Does anyone know anything about Tulane’s musical theater program? They provide very little information on their website and it is not well known within the general musical theater circles.
Good question – and any info on their regular theater program is of interest too.
S has visited and did a voice lesson/interview with the head of the MT department, Professor Howard. He said that the program is a Music degree (BFA), and the curriculum is on the website (if you can’t find it, PM me - I don’t think i can put the link on here). They do one musical a year plus a few plays in conjunction with the theater dept., and they also do several cabarets each year. Like all BFAs there are quite a few credits, but unlike a lot of programs, you can double major with something else as long as you are smart about choosing your classes. The voice lesson part of my S’s visit was very instructive, as it was clear that Professor Howard had a lot that he could teach him.
We also spoke to a friend of S’s who is a freshman theater major there about her experiences, and she said that so far she has been very pleased. She has been in one play since she arrived, and has seen several, and she thought the quality was very good. She said as at most places, casting is more competitive for girls than for boys. She has quite a bit of experience, and she took private voice in the fall, and she said she thought the instruction was very good.
S also took a couple of dance classes, and again felt that there was a lot he could learn - he started dancing in 7th grade, but only began serious dance in 10th grade, so he has some catching up to do. He took Ballet III and a choreography class. He found the classes to be very well taught, with the students sort of a mixed bag - some excellent dancers and some not as experienced.
Tulane also does the Summer Lyric Theater in the summer, which puts on three musicals over the course of the summer. Apparently a lot of students are cast, alongside professionals, so it can be a good learning experience. I haven’t been able to figure out if the students are paid.
The one weird thing is that since S did classes and interviewed when he visited, he did not go back to audition, but instead sent in an Arts Supplement as the website indicates is OK. However, he still hasn’t heard if he is accepted to either the MT or the dance program (he was accepted to the school in December). He is getting acceptances (and some courtship) from some other programs so he has emailed to ask about his Tulane status, but hasn’t heard anything. Guess he will have to call if he doesn’t hear anything soon.
If i find out anything else I will post an update. Hope that helps!
Not sure if this is helpful, but I live in New Orleans and have attended Tulane Summer Lyric and Shakespeare productions for years and always find them top notch.