<p>I am currently starting at a BFA musical theatre program outside New York city in the fall. I have been all over the world Kenya, Turkey, Tanzania, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Basically I love traveling and would love to continue this in college. My question is it possible to do study abroad while in a BFA program ? Is the training, performances, etc too intense to study somewhere for a semester? I've heard of acting majors studying Shakespeare in England for a semester, but not mt majors. If anyone knows of programs that let their BFA students study musical theatre abroad I would love to know, even though I've made up my mind where I'm going. I love experiencing new cultures and would love to see how the performaning arts are done all over the world.</p>
<p>Ithaca has a study abroad program for a semester in London during junior year</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ve heard there are international theatre festivals that mt students got to compete in across Europe as well.</p>
<p>MelMel – Since it sounds like you already know where you will be going, this is a question that the school will be able to answer specifically to that institution. The answer will vary from school to school. Even if the schools says it is not possible t study abroad during the regular academic year there may be summer study abroad opportunities.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>In the NYU Steinhardt VP/MT program you can study abroad in Prague or Florence, using your time there to get some music credits, but mainly required core program credits in the arts and history.</p>
<p>My daughter applied to two schools in England for MT because of the desire to study abroad and her desire to work in London’s “west end” theater scene. Only three US students were accepted to Guildford School of Acting in Surrey England. We are now trying to decide if this is the correct path. She also was accepted at BoCo. She is in quite a dilemma trying to decide between the two. As a parent, I see great value in studying abroad and opening many doors to her future there. There were at least half a dozen MT schools that were recommended to her over there. There is strong history and tradition in performing arts there too. However, being on this side of the pond we only know of the reputations of the great schools here. At Ithica, they strongly endorsed their semester in England, but it seemed like just a sight seeing opportunity to me. I think they offered some Shakespeare classes and encouraged you to see West end performances, but I don’t think it would involve the immersion you seek.</p>
<p>Congrats to your D, semperfly. I completely understand her desire to study abroad. Before my senior year I was concentrating on all the well known MT schools in the states (and yes, some safeties) and learning which matched my preferences. One day last August my Theatre teacher pointed out another option, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)in Glasgow, which he thought would be a good match. The more I researched the RCS programs (both MT and Acting) the more excited I became that this WAS a great match for me. I read everything I could about RCS and Glasgow and was able to connect with alumni and students to ask questions throughout the process. In my research, I found that Europeans view RCS in the same way we think of Juilliard. Their programs are amazing! The MT program is limited to 12 students and they are trained as quadruple threats (sing/dance/act/play an instrument) so they add in weekly lessons in piano, guitar or whatever instrument you want to play in addition to the standard MT classes. Their Acting program has produced the most amazing line-up of actors (meaning male and female) I have ever seen (there is an impressive list of their alumni on the website). Also, Glasgow is full of the Arts: The Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Royal Glasgow, & The King’s Theatre, to name a few. There are opportunities to immerse yourself among other artists in an “artists’ community”, drawing inspiration across disciplines.</p>
<p>RCS came to NY and Chicago Unifieds and I was able to audition in Chicago. They accept three American MT students per year just like Guildford. I think it is the same number of Americans accepted for Acting. I was so excited and honored to find out that I was the female student selected for MT along with two other male students (one of which I know!) and I was also wait listed or deferred (not sure by their terminology - in the final pool for consideration) for their Acting program. I feel there are so many opportunities available while studying abroad and can hardly wait for September when classes begin. </p>
<p>I realize the decision to study overseas is not for everyone. I moved around a lot (both coasts and central U.S.) and became very outgoing because of it. I have traveled all over the U.S. and to 7 different European countries already, so I am very comfortable in new and different settings and can (hopefully) easily adapt. I am 100% certain this is the right choice for me, though, and so excited I was given this chance by my dream school. </p>
<p>Whether it’s Guildford of BoCo, I am sure your daughter will have a great experience. Have her look at the program and the surrounding area to finalize her decision. </p>
<p>And, MelMel29, I think KatMT is right. Your college counselor or professor should be able to guide you to an accredited study abroad program. I hear some MT students go for a BA to allow time for a semester abroad. It probably depends on the college program and your own situation if you are in a BFA program wishing to do this. I have heard the International Theatre Festivals are amazing, too. Someday I would love to go to the Edinburgh International (Fringe) Festival and I am sure there are many more across Europe that would be really fun and worthwhile. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>So studying abroad, at Post, the global College is only for liberal arts. HOWEVER, the theatre company does travel. In fact, our production of Antigone went to Canada to perform in the Next Wave International Theatre Festival in Montreal. Basically, anyone who went had nothing but amazing things to say about the experience. Whether an opportunity like that is to come again in the near future, I can’t entirely say. But I heard that if certain students nag to the right people that it could be possible. And I apologize for never getting back to you before, so happy to know that you’re coming!</p>