TheatreOCU Parents Page

1. TheatreOCUParents Page The purpose of this web-site is to provide information and answers to questions most frequently asked by parents of incoming Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Students and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance Students. TheatreOCU

2. Table of Contents • 3 Why a Theatre Degree makes sense • 4 Advising and Enrollment • 5 Dance Classes • 6 Voice Lessons • 7 The American College Theatre Festival • 8 The Let’s Pretend Players • 9 Oklahoma Children’s Theatre • 10 Dealing with Student Stress • 11 Security • 12 Additional Resources • 13 The Rules • 14 Contact Information • 15 Take our Parent’s Survey TheatreOCU

3. The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree BFAA majors receive the most intensive professional training available anywhere in the country. We prepare students’ for the “real world” of performing. Workshops with top professionals, internship opportunities and student showcases are just some of the benefits we offer your students. Other Career Options Read why liberal arts training prepares students for other careers. Teaching As an Option Some of our students want to teach. The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance is the only program that combines performance and education. Our teacher placement rate is 100%. http://www.okcu.edu/petree/education/secondary_ed.aspx Double Majors Our BA in Theatre Performance offers the flexibility to add other majors or to their degree program. What will a Theatre Degree mean for your student? http://www.iseek.org/sv/20005.jsp TheatreOCU

4. Advising and Enrollment • Great news for Acting and Performance majors! All our faculty members are enrollment advisors. Denise Volk, in the Theatre Office advises students when faculty members are not available. • Advisors help students choose the courses they need to graduate in four years. We handle the enrollment and work with students to meet their individual needs and desired specializations. dvolk@okcu.edu TheatreOCU

5. Dance Classes Ballet, Jazz and TapFrequently Asked Questions For more information on Dance: http://www.okcu.edu/Dance_amgt/ TheatreOCU • My child has never taken dance. Are they expected to have training when they arrive. • No. We have beginning classes in all dance disciplines. • My son/daughter has years of dance training. How can they continue their training at an advanced level? • Students are leveled into the proper dance classes at the beginning of each semester. • Can my student take more than one Dance Class each semester? • Yes, but Dance classes often conflict with other required courses. We can usually make room for at least one each semester.

6. Vocal Training • All vocal music classes are offered through the Bass School of Music. Mary Mowry assigns vocal music teachers. You can contact Mary at: 405-208-5980; or by email: mamowry@okcu.edu • For more information about the Bass School of Music, visit their website: http://www.okcu.edu/music/ TheatreOCU

7. TheatreOCUhas been an award-winning participant since the festival's beginning in the 1960's. Winners at the state level proceed to regional competition. Regional winners travel to Washington DC to perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information check out these sites: Link to The Region IV website: http://www.freewebs.com/actf6/ Link to the Kennedy Center website: http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/actf/ Best known for her role as Granny in the classic television comedy The Beverly Hillbillies, Irene Ryan was an accomplished stage actress. Our students compete for her prestigious acting scholarships each year at ACTF. The American College Theatre Festival TheatreOCU

8. The Let’s Pretend Players • Oklahoma City University has a professional touring company, the Let’s Pretend Players. Each Tuesday and Thursday during the semester our troupe travels to the far corners of Oklahoma entertaining school children with a one hour play. • Student actors gain professional experience while earning money (currently $25.00 per show). Beyond the monetary gain, students bring joy to kids across the state, many of whom have never seen theatre. • http://www.okcu.edu/theater/pretend.aspx TheatreOCU

9. More Performance Opportunities For Your Student! www.okchildrenstheatre.com TheatreOCU in partnership with Oklahoma Children’s Theatre presents two children’s theatre co-productions each year. In addition, our students may audition for their productions. The Children’s Theatre livesacross the street from the Fine Arts Building! TheatreOCU

10. Stressed Out Students • Freshmen college students often experience high stress levels. We want to help! Here are some of the available services: Yoga and Fitness Classes Free Movie Nights and other fun activities Counseling Services http://www.okcu.edu/students/counseling/ TheatreOCU

11. Oklahoma City University takes safety very seriously! With late rehearsals and performances we encourage your student to take advantage of the “never walk alone” program. Our campus police department officers will gladly escort your student to his or her residence. Its as easy as calling 405-208-5121! http://www.okcu.edu/students/police/index.aspx TheatreOCU

12. Additional Resources • 10 Tips for Parents of Prospective College Students • http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Parents/10_Tips_for_Parents_19_01.htm • Relationship IQ Test, Tips for Parents of College Students • http://gsep.pepperdine.edu/family/youngadults/tips_for_parents.htm • HELPFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS • http://gwired.gwu.edu/parents/merlin-cgi/p/downloadFile/d/15163/n/off/other/1/name/HELPFULTIPSFORPARENTSOFCOLLEGESTUDENTSdoc/ • Letting Go: Tips for Parents of New College Students • http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/ca/670 TheatreOCU

13. The Rules • Your student will receive the TheatreOCU handbook explaining student rules and expectations. We are training your student for the professional world! • We want your child to participate in all our Department activities, providing support and encouragement to their follow students and the department. TheatreOCU

14. Contact Information • Marsh, Lance, Assistant Professor of Theatre: • 405-208-5633, dmarsh@okcu.edu • Pasto, David,Professor of Theatre: • 405-208-5124, dpasto@okcu.edu • Palladino, Judith, Professor of Theatre: • 405-208-5123, jpalladino@okcu.edu • Boston, Billie, Costume Designer, Professor of Theatre: • 405-208-5080, bboston@okcu.edu • Foreman, Jason, Scenic Designer, Assistant Professor of Theater: • 405-208-5425, jforeman@okcu.edu • Taylor, Steve, Technical Director, Assistant Professor of Theatre: • 405-208-5096, steve.taylor@okcu.edu • Volk, Denise, Administrative Assistant II, Theatre: • 405-208-5121, dvolk@okcu.edu TheatreOCU

15. Take our ParentSurvey • Click on the link to take our parent survey. Your responses help us improve our site. • http://www.surveymonkey.com/MySurveys.asp?Rnd=0.4498189 TheatreOCU