Hi! My daughter has been accepted to OU and she likes the school for many reasons. She is NOT going to major in theater or the arts, but since she does enjoy participating in musical theater in high school, we are wondering if there are -opportunities for non-majors to be cast in some not-too-serious productions? Any help is appreciated!
We would also be interested in choral music ensembles or a cappella groups for non-majors. Anyone familiar with these at OU?
@SpaceCoastMom, there are definitely opportunities for non-majors in the School of Music. I don’t have personal familiarity with the vocal groups, but my non-music-major D participated in Symphony Band, for example, which is an audition group, and next semester plans to do the Concert Band which is non-audition. Per their website: “The School of Music offers many opportunities to all University students, regardless of major, for participation in performing ensembles”, and it then lists a variety of instrumental and vocal groups which are available.
@2kidsinky, I saw something similar on the School of Drama’s website, “The season auditions are open to all students in the University” but didn’t see anything definitive on the School of Musical Theatre’s website. Maybe it’s there but I just took a quick look. (Drama and MT are two separate schools within the College of Fine Arts). Certainly no harm in calling them to ask the question, though. I notice there’s also a student organization for those interested in theatre, which appears to be pretty active.
@tikimom Do you know whether the non-music majors have access to lessons as well as ensembles?
I don’t know about lessons, sorry! At one point she thought about checking that out but didn’t (and probably wouldn’t have had time last semester anyway). At the very least I bet there are grad students who would give private lessons.
^That’s what I’m hoping. DS wouldn’t mind taking from a grad student. At any rate, we have requested to meet with the French Horn prof and a marching band director on our visit in February.
Thanks, @tikimom for your response. I am happy to know she could possibly audition for theater! I will definitely call about musical theater.
I too am interested in this topic for my rising senior. I will say that my oldest is actually an MT major at another university. There is a big difference between a school saying “open to all students” but rarely casting anyone outside the department - and a school that has a robust group of theatre activities for non majors. I know uMich does much of the latter - but that’s a whole different tuition ballgame:)
Hey @LuvMTs, I remember seeing your name on the MT forum. My other D is a MT major elsewhere too (she’s a senior this year.) Small cyber-world!
@tikimom I hope your D is happy as can and break a leg getting ready for all that comes with graduation!