Hello! I haven’t read all of this, but I figured I get on here and offer some insight as a Muhlenberg student. I was in your shoes not too long ago, and ended up choosing Muhlenberg over auditioned MT programs. Happy to answer other questions, if you have any. It looks like most of the concern here is regarding the number of theatre majors, which was my biggest worry as a prospective as well. Here are some thoughts on that…
1.) Yes, the “involved in” rate is high because the MTA (student theatre organization) is very accepting and open. There are lots of members of our community who want to be on the email lists who might not consider themselves actors. While I think that number reflects the collaborative spirit and respect Berg students have for the arts, it isn’t accurate in regards to the academic statistics.
2.) Regarding any stats you see about the number of “theatre majors” or “theatre and dance students”… We only have one “theatre major” - BA in theatre - which encompasses ALL the concentrations and aspects of the theatre. That includes stage management, costume & set design, directing, playwriting, performance studies, dramaturgy, acting, MT, arts admin … so while, yes, we have a large department, not everyone is interested in performing. There’s no theatre minor, but a lot of double majors who combine their love of theatre with something else. Within the major, a lot of students have multiple areas of interest, and there’s a large section of students who are solely interested in the production and creative side of theatre. This is great because it means that the quality of our productions and our student theatre is incredible. A big draw for me was that compared to some of the departments I looked at that did not have non-performance students, the quality of the productions is very high. There’s a wide breadth of offerings, so particularly if you are open-minded about the types of theatre you want to see and be involved in, you’ll get to experience theatre, music, and dance in new ways.
4.) Mainstage casting is competitive, as it is at every school. In general, it’s not a good idea to go to a school thinking that you will be cast in everything, and even as a non-audition school, Berg isn’t an exception. The key to being happy at any school is to go where you like the lifestyle, the people, and academics. At Muhlenberg, if you want to perform every semester, you absolutely can, although it might not always be in your dream role or show. Casting can be unpredictable, but that’s just part of being an actor in any environment.
5.) Something to think about: we have an insane number of talented people, but not everyone is talented in a traditional, triple-threat “MT way”: Circus performers, prima ballerinas, choir kids, stage combat experts, opera singers, stand-up comedians, future playwrights, etc. It’s not like everyone walking around campus has a dorm room covered in Playbills- although there’s definitely a group of us!
6.) In regards to how this affects the academic experience, I haven’t encountered problems. The faculty is incredibly dedicated and nurturing, and it’s nice having a CHOICE in which teachers and classes to take. Nobody will hand you a list of classes to take, so if you don’t want to take clowning or Meisner or Japanese theatre history, nobody will make you (but you can!). The class sizes are small, and if you get shut out of a class, all you usually have to do is email the teacher and they will do their best to let you in. The administration handles it all pretty well, and since everyone has a different interest, it usually works out. I actually made my own curriculum based on the classes I would have taken at an MT program, and have been able to take all those classes and more. There’s definitely an academic backbone to the classes. I know the curriculum for incoming freshman theatre students is changing to give even more studio coursework and freedom to students, so definitely check that out. If you’re the type of person who wants to be told exactly what to take and when, you might not like this, but I love it.
7.) I love my voice teacher! They place you into a studio first-semester, and though not every teacher is the same, they’ll match you with a teacher who fits your interests and needs. You can take more music classes beyond that, if interested (theory, diction, etc.). The dance department is excellent and multi-leveled, so you have access to that as a non-major/minor.
8.) I like the fact that theatre and dance students are so integrated and respected, so I can blend in and feel like a “normal college student” sometimes, without being “one of those 5 kids that sing.” That’s definitely a preference thing. Getting to nurture other academic and social interests takes away the pressure I put on myself as a theatre artist, and I really appreciate having the ability to take a break, even if that’s just an hour in a business or lit class with new faces. Again, it’s not for everyone, but it’s great for some people.
9.) There’s definitely a core group of us really interested in acting/performing as a career. We DO have a great showcase (Actor’s Connection, same place as MSU) and fantastic facilities and opportunities. Alumni seem to be doing well! If you’re a go-getter and will push yourself to make use of all the benefits, you can really grow as a performing artist here.