as Northwestern.....please see the main page of the MT Forum and at the top there is a list of sub forums on various colleges' MT Programs and Northwestern's MT program has its own forum and you should visit it and read all the posts there are as there are students and parents of students who attend who have posted a great deal of valuable information. At the time he applied, the musical theatre program held auditions for sophomores. As well, it is mainly conservatory with hardly any liberal arts requirements. The studio training is for four years, not two or three. There is no BA option in Tisch. School of Music, Theatre & Dance E.V. I was just suggesting that a good place to start is to read existing threads on each school or other topics and then you find out a lot and then start threads on new questions or topics.
,Terig -- it's pretty overwhelming, isn't it?!! Some students in the MT showcase are in fact, from acting studios. The BFA in Musical Theatre offers unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity by blending the extraordinary resources of three of the nation’s leading arts schools: USC School of Dramatic Arts, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, and USC Thornton School of Music.
,As far as suggesting colleges, my main suggestion right now is to read many of the threads on the MT Forum, as well as the individual college MT program forums listed at the top of this forum and you will glean a wealth of knowledge of what's out there and this entire process. My son was more classically trained with only casual MT training, and wanted to jump fully into MT mode. Three days per week she is in studio training all day and two days per week she is in academics. I thought I might be getting off topic. Only 25 students are accepted into the MT certificate program each year. A BFA in MT is very specifically targeted at on-stage musical theater, and there is little time in most programs for additional classes. That was his most important criterion in choosing his college. The Musical Theatre Certificate (similar to a minor) does require an audition. I would very much recommend it as great preparation for a career in this business. I know many highly talented MT high school students who could have (or did) gotten into a BFA but who PREFERRED a BA type college experience. Thank you to all who auditioned! In fact, she is writing a paper due tomorrow. Is there anything you would care to share about your daughter's experience? Alumni of Northwestern and the Music Theatre Certificate program can be seen on Broadway and in national tours of hit productions. Please understand that participation as an actor or performer in any Wirtz production is entirely voluntary and at your own discretion and judgement. Students audition their freshman or sophomore years for a spot and are subsequently placed into voice lessons and studio workshops. Marymount Manhattan College + New York (BFA in MT; Acting, BA Theater Arts, Dance) SPOTLIGHT. Her teacher seems to think that you get the training first and then move into whatever arena within the industry that you are most interested in. We believe that the growth and vitality of theatre is dependent upon the inclusion of many voices. The full text of the WAIVER is available HERE. All BFA majors take classes in ballet, musical theatre dance, acting, music theory and aural skills, private voice studio, piano, vocal and performance ensembles, makeup, history of theatre and musical theatre, musical theatre styles, movement and speech.
,I agree with everything onstage wrote to you in post #2 and so won't repeat that advice. Her whole middle and high school experience has been about the stage, specifically musical theatre. School to consider are Wright State and Otterbein. Resource for Non-Binary Actors seeking out good audition monologues: Non-Binary Monologues. Start a thread asking something else, such as about Syracuse if you want (in addition to reading old threads). See the list of subject threads on the MT Forum? Bienen School of Music. Menu Home. Her theatre teacher, however, insists that her stage presence is most evident in musical theatre and that her best chances of success lie in that arena (she is small, cute and has a huge wonderful stage voice--think Milly from Thoroughly Modern M and you get the picture). One Degree. valerie.tu@northwestern.edu, Demystifying the Audition Process at Northwestern. Perhaps a BFA in Acting, or a BA in Acting would be a better option, because it would allow more time for on-camera classes. Professional Versatility. Theatre and Dance at the University at Buffalo engages emerging artists, scholars, and audiences dedicated to sustaining and innovating the performing arts across disciplines. It seems the best fit for her would be a wonderfully challenging university or college that happens to have an equally amazing musical theatre program. ~Northwestern State University (BS Theatre, Musical Theatre performance concentration) *Tulane University (BFA in MT through Music department, BA in Acting) MAINE: University of Southern Maine (BM) MARYLAND: Currently no undergraduate programs offered specifically in musical theatre. Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts. This will be your home for all Wirtz and StuCo audition information. Even with students like that, it's important to apply to a good mix of reach and safety schools to avoid disappointment at this time of year when the acceptances come out.
,Thanks so much, Onstage, and it is probably obvious that I know very little about the whole process, so please excuse the questions that probably seem to have obvious answers to you and others who have traveled down this path. Acting students audition for both musicals and non-musicals, and private voice lessons are available. 54:46 Filming Tips – Lighting, Environment, Clothes (Cindy Gold) Students must be registered for the appropriate Theatre Participation course in the term in which they participate. 33:58 Nate Intro (Nate Cohen) Manhattan School of Music’s prestigious Musical Theatre Program is the only stand-alone conservatory program in New York City. And she has been in studio (training) all EIGHT semesters.
,I would not suggest auditioning for a MT program because her "odds" are better for that degree (due to her teacher's opinion and due to her vocal talent), unless she truly wishes to train in singing, dance, and acting. 3:05 Dolphin Show (Sophia Danielle-Grenier) As I mentioned before, a BFA MT will include heavy doses of dance, acting, and singing, specifically aimed at live musical theater performance.
,By the way, if you examine Rutger's curriculum, you will see that it has no MT. I sent you a PM re: Syracuse -- it's easier to chat that way.
, Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. 1:22:05 StuCo Withdrawals (Casey Wells) View the Cherubs Experience; COVID-19 Updates . My D is certainly passionate about it and is never happier and more fulfilled than when performing, but I think she wants to be open to film endeavors. - I assume that every audition school is a "reach", right?, any info would be great! I looked at the school web site and it looks absolutely beautiful. Both performance programs are based on a block of courses called the Conservatory. This is my first time to post and I hope that I am in the right place. I mean I know there is, but not until the freshmen class is already in place and they are choosing from this small pool of applicants. It's a better idea to look for schools which put all of their resources into a strong BA program -- there are some very good ones out there.,A BFA program is not right for everyone. My daughter really wants a degree and an education -- she feels strongly that this is all part of making a great actor (i.e., she doesn't just want to be trained to act...she wants it all!) These are three good options for a kid who wants that. This will enlighten you not only to where the faculty got their training but also to their professional affiliations and possibly give you insight into whether or not some of the faculty are in fact working professionals. Just throwing that out there. The Cherubs at Northwestern University. Our program attracts professional artist-teacher faculty and guest artists many of whom who have created and performed in some of Broadway’s greatest shows such as Les Miserables , The Phantom of the Opera , Ragtime , Chicago , and countless others. ), Valerie Tu, Associate Production Manager (valerie.tu@northwestern.edu), Pallas & Casey, StuCo Co-chairs (nustuco@gmail.com), **The Wirtz Center is strongly committed to diversity.
,Yes, my daughter is about to graduate with a BFA from Tisch....I can hardly get those words out of my mouth (or typing fingers) as it is hard to believe this is upon us already! A faculty with a broader variety of educational backgrounds brings something different to the table of teaching than one that is more homogenous (read educated at the school they now teach at).