Amelia Beckham
(she/her/hers)
BM Musical Theatre,
Minor in Arts Management
Class of 2022
Email: ameliagracebeckham@gmail.com
IG: @ameliaabeckham
FB: Amelia Beckham
What is your FAVORITE thing about your program?
My favorite thing about the program is how much individuality is encouraged and how prepared we are for New York by the time we are seniors. This program really is a four-year work session, and you come out of it ready to work.
What would you change about your program? Why?
The best way I can describe being an a BWMT major is that it feels like you and 20 other people attend an entirely different college while having to also take random courses at a bigger college. It can feel isolating at times, especially because our schedules are so tight the first couple of years, so making friends outside of the program is a challenge. Also, because we are graduating with a Bachelor of Music, we are housed within the Conservatory of Music rather than the theatre building. While taking 4 semesters of tonal harmony, piano, and solfege classes has equipped me with the skills to accompany myself and sight read for auditions, I do feel as though we are not part of the theatre program at all. Something that I think students would benefit from overall is having an additional acting class per year where we are mixed in with the BFA and BA Theatre majors. This could be in place of a solfege class or even a choir requirement. That way MT’s can make friends with more students outside the program, and we can have more acting exposure as well.
How would you describe the overall vibe of your program? Competitive? Supportive? A bit of both? Something else?!
Of course there is competition at our school, but that’s to be expected from a program where everyone is wildly talented! However, I think the vibe overall is what you want it to be. One class is full of students who eat lunch every day together, and the other is made up of 15 people who like to do their own thing. Basically, if you want to hang out with people you can, but it’s not necessarily something that is forced here. Honestly, I think that’s because our program is so forward focused from day one. Everyone is always working in a practice room or submitting for a tour in their spare time. We definitely get together on the weekends though. :)
What was the biggest surprise about your program that you didn’t anticipate as an incoming freshman?
I didn’t expect casting to be so inclusive for freshmen! I feel like every other school that I went to either didn’t allow their freshmen to audition or the director primarily cast seniors. Going off of that, I didn’t anticipate the expectations to be so high in rehearsal settings. The head of our program does not allow anybody to use age or inexperience as an excuse for not being prepared. If you are blocking a scene that night, the scene needs to be memorized as well as the music. It was pretty daunting, but wow, I am thankful for that training!
What makes your program unique?
Our masterclass series & our reputation in the industry.
We are very fortunate to have a special donation set aside every year specifically to bring in industry professionals for our masterclass series. Each year, we bring in a total of 10 agents, casting directors, and managers. Starting sophomore year, each student sings and receives feedback from professionals who critique thousands of auditions for a living. It’s easy to guess what agents and casting directors are looking for; it’s another to hear them tell you exactly what they want. Also, that same agent gets to watch you grow up and find yourself over four years. The relationships we have with the industry are extremely special, and agents always say they know they can trust anyone who has BW on their resume.
Real talk: How do the audition & casting processes function at your program?
Auditions are very typical! You will usually sing one 32-bar cut in the style of the show, unless otherwise specified. Casting is very even regarding age, gender, sexual orientation, and race in our program. In fact, it is very common that a freshman will be called back for a lead to make sure the upperclassmen aren’t taking auditions lightly. Underclassmen are also very often made understudies or covers for leads so they can practice being as prepared as the lead and build their resume.
What’s it like outside of performance classes? Is it possible to participate in extracurriculars? Greek life? Double majors? Minors?
It is not possible to double major because our major is essentially a triple major. However, it is very possible to have a minor! I am an Arts Management minor, and a lot of my friends are dance minors! Greek life is not super common within the program as it is so time consuming, but it is possible!
Does your school help you pursue professional working opportunities during the year, over the summer, and/or post-graduation? How so?
Yes, yes, and YES! We have three musicals every year, one is on the mainstage and the other two are off campus at regional theatres. We have a partnership with Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland for our April show and the Beck Center in Lakewood for our February show. You can actually receive EMC points as a student through the Beck Center, which is really unique to our school. Students are also more than welcome to audition for the plays at school and other shows around the Cleveland community. We also have around 10 summerstock theatres hold auditions on campus each year, so you don’t have to go to SETC or A1’s to get work!
Are there any opportunities and/or resources that you feel are lacking in your program?
I wish we had a program physical therapist and/or nutritionist. I think those resources do exist on campus, but you have to search for them. Musical theatre is hard on your body, especially at a program like this that pushes you. It would be really beneficial to have more awareness on how to take care of our bodies and having someone to go to within the program for it!
What’s the dynamic like between students and faculty?
We have a weekly newsletter for the MT’s with links to office hours for all of our faculty, but they will add more hours if you need to meet with them ASAP. It is completely up to the student what kind of relationship they have with the faculty and how often they meet. Some keep it strictly professional while others like to chat for hours and catch up! Personally, I contact our department head, dance head, and music director via text or phone call because I have a close relationship with both! They have all made it clear from day 1 that they will be there for any student however you need them.
What types of structures are in place for students to receive feedback inside and outside of the classroom? How about for students to give feedback?
I always recommend setting up office hours at least once a semester just to check in and see if there is anything you could be working on! Feedback is given in class, but I always found I liked checking in one on one, especially my first year as I was still nervous around my classmates. We have a very open door policy if there is an issue with a professor, but there are also courses of action if the student prefers to be anonymous!
What steps has your school taken/is your school currently taking to promote greater representation for minority communities and to ensure greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the educational environment?
We have Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training regularly as an open space for our program to ask any questions we might have. It is a great way to educate yourself and learn how to spot any inequities within our program or school. BWMT prides itself on having students from many different backgrounds, and our faculty works hard to make sure there are equal opportunities for everyone on stage and in the classroom.
What types of resources does your school encourage/make available for students in regards to mental, physical, and emotional health?
As students, we have access to free therapy all four years if we want it! I know several classmates that have utilized this resource, even if they only used it a couple times a year. We also have a physical therapist in our recreational facility that you can see for problems like shin splints, sprains, and other common injuries.
What were you most worried about as an incoming freshman that you TOTALLY didn’t need to be worried about?
I was worried about having to always be on my A game because I thought certain people in my class were similar and that I had to prove myself. Not only is that not true for BW, but that should not be the case ANYWHERE. If your school feels so competitive and judgmental that it inhibits your learning experience, you simply will not grow. Go to the place you feel most inspired- don’t waste your time and money for a name!!! Go where you will grow.
How did you know that this was the right place for you?
My audition was so different and felt so much more genuine than anywhere else. It felt real, and I could tell that individuality is highly encouraged here. I just had a feeling I would grow here as a person and performer, and I’m happy to say I did.
Alex Strzemilowski (he/him/his)
BFA Acting
Class of 2023
Email: alexander.strzemilowski@gmail.com
IG: @strzemilowski
What is your FAVORITE thing about your program?
My Favorite thing about my program is without a doubt the sense of community that is created here. We are a small school and an even smaller program which has really brought us together regardless of age/class year. From the moment I walked into my audition I felt welcomed by the upperclassmen that helped run it and those are the same people I'm now good friends with! Not to mention we have a little group of Former MCA kids here as well! But seriously. We all get along very well and have major respect for each other and we are also always hustling and helping each other find work.
What would you change about your program? Why?
If anything should change. I would say we need a little more communication from our department about things. Pre- Covid we used to have a monthly theater forum where we could all get together with the faculty and discuss events/shows and any questions we had. Obviously Covid took that away and when things were planned - or things like new faculty were introduced - we felt a little left in the dark. BUT, since then, we have talked to our lovely department chair and the forum will be coming back! Hopefully with some strong communication between staff and students.
How would you describe the overall vibe of your program? Competitive? Supportive? A bit of both? Something else?!
The vibe is definitely on the supportive side. There is a bit of a competitive atmosphere around audition time and when the Musical comes around with the MT department. NO BAD BLOOD at all! But we all are a little family. Along with the season shows there is lots of outside work here in Cleveland, so we are all supporting each other and helping get to auditions and seeing peoples shows. We all like to go as a group to support our friends in other shows which I can say makes my heart warm.
What was the biggest surprise about your program that you didn’t anticipate as an incoming freshman?
Probably the regularity of auditions and rehearsal. One thing I think they do a really good job of is teaching you how to audition. If you were like me, you might have been afraid of auditions, but they pound that out of you with a great audition techniques class and monologue work/selection and making you audition for the season with lots of pieces. It’s a ton of work, but it makes all the difference.
What makes your program unique?
I think something that makes our program unique is some of the connections we are getting through staff and program. Our senior year we are getting internships and a chance to perform with GREAT LAKES THEATER here in Cleveland which is an awesome and renowned regional company. (This is where Tom Hanks got his start). Along with this, we are hoping to create a bigger and better bridge with our MT department to create more opportunity for both us and MT Students. Another really Niche and fun opportunity I’ve gotten here is to do voice work outside of classes. One of our professors (The Wonderful Heidi Harris) has gotten students connected with Radio On the Lake Theater. As a part of their Creakerbox series, a TON of students (including me) have gotten to do some voice acting with them in radio plays of all kinds. The people over there at Creaker Box are not only kind but uber professional and pick some amazing content. I got the chance to be in 3 radio plays this year and it has been an awesome experience and a chance to create a voice reel!
Real talk: How do the audition & casting processes function at your program?
Real talk… I think the casting process varies from director to director. I feel that I have been fortunate and have had a good experience with casting here. I know some others may feel a little differently. There have been a lot of shows here with small casts in the past few seasons. With BFA’s, BA’s, and MT’s all auditioning, I feel some directors try and spread the wealth, where I think BFA’s should get some priority. That being said, the casting is fair and everyone gets great opportunities to shine in some great roles. I was just in BW’s production of Twelfth Night this past year, and it was one of the best theater experiences I’ve ever had!
What’s it like outside of performance classes? Is it possible to participate in extracurriculars? Greek life? Double majors? Minors?
Outside of theater classes is great! We have to take our core university classes obviously, but there is plenty of room to participate in extracurriculars which lots of people do! The department also has lots of fun programs outside of regular classes. We also have a student-led group called TAP for theater students to create events like open jams and trips to see shows which is really fun! Lots of people pick up majors and minors. Lots of film minors here as well! I will say it is a LOT of work but definitely doable. I also have a lot of friends in Greek life. The Greek life here is a little smaller but definitely strong!
Does your school help you pursue professional working opportunities during the year, over the summer, and/or post-graduation? How so?
Yes, I would say so. I wish there was a little more help from our department specifically in terms of pointing us in the right direction. But I would say, as a community of students, we have done a really good job getting work for everyone. I'm currently in a Summerstock production with the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, as well as doing a production Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead that me and my classmates are putting up on our own with a grant from BW! I would say, even if faculty cant get you work, we are out here making these opportunities happen ourselves!!
Are there any opportunities and/or resources that you feel are lacking in your program?
I would say more acting on camera and on camera work. There are a lot of people that would like to get into the camera realm (including me), and I think our on camera class could use some revamping. There are a lot of indie film opportunities. I even got to be a paid extra on an upcoming Adam Driver movie this year, but I feel this was something we had to do on our own rather than getting some guidance from faculty. However, we have recently been in talks with one of our professors who is trying to build a bridge between BW and the Cleveland Film Commission - which will hopefully yield some results.
What’s the dynamic like between students and faculty?
The Dynamic between students and faculty is good. I would say we all get along very well. The only issue has come from lack of communication, but It has gotten a lot better. I don’t think there is a teacher here that I don’t feel comfortable going up and talking to at any time!
What types of structures are in place for students to receive feedback inside and outside of the classroom? How about for students to give feedback?
The department gives us course surveys that are anonymous. We can give truthful feedback on what we liked or didn’t like and how to change it for the better.
What steps has your school taken/is your school currently taking to promote greater representation for minority communities and to ensure greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the educational environment?
BW does a really good job supporting all commuintes and all walks of life. I think this is done through the telling of diverse stories through our season selections as well as BW giving a lot of student opportunities to put on shows for all - and about all - kinds of people. We also have many student and faculty run programs specifically for people of color and LGBTQ where they can share and promote their work and stories.
What types of resources does your school encourage/make available for students in regards to mental, physical, and emotional health?
BW’s Health Center is one of the best I think I’ve ever seen. They do a really great job with mental and physical health. You can walk into the health center and make an appointment any time. I’ve also found that a lot of our teachers are really good about mental health check-ins, and it really feels like they care. .
What were you most worried about as an incoming freshman that you TOTALLY didn’t need to be worried about?
MAKING FRIENDS. It's so scary coming to a new place, and I thought I would be a total outcast. But we have such a strong sense of community and family here. I have made some lifelong friends here inside and outside of the department. You’re going to find your people dont worry :)
How did you know that this was the right place for you?
I knew from the moment I walked in here and was greeted by the upperclassmen that this place was right for me. From the get-go, I was welcomed with open arms, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place and better group of people to spend my time with!