I don’t know the first thing about MT.
When evaluating undergraduate MT degrees, is it important to consider the split between graduate students and undergraduate students within the program and if so what would you ask about and / or look for? If this topic is already covered in a thread, please point me to it as I could not find it. Thanks!
I am by no means an expert. At all.
But … my D and I were counseled by several people in the theatre/performing world, that it may be advantageous to NOT attend a school with a big graduate program. The thought being that you were competing with MFAs for a certain set number of roles - and you just may get more experience at a place that didn’t have a graduate program.
YMMV.
I agree with KaMaMom…we looked at UCI’s program and were told specifically that the roles went to the MFA students…
I think it depends on the school. At NYU the MFA students and BFA students are ENTIRELY separated, no casting crossover at all
D’s school doesn’t offer graduate degrees n performance, but she really loved having MFA Directing students on campus to work with.
Is this at Tisch, Steinhardt or both?
@Twelfthman - Tischx
We were also told at some schools that have the graduate program that the roles are always given to mfa candidates . Well not every role but there is a hierarchy and so forth and you may not get to perform until you’re a junior which my D wasn’t that nuts about.
My d specifically avoided programs with a graduate school for that very reason too.
Like other posters above, my d was advised by those with substantial experience in the field to avoid programs where she would have to compete with MFA’s for roles.
Note that MFA programs in Musical Theatre are few and far between - most MFA programs are in Acting, although some MFA acting programs do have MT training included. Whatever the case, if the school does musicals, then the MFAs will usually be auditioning for roles.