<p>Okay, I've been hedging around this central question since I joined CC and started posting on the MT forum a few months ago. I really like musical theater. I could see myself having a career in it. I'm going to be a college sophomore in a non-MT degree and I have every intention of finishing my degree and then pursuing a MT degree or certificate - if I have to, I'd even spend another several years getting a non-audition BA degree. But here's the thing. I want people who know the business to be real with me. Do I have a chance of having some sort of career in MT? I'm talking summerstock and local/regional theater. It doesn't necessarily have to be Broadway or national tours, though doesn't everyone who loves MT dream of those stages? The concern I have is that if I ever try for a master's degree or CAP21, I'll be up against kids who have been dancing since they were 5, doing shows since they were 8, and taking voice lessons since they were 12. </p>
<p>Obviously you've never heard me sing or seen me dance. But my experience is limited:
- I've never had professional private voice lessons. I took a voice class all last year in which I received quality group legit training and a few 15-minute private lessons.
- I think I have a natural ability at belting, though I'd need a voice teacher who knows MT to refine it.
- I've been in choir for almost all of the time I've been in school.
- My dance experience is very limited: I took one month of jazz so far, and that's about it. I'm not a naturally good dancer either. I can learn combinations but it takes me a while.
- I've been in about 2 shows ever, since MT is a newly-discovered love of mine.</p>
<p>So, if I work at it, take voice lessons, take ballet, do community theater shows during the summer...could I realistically have some sort of MT career? My parents won't be willing to dump a lot of cash into training unless they thought I could hold my own against the Broadway babies.</p>
<p>There is no guarantee in this field. No one can tell you whether or not you will be successful or not. I think you posted a similar question in an earlier post?</p>
<p>I think an earlier post was more along the lines of “can I have a career in MT and something else at the same time,” but if so, I can’t remember everything I post especially while I was in college…last year was so busy. I didn’t ever think there could be a guarantee in MT, but what I was asking was is it possible to get far enough to “catch up” with people who have been training longer than me? Is it worth trying to pursue it?</p>
<p>If you really love it and if you have some talent. It will be hard if you are starting from scratch in all 3 areas. Get some feedback from some friends that have seen you perform? Not sure what else to tell ya. It’s a tough road ahead but worth it if you can succeed.</p>
<p>It depends. All the late blooming success stories I’ve heard about were all about men.</p>
<p>Take some voice lessons and ask for an honest assesment. I remember asking my voice (minor) teacher 100 years ago about someday auditioning for a famous Gilbert and Sullivan company, and she sternly looked at me and said “no way!” However I kept with the voice lessons for a bit and although I’ve never sung professionally, I have had a blast with community theatre over the years.</p>
<p>If you have a good job during the day and you can have a wonderful time with community theatre at night; that’s not a bad life, in my book.</p>
<p>classicalbk, great point. I think I often get too hung up on needing to be a big success with everything I get into. I don’t need to have my name known as a famous performer to enjoy doing musicals.</p>
<p>caramello12, I’ve known people (even super-talented) who decided not to pursue professional careers in the arts because trying to scratch out a living “took the fun out of it.” Trying to make a living as a performer is not for the faint-of-heart. I’ve heard that “if you can see yourself doing ANTHING else, do it!” I’m not trying to dissuade you if you have a passion, resources, and natural talent. And if you don’t try, it won’t happen. But even the super-talented who have been training since childhood have no guarantees and need Plan B’s!</p>
<p>Very true, Calliene…this is what happened to me and the saxophone. Thought I loved it, was a music major for a year, hated it. So maybe I’ll leave it as a hobby for a while and see where it goes, see if I can pick up some dance and voice lessons, if I still feel like it needs to be a career, then go for more.</p>
However I kept with the voice lessons for a bit and although I’ve never sung professionally, I have had a blast with community theatre over the years.</p>