BFA Theatre Programs and Conservatories (long)

[Robinrs]

While I understand what you're saying, I know my dd. she will do student rush for every possible show. She will start going to auditions sooner than she should. She isn't disciplined enough to be there. She is getting a wonderful grounding where she is. There are many graduates from her school that have gone on to work in the business. She has goals set.....very attainable goals. There is t a huge need to be in NYC anymore in order to work in theatre...it helps, but it's not the only thing to think about when choosing a school.
A smaller school may very well allow a child to gain more experience on stage than at other larger,more theatre based schools. My dd is extremely realistic about what is in her future. While she would love to make a living in NYC, in theatre, she realizes it probably isn't in the cards. But for someone that has what it takes to work in NYC, then sure, to to school in the city. Just don't shortchange smaller schools in other places. There are working actors all over the country. Same for production people and tech people.

I agree. NYC is fabulous, yet there are many, many success stories coming from other areas (Playbills are littered with bios that include training in Michigan, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Philly). We know our kids and what they can handle. Being in the "best" place to make connections doesn't mean that being in other places won't allow you to succeed as well.

I knew a BFA Dance major who started at Fordham/Ailey but chose to transfer to a small, private school in PA because he said there were too many "distractions" in the city. Go figure.

Totally understood. My experience was AMAZING but it's not for everyone, including my own son. He's studying here in Atlanta where there are lots of opportunities, it's just that I'm stuck on my own hometown, even though I can't afford to move back there!

 

[Green Tea]

The Princeton Review ranked Muhlenberg College #1 in the country for theater and dance several years ago. Not sure their current rank, but worth looking into. Muhlenberg.edu

 

[zurgswife]

The Princeton Review ranked Muhlenberg College #1 in the country for theater and dance several years ago. Not sure their current rank, but worth looking into. Muhlenberg.edu

Muhlenberg College is indeed a wonderful Theater program. I have known number of people that have attended and loved it immensely.

 

[cotomom]

We visited Muhlenberg this summer along with UArts, Point Park, and Pace. While I loved Muhlenberg and it's facilities, the lack of local "city life" was enough to get it voted off the list by DD.

 

[SydSim]

D and I visited Muhlenberg a couple of times. We both enjoyed the campus and performing arts center. Personally, I think it's a little too small and quiet for D, but she was still interested in applying, so she did.

We saw one of their summer musical productions (because her "future husband" Frankie Grande was in it). We both enjoyed it!

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

The Princeton Review ranked Muhlenberg College #1 in the country for theater and dance several years ago. Not sure their current rank, but worth looking into. Muhlenberg.edu

My dd is a freshman right now at Muhlenberg as a dual Dance and English Major. I cannot stress enough how happy we are with the school and how happy my dd is there. We were lucky enough to catch their musical this year during parents weekend. It was steller..the voices, the acting, the sets, costumes - excellent. My dd's first formal dance performance (Master Choreography) is in a few weeks and I cannot wait to see it - the dancing is beautiful. She is thriving both academically, socially, creatively. I cannot picture her anywhere else. She has friends in the theater program as well and they all feel the same way. Love it!

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

My dd wanted to be in a city. She wanted either NYC or Boston. She was accepted at schools in Boston and outside NYC. We decided against NYC because I figured she wouldn't be very disciplined there. Too much theatre to see! She saw a school in coastal RI and fell in love. Decided against Boston...and is incredibly happy in little Bristol RI!
You just never know how things will work out.

Just curious...is it Roger Williams? My dd got a full ride there but unfortunately they were lacking in the tap department - one of the main reasons she chose Muhlenberg. RWU was hard to give up - beautiful school! Glad your dd is happy there.

 

[goofy4tink]

Just curious...is it Roger Williams? My dd got a full ride there but unfortunately they were lacking in the tap department - one of the main reasons she chose Muhlenberg. RWU was hard to give up - beautiful school! Glad your dd is happy there.

It is indeed. She has a friend who is a dance major. Her former dance teacher got her degree there.
Wish my dd had been given more money there...oh well. She loves it there.