<p>I was mainly thinking of going into musical theater because I want to strengthen my singing and dancing. But, I also want to perform in straight plays... not always in musicals. So, would it be wise for me to major in theater and just take dance classes or voice lessons? I am at a loss for what I should do.</p>
<p>At many colleges, musical theatre majors are still able to audition for the straight plays. If you are so for a musical theare major, then you can easily find programs that allow MT to audition for straight plays. It seems like a waste to invest so much time and money into a college education only to spend even more money outside taking additional classes.</p>
<p>My two cents.</p>
<p>I agree. Kids who are in BFA musical theater programs often do plays. But kids who are not in MT programs might have a harder time doing musicals or getting the singing and dancing training. So, if you enjoy BOTH, then doing a MT program will allow you to be in both musicals and dramas, plus study acting. I mean, for example (and these are not the ONLY examples) NYU/Tisch/CAP21 and Carnegie Mellon's MT program are IN DRAMA SCHOOLS. Those kids study lots of acting and do plays, not just musicals. But the kids who study straight theater might get into the musicals (likely less chances) and don't get as much voice or dance training (and who in a BFA has time for OUTSIDE training??....or money??).</p>
<p>Susan</p>