<p>I am in a dilemma.
I am interested in majoring in Musical Theatre. However I am not 100% sure it's what I want to do. To stick to the safe side, I was thinking about majoring in International Business for my first year of college. During that year (and summer), I'll take some MT classes. If I feel it's what I want to do, I'll change majors. If not, I'll just continue in International Business.</p>
<p>Is this possible if I found a college that offers these two majors?</p>
<p>It depends what you are looking for. Entrance to MT programs has become very competitive. Many of the MT programs are by audition only. So for instance, if you were accepted to Carnegie Mellon for International Business, and then decided you wanted to do MT, the chances of switching majors at that school would be almost zero- you would have to apply, audition, and be one of only about 10 students accepted into the MT program each year. Many of the BFA programs are going to be very difficult as they are usually by audition. </p>
<p>Your best bet would be to look at post #2 of the Big List of MT schools by Program Type on the MT forum. Look for non-audition MT programs, and then go to each school website to see if they also offer International Business.</p>
<p>Many MT programs require a sequence of 4 years in certain classes, making it difficult to transfer in from another school or program. Colleges usually require a BA in Theater with a concentration/minor in MT, or a BFA MT. Either path would likely not leave enough credits to fulfill all the additional credits a business degree would require, certainly not in four years. Take a look at the course requirements of both majors to see what flexibility the programs have. </p>
<p>Have you considered Arts Administration as a Major? There are programs that run it through their Theater Department so your core Theater classes could count towards both degrees. And rather than double-major, maybe just being allowed to take some of the related classes would satisfy your interest in MT?</p>
<p>Many experienced professional actors, coaches, teachers (and parents) tell students that if they can imagine doing anything else, do it. It is a challenging career making for a lifestyle that you could only manage if you have a strong passion for what you are doing. I wonder what makes you unsure of your direction? Are you equally interested in International Business? Can you imagine making that your career and being happy? </p>
<p>If you are truly unsure, but are leaning toward MT, my thought is it would be better to start there and if you are unhappy transfer to Business. There are usually fewer required classes in Business, none that require a 4-year sequence, and some of your first-year theater classes would likely be able to fulfill elective requirements. </p>
<p>There are schools that offer dual majors and that might be what would work for you. Generally you would need to apply for MT and once accepted add International Business. Most likely you would be working towards a BA, not a BFA. The first school that comes to mind is American.</p>
<p>Here’s my situation:
Music has always been a part of me. I’ve been playing the piano since 6 years of age as well as singing. Last year, I had the idea of minoring in some sort of music program (I knew I wanted to do SOMETHING with it but maybe not a major… since finding jobs is hard) and major in a more sophisticated area of study… like business. International business caught my attention because I love to study abroad and learn about different cultures. Anyway, this past summer, I was exposed to a lot of musical theatre (Broadway shows, school musicals, etc.) and I could see myself singing, acting, and dancing in shows. Right now, I have no experience in dancing and very little in acting. I’m all voice at the moment. This month, I am very much dedicated to applying to colleges and unfortunately do not have time to prepare and audition for colleges to major in musical theatre (otherwise, I would have auditioned already). Like I said in my original post, my plan is to major in Int. Business, take MT classes meanwhile, and decide if it’s something I really want to do (think of it as a <em>test</em> class to see if I have the talent to do it). If it is, I’ll just transfer majors. I can always stay an extra year in college right?
Other people have told me that I can just apply to a non-audition school… or a school that isn’t really known for music or musical theatre and I can start there… maybe transfer mid-way or just wait until grad school. Is this a good strategy?
To answer your second question, I don’t really see myself being 100% happy doing business since music is a part of my life… I just don’t know if I have enough talent or time to prepare.
I am trying to stray away from double majoring… since it can be very tough. I heard that if you’re going to do MT, it has to be your heart, your soul, and your all. Double majoring won’t allow that. That’s why I want to test it out before I make my decision.
If you are able to answer my questions (which would be extremely helpful), it would be much appreciated. Also, do you have any colleges in mind? I live in Florida so I’m trying to stay in-state or nearby… preferably east coast.</p>
<p>Over on the Theatre/drama majors forum there is a thread called “Best colleges for theatre? by Pbunny” that has a lot of suggestions for schools with international relations and good theatre programs (non-audition). See if any of those might work for you.</p>
<p>I think you may be confused a little with the timing of auditions for MT programs. Although some auditions occur before January, most occur afterwards. Some require you to have applied to the program in advance of scheduling the audition, but some allow you to walk-in at the Unified auditions in NY, Chicago, LA and Las Vegas and apply to the school afterwards if there is mutual interest. You would need a few MT songs (which may not be a challenge for you), and one or two monologues from 30- to 90-seconds in length depending on the requirements of the programs for which you are auditioning. And a resume and headshot photo. Some schools will not be bothered with your lack of dance experience, but for others it would be a problem. However, this is all probably moot as it sounds that this is a very new dream of yours and you may not be committed to preparing audition material in time.</p>
<p>You say you are busy with college applications now. Have you looked at the theater programs at the schools you are already applying to for International Business to see if they offer theater, music and dance classes for non-majors? Are they in locations where you could take some of those classes outside of the university? Can you start on dance and acting classes now? If you don’t want to make these things a priority, I do suggest that your interest is too mild to major in MT, which is a huge commitment. Maybe you would like to consider Vocal Performance as an option if Music is a passion for you. I don’t mean to imply it is any less of a commitment, or any less time consuming, but you seem to be better prepared to audition for those programs now.</p>
<p>Your comment that “I can always stay an extra year in college, right?” is best directed to whomever is funding your education. Depending on the school you attend, a fifth year could cost an extra $20k - $60k for tuition, room and board. Don’t rush through your applications without thinking all this through. While it will be nice to get them out of the way, most aren’t due until the end of December, so give yourself some more time for research and soul-searching.</p>
<p>For me, my current plan is minoring in Theatre/Dance (as my school doesn’t have an MT major) and majoring in something academic, while taking my dance classes and performing for productions on the side. During the summer I go to training intensives in order to spruce up on my craft and after my bachelors I plan to do a 1-2 year conservatory style training regime possibly in LA or NY.</p>
<p>Transferring into a an MT or Acting BFA is very difficult. How about considering a GAP year, and using this to get more experience in this field.</p>
<p>photomom5, I am interested as to why it is so difficult to transfer into a BFA mt or acting program, especially if the student is willing to enter as a Freshman? is it not just that few transfers are accepted because so few apply compared to incoming freshman straight out of high school? Any help would be great! looking to transfer.</p>
<p>There are a lot of blog posts (by an MT professor and auditioning coach) which can help you explore whether you want to pursue MT, vocal performance, or something else altogether while furthering your artistic talents outside of your (hopefully regular) paycheck. </p>
<p>There exists at least one school (Emerson) which will not accept MT transfers even if the transfer is willing to start as a freshman.</p>
<p>Were I your parent, I would encourage you to search for a school that offers all the non-MT majors you might be interested in where you’ll be a medium-to-large fish in a smaller musical talent pond. That way, you can get lots of individual attention and experience. This school should also offer majors in 2 of the following 3 categories: vocal performance, dance, acting. Attend a performance so that you can assess the talent level; interview professors & students to make sure the vibe feels right to you. Also explore whether non-MT majors are cast in shows, and whether non-MT majors can take the acting and dance classes offered to MT majors.</p>
<p>Trying to audition into an MT program as a high school senior can be a grueling experience for both kid and parent. Trying to do this while you’re a freshman away from home is crazy difficult (but I & my D did it.)</p>
<p>Keep this firmly in mind: if you do want an MT career, the major listed on your diploma is utterly irrelevant. The most important thing is to develop your talent.</p>
<p>If you have very high academic stats, Northwestern University might also be worth investigating. You would apply as a Theatre major and then double major, which over 60% of Theatre students do. Nearly all are able to complete both majors, plus the MT Certificate, in 4 years. I don’t think NU offers an undergrad International Business degree, but they do offer programs considered among the top in the nation for preparing for employment in international banking and related fields.</p>