<p>I’m applying to the University of Michigan as a first time freshman, and I was just curious about if the non-theater majors can participate in the musical theater department’s productions. I know there are clubs and organizations, but are the main productions limited to theater majors?</p>
<p>Have a Happy New Year! Thanks!</p>
<p>As far as the University produced productions go (we call them “Uprods”), you can only audition for shows if you are in the school of music. They sometimes make exceptions, but it’s very rare. Only if a certain kind of performer is needed. For example, we’re doing RAGTIME this semester and we need more African-American people to be in the show, and so the director is allowing a few other people to audition. I think there are only two or three.</p>
<p>But MUSKET does two full-scale productions every year. It’s all student produced, directed, etc. but the quality of the shows are fantastic! And anyone can audition for those shows.
And there is also “Basement Arts”. Every semester, about eight or nine plays are produced, chosen by student directors. It’s a great opportunity to be in PLAYS and not musicals. And anyone can audition. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Yes that certainly does help! Now can non-theater majors still take theater classes? As much as I love theater I just don’t think a theater degree would be good for me, but I want to be as involved and educated as possible. </p>
<p>Are you a UMich student? How do you like the school? I’d love to hear from you in a private message. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>BrianaGrace, </p>
<p>If I may suggest…
If you don’t plan to major in theater, my opinion is to attend a school that does not have a BFA theater or MT program. At such a college, you’d be able to more easily take theater courses that are not closed to non-majors and more easily audition for productions. You also would not be “competing” for casting with BFA students. Just something to consider.</p>
<p>brianagrace, you could also try researching the umich residential college and see how you like it. you can take drama as a concentration there even though it’s separate from the regular theatre majors</p>