<p>I am going to be a sophomore at a small liberal arts college in Albany, NY in the fall, but am looking to transfer to a a great Musical Theatre program. Here's a little bit about my situation: I have always wanted to be on Broadway and have always been interested in Musical Theatre, but I was never really exposed to it. I participated in shows in high school, but the we didn't even really have a drama program. It was really just for fun. However, during these experienes I realized that this is what I am meant to to and want to do it forever. Unfortunately, I lack the professional training that many others in this field have. My parents support me, but don't really know anything about theatre. They never put me in voice classes or signed me up for auditions or anything. So when it came to applying to colleges, I just didn't think about applying to performing arts schools. I just thought that it would never happen for me, or that it just would somehow one day down the line. However, now I know that I need to make a change and do something about it if I want my dreams to come true. I have a few questions. What schools should I consider if I want to make my Broadway dreams a reality? Also, what programs could I realistically get into, but at the same time are competitive enough that I would have opportunities to work on Broadway or on National Tours? I am considering Pace, because it is located in NYC (something which I think is important, since it is in the epicenter of Musical Theatre). I have never taken voice lessons, but I have found an amazing teacher and am going to begin lessons. I have many years of jazz dance under my belt, and have recently taken a ballet class. I have been taking acting classes here at my college. I do not have a lot of training, but I know this is what I'm meant to do. I have all of the potential and drive in the world. If I continue to fine tune my skills, do you think it is possible that I get into one of these programs? I just feel like I don't have a chance, since I did not grow up with formal training like so many other people who audition for these programs. I'm sorry this is so long, a response to this would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>You say you are going to be a sophomore at a liberal arts college. The first thing you will need to do is look at various MT programs that are available and decide if you are interested in a BFA program or a BA program. As most people here will tell you, transfer students into an MT program typically have to start over, especially if it is a BFA. Most of the BFA MT programs want students to follow their programs from the time they are Freshman. There are some BA programs that may take transfers, but it is usually extremely competetive to get into these programs. Look at the “Big List of MT Colleges” post # 2 at the top of the MT forum. Many of the programs listed take under 15 students per year out of the entire country. You might want to consider programs that are non-audition since you have so little time to prepare. The fact that you do not have much audition experience is going to be a hurdle for you at this point. College auditions for the 2011 school year start in 5-6 months, which does not give you a lot of time to prepare. Appointments for those auditions must be made much earlier than that. You need to start taking the vocal lessons as soon as possible, and then try to get some objective feedback about your voice and your stage presence. If you have not done so, you need to audition for any musical theater in your area that is available- the more the better; even if it is not a show that you love, you need any audition experience you can get. Also, keep in mind that there are a great number of Broadway performers who do not have degrees in MT or, for that matter, degrees at all. You might consider continuing on your current path and doing local musical theater to get a feel for it. It is hard to judge your chances as you have no real experience with musicals to go by. I don’t know much about Pace, but believe it is an auditioned program that accepts very few students. Keep in mind that many of the kids who audition have been involved in MT for years, even if it is only on a community theater basis. They have been trained, and have a lot of experience on stage. I am not trying to discourage you, but be aware of what you are up against. This is a tough field to get into. Best wishes.</p>
<p>I’ll let others answer the long list of questions. I would ask you the rhetorical question. Why do you want to work on Broadway? Isn’t the goal to be an artist and why is Broadway the only place you can do that? </p>
<p>And I guess I’ll leave you with this. When a show is cast at any level what they are looking for is talent, not where you went to school. There are 500+ training programs across the country. Any one of them can produce working actors. So the question about “what schools you should consider if you want (your) Broadway dreams a reality” is impossible to answer. There are many threads started that ask the same question. Bottom line is - that depends more on you. Not every program is right for every student it’s an individual feeling/choice/opportunity. </p>
<p>This will take time, and energy. If you are looking to transfer to a BFA program be prepared to spend at least three more years in school - and for a few programs - four more years. Long time to be in college. There are successful actor/singers who don’t have BFA’s. In fact, probably more than do but I have no evidence of that. </p>
<p>I wish you luck in this journey.</p>
<p>It sounds like you have the drive and desire to succeed, but as you know, this is a highly competitive field. There is a great deal of information on this discussion board, and to begin with, I suggest that you start reading through the various threads. It will take a while, but you will find that many of your questions have already been addressed here.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, just a few things to get you started:</p>
<p>There are several types of college theater programs. Because of your lack of experience (even though you may be very talented), I would suggest that you focus on non-auditioned BA programs. There are many that are very very good, and you will find threads here that discuss them. It is imperative that you have several on your list that are safety schools academically; and be sure that you find a safety school that you will be satisfied to attend. Because…</p>
<p>Auditioned BFA programs are wonderful (my daughter graduated from one of them) but they are highly competitive; typically, fewer than 10% of applicants are accepted. Pace is one of these programs. It’s fine to have some of these programs on your list, but HIGHLY important that you understand the difficulty of being accepted; even performers with a great deal of experience and training are turned down every year. Also – most BFA programs are 4-year programs and require that you take classes in sequence. The fact that you already have some college credits will not really help you; it will probably take you an additional 3 or 4 years to get a BFA – another reason why a BA program might be better for you.</p>
<p>I understand your desire to be in NYC. However, you don’t necessarily have to attend college there. Many of the schools that are typically considered tops for theater training are in other parts of the country. Don’t get your heart set on any particular location. Chances are, if you are lucky, you will be accepted to several schools and you will have options. However, it is very possible that you will only get one acceptance. That is why it’s important to have a well-balanced list of schools: some reach, some target, and some safety schools where you are sure to be accepted.</p>
<p>I am assuming that you plan to spend your sophomore year at the school you are currently attending. If that is the case, you should certainly try to take any theater-related classes that they may offer, and audition for any productions you can, either at the college or locally. Do whatever you can to get more experience and training under your belt during the coming year.</p>
<p>Once you have come up with a reasonable list of schools, you should focus on preparing for your auditions, if you plan to apply to any audition-based programs. Again, there are many threads in this discussion group that address this issue.</p>
<p>Good luck – and feel free to come back here with more specific questions; this is a very helpful group!</p>