Ever wondered why some schools dominate Broadway? Join me, Scott Barnhart, on this special solo episode of the Creative College Journey Podcast, where we uncover the real stories behind the statistics found in Playbill.com's recent BIG 10 list - "Where Where Did the Actors of the 2023–24 Broadway Season Go to School?"

I take you through a recent Playbill article listing the top ten schools on Broadway and explore what these numbers truly mean, and what context is missing. Using examples from NYU and CCM, I highlight the importance of considering program size, location, and alumni diversity in making your college list. This episode isn't just about understanding the data; it's about helping you find the perfect fit for your creative journey.

Feeling overwhelmed by college applications? I'm also sharing practical tips to ease your stress and boost your confidence. Get ready to discover various career paths and transferable skills that a creative education can unlock. Remember, how you approach your education is more critical than where you pursue it.

Tune in for inspiration and actionable advice, and make sure to rate and review the podcast to help others find these valuable insights. Let's navigate this creative college admissions journey together!

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To find out more about The Creative College Journey and services we have to offer, please visit our website and sign-up for our mailing list: www.creativecollegejourney.com

Introduction voice-over: Sara Cravens

Or find our host Scott Barnhardt on Instagram.

UNIQUE PODCAST EPISODE... the tables are turned and I'm being interviewed! This is a re-airing of the podcast I was interviewed on this month, Your College Bound Kid (YCBK) Podcast by Dr. Lisa Rouff. YCBK and School Match 4U have graciously agreed to allow us to share their interview on our platform!

Ever wondered how a Broadway hopeful turns into a guiding light for college-bound creatives? My transformation from stage-struck actor to seasoned educator and college consultant sets the stage for an insightful chat with the School Match 4U team on their "Your College Bound Kid/YCBK" Podcast. In the conversation we navigate the treacherous waters of college applications for the artistically inclined, revealing the intricacies of audition prep and the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing performance programs. I pull back the curtain on the decision-making process between BA and BFA degrees, emphasizing how a broad education enriches the soul and, in turn, the performances of budding actors.

Aspiring actors and their parents often face a maze of options and challenges. My conversation with the team illuminates the often-overlooked value of state schools, community colleges, and the potential wisdom of taking a gap year. Shedding light on the myth that a prestigious institution is essential for artistic triumph, we champion the idea that creative constraints can sometimes lead to the most ingenious solutions. The practical advice doesn't stop there; we also provide a toolkit for tackling the complexities of performing arts applications, from selecting the perfect monologue to capturing it on camera.

The grand finale of the discussion is a treasure trove of guidance for both students and parents as they step into the world of college theater programs. With a focus on the varying requirements of BA and BFA courses and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, I underscore that the college chosen is not the final act in one's career. Instead, it's just one scene in the lifelong drama of a performer's journey. So, take your seat, tune in, and let's raise the curtain on crafting a college experience that sings in harmony with your artistic ambitions.

Thank you to Mark Stucker and Dr. Lisa Rouff for agreeing to re-air this wonderful interview on The Creative College Journey Podcast!

To find out more about School Match 4u and their many services in education consulting, visit their website:
https://schoolmatch4u.com/

To listen to the original podcast on Your College Bound Kid Podcast visit:
https://yourcollegeboundkid.com/2024/02/13/interview-168-scott-barnhardt-on-admissions-advice-for-performing-arts-majors/

Or search for Your College Bound Kid (YCBK) where ever you listen to podcasts!

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Support the Show.

To find out more about The Creative College Journey and services we have to offer, please visit our website and sign-up for our mailing list: www.creativecollegejourney.com

Introduction voice-over: Sara Cravens

Or find our host Scott Barnhardt on Instagram.

Content Warning: This podcast episode contains candid conversations relating to eating disorders and mental health issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help. The National Eating Disorders Association Helpline is available at 1-800-931-2237. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Listener discretion is advised.

Robyn Baker (who I knew back in the day as Robyn Yamanaka) is someone who I went to high school with at Los Alamitos High and the Orange County High School of the Arts many moons ago -- she was a sophomore when I was senior!

Robyn is someone I’ve always been a big fan of. When I think of that sophomore Robyn circa 1997, I see an exceptional talent and someone who is so very KIND… but I never knew, until recently, that we shared an NYU college rejection letter pain-point together until a recent Facebook post that she made about starting her new college journey studying Public Health online at Brown University. But it was that particular rejection experience that neither of us were prepared for, and one that we’ve both been working on healing for decades. Upon reading her post, I immediately wanted to discuss it on the podcast! I’m grateful she graciously agreed.

One theme we explore is the therapeutic power of creativity and its role as a tool for understanding the world around us. We delve into personal narratives on the impact of motherhood and parenthood on identity and harnessing creativity to overcome adversity. We also share an intimate discussion on the painful reality of college rejection and its impact on self-worth, drawing from our own experiences with NYU. It's a powerful conversation aimed at challenging the dangerous notion of associating admission decisions with personal worth.

Robyn Baker is a homeschooling mother of 3 and a graduate student at Brown University getting her masters in Public Health, as well as having received her Bachelors of Science from Cal State University in Fullerton in Kinesiology (for those who don’t know, Kinesiology is the study of body movement, a study often related to Physical Therapy and Dance!).

Robyn has worn many hats over her 42 years of life including singer, actress, personal trainer, Pilates teacher, yoga instructor, author, restaurant hostess, business owner and recovery coach. She's grateful for all the wisdom and opportunities she's been blessed to acquire and experience over the years. She is an advocate for eating disorder recovery, size/body diversity and health equality and accessibility. She hopes to one day create a health care system that truly values all lives.

On a personal note, while it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other in person - I am so impressed with her online presence, her activism, her nuance sharing of parenthood and giving voice to the many issues she is so passionate about. A brilliant example of how creativity can infuse every corner of your life in powerful and dynamic ways.

Welcome to the podcast, Robyn Baker.

If you'd like to reach Robyn Baker you can find her at:
Instagram: @yomama_baker

Referenced within this episode:

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Support the Show.

To find out more about The Creative College Journey and services we have to offer, please visit our website and sign-up for our mailing list: www.creativecollegejourney.com

Introduction voice-over: Sara Cravens

Or find our host Scott Barnhardt on Instagram.