I definitely would recommend the musical theatre program at Arizona State University. The main focus is music as its a BM so there are classes such as musical theatre history, music theory, and upper division music electives, but acting and dancing classes are also required and can be sought out for further training. There are alumni working in New York, off-broadway, on Broadway, and in national tours. The voice faculty is incredible, and there we have a partnership with Phoenix Theatre, an equity regional theatre, so many students earn equity points while in their time at school. We now have Ithaca’s director, Brian DeMaris, running our program and changing our program and curriculum for the better. If you are looking to apply, I would recommend you check out the school and come down for a visit!
If you are fortunate enough to be accepted into this fantastic program you will definitely get your money’s worth! Every faculty member in the Musical Theatre/Opera program has an active professional career in the field they are instructing. Mentors that can give insights into the nitty gritty of the performer’s life are truly a must for any student to be able to approach life after school with a clear understanding of what they face. I am certain that this knowledge is a huge part of the success that so many Arizona State University Music Theatre graduates are experiencing. Classes are small enough for faculty to know my name, and the individual challenges I face. It it competitive? Hell yes! It is, after all, an arts program, and a stellar one at that. However, students are encouraged to participate in all the theater experiences they can find throughout the area. The thriving arts scene in the Phoenix area coupled with the best faculty I have seen makes this degree a steal!
(P.S. I am paying out-of-state tuition and still feel this way!!) Come and learn with us!