@Sonnie323 - That’s an interesting list, some great schools but a pretty “mixed bag” in terms of program/school focus and competitiveness for admissions. Can you give us some idea what criteria you used for searching and if your son is interested in a BA or BFA program? Edit: It looks like you’ve already got a new thread going so maybe just answer there! 
@Sonnie323 , my son goes to Elon (NOT a MT major) and loves it but Elon did come up when my older D was searching for Theater Programs. It doesn’t make top 5-10 lists but is a well regarded program that does make top 20-30, the school itself in general is also up and coming and starting to become a little more well known. I see lots of posts about recent ELon alumni in BWay shows. I’m pretty sure its a BFA and would be quite competitive for admissions, but not as much as a top 10 just because it’s a bit lesser known.
@CaMom13, he has not decided on BA or BFA as of yet, he is thinking the best way to go is BFA but thought maybe visiting some schools and talking to folks may help him figure that part out. As far as the rest, we are looking at schools right now that have different styles but maybe similar feel. He would like them to have a cross country team if possible, he may not be able to be a part of the team, but would love to be able to have the course available to run on, that’s how he gets focused and lets out some stress when needed. He has looked at a few in or near the NYC but figured they are highly competitive and while on his list, he will send in audition tapes and see what happens and cross his fingers. He is a bit on the practical side and while he enjoys taking the risk, he prefers to have a plan and a backup just in case. Please don’t let that seem as if he’s not all in, he just likes to know that everything will work out.
Elon has a really nice program.
BFA vs BA. Look carefully and make sure it’s what you want. Some schools there is not a huge distinction.
So that means if your taking a BA, they might pile on theater stuff, plus your classes and not a lot of time to study. This all depends on how many shows a semester they do and what your role is. Most schools you still have to be there to run lines etc and not in the library studying.
Flip side. Most BFA there is very few academic classes and your Musical Theater 24/7.
Also don’t be lulled in that some school here or there has someone on Broadway… It’s the dream but very rare it’s gonna be your kid… Sorry for a dose of reality. I like having a back up plan even if it’s a minor. Students in theater schools change their minds all the time. We know many kids that stopped after one semester or year. The reality is that it’s very hard to be good. Nice thing is theater kids are marketable in many ways. Good Luck.
Very true ^^^ BWay casting speaks to the quality of the program but overall will be a very, very small percentage of graduates.
Backstage online has a BFA vs BA quiz, my D found it helpful. I can’t imagine that any BFA MT student would be able to participate in a school sport.
It can be hard to have a safety/backup plan when it comes to BFA programs because they are so competitive and the classes so small. Some use BA programs or non audition programs to round out their list, and/or rolling or EA (many MT HAVE to be EA apps to make time for audition scheduling).
There are lots of ways to be “successful” after a BFA or a BA in musical theatre … national tours, regional theaters, TV/film, cruise ships, theme parks, etc. Many of these are union-negotiated contracts with great pay and benefits, and we know lots of terrific performers who string together fulfilling, stimulating, financially secure careers without ever booking a Broadway show.
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@Dance3Looks3 my son is thinking that when he gets done he would like to do a cruise ship show and was thinking the theme parks may be a great launching point for summers. While his true goal is Broadway, he knows and expects that he will have to pay his dues other ways.
SUNY Fredonia, University of Buffalo and SUNY Cortland all have BFA’s in MT and strong cross country teams. Fredonia and Buffalo have been BFA’s for years and Cortland just switched from a BA to a BFA.These three schools are all NY state schools with completely different vibes and a much smaller audition pool.
@dramamama3 Thank you so much for the suggestions. SUNY Fredonia is on our list, we will add the other two. I have family in upstate NY so it won’t be too far for him. He wants to be within an 8 hour drive of home for school, which is part of our selection process.
@Sonnie323 LIU has a cross country team and is an up and coming program , their campus has amazing equestrian trails so I imagine cross country does as well. My non MY kids rides
Add Otterbein to your list! Great MT program and a cc team
@Sonnie323 If you’re looking at upstate schools, consider another SUNY school too: Geneseo. I think it’s a gem of a school offering MT, CC, and beautiful places to run. Not taking anything away from SUNY Fredonia, University of Buffalo and SUNY Cortland, but there are some really incredible there and Geneseo is a charming little town.
I have heard of Western Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Shenandoah, Kent State for MT.
IUP has a BA in theatre, musical theatre track.
I don’t know about the others but Western Michigan’s program is impressive.
If you’re in NC, I would say look at UNC-Greensboro, Eastern Carolina, and Western Carolina.
I’m surprised to hear anyone say that Montclair would not be considered a top 10 MT school. I would say it is. It is very competitive to get into the BFA MT program and their dance call is one of the most challenging. I think the price tag is the bonus here. I have 1 D who graduated Montclair as a theatre major (not BFA) and 1 D who was an MT student and did not get in at all. So don’t underestimate this school as one that is less thought of because it’s definitely not. They have a great program and put on amazing productions. And it’s a really nice campus. Good luck all:) And I’m not not a new member. CC would not let me log into old account!
Texas State offers in-state tuition to MT majors but they are in a lot of Top 10 lists. But you never know until you try, so maybe that is an option for you.
Texas State is a tough get, though. I think their prescreen is tougher than almost anyone’s. My son passed UM, CMU and every prescreen EXCEPT Texas State and Ithica.
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Casually, I know DeSales and Muhlenberg in PA both have very strong MT programs.
@All4FSU Can you tell me more about the waiver for out of state students at FSU? Do you have a student there? My D auditions in Feb - what is the program like? Thanks!