Dance/Vocal/Acting at a CC?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

Hi, i’m a senior going to a CC for a year after high school. I’ve always been interested in musical theatre and took classes/was in shows during high school. I’m not majoring in it, though. I was wondering how hard it is to take dance/theatre/vocal courses at the CC alongside my academic courses, or if I would be better off doing it privately. The overall price would be cheaper at the CC and I feel as if the environment would be more focused and serious, but i’m worried about them taking away from my academic classes since it’s not my major.

For instance i’m having a hard time finding a serious dance course for people my age. I have about 4 years of dance experience, and the only classes I can find are either too easy or too hard- last year I took both a leaps and turns course and a contemporary course. The leaps and turns course was centered around students who are on competitive dance teams, so I feel like I didn’t learn much since I was just trying to keep up with everyone else. The contemporary class on the other hand was more based around having fun so I didnt get many corrections and never really improved on any of my skills.

My major is Marine Biology so I will be taking a lot of science courses. I also work part time(3 days a week).

Does anyone have any experience with taking these kinds of electives alongside academics? Thank you!

2

My daughter has been taking performing arts classes at our local CC all throughout her past four years of high school. It has been amazing for her. She has been blessed with some wonderful singing, acting and dancing professors. She has taken these classes alongside her regular high school classes as well as performing in shows at the college so what you are proposing is very doable. Just pace yourself and maybe just take one or two classes a semester. There generally isn’t a lot of homework but the hours of class and practice can be longer so time management is important. Best of luck!

3

I’m taking classes outside of my CC. I live in a small town, our big town is about an hour away so I can really only get training there. My CC nearby focuses on medical so there’s no theatre, and my college only provides a theatre minor. Your situation is different thought, but I’d take the opportunity at hand and go for the CC classes. You can always choose to join outside classes later. I do recommend though, looking specifically for adult dance classes in your area. I’ve been shoved in a class of 30 company ballet girls with 13 years of expierence. Needless to say, I didn’t stay at that studio long. Good luck!