<p>Hello all! I am very new to this forum, but not very new to college. I already have a bachelor's degree in Theatre, K-12 education. However, I have always wanted to perform. My husband has been encouraging me in this, so I have decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. Why get a second degree, you ask? Because I am weakest in music, and I am a firm believer in making myself a better performer in the best way possible. Seeing as how there aren't many excellent voice coaches outside the college realm, and I happen to love the college environment, I have decided to immerse myself fully into a program to become the best I can be.</p>
<p>That all being said, I need some help with my audition materials. Lots of schools say "age-appropriate". What I am wondering is if "type" is more important? I am 25 years old, but I still look like a teenager. Should I perform mid-20's pieces, or go for something more my looks?</p>
<p>Any and all advice is appreciated, especially from those in a musical theatre program now.</p>
<p>While I respect your decision, I have to take exception to the statement that there are no good voice teachers outside of colleges. It depends on where you live. All of my son’s voice teachers, in Dallas and NYC, teach out of the university setting. They are well sought after by professionals, including singers at the Met. Both of my kids (one in MT and one in classical voice)also have coaches who only work privately and who help them with audition pieces, etc. I suggest you explore available voice teachers in your nearest major city. Given that you already have a theater degree, I would question the need for another bachelor’s degree.</p>
<p>Allow me to amend my original statement. There aren’t many great voice coaches outside the university setting near where I currently live. The closest major cities are over an hour away. I have looked in to some, but their hours do not coincide with what I would be able to do. I am currently teaching, so my hours are very hectic, especially when show times and competitions come around. I am glad this worked out well for your family, but for me, it isn’t so accessible. Thank you for the suggestion, though!</p>
<p>Since you already have a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Ed have you considered going to a two year non-degree granting conservatory for MT? Or perhaps a few summer MT intensives?</p>
<p>There are not many master’s programs in MT, but you could look into those as well.<br>
Since the degree you already have is theatre you may find many of the non-MT courses in a second degree program redundant.</p>
<p>In terms of material and type, I would suggest looking for things in the 20 - 30 range. You may look younger, but you likely carry the maturity and life experience of a married woman with a job teaching children.</p>
<p>When I was still performing in my early to mid 20s I was often sent out for teen roles. In those cases I would pull out my teen material. Otherwise sticking to my actual age range was more appropriate.</p>
<p>amj8899, since you ask for help, can I respectfully suggest you not pursue this additional degree? Unless the money would not be a factor at all (that is, you’re very wealthy). Otherwise, I honestly think this would be a waste of your money & time. If you feel you need training and/or an edge in landing roles, consider taking classes at a top conservatory (if you’re a teacher, you have the summers off and can easily arrange that). You can also pursue a 2 year certification at a top theatre conservatory (there are several). This is in fact what many people do who are returning to theatre after a hiatus or a degree in another field. Also, I’m a bit confused–you say you dont’ have the time for a voice teacher since your schedule is hectic, yet you want to pursue a BFA, which is far far more time consuming than a voice teacher? Finally, there are many top voice teachers who are available via Skype. Many people can give you references here, I’m sure. Good luck with this–</p>
Thank you for the suggestion, though!</p>