I Didn't Get Into any musical theater programs. Now what? What does one do?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>If my daughter was rejected from every MT program she applied to, I think I would seriously re-consider if that was a path she should take. Yes, I am sure that there are many, many truly talented students who get rejected. And for those students, perserverance, more training and more try-outs are definitley in order.</p>

<p>However, as someone who has had two daughters involved in MT, it surprises me how many parents continue to encourage children who are truly NOT talented. I'm talking about the kid who may love theater, but NEVER gets any parts other than ensemble in shows that do not cut. The kid who is always in the shadows or the back row. The child who really can barely sing, act or dance. The kid who everyone else knows is not talented (and talk about it behind their backs), but are afraid to say it to their faces.</p>

<p>I think at some point someone who cares about these students should honestly assess their ability. I think you are doing the child a disservice by not allowing them to see the truth. If they truly love theatre, these children could get involved in theatre in a capacity that does not rely on talent they do not have. They should be encouraged and directed into new paths that can bring them success.</p>

<p>Many children are drawn to theatre for the sense of community and belonging it gives to them in high school. And that is truly a beneficial thing. But at some point, when students are beginning to assess their life and the direction they might want to go in, a reality check is in order!</p>

<p>So maybe those rejections are telling them something that is true and honest. Even among the talented, musical theatre is a tough field. The untalented do not stand a chance.</p>

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<p>This is my third year auditioning for MT programs with no success as of yet. </p>

<p>Until you've been through it, you can't say what you'd do. I thought I would give up, too, and think my talents weren't worth anything, but both years I've bounced back and been more prepared for the next round.</p>

<p>I hope that no student has to go through what I have in the past 2 years; it's more difficult than I can describe. But some will. And, honestly, I see it as a bit of a blessing in disguise. Once I leave college, whether I get into a MT program or not, I already have quite a bit of experience with auditions, rejections, and bouncing back. For some (though not all), they will have experienced very few rejections through their college experience and may take it harder or more personally than someone like myself who has already had high hopes and had them not come to fruition on the first try.</p>

<p>I am not relying on nonexistent talents, I am relying on the one talent that has grown more than any other in this process -- the talent to persevere, bounce back, and dedicate myself to the pursuit of a career in theatre.</p>

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<p>Oh wow Sporti, you are truly and inspiration to me.</p>

<p>I could NEVER do that!!</p>

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<p>I'm sure you could. It's just a matter of wanting it bad enough and not letting the man get you down :-)</p>

<p>Let's hope you don't have to.....head up and onto the next audition, okay?</p>

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<p>I really admire you Sporti and always have! I wish you all the luck in the world this year! I am auditioning for 2 or 3 BFAS, 2 BAs by audition and a BM in Vocal Performance so I am just trying to get ready and if it works out great, if it doesn't I will go to a BA program and try to reaudition next year.</p>

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<p>Hey, I just want to add another little encouraging thought here. Last year I auditioned for 2 BA MT and 6 BFA MT programs and was rejected from all of them, but I ended up at UBuffalo where the BA theatre was an option...and I'm currently waiting to hear if I got into MT the second time around because I re-auditioned 2 weeks ago. Anyway, I was really depressed after all those rejections last year, and I thought, like uskoolfish was saying, that maybe this was a sign that I didn't have what it took in this field and I was worried that not being at a top school would hurt me for jobs after graduation. However, a few weeks ago I auditioned for a local professional summer stock theatre, and there were people there who were freshman MT's at a well-respected BFA MT program on the "big list" here that I was rejected from...and I got a dance call back and one of them didn't (you sing first, then if they like you they call you back to dance). Sadly, I was almost more excitd about that than actually getting the callback lol. I'm not trying to brag... I'm just saying that that is truly an example of it not mattering what path you take to reach your dreams, and I really realized that after. As long as you keep pursuing this in any way you can, you can still be competitive with people at these 'top' schools and it's not that big of a deal anymore. A BA isn't that bad of an option if you get 'stuck' with it...lol :P All you can do is do the best you can with what you end up with, and remember that everything happens for a reason. You can still be a happy, MT-loving kid! :) Best of luck!</p>

<p>PS- Sporti, I really admire what you're doing...and here's hoping that this year brings an MT program for both of us! :)</p>

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<p>That's a great example, cindy, of how much this profession is really a luck of the draw. A lot of it has to do with talent, true, but also with personalities and looks. Just look at the message boards on Broadwayworld.com, people who VERY strong opinions on very famous performers. Some praise, some not, but it's a very subjective opinion about who is "good" or "talented" in this field. Just because you're in a top school doesn't necessarily mean that you have a fast track and are set for life.</p>

<p>Getting into a top school has to depend on a lot of factors, the audition (obviously), prior training, the "company" of students that the school is making for that year, etc. After I got my first rejection this year, I told my voice teacher and she said to me that perhaps my voice wasn't at the level that they wanted at this point and time. People develop at different levels, I never had the luxury of going to an arts high school and my parents couldn't afford to take me to dance classes since I was four, as much as they wanted to and I wanted to. I didn't have a real acting class until college and I also didn't take true voice lessons until then either. So as far as "development" goes, I'm far behind many people that are younger than me. </p>

<p>At AADA this past summer, I took a musical theater audition technique course and our teacher (who's an actor/singer in both MT and opera) told us about the ins and outs of the business. People were asking about Equity cards and whatnot and his opinion was try to do non-union stuff as long as you can to build up a resume, then once you're in your very late 20s, early 30s then think about getting the card. The reason is that many young actors straight out of college have their cards and they're competing with other kids their own age. While they could be using that time in non-union work to get experience. It's like from the song "Climbing Uphill" from The Last Five Years: </p>

<p>"I'm standing in line with 200 girls who are younger and thinner than me, who have already been to the gym"</p>

<p>I'm transfering, so where ever I end up, I'm probably not gonna graduate until I'm about 25. If I don't get in a BFA program, then I'm going to try to get a masters in voice, acting or MT. I feel I have a lot of time to develop and I'm not gonna rush. Besides being more of a character actor type, I'll probably have to wait until I am older to get work anyway.</p>

<p>Basically what I'm saying is just because you're not at a level that it seems everyone else is at, doesn't mean anything. Take your time, get proper good training and keep working towards that goal. You may never get on Broadway, a fact for many, many actors even in the BFA programs. But that doesn't mean you can't make a career/living from doing regional, tours, and off-Broadway work.</p>

<p>Hope someone got something out of that crazy post! haha</p>

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<p>BreakIntoSong said:</p>

<p>I'm transfering, so where ever I end up, I'm probably not gonna graduate until I'm about 25</p>

<p>Amen, sister!</p>

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<p>also, Cindy's story is really very encouraging, thanks for sharing. everyone needs those little boosts of confidence now and then!!</p>

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<p>VTBroadwayBaby:</p>

<p>Haha! It's so strange feeling like the oldest kid everywhere I go. That happened in the audition technique class I mentioned. Luckily I look like I'm about 16 or 17...so everyone just assumed that, until I told them, then they were quite shocked!</p>

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<p>Sporti2005 you are truely encouraging, I wish you the best of luck. My daughter has had not much luck lately, but I know she is determined and has been rejected and bounces right back. If she does not get into a big name musical theatre program, I know that she will still work it out and be in a BA program, she is strong willed and that is what I believe it takes in this business. Don't ever give up your dream.</p>

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<p>well, i could probably pass for 17 myself...but man, 20 is YOUNG!!!
when's your birthday?
and what's your next audition? i have hartt on saturday and im so psyched for this one!</p>

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<p>sporti really is encouraging. you've given a lot to this board!</p>

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<p>Sporti, I too am doing this for the third year in a row. I had no clue what I was doing the first year, and only applied to one school because I knew I'd get in academically and thought it was the perfect school for me no matter what. I was so incredibly wrong, and left after one semester as a Theatre BA. So when I was doing the audition thing again last year, at least I wasn't trying to juggle school at the same time. Now I'm at a state school with a decent theater program, but it's still not what I want. The other students are great, and if I did have to stay there for a couple more years it won't be that bad, but I want to focus on MT and I just can't do that where I am now. I have never been more stressed out or pressed for time than I am right now, trying to juggle my course load and auditions. But when I look back on my auditions of the past two years and where I am now, I'm not surprised I didn't get in. The amount you can grow in between makes such a difference. At UCF in 2005, and at BoCo last year, I was shown no real interest (and believe me, it was warranted haha), but at the two auditions I've done so far this year, I've had some great conversations with the auditioners about it all, and even if I don't get in I'll know that I was close.</p>

<p>Yesterday at my CMU audition, the woman who did the acting auditions and the interviews following, said that if you don't end up in a MT program, you can't let it be the end. You just have to keep trying. You might not end up a star, but if you really want it, you'll find your place in the theater.</p>

<p>I think that the past two years' rejections taught me more than I could have ever imagined. If you're gonna get into theater, you have to be prepared for rejection and you can't dwell on it. I go into each audition now thinking of it as a performance, and that after it's over there'll be many many more performances to follow. Sure it can decide the course of a few years of your life, but so can anything else you'll experience. As long as you're honest with yourself and your auditioners and know you did your best, you've been successful, regardless of what all those letters say.</p>

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<p>caroleElla -- i feel like i wrote that last paragraph myself!!</p>

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<p>Okay I don't know how relevant this may be, but I feel like it is an interesting thing to add. Fred Astaire, as you probably know, is one of the best tap dancers ever. I am reading his autobiography and reading about his early days performing is so interesting to me. He used to perform with his sister Adele and while, together, they were quite successful, most of the reviews said that he was the weak link, or even that he was untalented and detrimental to Adele's performances. I had never even heard of Adele Astaire until I read this book, but of course I had seen Fred Astaire in many things and really admire his talent. What I am trying to say is that here is an example of someone who was told at a young age that he was not as talented as someone else but kept performing and kept trying and became a huge success. I think part of it is perserverance and part of it is the experience that comes with age.</p>

<p>I have not yet recieved any acceptances OR rejections regarding my auditions, but I really admire those of you who keep trying so hard to reach your goal. Although I would be devestated to be rejected from all my programs, I think that I would not be able to stop after this first try. That is why we are doing all of this in the first place. Our love for musical theatre is not rational, or no one would ever put themselves through the heartbreak and hard work that it takes to be a performer. We do it because of our passion and that what makes us try again and again, no matter how hard it is. So I really admire those of you who are sticking with that passion, to me, that is a mark of a true performer.</p>

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<p>ive received 11 rejections out of 12 apps. i know about rejection. i don't know what im going to do. im considering auditioning again next year, cause i want to do musical theater, its what i love.</p>

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<p>Anyone know anything about Columbia College in Cicago? They have rolling admissions.</p>

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<p>columbia...i know quite a lot of people who go there. they are all into theatre. i think i've heard good stuff about it. not so sure about the program...</p>

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<p>I've posted about Columbia before. In my opinion it's better to take a year off, get more training and reaudition. Don't spend the money going there, not worth it.</p>