I’ve been lurking around this site for a while, but I decided it was time I start actually posting. Basically, I’m a sophomore in high school and I’m trying to figure out the crazy world of musical theatre programs. My biggest passion is music, so I’d definitely want a program that centers around it. I’m working on my belt/mix, but for the most part, I’m a legit soprano. I’d love to have a program that focuses on classical technique and allows for some classical repertoire. I have a strong interest in dance, but very little experience. I’d prefer schools that will allow me to have the “typical college experience.” I’m not really interested in Greek life or parties, but somewhere with plenty of activity and a community feel would be nice. I don’t think I would enjoy being in a conservatory.
Anyway, here’s my (very tentative) list of possibilities so far:
Baldwin-Wallace University
Ball State University
Emerson College
Indiana University
Ithaca College
University of Michigan
Montclair State University
Muhlenberg College
NYU Steinhardt
Oklahoma City University
Otterbein University
Pace University
Pennsylvania State University
Point Park University
Roosevelt University
Syracuse University
I know it’s pretty top-heavy, and I only have 1 non-audition, so if you could help me out there, that’d be great. I’m open to any kind of degree (BFA, BM, BA), as long as the program seems like a good fit. Also, are BFA’s as time-consuming and labor-intensive as people say? Would I be able to participate in extracurriculars or performances outside of school?
If it makes a difference, I’m currently ranked number one in my class, have a 4.28 GPA, and I scored a 207 on the PSAT (taken last October).
You said you were hesitant about conservatories- and the vast majority of schools on your list are BFA conservatories. Any BFA program is going to limit ability for outside activities- although it can be done (all about time management!) If you are interested in a broader perspective, you might want to look at some BA programs too. Also- schools in major urban centers (like NYU and pace ) don’t offer a “traditional” college campus experience. What they offer is unique, and really cool (I am constantly jealous of things my kid is getting to do in NYC) but you have to know what you are looking for…
Your ability to do extracurriculars will be somewhat similar to what you are able to cram into your HS hours. BFAs ARE time consuming, but are you already good at juggling school hours, study time, music rehearsal/performances, play rehearsals/performances, music lessons, dance lessons, cheerleading, sports, part-time job, community service, academic clubs, social/family/religious life? Do you thrive in that environment? Do you get sick and anxious when you have “too much” on your plate? Are you in good health? Many intelligent, committed BFA students find time to “have it all”. What kind of community do you have at home/high school? Is your community basically the kids you hang out with at school? Or do you have friends all over the city because of all the extracurriculars you’ve been participating in for years.? The same can be true at most colleges. Some students stick with dorm mates and/or program mates. Others try to do as much as possible in a non-theater/music world because spending 7 days a week with the same people can seem claustrophobic. Outside performances might depend on what city your school is located in, but you can find a way to have as much, or as little, “outside” contact as you like. A conservatory BFA will have lots of class/rehearsal commitments, but generally not so much study time. A Liberal Arts BA may have more study time, but afford more flexibility in putting together your own course of study.
Your class rank/GPA/PSAT scores are very good in the MT/VP world and give you plenty of options. You’ve got the makings of a good list. Is there a state/local school that can be a “fall-back”? Is money an issue? With your sophomore PSAT score (depending on your state, you are very close to National Merit level) you might consider getting private coaching for your junior year PSAT. Being National Merit Finalist, or even semi-Finalist can get you a free ride, or near free ride at some schools (Alabama, Arizona State ?? and Wright State come to mind).
I agree that you may want to look at Northwestern. You could initially audition for the VP program, then audition for the MT Certificate once you are on campus. It sounds like that might be a great fit.
Okay, thank you, I’ll definitely look into Northwestern.
As for the conservatory thing, I mostly just meant that I wanted it to be part of a larger school, rather than on its own. I’m okay with the conservatory-style programs. The main thing is that I want to feel like I’m part of a community and be surrounded by opportunities and different cultures (so schools in urban areas would also be fine). I probably should have explained that a little better.
At this point, I think I am leaning towards a BFA (or a BM, which would also be a great fit for me). I was worried by all the people that say they wished they had more time to do other things. To be honest, though, musical theatre is my life anyway, so I don’t think that will be a problem. Thanks for giving me all these things to think about.
I live in Indiana, so if I get into IU or BSU I already know that I can basically go for free (I’m in a program that will already cover my tuition). Money is definitely a concern for me. I know NYU is crazy expensive, but I’ve heard they give need-based aid? I don’t want to be too specific, but I think that could be a possibility… but I don’t know if they would give enough for it to make a difference. Same for UMich, really. I’m not sure I want to go to all the trouble of auditioning if there’s no chance I could even afford attending.
Summer programs - you should go! It gives you a chance to work with faculty and see how you like them, which can really help you build your list. We are at Unifieds right now, so grateful for the summer programs my daughter attended. Not only does she know kids everywhere she goes, but many of the faculty actually remember her. How nice it has been to start an audition with a faculty member who gives you a hug and says it’s nice to see you again. I cannot recommend this enough. I know there are some great programs she didn’t attend too. We tried more for the process based ones than performance based ones. We wanted primary focus to be training and auditioning technique, not presentation of a final production. Almost all summer programs offer scholarships. Deadlines are coming up fast - try to get to a few each summer. You can actually do multiple programs in a summer (one summer my daughter did 4!). It also helps you decide if this is something you really want to do all day every day!
I’d definitely love to be able to participate in summer programs, but I haven’t researched any and don’t know where to begin. What kind of scholarships do they offer? I’m not sure I’ll be able to pay much. I was actually planning on getting a job over the summer to help save up for auditions senior year, so while I’d love to have that experience, I don’t even know if it’s a possibility for me. I mean, I just feel fortunate that I was able to start vocal lessons last year and will hopefully start ballet soon. I’m afraid to ask for much more from my parents. They’re definitely supportive, but the money’s just not there.
Look into the thread on Summer Intensives at the top of this forum. Some offer scholarships.
IU has terrific programs - both MT in the theater dept. and VP in Jacobs School of Music. If you can get in there you would find yourself with lots of flexibility and outside opportunity. The students we spoke to there seemed thrilled with the options they had. Any student in the university can audition for all productions, so there is a lot of crossover between departments. If out-of-state tuition differential were not so astronomical, S might be attending there now.
I’m glad to hear that about IU. I knew they had great programs, but I was unsure about the crossover between MT and VP, which is something that’s pretty important to me. I feel a lot better about that now. I was a bit worried that if I got accepted there, my parents wouldn’t want me to go anywhere else (which is totally understandable, and I’d probably agree). Now at least I know I have one great program where cost isn’t a concern.
Check out Tulane’s BFA in MT…they are VERY generous for kids with your GPA/scores, and you’ll definitely get the traditional college experience! Plus, Tulane is associated with a great equity theatre. And, the audition (right now anyway) is via tape, so no expenses to fly down there.
Northwestern meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student and is very generous with grant-based aid, so don’t let cost be a deterent there if you decide you like their programs.
My D loved the IU MT program - it was a front runner among her offers for a long time - but the Out of State tuition made it prohibitive - so you are fortunate to be a resident! She is attending BW and loves it - from what you describe - it seems that BW would be a good fit for you as well. Your academics will surely earn you merit money at most schools on your list. Your list didn’t look too top heavy to me - and it has the all important non-audition safety (Muhlenberg) - and with your stats admission there will be no problem. Good luck to you!! I’m sure your list will morph and change some as you get closer to applying/auditioning.
@MomCares Yeah, looks like Northwestern is a strong contender for me.
@kategrizz Yay! More good opinions on IU! I know the degree at BW is a BM, so the program is more music-based? I know I can look at class requirements, but it’s hard to guess the overall feel of the program. I’m glad to know my list is fairly balanced… that’s something that’s been stressing me out a bit. It’s probably good that I’m starting to figure all this out now. Normally I’m the worst procrastinator, but when it comes to colleges, I feel pretty anxious to get this sorted out.
As a side note, I’m also glad my academic achievement will be beneficial in all this, because most of the time I feel a pretty big disconnect between high school and a musical theatre career. I don’t think many of my teachers were too excited to find out that their top student wants to be a singer. Most people act like I’ll be wasting my “gift” (as in, intelligence) to pursue this, which is really frustrating, for obvious reasons.
Pish, posh. ANY old smart person can be a doctor or lawyer or engineer or rocket scientist. It takes courage to go into the Arts. The smarter, more courageous and creative you are, the farther you’ll go. OK, maybe some hard work, perseverance and luck are involved. But we make our own luck, right? You go, girl!
@mom4bwayboy Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. Like, I know you’re a stranger on the internet, but having people to talk to who understand how important this is to me is really encouraging. I will try to keep your words in mind in the future.
@soprano6 - We’ve got your back. I’m willing to bet 100% of our kids have had the same “advice” you’re getting. There are no guarantees that any one person will be successful in any given field. But if you don’t try and don’t give it your best effort then you already KNOW what the outcome will be.
I have two quotes I use for myself almost every day. I paraphrase.
Joseph Campbell: “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where before there were only walls”.
Henry Ford (although I suspect it may have come from someone else): “Whether you think “you can” or “you can’t” - either way you’re right”.
Work hard at what you feel you are meant to do. Not what someone else thinks would be “safe”.
One more thing about IU. When S first started researching MT programs, we assumed that IU must only have a “regional” draw because most of the student bios on their website listed Indiana hometowns. I no longer believe that. As kategrizz and I can attest, the out of state mark-up is truly prohibitive compared to other schools - even private ones. And the “substantial” merit money offered to out of state students by the university does not even cover the cost of that differential, let alone . If you can get into that school, and have your costs nearly covered, you would get terrific training AND a true Liberal Arts education (something to appease your parents and counselors), and be well ahead of many American MT students financially. End of lecture from this parent.
@Soprano6 - My D was one of the top in her HS class - Smart Actors are GOOD Actors… and the merit aid is very helpful.
Yes - the BW degree is a BM - which means more music theory and piano than the average BFA - it also means participation in a choir ensemble. It’s a Conservatory within a Liberal Arts college - and so far my D has just had one general ed class a semester - but the music theory is pretty academic. She had not played piano before - but thankfully has discovered that it comes fairly easily for her. She is very happy there.
@kategrizz I agree with your previous statement wholeheartedly! Smart Actors are Good Actors…My S is receiving lots of merit aid offers and has been invited to several scholarship interviews! He is looking forward to audition at IU this month. Looks like they have a great program. Chin up @soprano6 your SMART to get started on your search now!