<p>Hi! This is my first post on CC and I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Tiffany, and I'm currently a junior who is pursuing a future in musical theatre. I'm both excited and majorly stressed out for what next year has in store!</p>
<p>At the end of last year, I decided to do a program my schol offers called "Running Start". Instead of going to a traditional High School, I take my courses at my local community college and earn both college and High School credit, and it is free. I decided on this program because when I am studying MT I want to focus mainly on, well, MT. By getting a lot of my core college classes out of the way now, I will be able to take more classes that I truly care about when I'm studying for my BFA. </p>
<p>However, this means that I do not participate in musicals, theatre classes, or any other Fine Arts programs at a HS. Every summer I do a Summer Stock show or two, and my past resume is pretty meaty, but I won't be cast as any amazing lead roles my Senior year. </p>
<p>I'm concerned that this will affect me getting into a good MT program. Do schools seriously consider past expierence and roles that you have played before accepting you? I've studied voice for a while, and I've taken many acting classes. I also took a basic music theory class Fall quarter, and am taking an acting class that emphasizes playwrights of the 20th century this coming quarter. I don't want to be judged as unqualified because I didn't play Eliza in My Fair Lady, or Dolly in Hello, Dolly! </p>
<p>Phew, I'm sorry if I have used too many words to explain my situation! I guess the basic question is: do MT schools consider the lack of many lead roles when examining you? Any feedback is very, very, VERY appreciated.</p>
<p>Hi mtfortiffany - even though a nice looking resume provides some food for conversation, I really don't think that colleges consider past roles and experiences, even "amazing lead roles in high school". And truthfully, given that for example Dolly in Hello Dolly in a "real scenario" should be played by a mature woman :), those type of leads in school productions or even youth theatre are not very meaningful, other than that you were considered to be able to carry the part compared to peers in your cast, which may mean something or nothing depending upon the type of school/program you attended.</p>
<p>Your actual audition will hold the key to much of your success of being accepted into a great program. So make sure that you are well prepared, highlight your range and strengths. Train and be well versed in different types of dance, especially ballet & jazz. Even though some programs don't require a dance audition, dance will be as much part of the BFA MT curriculum as drama and voice.</p>
<p>There are tons of tips on this forum and so also take some time reading through different perspectives from different people.</p>
<p>Good luck :)!</p>
<p>Tiffany, if you read through the threads there is one MT college professor on this site that recommends NOT doing the HS plays during the audition season, and we took her up on that for the musical. Actually it turned out well, as there was a local "Strawhat type" audition in the middle of all the others and after that we were deluged with offers in the professional community (some of which we had to turn down due to MORE auditions)!
Just start reading plays to pick out your monologue, dance and sing and you will be fine.</p>
<p>Every time that question is asked at the information sessions, the answer (from the dean or program director) is the same: It's all about your audition. Getting the lead in a h.s. play is not an indication of great talent; you have to consider the context, which is impossible for an admissions panel reviewing a resume. They can't assess the quality of your work from that piece of paper. It only shows your interest & enthusiasm. Some school and community theater are dreadful, and the MT staff know this. The audition is what will show them your talent, not your resume. If you have had good training in the past & are keeping that up, you will do very well.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for a much-appreciated timely, thorough response! I feel much, much better going into the audition process knowing that one look at my resume won't spell doom. Especially since I feel that I'm only going to have time for one show or so before next year's auditions--namely because I want to focus on honing my dance skills as much as I can!</p>