Second Guessing Myself.

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>I'm a senior in High school right now, and I've been reading CC, and other websites and trying to do all my research since about December of last year. I'm coming very close to the finishing point of all my applications... and all of a sudden, I'm freaking out.</p>

<p>I feel as though my list of schools isn't right. I am feeling very unsure about it, so I guess, I'm finally going to muster up the courage to ask you all YOUR thoughts. </p>

<p>I am, type-wise, Kind of the Sally Bowles, Velma Kelly, older, dark belter type, But, I'm also a classically trained dramatic coloratura soprano as well. </p>

<p>As for Dance, Well, I'm no technical ballerina, but I have a very strong passion for dance. The one thing I lack is the technique, and the years of training that other people may have, so I want a school that will not really put all of it's focus on dance, but put enough to allow me to get the training I need to match the passion.</p>

<p>I know that I want, need, and can handle a very intensive MT training program, and that I DO NOT want to be stuck taking loads of Gen. Eds and not focusing on MT as much as I possibly can. For me, I want to throw everything I have into this in college. I feel like there could never possibly be 'too much studio work'.</p>

<p>Also, I don't want to be a cookie-cutter. I want a unique program that will work with ME, and not mold me to fit their factory belt model.. So I'd like to rule out those schools with a reputation for training 'chorus kids'.</p>

<p>One of the very important things in a program, to me, is the working alumni rate. I understand that in no way is there a guarantee of broadway in a day or less, But I want a job. I want a school that is reputable, and well represented, to get me noticed, and allow me to really be jump-started and out there on my way to becoming a working actress.</p>

<p>Oh. And I'd really rather it be on the eastern half of the country. Too far from home = a no go for me.</p>

<p>There is, for the most part, who I am, and what I want. What I'm asking from you all, is, without me stating my current list (I'll do that in a later post), what schools do you all think might be a good fit for me? Clearly, I know that no one from the internet will be able to make these decisions for me without knowing me, but I'm just looking for a little assurance in my decisions and trying to see if I'm overlooking anything major.</p>

<p>If you'd like any more specific questions answered, I'd be happy to do so, and Thanks to all that take the time to reply.</p>

2

<p>With the limited info here.....I would guess that the conservatory route is a good one for you. You dont mention academics but I assume you are at least average and that may not be a concern. You also dont mention acting skills or experience. </p>

<p>My two cents in the east- BOCO, CCM, or Shenandoah or any other conservatory program. All very competitive so I'd be sure my list was bigger.</p>

<p>MikksMOm</p>

3

<p>Whoops. Sorry about that.
Academically, I'd consider myself to be average, if not slightly above simply because of the number of AP and Advanced classes I've taken.</p>

<p>As an actress, I have a lot of experience, and would definitely consider it a strength of mine. I love plays, and am ALWAYS with my nose in a book, but my heart is really in Musical Theatre.</p>

4

<p>If you do consider acting a strength, you should definitely consider CMU. Although the acceptance rate is tiny, it has so much of what you are looking for in a program. My daughter is a freshman there and is in love with the MT program! </p>

<p>They are a conservatory program and although you are required to take 3 general ed classes, everything else is for musical theater. This semester my daughter is taking 13 classes with 2 being general eds. Next semester she will take her 3rd general ed and be done. So when you say you are looking for an intensive curriculum this one definitely meets that! There is no room for electives as the program is really pre-planned to cover so much. You are taking just about everything the actors are taking plus all your MT classes. </p>

<p>I also don't believe CMU shoots out the "cookie cutter" performer either. There are six girls right now in the freshman MT class and they are all so different from each other and bring something unique to the program. CMU also is not a school training you for the chorus. I think that's why dance may be the weakest of the 3 areas of MT. Their dance audition is very simple and if you have danced in any way and can move you should be fine. </p>

<p>This program isn't for everyone I know...but it does have so much of what you described that you are looking for! Good luck to you! If you have any other questions I can answer....just send me an e-mail! I would also agree that BOCO may have what you are looking for as well!</p>

5

<p>I strongly second kaysmom's recommendation, and I'd add Ithaca to your list - VERY intensive all-around environment, with a strong focus on acting and singing but a good and demanding dance component as well.</p>

6

<p>You might look at Webster as well. Conservatory program; 4 Gen Eds required (and if you have AP credits, some or all of them might substitute for the Gen Eds). Strong acting focus; actors and MT majors are in the same acting, voice and speech, movement classes together for first 2 years. In addition, MT majors have their music, piano, vocal and dance classes Sounds similar to Kaysmom's description of CMU's program (intensive curriculum, pre-planned schedule, taking everything the actors are taking plus MT classes). I don't believe that there is any dance component to the audition (hasn't been in the past), however dance is definitely part of the program from freshman year on! :)</p>

7

<p>I would look at Syracuse -- very strong acting training in addition to MT training. They also seem to like to have a lot of different types in the program.</p>

8

<p>i'm a freshman at syracuse this year and applied to nyu michigan emerson ithaca miami and BU.....I did have my choice from many of those and I chose syracuse. it is the most extensive and all around program, especially if you are looking for something that will relate to YOU as an individual. I look around the room at my freshman class and there is no one like me its really incredible. On top of that their is a conjunction with an equity theater syracuse stage which is one of the best regional theaters in the north east. Any role in which a student is needed he is taken over equity members generally speaking and gets equity points. there is also an under study cast for every one of these shows in which the students get EMC as well. On top of that the drama program offers everything you could possibly imagine. I'm an acting major but i sing and they provide me with voice lessons, or dance if i want. Musical theater can do w/e they want all you have to do is press hard enough and they wil give it to you. The dance program for MTs is considered the best in the country according to many MTs who applied elsewhere as well. if you are a dancer this is the place for you, but the great thing is that the MT program equally provides u with acting singing and dance training. it really will train you to be as close to a triple threat as possible....The X factor for syracuse is the faculty. I've never met more influential brilliant people in my life who genuinely love what they do and are damn good at it . Geri clark and craig macdonald are 2 names that you should hold on to if you apply here. they could change your life. As for other schools. My girlfriend goes to NYU in strasberg and loves it thinks the program is great. I've heard it is in certain studios but not in cap and that is what you would want but i hear it is very cookie cutter...emerson one of my good friends goes to and likes it doesnt love it and its not considered one of the top....right now according to alumni success the top schools are julliard depaul syracuse nyu and carnegie as far as the acting program...MT the big ones are michigan cmu carnegie syracuse nyu....but what ive learned these past few months is that the experience that you get and what you get out of the school is what matters most not the name....syracuse drama is a tight knit community of people who love to perform but also can have a good time....this is a conservatory type school it is extremely intense and worth your while to atleast apply and audition for geri...you'll fall in love.....any questions feel free to ask.....</p>

9

<p>Does anyone know about the MT program at Roosevelt? my S says he would love the big city life included with his college training too.</p>