I was wondering…i know i read the thread about Ithaca and how they sometimes will redirect someone to the Acting program if they get denied to the MT program from prescreen and I am assuming auditions also…does this happen at a lot at schools like Baldwin Wallace and others? I wonder if anyone has experience in this happening & did indeed choose to go that route instead? I wonder if then you are always bummed that you are not in the MT program etc? I thought it might be a good way to get into the school in general, like to go to school at BW for the other programs like Theatre or Acting and I believe then you could minor in dance. I guess it would probably be hard to get the voice lessons etc that way though.
Some kids at Wright State have been redirected to Acting and have done very well. A few have even done the BA Theater studies (one with a KILLER voice played Val Jean in Les Mis two years ago). They can still audition for all shows. Dance majors can audition for musicals.
I’ve heard that sometimes the reason for redirection is not necessarily vocal talent or level of dance skills. Sometimes it is a question of type–the MT dept doesn’t need another 5’4" soprano, no matter how beautiful her voice, but the Acting dept desperately needs a talented 5’4 actress who just happens to sing well, too. It think this is a good reminder to our kids that redirection is not a reflection of their talent in the candidate pool. I’ve been trying to emphasize to my son (who was redirected by four out of his six pre-screen schools) that it is a good thing – most schools have no problem with you picking up extra singing/dance training or trying out for the MT shows. And actors may even have better longevity and flexibility in the business than their singing/dancing peers.
Acting at BW is BA, not BFA- no audition, anyone can choose it as a major.
It is not uncommon for someone who auditions at OCU to be offered a spot in Acting or Vocal Performance instead of Musical Theater. Like at Wright State, Acting majors from OCU are being quite successful in musicals post-graduation. Just as an example, 2 recent acting grads have had the leads in two different national tours (Katie Posotonik, Ghost and Alex Wenterline, Nice Work If you Can Get It). And at OCU, some students prefer the Acting major to the MT major because of all of the music requirements for the MT degree since it is a Bachelor of Music degree. There are also cases where someone who was redirected re-auditions for the MT program once at OCU and usually one or two (but not all) will get into the MT program on their second try.
At my D’s school, NYU/Tisch, there were plenty of Acting majors who either auditioned for MT originally, or in any case, were talented in MT. They were cast in musicals at Tisch, and some have gone onto being in professional musicals, including on Broadway.
When my D was Priority Waitlisted at CMU, it was for Acting, though she had auditioned for MT. That year, they took only 3 or 4 girls for MT. I didn’t see it as a commentary on her not singing well (she now has a career in music and got into several other BFA in MT programs).
Many students who audition for NYU audition for “all” studios- meaning they are open to acting or MT placement. I do not know of anyone who indicated “MT only” being redirected to an acting studio.
In my D’s year - CMU told everyone they were being considered for both acting and MT- though if you DIDN’T want to sing, you didn’t HAVE to, and then would be considered for acting only.
Son was re-directed to Acting BFA at Otterbein. He had MT acceptances elsewhere, but chose Otterbein and said he made the right decision. He is a sophomore and is having the time of his life. He does not report feeling he is “less than” his MT classmates. His class, and the ones ahead of him seem more supportive than competitive with one another.
@entertainersmom does your son have any issues getting voice lessons in the acting program there? I have heard so many great things about Otterbein! Can you tell me about that acting program there? Is it audition as well and if so are the odds a bit better for acceptance?
The private voice lesson is an additional cost for Acting but part of the tuition amount for MT. He had no problem getting the lessons and is continuing with the same instructor this year. The BFA Acting major is audition only. Logic would tell me that being accepted may be easier for Acting, but on the other hand, my son is one of only two males in his class, and I know there were many who auditioned. Typically the class is four men/four women, but for son’s year the split was two males, five women. We were astounded son was accepted because of the small acceptance numbers, and grateful the low odds did not prevent son from auditioning. It is a wonderful program with truly wonderful faculty and students. The only downside is he is 900 miles away and getting to Columbus from Portland Maine is always an adventure. 
Also, let’s remember that both Megan Hilty and Josh Gad were BFA Acting students at CMU, not MT, but it sure hasn’t hindered them from starring in Broadway musicals!