"Mom/Dad, I want to major in Musical Theater!!" - Then What?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
41

<p>Hey, everyone.</p>

<p>I just completred UCLA's musical theatre workshop (also did local stuff and a theatrical collabroation course at Columbia University), and think I did pretty well. It just ended literally today, and I was comparing myself to the others to get a sense of where I stood. THe guy to girl ratio was about 1:6. I am really the only MT guy at my school so I wasn't sure if that's typical.</p>

<p>I also wanted to throw out, since a lot of basic pre-requisites are being discussed, the following question. For all of you who know guys who got into BFA programs or are looking into it, what was there previos experience or accomplishments like?</p>

42

<p>Hey, MusicMan:</p>

<p>Yes the numbers of men vs. women is very typical. For example, at CSUF last May, we had 5 men audition, and 3 were placed; we had about 55 women audition, and 6 were placed. The numbers of men simply don't match the glut of women - and we need to have men, or we can't do musicals; so you're in a great position when it comes to numbers in competition! [Note: CSUF auditions students into the BFA at the end of their sophomore year, so men deficient in dance - usually the area most guys usually lack in - can train and build technique and skills for two years before being evaluated. This is different from many other BFA programs, who audition for placement INTO the freshman level. Both systems have their pros and cons, and other discussion threads contain a lot of the discussion on both sides of the coin; so this caveat is not to support one or the other - it is simply to put the statements herein in context.]</p>

<p>The level of experience our male students have varies with each individual: some are gymnasts/cheerleaders who took dance in high school, and came to college with hopes of learning to sing and act. Others come from high school programs where they have been cast a lot, and have a natural gift. Still others have been very active in choir, and the music/voice lessons to support this, but have no experience acting or dancing. Then we have the actors who got cast in a musical, realized their voice has potential, and are "bitten by the musical theatre bug" for life. Such a variety of experience and talent!</p>

<p>This is not an industry that typically attracts men - in high school, lots of the guys are going for sports, social activities, and working to pay for cars, girls and/or college.</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>We have quite a few men come to the program with little experience, but great passion. They are hungry for the training in their weakest areas, and (because there are fewer of them) get a lot more experience onstage in relation to their female peers. It's a win-win situation for men in musical theatre.</p>

<p>You should also realize teenage guys have several major vocal "maturity" phases yet ahead of them, where the voice changes, grows in scope, sonority, etc. Women go through one big change after high school (usually in their late 20s), then that is basically it for our "growing gifts." So men also have more potential for long-term growth than women do at your age.</p>

<p>If you have an interest in a BFA program, you are already a leg up. You have training, experience and passion. So things look positive for your potential.</p>

<p>eve</p>

43

<p>I was wondering what everyone thought of this statement I heard during S's auditions.
"While there are more females than males who audition, when looking at level of talent they are generally equal in numbers when looking at the highly talented." The speaker went on to say that guys that go into MT are generally really very talented just because there are so many other opportunities in other areas for them and MT isn't exactly the cool activity for guys at most schools. Whereas females, some who maybe more marginally talented are more likely to pursue MT. </p>

<p>I just thought it was an interesting explaination of why so many more females audition.</p>

44

<p>In our program, that isn't the case. Often there are NUMEROUS women who are very talented, and very few men. The guys also "mature in their craft" a little later in the program, as they don't often come in with the same experience as the girls do.</p>

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<p>I was recently talking to my mother about this. I have been interested in theater since I was little but never activly persued it. Then again I never activily persued anything. I would take lessons , then declraing I was bored, quit. Nothing really took. I cam back from SDM declaring I wanted to major in MT. My parents are quite skeptical being that this is sucha a carrer out of left feild. My mom says I have the tendensy to get attached to one thing and persue it entirly till i get tire dof it. She is willing to admit I might be passionate about it but thinks my asperations are to high. After all I've never gotten a part past ensemble. That may change if I work my butt off, btu mabye it won't. Going to stagedoor I saw the level of talent that was out there and so did my parents. There reaction was basiclly"we will support you btu do you really think your going to get parts agasint the Kents of the world". I haven't done community theater or anything of that sort. Im jsut very confused. i wanna do it but Im not sure Im talented enough. I've never had to memorize lines in my life and don't know if I can do it. Also Im very bad with rejection. I will completly fall apart which si abd for this career. I've been told I have a beautiful singing voice whcih with training could be great and that is why I persued MT, because I have this talent for singing and love MT, but this thread raised alot fo questions. I know I have the passion, btu do I have the talent to compete with these uber talented children?</p>

46

<p>Dear Def,</p>

<p>First of all, I give you a lot of credit for having the courage to put these questions out to what is essentially a group of strangers whom you have never met. But more importantly, I give you even more credit for taking the time to ask these questions of yourself. And they are very good and important questions. Forgive me, but I don't remember what year in highschool you are in. If you have another year or two to explore this new found passion, things may become clearer before you really have to decide whether or not an MT major is right for you. The fact that you haven't been cast in a role other than in the ensemble is not a death knell - it might be because of lack of training as opposed to lack of talent. And as Coach C has said, passion, work ethic and potential may be the real keys here. Reading your post, I would be most concerned about your self-professed history of going strong into an activity and then flaming out. That would suggest that you really must take enough time to insure that MT is what you really, REALLY want! You're the only one who will honestly be able to know that - in your heart and in your soul. If time permits, follow up with more training and see how it feels to intensely pursue this; but make sure you give it your all - work ethic is critical. You will also have to honestly ask yourself if the issue of rejection is one you will be able to and WANT to deal with on a regular basis because it is a fact of life in this business. Again, only you can make that decision. </p>

<p>I think even you believe that your parents are not being unreasonable - they are asking many of the same questions that you are asking yourself. Given that they continue to support your various and changing interests, it sounds as though they are truly your biggest fans and really do want what's best for you. They just want you to be as sure as you can be, when the time comes to make a decision, that this is really something you want so much that you will regret it forever if you don't at least give it a shot.</p>

<p>Keep working really hard (take classes don't just do shows!!) and asking the hard questions Def. Don't mean to be evasive, but I'm guessing that you'll know when you know.</p>

47

<p>I don't know who wrote this but I got it in a forwarded email and thought this would be a good thread to share it on. </p>

<p>"WHAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO BECOME ACTORS?"</p>

<p>I've asked several people this question over the years. They fib. But here are some of the replies, followed by my own observations.</p>

<ol>
<li>"I thought it would be fun."
Fun? Let's see. Work all day, beg for time off to run out and sign up for an open call. Or instead, get up at six AM and stand in a line outside the Equity building in every kind of weather. </li>
</ol>

<p>Fun? Tech and dress night that goes on until one AM. A long subway trip home. Up at seven to be to work at eight. In the theatre at seven. Curtain at eight. Hours and hours and hours of rehearsal. There are twelve people in the opening night audience.</p>

<p>Fun? Four months of open calls nearly every day and not one callback. The air is heavy with depression, rejection, doubt, loneliness. Suddenly a small house and a family in Nebraska sound like Eden.</p>

<p>Fun? After an audition, being told by the director you are better than the "star name" they cast, but golly gee you know the business! Gotta fill those seats! Subtext: You're a nobody. "How dreary to be somebody! How public, like a frog." This is one mini example why I've pushed for actors to read poetry. Nobody sums up being a nobody better than Emily Dickinson.</p>

<p>Fun? You have the female lead in a 35 minute short film, opposite a huge name actor who won't even speak to you because you are not also a "name." ["I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?"] </p>

<p>Fun? Five years later you still have the scar on your arm from the nail some indifferent carpenter did not hammer in properly and you, rushing off stage, slashed your arm on it. Then the wardrobe mistress blasts loose language you never heard even in triple XXX rated because you got blood on the costume. Excuse me! </p>

<p>Endless examples. If you're in it for "fun," go dance on the rim of Etna or Vesuvius when they next sizzle. Now that's fun! </p>

<p>Reason # 2 "I thought I'd give it a try." </p>

<p>Don't bother. Fire eating would be easier. Try it.</p>

<p>Reason # 3. "I was in a play in high school and it is a good memory." </p>

<p>Don't ruin a perfectly lovely memory by going professional.</p>

<p>Reason # 4. "I just have to. It's like breathing. It's something I have to do." </p>

<p>Oops. Hope he's talented. His answer is impeccable.</p>

48

<p>TripleThreat - that is FABULOUS! If you don't mind, I'd love to share it with my Musical Theatre I students (all sophomores who are deciding whether or not to audition for the BFA at the end of this year).</p>

<p>DefyingGravity:
You seem to know the answer already - if you haven't had a role or training, but have talent/potential, and you "fall apart" at rejection, getting into the training and the auditioning at your current level in school may be the best thing for you. You'll learn the skills to improve. You'll find out if you can take the rejection on a regular basis (your job as a professional IS AUDITIONING; the "perks" of the job are getting cast). You'll also find out if you personally love this calling (and it is just that - like becoming a nun, policeman, social worker, or any other altruistic career) enough to pursue it diligently and relentlessly - something that is required in the professional realm. SO WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE? Get in there, set yourself a time limit during which you commit to no less than 100%, and then at the end of that time period reevaluate your position. You'll know.</p>

<p>eve</p>

49

<p>Hey, my name is Kayla, i am a 16 year girl from Barbados and an aspiring broadway musical performer. I have a project do to at school and the topic is ' Broadway (performing arts) : is it a realistic career choice for teenages (for youth)?'
I wanted to bring all the parents here, cause i wanted to find out from them, that if their child/teenager wanted to pursure a career in broadway (the performing arts)...would you agree with that career choice and help them through it? Would you be worried about that career choice and how it might not last long, the difficulties of getting into it, and would you down right not allow them to pursue that? or even if your not a parent...i would really like your point of view, that if you did have a child, or a student...would you suggest to them to do peforming arts?....or would you advise them against it?
im bascially looking for an answer agreeing and one disagreeing with the question....
cause im seeing who well my parents are handeling my love for broadway (aslong as i do my studies...thats why im looking into university of michigan mostly.....so that i can do both....ive heard that it has an EXCELLENT arts (musical theatre ) program...and there i can also do my studies <em>yay</em>)...so im wondering what other parents and feel about it....
thank you for taking time out to read this
byeee
*Kayla
ps- i have posted this already in the 'parents cafe', but i was advised that it would be better if posted here.....
thanks again
bye
Kayla</p>

50

<p>Kayla, Welcome! I had the chance to visit your lovely island on a quick trip in route to another island (Petit St. Vincent) a few years ago. It was probably the farthest I've ever been away from home! So good to have you join us.</p>

<p>My son is currently a senior and about to launch on the year of auditions, which so far seems to be a stressful year, I might add. Just getting the paperwork (with essays) done for the colleges is hard enough, but add to that the planning for trips, monologues, and songs, along with taking all your regular voice and dance training, performances, and advanced high school classes, and your plate is full!</p>

<p>I think you'll find that the parents who share on this forum have chosen to be supportive of the effort of their kids, which by the way seems to take the whole family's participation! (I really admire the kids who do it without much parental help, and I can't imagine how they pull it off.) In many cases, we've already been supporting them for many years in the pursuit of the performing arts, and they are obsessed with it. They would not want to choose any other route to go. I figure the college training could help in other areas in the future if one does not find success on Broadway. We are at least saying: try it - go for it - let's see what happens. Let's explore the dream as long as possible, and go get a "real job" if it doesn't work out. </p>

<p>I agree with you that Michigan is an excellent choice and one that is high on our list, as well. Word of caution - you need to find some other alternatives to try for as well. Michigan, like so many other programs, is very competitive. Everyone's odds of getting in are very small. Definitely try, but look for some alternatives also. </p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

51

<p>i was interested in your response regarding height. My daughter is 5'10", no weight issues whatever, striking (models occcassionally for some easy money), and plans to go into MT. We are in the process of auditioning now. What do schools usually think of tall girls? Is it a help or a hindrance. Your note on highschool casting was right on the money, and kept her out of some leads. She was a principal in 42nd st, so that helps a little, and is a very strong dancer.</p>

<p>I keep reading that one of the criteria for selection is "castability" and am wondering if height hurts.</p>

52

<p>There are tons of roles for tall girls: ...Forum, ...Mattress, Will Rogers Follies, the Producers, etc.</p>

<p>Actually, the height may make your D MORE marketable - not a ton of tall, lean girls out there to compete with. Use whatever your unique assets are, and think of them as an asset rather than a liability.</p>

<p>I haven't heard of any schools who need a full season of casting "Barbie dolls," so we are all in luck.</p>

<p>eve</p>

53

<p>Funny that you mentioned Barbie, as that is what her friends call her! She was thrilled to see the Producers with Ula's role, and in fact did a solo in the Musical Theatre category for dance to Flaunt It.</p>

<p>She knows she can't "shorten herself up" so she walks tall, and is hoping for the best!</p>

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<p>Defying Gravity - I have responded to you before and I will take another shot. First - read and reread what everyone else here has written. Then, and please be honest with yourself, ask, "Is there anything else I can imagine myself doing?" - if there is anything else - you need to go do that. MT is tough, even very talented, disciplined, and highly trained persons often fail in their attempts to forge a life in the theatre. There are so very many talented people that want to have a life in showbusiness - people who live and breathe it. Some time ago you asked about attending a program where you could avoid serious dance training. "That ain't it kid, that ain't it".</p>

<p>Now, if you have re-dedicated yourself to being the best you can be, if God blessed you with some basic tools, and if there is no other profession you can envision investing your life in - and you burn with passion for MT that will sustain you on an eight month long bus & truck tour - then GO FOR IT</p>

55

<p>mtdog-
Did you realize that the Defying post was old? From August?</p>

<p>Or am I missing something?</p>

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<p>believersmom, this likely happened because it is an old thread and there were no posts on it for almost three months and someone brought it up again to the front page of the forum, and so someone looking at the forum today would notice this thread and just post a response without really noticing that the newest posts on it were very old. Many threads on the first page of the forum tend to be newer threads with recent posts so someone might not check or notice that the posts on this page are really very old.</p>

57

<p>Yes, I figured that out.</p>

58

<p>Yes - that is probably what happened. But let me add that I am new to this type of thing. I seriously do not know how discussion boards, blogs, forums (whatever) really work. I have seen things like "lol" - i don't know what it means, I don't know what "bumped for" means.<br>
I know some about counseling, performing arts, and colleges that have MT. Sorry if I goof up now and then!</p>

59

<p>LOL [which means: Laugh Out Loud]- I can relate, AND no need to apologize-I just didn't want Defying feeling scolded. I was pretty sure that you didn't realize that the post was from a while ago.</p>

<p>There is a website actually [will try and find it and post it for you] that explains all these short hands, kids use them to text message also because it is faster to communicate. I'm old fashioned though and too many English grammar classes in my youth to get me completely comfortable with this but I try.</p>

<p>Couple other common CC ones: D=Daughter, S=Son.
Also, the gray bar above a post has the date the post was posted and the whole discussion board is in chronological order with most recently posted to threads[specific topic "discussions"]at the top; unless they have been "stickied" which means they are important enough that they are always at the top so people don't start othe threads with the same topic, ask the same questions, etc. Only the administrators can sticky something.</p>

<p>Bump is when someone makes a post to move an old thread that has maybe fallen to a back page back onto the front page because they know someone wants that information or it appears there is a duplicate discussion starting.</p>

<p>Hope this helps! :)
BTW[=By the Way] you can make a smiley face like that by putting a : in front of a )
IMHO=In my humble opinion, but mine is never humble so I don't use that LOL :)</p>

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<p>Just wanted to publicly thank Believersmom!</p>