<p>I'm in my senior year of High School and undecided on majors (I put undeclared on all my applications). I've thought about majors in Journalism, Political Science, and Theater/Musical Theater. I like political science and journalism, but I especially like plays and musicals, and love acting in them. I, like alot of you I'm sure, have dreams about being on Broadway one day.</p>
<p>Now, when I explain to my parents my interests, they try to sway me away from the theater major. They don't outright prohibit it, but they try to change the subject and avoid talking about it.</p>
<p>Now, I don't have much experience in the theater. I did a few Jr. High productions, took a break, then did my first production (non-musical) in High School senior year (as a leading role!). I'm looking into getting a vocal coach (very expensive) for an upcoming musical.</p>
<p>So, to cut to my question: If I eventually try to act professionally, how necessary is a degree? I know of many musical superstars who don't have degrees (John Barrowman, Ted Neeley, Gary Beach, and Laura Bell Bundy to name a few), but I also know many who do. I'm probably going to end up majoring in something more academic, and minoring in theater. Can anyone advise me on what to do?</p>
<p>A degree in theatre, or in anything, is not a pre-req for a career in theatre. Training is. Do you have schools on your list that have strong BA theatre programs where non-majors and minors have an opportunity to really get involved? If you go to a college like this you will be able to take some classes, participate in productions on-stage or behind the scenes, and get a sense of whether this is something you want to pursue vocationally or as a hobby. If you decide it it a career path you can always switch your major to theatre, add a double major, take as many theatre classes as you can while pursuing your original major, consider graduate school training, etc… I know of students where I teach who have followed all of those paths to a career. It will be important for you to confirm that the school you ultimately decide to attend has significant class opportunities for non-majors (preferably to take classes with majors), and an open casting policy both in theory AND in practice.</p>
<p>First things first - I (and others) have always advised students - if you can see yourself in any other profession, then please go do that other thing. Making a life in the performing arts is always a difficult proposition. Unless you pursue it with a passion that will sustain you through multiple rejections, periods of unemployment - even after you have Broadway credits, unless your drive, talent, work ethic, and creativity can sustain you - you would be better off in another profession. Do you need a college degree in performing - not always, however…</p>
<p>Katmt gives good advice, “training” is important. </p>
<p>If you want to attempt a life in the performing arts you must know you up against long odds. Anyone with any sense would try to shift the odds in their favor as much as possible. The more and better training you can get before (and after) you jump into the job market the better. So…there are many roads to good training, there are apprenticeships, there are any number of expensive classes available in NYC and LA for piecemeal training in acting, singing, dancing. Then there are various levels of training programs, some degree granting, some not. If you go to a degree program, you can choose from conservatories, universities, BA, BM, BFA programs. Please read the volumes of information available on this site.</p>
<p>For my money the best way to alter those long odds against you is to find the best training program you can both get into and afford. To me that means attending a four-year degree granting program at a top level school with a good, current reputation and then dedicating your time there to becoming the best performer and person as possible. Some have made it with no training, some have made it with training from second level institutions - but you give yourself the best chance by getting the best training you can before entering the arena. I wish you good fortune in any case.</p>
<p>purple - please look at the lengthy discussions about “top level” schools. To save you time, you have a set of criteria that fit for your own situation - and then do the research to find scholls that would be a good fit for you. if you PM me with what you are wanting out of your pre-professional training, I would be happy to give you some suggestions as to schools (my list would likely be different then someone else’s list).</p>