Top 10 (or whatever) Musical Theatre Programs

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p>Michael, I couldn't disagree more about the employment opportunities outside of performing and the academic reputations of one's school. CMU screams tech-brainiacs. BOCO screams artsy. Regardless of whether the degree is a BFA or BM or BA. (The value of a BFA in non-performing industries is a whole different discussion.) Now that may be a factor that holds no interest to you & others when choosing a school. Hopefully all these kids will never need to give up performing careers to earn a living. But the school on a resume will immediately connote quality or even raise irrational prejudices held by a potential employer. It matters.</p>

<p>As far as the SAT's use as a tool to quantify students -- of course, that's what is is. Without access to every admitted student's files, there is no other way to judge the academic preparation of the student body. And there is a strong correlation between SAT score and GPA. (As in the Marymount scholarship requirement. Neither were very high.)</p>

<p>One can disuss all day the value of a school's reputation, the merits of BFA vs BA vs BM, the importance of proximity to professional artistic centers -- whatever. One's comfort level with each factor is what makes up the fit. And $$$ of course can't be ignored.</p>

82

<p>Skwid -- grits might put me over the edge, too.</p>

83

<p>Yes, Soozie -- my screen name is about the sticker shock I experienced when sitting down to think about college for the kids. I needed a defibrillator after seeing the new NYU projected cost for next year of $55K.</p>

<p>My college (NJIT & RUtgers) cost $600 a year back when I attended, & I went on a full scholarship. I feel like Michael Fox in Back To The Future.</p>

84

<p>Also think about whether you want a BFA or BA program. I would have preferred my D to go w/ a BA just because I think maybe the program is a little more well rounded. MT is her true love but we all know it is not the most stable profession so I want her to have a back up. She chose the BFA..... </p>

<p>I agree there is no "best" program. Definitely consider all of the factors listed above, and don't limit yourself to auditioning for just the "well known"schools. There are some great programs out there in the lesser known schools, often at much less cost. I truly feel that if you have the talent, you will do well no matter where you go.</p>

85

<p>Another side-light to this discussion... I don't think your child should apply to a school for which you (parent) have a low regard, even if she likes it. If she gets in, and doesn't get in to the other choices, it will create unnecessary tension between parent and child. She will know that you consider the school third rate and not likely to be worth the substantial money you will be shelling out. </p>

<p>This process is extremely stressful as it is. There is no need to add another layer. So the fit has to be for the kid, but for the parent too. Obviously I and Michael don't agree with StickerShock, (except for the sticker shock part, I'm with you, Mom!) and our kids aren't probably too similar either... The fit is for the whole family.</p>

86

<p>Stickershock, I do a load of employment related work with HR departments of employers ranging from family owned businesses to multinational corporations. No employer that has a functioning competent HR department is going to think that a student who received a BFA in MT from CMU somehow got the benefit of the same type of academically demanding education as a CMU student majoring in engineering or computer sciences. They will know, however, that both CMU and BOCO have serious well regarded performing arts departments and if they think the position offered will be well served by a graduate with a BFA in MT, then I don't think that CMU's superior reputation for "tech-brainiac" academics will matter much. That's not what the CMU degree would be in, that's not what the job applicant would be bringing to the table. Employers are pretty savvy about the differences between various degree programs within a particular school and about the quality of specific degree programs at those schools. There is not as much of a "halo effect" as you seem to suggest where the perceived quality of the "academic" degree programs at a particular school "rubs off" on wholly separate BFA programs. Employers look to see whether the specific degree program provides an education that matches the job requirements and then at the reputation of that degree program at the school. This "halo effect" perception, in my experience, exists more in the minds of consumers (parents and students applying to schools) than out in the the work place among those professional HR reps and recruiters making employment decisions.</p>

<p>And the correlation between GPA and SAT scores is over rated and often inflated. There are tons of academically gifted, high achieving students who do not score on standardized tests commensurate with their actual skills, abilities, knowledge base and achievement. </p>

<p>None of this is meant as a criticism of those who are looking for schools with a certain standard of avg SAT scores and avg GPA's or "academic reputation". My central point all along has been that if this is your priority, then you are better served by looking at BA programs for MT/theatre where your exposure to traditional academics and the opportunity to double major or minor will be much broader than at a BFA program.</p>

87

<p>Hm checkbookmom, I am not sure that parent's regard for a school should play a key role. </p>

<p>I had a nice rural traditional college campus in mind for my daughter while she was growing up, ivy covered buildings, big oak trees, nice lawns, cobblestone, little benches, the whole nine yards. When we visited those type schools during her soph into junior year summer, it soon became clear that she had a whole different concept of what "home away from home" meant to her. To the point, where we started joking that she "had been switched at birth".</p>

<p>When I saw how her face lit up when she entered NYU's Tisch building, I knew that I could totally come to terms with it if this is where she was meant to go. It was just so clear that this place felt like home to her. </p>

<p>I do realize not every family is the same, and to some a "family fit" may be a must. One of my good friends is currently pulling out her hair for "letting her daughter apply to an out of state school". She just feels that she is chasing her out of the house, whereas she'd rather have her attend a local JC.</p>

<p>Not sure, I love my D, and will miss her tremendously, but at the same time, this is a new phase, and the beginning of the rest of her life too. As she is maturing, should she not have the biggest say in where she wants to be?</p>

88

<p>Michael, I have no experience or knowledge of how HR works with small firms; only multinationals. I am not talking about placing a BFA grad in an engineering spot. I am talking about an applicant who is transitioning from a performing career into a non-performing career. I know that what you call a "halo effect" exists. I've seen it. I have relatives who are currently HR executives who speak of it. In fact, for a non-tech employee, where the skills needed are less likely to be quantifiable, the school matters more. </p>

<p>Again, let's hope all these aspiring MT kids never need to move on to plan B.</p>

89

<p>MT, my D was switched at birth, too. She considered the Princeton campus "gloomy," while I would argue that it is one of the prettiest I've ever seen.</p>

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<p>MTgrlsmom, while all families approach things differently, mine was like yours in this regard. We gave no opinions, nor restrictions on where they would go to school. It was their lives. They worked to get where they did and we supported whichever school they picked and we kept out of the decision making. As one of mine is about to graduate and one is finishing her junior year, I can state that both ended up choosing schools that fit them perfectly. I'm glad they chose. They seemed to know what they were doing. I never formed any opinions or talked about where I would want them to go. I wanted them to be happy with their choices and for that, I am so happy too. I understand that not all families approach the choice of school or even choice of major in this same way.</p>

91

<p>SS, as far as "plan B", you could say that would be an issue for an person in the arts, no matter if the diploma says NYU or BOCO. A degree in the arts is still that. </p>

<p>In my view, a person with a degree in the arts can do many things and many people do not work in their majors as adults. </p>

<p>Also, too many enter a degree in the arts with a need for a "plan B" and ya know, my kid didn't approach it that way. Her goal is a career in the arts and she is going for it. I am convinced she WILL work in the arts, even if not as a performer. She doesn't need to waitress either. I read that a lot on here too. She already earns and knows she can earn upon graduation money in aspects of this field beyond performing as an actor. She doesn't need to waitress. She didn't need a minor or double major. She has employable skills even in the field of the arts. So, I don't think a BFA means a performer has to have some name school or back up plan B just in case. A person with a BFA is employable in many lines of work (beyond waitressing) and in some cases, as I know is the case with my own kid, in facets of the theater arts beyond performing as an actor. I'd have felt that way no matter had she gone to NYU or BOCO. The difference for me was more which school fit the experience she wanted and not anything to do with employability.</p>

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<p>MTgrlsmom, I agree, agree, agree! But if a parent feels strongly against something, it will add an incredible amount of tension to the process. I too had to learn to bend with the child, but I am waaayy down the road, (last kid) and know that the effect of disapproval can be heavy indeed. </p>

<p>StickerShock, In most cases there's a correlation between gpa and sats, and in some, like my S, there is none. His sats would have gotten him in just about anywhere, and his gpa wouldn't get him into dog-catching school. Luckily, his talent got him in 4 schools.</p>

<p>And my last comment, I promise, on the debate... I have worked with some of the biggest companies in the US, and with the smallest, one or two person firms, and I can tell you honestly that after a couple of years, it really does not matter where you went to school. If you have the qualifications to do the job, you will get the job. Only in the first couple of years will your alma mater open some doors, in some places. </p>

<p>My S will work for a living, I assure you, but if he isn't acting he will no doubt find work through his talents: besides drama, he makes connections, is a award winning athlete, he is charismatic, works unbelievably well with developmentally disabled children, and will not ever suffer a lack of work due to the fact that he chose MMC over 3 other, better known schools, because of the nurturing, caring atmosphere, an academic access program, and the absolutely wonderful BFA Acting training it promises. </p>

<p>The fact that it is 70% girls is purely incidental, he assures me!</p>

<p>There are schools out there that will be right for your D. Good luck with your search.</p>

93

<p>Sticker, I was just about to chime in with the same thing: the only time it really matters where one went to college is upon graduation, when that school is the freshest thing on the resume. After that first job, it's all about what you can do. But where a kid chooses to go to school is important for what he or she gets WHILE THERE in terms of rewarding experiences and challenges.</p>

94

<p>stickershock- you said "my screen name is about the sticker shock I experienced when sitting down to think about college for the kids. I needed a defibrillator after seeing the new NYU projected cost for next year of $55K".</p>

<p>They should rename the program NYU CASH21, LOL.</p>

95

<p>This is where it would be so great to have CC parents hanging around and sharing after college. I'd love to hear from students or the parents of students who are 2 yrs out of college or 4 years, etc. How they are surviving - what they are doing - what their taxable income is.</p>

96

<p>What are some undergraduate degrees besides engineering, nursing and accounting that one can get from anywhere that will make one competitive in today's job market minus any other individual skills? Of those, which ones don't leave the degree holder beneath a glass ceiling and under the supervision of holders of Masters degrees, J.D.s, etc? I don't have time to expound, but I think it should be pretty obvious where I'm going with this ... ;)</p>

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<p>Fishbowl, I can speak about large firms. Granted, most Americans are employed by small firms, and I can't say how much this applies to that segment of the economy. But large firms have HR departments that do much of the employment screening. But they don't do the actual hiring, so many candidates directly approach the department heads who actually make the decisions. But in the case of an opening that a particular department has sent to HR asking for candidates, liberal arts degrees are valued. Think history or English. Degrees from schools known for having a solid core requirement and a track record of producing solid writers & kids who have proven they can be educated. The specific degree is not important in many management training programs; it's the stamp of approval the degree confers -- this kid can learn anything you throw at him. I agree that once in an industry the school doesn't matter, it's your performance. But a school's reputation is enormously important in getting that first position.</p>

<p>As for being under a glass ceiling & reporting to more educated & experienced supervisors: Ummmm, where in the performing arts does this not apply as well? That's true in any industry. If career advancement means more education or training is needed, people go & get it. It's also nice that corporations usually pick up the tab.</p>

98

<p>I would imagine that one skill that those with BFA degrees in performing arts have is good interviewing skills. In other words, I would expect that those trained as actors would, in general, be lively and engaging in an interview.</p>

99

<p>I think SS is referring to the situation where the applicant never gets a chance to show his/her stuff in an interview because the HR gate-keeper is unimpressed with the resume. True, true.... But:</p>

<p>As SS says, most people don't work for big corporations; and many of our Ss and Ds would be terrible in a job that is being contemplated above, and would be far more suited/ successful in an active, or outdoor, or people-dealing, or sales job than a desk job. (Unless you'd like the desk to be used as a platform for a song, or moved over to the other side of the room!)</p>

<p>So, it all works out. Those who would be best in corporate jobs would be well served by that kind of schooling and resume, and those who would be teachers, therapists, lawyers, coaches, sales reps, etc. when they aren't on stage would be best served by a school where that fits their needs.</p>

100

<p>"I would expect that those trained as actors would, in general, be lively and engaging in an interview."</p>

<p>You would be surprised, haha....</p>