Do I apply as MT or Acting?

Hey All!
I’m in a bit if a tough spot right now, and I could use some advice. So, for the past couple of months, I’ve been preparing to submit prescreens and audition as an acting majors to several universities. However, I think I’d be lying to myself if I said that Musical Theatre did not interest me. I just never thought I was good enough, but recently I sang to my college audition coach and she said I have what it takes to do MT if I apply myself.
This has left me really really confused and conflicted about what I want to pursue. I’m a male with 4 years of private vocal coaching and 5 private acting training, but 0 years of dance experience. I want a program that has extremely strong acting training, but I also want to be able to work on my voice and receive dance training. I guess at the end of the day my question is — what do I do? MT or Acting? Is it too late to start MT preparation? Such a confusing time.

Oh, by the way, here is my current school list for those interested lol

UNCSA
Depaul
CalArts
SUNY Purchase
Guthrie
CCM
Michigan
Syracuse
Point Park
Hartt
Baldwin Wallace
Carnegie Mellon
Pace
CCPA Roosevelt
UArts
Coastal Carolina

@jacobhendrickson

There are some schools that will allow you to audition for both MT and Acting as long as you specify that you would like to be considered for both. And no, I don’t think it is too late to apply to and send in a prescreen and/or set up an audition date for MT.

But having said that, I would think you need to get moving on it. Audition dates are filling up for some schools. Talk to your coach about which songs and what cuts to use for prescreens and auditions. I’ve told my D that if she doesn’t at least throw her hat in the ring that the answer will always be no and that she would always wonder what if.

BAL! And best wishes!!

Most of the schools that offer both will allow you to apply to both, so why not? Have your college audition coach work with you on selecting songs and getting those pre-screens in, and then see where you get in and make the decision then.

Also, UArts on your list allows acting majors to do an MT minor, so that’s another option.

P.S. Your list is very top-heavy (mostly EXTREMELY selective schools with single-digit acceptance rates), so you may want to add a few easier admits and/or non-audition safety schools.

Thanks for the responses guys! I guess my biggest concern when auditioning for MT is my lack of dance training and I’m not sure if my voice is strong enough. But eh, might as well give it a shot!

@actorparent1 I was trying to aim for a list that had about 10 tier 1 schools and 5 tier 2’s, but if you have any suggestions for any other tier 2’s I could add, maybe I’ll look at those! I’m currently at a college right now in a BFA acting program (montclair) but I’m looking to transfer (not the right fit) so I don’t think i’m going to add any non audition schools.

@jacobhendrickson , oh! I didn’t realize that you were already in a BFA program! That totally changes things! If you don’t get into any other schools, it’s no big deal because you’re already in a program. So you’re right, no safety school needed!

Syracuse has a new program that is called Actor/Singer that is specifically designed for kids who don’t have a lot of dance training.

Look at Wright State University - you can audition for both MT and Acting and there is a lot of crossover between the 2. It’s a great tier-2 school - selective, but not extremely so. Their MT dance classes are leveled so you can be a novice, or take dance major classes, depending on your skill level. Actors can take voice and dance classes, and everyone auditions for musicals and plays every semester.

Well, whether it’s no big deal if he gets into another program or not depends on how much of an option it would be to stay where he is. He did say he is looking to transfer. If Montclair is really a no-go, you really do need some safety schools. If you’re find with Montclair as the back-up, you’re all set.