"When on my tours I noticed how the students in the department spoke about the school, and the ones at Rowan spoke with so much love and fondness it was hard to not want to move in right then and there!" - Shayla Moon Hermann, Acting Concentration and Communications Minor
National College Decision Day is less than two months away I cannot help but think about when I committed to this university. Every theatre and dance major knows choosing a college in the performing arts is an extra daunting challenge, and I feel for those currently narrowing down their options. In hopes of easing stress in that process, I reached out to fellow theatre arts and dance majors in the Rowan University Department of Theatre & Dance asking, “What was important for you to look for in choosing a college?” and “How did you know Rowan was right for you?”
Looking for advice on which program to attend for the next four years? Keep on reading!
Michaela Navarro (She/Her) Design/Tech Concentration w/ Double Major in Communications, Music Minor, Transfer:
“When I was looking for a college the second time around, it was important for me that I find a place I could do multiple things within the technical aspect. I find that I usually like to try a little bit of everything and the flexibility of a B.A. allowed me to do that.
I knew that Rowan was the right choice for me because the program seemed to be exactly what I wanted and needed. The faculty were very welcoming during the interview process and seemed like people I could envision myself studying under. In my interview, I had said I liked to compose in my free time. My professors encouraged me to do so for theatre which led me to underscore one of my favorite projects, ‘Colors in the Dark’ (written and directed by RUTD alum Abby Leyh).”
Natalie Donisi (She/Her) MT Concentration w/ Double Major in Psychology:
“I always tell people when looking for colleges to make a list of their ‘non-negotiables.’ 'What are things that you aren’t willing to budge on that HAVE to be included in your college experience?' Some of my non-negotiables were a medium-sized campus, small and intimate class sizes, classes taught by full-time professors, and the flexibility to be able to double major, and I found all of that here at Rowan! Don’t budge on your non-negotiables, friends!”
Nick Flagg (He/Him) MT, Theatre Ed, and Acting Concentration w/ Double Major in Advertising:
“I have always enjoyed theatre that allowed everyone in the room to work together. I immediately knew in my audition that Rowan was big on collaboration. And not just collaboration amongst actors, but collaboration amongst all artists to create something new. I loved how the program gave everyone a taste of different areas in theatre. I love learning and finding new ways to create and explore art, and Rowan had exactly that!”
Cade MacFee (He/Him) MT and Theatre Ed Concentrations:
“The two most important aspects of a school that I focused on when I was applying and auditioning were how much I could connect to the students and professors that were in my auditions, and having a quality education that was reasonably priced. Rowan was the only school where I was having full one-on-one conversations with students while I was waiting to audition and they were all so welcoming and honest about the program here. When I was in the audition room it wasn’t just the standard and bland small talk that you usually have before you slate, they actually cared how my day was going and how I felt at their school. From there I knew that no matter where I got accepted, I was going to go to Rowan. Ever since, I haven’t lost that connection with the people in this department that have made my time here so great! On the topic of tuition cost, Rowan was by far the most affordable school I applied to, especially with the generous scholarships available for theatre and dance students in and out of state. There were schools I got into that were up to triple the price of Rowan, and with current financial problems brought on by COVID affecting so many students, I’m very happy to say that I can still afford to go here without having to worry about a lifetime of student debt, where that may not have been the case if I would have gone elsewhere.”
Heather DeSanto (She/Her) Dance Major, Marketing Minor:
“When looking for a college I looked for a close-knit dance program. I wanted to know all my classmates and work closely with my professors. I wanted a place where I knew I would have ample opportunities as a dance major but also be able to explore other classes outside the major. Rowan hit all the marks. I know everyone not only in the dance major but the whole department. I love having these connections. It makes the experience so much better knowing you have friends who are always willing to collaborate and support you. These are some of the best people I’ve met and can’t wait to have in my life even after college. I’m very close with all my professors and it’s nice that they know me by name and I’m not just a number. They actually care about me and want to see me grow and succeed. The major is very easy to have a minor or double major. I was lucky to discover my interest in marketing and was able to add the minor. I also love theatre and I was so happy I got the chance to take theatre classes and was encouraged to do so. I’m not only growing as a dancer but as an artist and performer as well. I’m so happy with my decision to come here.”
Dave Martinek (He/Him) MT and Theatre Ed Concentrations:
“In choosing a college I looked for a program that would help me become a well-rounded theatre artist, set me up for success for my long-term goals, and had a community that would inspire growth. Rowan’s theatre program exceeded my expectations in all of my requirements! The moment I finished my audition is the moment I realized that Rowan was the right school for me. I was always told 'you know when you know' in terms of picking a college and Rowan was the experience that gave me that gut feeling of I was where I was supposed to be. The people were warm, the professors were dedicated, and the work they were having us do made me feel excited.”
Shayla Moon Hermann (She/Her) Acting Concentration, Communications Minor:
“Something that was important to me when looking for a college, was the kind of environment I would be in. If I’m somewhere I don’t feel safe or at home, then it is going to be hard for me to be able to focus on my learning. As soon as I came to tour Rowan I felt so safe and at home here and it seemed like such a wonderful community. Also, when looking for colleges, another big part for me was paying attention to the facilities and the enthusiasm of the students who were in the department that I was interested in. Seeing the theatres, dance studios, practice rooms and so on is such a huge reflection on how much the school values the arts. When on my tours I noticed how the students in the department spoke about the school, and the ones at Rowan spoke with so much love and fondness it was hard to not want to move in right then and there!
'How did I know Rowan was right for me?' Well, this is branching off of my paragraph above, but as soon as I stepped foot on campus I felt at home, and I could really see myself living here contentedly. I toured Tohill Theatre and I fell in love, all the students at the Q&A seemed so enthusiastic and in love with the school and it made me so excited to apply. I’m so grateful to be here at Rowan; there are so many wonderful opportunities and amazing people here!”
Connor Shields (He/Him) MT and Theatre Ed Concentrations:
“When I was looking for a college, I definitely focused on what the staff and students could offer, as well as what the subject matter of the program was. Rowan’s program blew me out of the water! I didn’t know that I would come here immediately after my audition, but once I had a chance to shadow for a day, I knew I had to be here. I just got to campus and I knew. The students were some of the best people I’ve met, the staff are all incredible, and every day I’m here in this department is a fantastic day!”
Emilia Weiss (She/Her) Acting Concentration:
“When I was in the process of choosing a college, I was in search of a place where the professors were just as excited to work with me as I was with them. Also, location was super important, so I love that Rowan is only a short ride from Philadelphia!
I knew Rowan was right for me as soon as I arrived at Pfleeger (Concert Hall) for my audition. Michael Dean Morgan greeted me with a big smile and a handshake and said, ‘Hello! We are super excited to have you here today!’ I feel really lucky to go here.”
Erica Gerold (She/Her) MT, Acting, and Theatre Ed Concentrations w/ Double Major in Public Relations:
"In choosing a college it was really important for me to receive a BA in theatre, not a BFA. In near all BFAs it is impossible to graduate within four years as a double major. I was also looking for a university close to a thriving theatre scene, but not in the heart of that city. This way, the opportunities were still nearby and I could focus on learning without distractions. Finally, I was looking for a department of students and professors that came from all different backgrounds and celebrated each other equally.
I chose RUTD because as soon as I shadowed, I truly could not see myself anywhere else. I remember sitting in Lane Savadove's Script Analysis and loving the environment of the classroom. The professor encouraged a back and forth conversation and really wanted to hear what his students had to say. Going throughout my day I noticed that everyone I met genuinely cared about their peers, as well as myself. I don't think there is a more supportive program out there; these people really want to help you succeed and offer opportunities to do so in abundance."
The final submission deadline to audition for the Rowan University Department of Theatre & Dance is March 26th, 2021. To learn more and register for the April 3rd audition/interview date click here: https://cpa.rowan.edu/theatre_dance/prospective/admissions.html
See you next week!
Erica Gerold
Theatre Arts & Public Relations '23
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