<p>After some long hard thinking I sadly think I am not going to go for BFA in Musical Theater. As much as I love it, I am not much of a dancer and have had terrible self esteem problems this semester at my school with the drama class from hell, in which the teacher basiclly thinks I am the worst in teh class. I know I am a singer and always have been, but just singing wont cut it in these ultracompetitve programs and we dont have money or time for dance classes . . Its disconcerting because this whole search has been about musical theater BFA schools and now its like what do I do? I . I think another thing was that I do live IN NYC and therefore I see the culture. Every waitress at the Olive Garden in Times Sq. is an aspiring actress and its just very sad to see these probably very talented people asking me what kinda of pasta I want. I had a list of upwards of 12 schools and I dont have songs or monolouges at this current juncture and it seemd such a daunting tiring process. I love musical theater but singing is my first love , so I am auditiong in vocal performance at my first choice school (Lawrence University in Wisconsion) . I will def. check back in the coming months to see how everyone is doing and wish everyone auditioning the best of luck and you all have been fabulous over the years. Thank you</p>
<p>Wow- this must have been a tough decision. But if singing is your first love- go for it, and immerse yourself in it. The truth is (and most of the parents on this forum will agree with me), most people end up changing their careers several times over the course of their adult lives- no matter what their original majors or career aspirations. I think the important thing is to allow yourself to pursue something you love as you get your bachelor's degree- and the rest will sort itself out eventually. In the meantime, you'll never regret the time and effort you've spent pursuing your love of singing through a degree in vocal performance.
I know it sounds corny- but it's true! Best wishes-</p>
<p>Defying, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you...Lawrence is a fabulous school, and one that was on my radar from my daughter's sophomore year on. But as my daughter's dreams evolved from conservatories (and a BM) to a BA in music, Lawrence fell off her list...and to this day, I consider Lawrence "the one that got away." Wishing you the very best with your application and audition...</p>
<p>Defying, you are a very brave young woman and clearly, a very intelligent one, too. I am sure that you went through he-- and back making this decision, but if it feels like the right one for you (at a gut level), then it <em>is</em> the right one. As others here have pointed out numerous times, there are many paths to a career in the performing arts, and the BFA route is only one. We here on CC's musical theatre major discussion list are all very proud of you and wish you nothing but the best. And please, continue to check in with us and let us know what -- and how! -- you are doing. xxoxo</p>
<p>Defying Gravity ~ take heart...vocal performance is a wonderful way to go, even for aspiring musical theater actresses!!! The door is hardly closed :) Lawrence sounds like a REALLY awesome school. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Light in the Piazza, Sweeney Todd, Marie Christine... all take classically trained singers to handle the challanging material. Lincoln Center recently commissioned prominant MT composers to write OPERA... Guettle, LaChiusa, Tesori are all working on contemporaty opera through this commission... there are many genres of musical theatre... opera being one of them. Lawrence is a wonderful school. I wish you the best of luck as you move forward onto this exciting stage of your development as a performer.</p>
<p>Hello Defying,
Just want to let you know how much I appreciate your honesty, and am sorry that your acting class teacher made you feel badly. I hope you find a school that encourages your talents. Always remember that there is absolutely no one else just like you. You have a lot to offer and are better off surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you. Never let anyone else define you as a person, or a performer. I am proud of the fact that you are taking charge of your future. Best wishes.</p>
<p>Thank you so so much everyone! That is why i love this place so much! I have a huge monolouge to do for drama and am literally making myself sick over it. Its form Come back to the 5 and dime jimmy dean and I have to do the whole southern accent and its the last period before vacation. On a happier note my school announced they are doing west side story and as I did not make it into the play ( a collection of short vinnets by Shel Silverstien) it made me happy. I want Anita badly but we shall see.</p>
<p>Defying, Kristin Chenoweth has her degrees in VP and was planning on doing opera, look what happened! You never know where you'll end up!</p>
<p>Defying, let us know how the monologue goes. I know you are going to rock it! Ditto your audition for West Side Story: go in well prepared with your head held high, your shoulders back, and your chin up! Anita had confidence. (Or maybe that was Maria in Sound of Music. Just kidding.) As someone else here said, don't make the mistake of internalizing one person's seemingly negative attitude toward what you can or can't do. Have faith in yourself. You can do it.</p>
<p>Defying--Remember that Mr. Karp is NOTHING! Too bad you can't do that song for your WSS audition LOL.</p>
<p>DefGrav, let me add my voice to the chorus wishing you well. As we have all said, don't let one teacher with an attitude drag down your self-confidence. YOU are in control of that, and don't ever give anybody that kind of power over you! Please keep us posted on your Lawrence University audition!</p>
<p>DefGrav,</p>
<p>I have not been reading the posts lately....I just read yours today. Lawrence is a fabulous school!! AND in my state! :) Just a couple hours away. I have a good friend who's daughter is graduating with emphasis in opera performance! Bet wishes to you....keep your head up. Half the battle is being honest with yourself. You have accomplished that!</p>
<p>Happy Holidays!</p>
<p>Big cyber hug to you!!</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>