Advice for a Possible Musical Theatre Transfer?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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Hello! I’m an upcoming college freshman who currently is a Music Education major (voice as my primary instrument) at a local public university (the music school gave me a good amount money, and I loved the head of the music department). However, I am realizing a little too late that I should have pursued Musical Theatre, as it’s been my ultimate love since eighth grade, but I talked myself out of it due to a lack of experience compared to other applicants (my high school’s drama department was severely lacking and put on one show a year and wasn’t taken seriously by even the director), as well as the fact that I’ve never taken a dance class. The way I see it now, I have a few options, but am not sure of which is the best for me to pursue.

My school has a BA in Musical Theatre, but it’s not very prestigious (and I lose my scholarship if I change majors, so without the scholarship and the head of the music department, I’m not sure how much I love the school). Still, even without the scholarship, the school is inexpensive enough where my parents would feel comfortable covering the tuition, thankfully.

I could also transfer into a school with a BFA in Musical Theatre. However, debt is a concern of mine, as I know how difficult a career in musical theatre is, and not to mention the fact that it’s not exactly lucrative. I am aware that I’d probably have to restart as a Freshman, which I wouldn’t mind except for the fact that it’s more tuition to pay, and even more debt if my parents do not decide to help out. A school that is quite competitive but would not be as expensive that I’m already looking into is Montclair (I almost chose the school, and now I’m wishing I did).

Another option I’ve come across is to possibly switch to Vocal Performance and then get my Masters in Musical Theatre, or even get my masters after a BA in Musical Theatre, but I’m not sure if it’d be smarter and less expensive in the long run to just get a BFA.

I apologize that this got sort of long, and for any grammar mistakes, but I’ve been lurking on College Confidential for a while before I finally made this account, so I figured it was the perfect place to get some advice and wisdom! Thanks in advance!

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Will you be able to audition for plays and musicals at your school? Will you be able to take dance as an elective; or is the school in a community with opportunities to take drop-in dance classes? Regardless, I would (and I know that you will) start the program that you’ve committed to, and give it a chance. Many kids transfer; many kids switch majors. And many kids pursue MT without a BFA. Good luck!!

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Hi, @saulst! My daughter just graduated from Montclair. They do take transfers and you CAN get in without dance since they level dance classes (a girl I know who just graduated came in with no dance but had a KILLER voice and acting skills) but DEFINITELY being able to dance some helps, so agree that taking some classes at least to get the basics so you can pass as a “mover” would help. And I agree with the avoid-debt-if-at-all-possible part. And I don’t think your resume counts as much as how you do in the audition. Having said all that, people come into this field from all walks and you don’t need a BFA in MT to succeed if you have the drive and talent. You could stay at your school with the head of the music department that you love where you will be getting good vocal training, and use the money you’ll save with your scholarship and by not transferring to take dance classes and get some solid acting training in summer programs while participating in any community theater or productions (including student-lead) at your school. Also having an education degree can be really valuable in the survival world. Do you play an instrument, too? Accompanists are always in demand. The fact that you’re even here means you are driven and are doing your homework and that shows great maturity at your age. Good luck!