<p>I have been reading that a number of MT audtitioners are offered an acting slot, but that actors are never offered an MT slot. This seems to suggest that it is better to audition as an MT person, instead of as an actor.</p>
<p>My daughter's strongest skills are definitely as an actress. She can also sing very nicely, and interpret songs beautifully. But, she is not a belter, and has an alto voice. She is trying to pursue a BFA in acting. She would love to go to CMU, if possible (long shot!) and would love to maximize her chances. </p>
<p>So, what to do? Is it better to audition as an MT or "both" as they say, even though she is not going to be the best one there in MT. Or, is it better to go for straight acting, which is her strength, even though there are more limited slots for this. I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. </p>
<p>You don’t need to be a belter and I would say do both it maximizes you options. </p>
<p>My D and I went 100 rounds on this one. You are correct that every year a few MT hopefuls are offered spots in acting (D has a friend there who is junior at CMU where this was the case), however I have never heard of an actor being offered an MT spot. BUT if you are going for a long shot school (which CMU is no matter who you are- I know of a kid who has been on byway who auditioned this year and didn’t even make wait list) then you want to show yourself in the very best light. I assure you, the singers at those auditions are KILLER. My D sings very well, but acting is her strength. When we discussed- I said go for Acting… show them only your best skill, they’ll figure out you sing later. She wanted to do MT b/c she felt it “doubled her odds” (though the odds were so miniscule that doubling them wasn’t really creating a big difference…) In the end, it was her audition season, and her choice, so she did the MT audition. She was not accepted (she was waitlisted, though not “priority” wait listed) and I confess I have wondered if we played it the right way… although what I should really warn you about is second guessing this entire process (which is really easy to do - at least it was for me!) that way lies madness!</p>