<p>I am a current college freshman. I am currently a theatre major at UAB (BA). I love all types of performing, however my true passion is Musical Theatre. Sadly, in life, I was not blessed with a good singing voice, capable of the musical theatre level. However over the past year I have improved tremendously. I want to obtain a BFA in musical theatre very badly, however, I know I don't have the voice right now to get into a musical theatre program. Is it possible for me, to get my basic theatre training (BA), while all the time improving my vocal skills, and then after obtaining my BA in theatre, go and get my degree in musical theatre? This is my passion in life, and no other thing excites me. This is what I want for my life more than anything, it just really saddens me that I can't live out my true dreams and passions, because I am not talented enough. If you can help with any of this, that would be amazing! Thanks for your time!</p>
<p>Your post laudably reflects a candid assessment of where you are now with a willingness to work towards your goal. The singing voice is an instrument like any other and its potentials are limited by the physical structures of the vocal apparatus and the physiology of of how they operate just like the design, materials, shapes, curves and methods of construction influence the potentials of an orchestral instrument. How you produce the notes, the music, within the framework of the instrument’s potentials comes from the years of training and practice. A lesser instrument played fully to its potential can none the less be musical and appealing.</p>
<p>So continue with what you are doing, including developing your skills as an actor and obtaining vocal training from qualified voice teachers. Audition for school or community shows to get experience. Keep in mind that musical theater is more than just the voice, it is also the ability to act the song. See where you are at the end of 4 years. At that point, you can re-evaluate directions that make sense for you. There is no one path to becoming a MT performer. Some get accepted to a BFA program. Some go the BA route. Others seek out intensive studio training programs or a degree program followed by studio work. Just stick with the game plan you have now with what ever modifications you may need to make sure you are getting the important acting training and vocal work. There’s never any guarantee of success, but at the end you will have a valuable college degree and have worked hard to develop your potential, what ever that may be.</p>
<p>There is no reason that you can’t follow your dream of MT with a degree in theater. If you look around, you will find that there are many successful actors in MT who did not receive a degree in MT; some that did not even take the college route. I’m not sure that there would be any benefit to you to pursue a BFA in MT after completing your theater BA. Keep doing what you are doing: work on developing your voice, also making sure to develop your dance skills if at all possible. With your current BA, is there a possibility of taking dance and voice classes as electives? Also audition for any MT productions as you can. Many schools allow non-MT majors to audition for musicals. If yours allows that, go for it. Develop your acting skills thru your program, and get as much as you can out of any supporting classes. Once you graduate, directors of MT productions aren’t going to care if you have your degree in theater rather than MT;they will care about your audition. MnK ^ is right;MT is so much about not only the voice, but acting the song. Develop that skill as you move thru your theater program, and then look at options once you are ready to graduate. Good luck!</p>
<p>MichaelNKat - what a wonderful explanation - thank you for that!</p>