USC or UCLA for transferring into Musical theatre program

<p>Hi guys. This forum seems to be really helpful so i was hoping i could get some help. I was hoping to transfer from a JC to USC or UCLA to work towards being a broadway singer. I know that neither of these offer musical theatre as a major but I was wondering which, in your opinion would be the better University to look into to try to further my musical theatre career. You see, I need to stay in SoCal to help my parents out financially, physically, and emotionally so I really need to find an appropriate school within the L.A area, other schools other than USC and UCLA would be okay too…thanks for any advice!</p>

<p>I would say that out of the two, UCLA is stronger. It's also MUCH cheaper for CA residents. However, I would look into both UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton, as they both have fairly reputable programs.</p>

<p>UCLA does offer it as a major...from what I understand its a rather recently-implemented BA Musical Theater program. I was looking strongly at transferring there as well if I decided not to go to Boston.</p>

<p>I also believe that if you go to a JC for 2 years - within the state system of CA - you have a 'buy' into one of the UC campuses - of course - they tell you ONE of the UC campuses - not necessarily your first choice - but keep those grades up and you would certainly have a good shot.</p>

<p>Cal State Fullerton has a good MT program. there is a Prof from there that has posted extensively on this site. check out the archives.</p>

<p>janenw</p>

<p>Here is the description of the UCLA B.A. program in theater: <a href="http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog05-07-7-107.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog05-07-7-107.htm&lt;/a> There is a musical theater focused track (Ray Bolger Musical Theater) within this B.A. degree program but you should check about how/if transfers can participate. As a B.A. program, UCLA is not offering the intensive BFA Acting or MT focus of the other schools typically discussed on this forum; however, it is a strong, academically selective B.A. program (much more emphasis on liberal arts courses within the requirements). USC does offer a BFA Acting program <a href="http://theatre.usc.edu/degree-programs/bachelor-of-fine-arts.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://theatre.usc.edu/degree-programs/bachelor-of-fine-arts.html&lt;/a> or a BA Acting program in Theatre <a href="http://theatre.usc.edu/degree-programs/bachelor-of-arts.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://theatre.usc.edu/degree-programs/bachelor-of-arts.html&lt;/a> with the option to minor in Musical Theatre through USC's Thornton Music School. The BFA Acting would be hard to transfer into because students are admitted by audition in the freshman class and move as a group through their coursework and one performance annually, while being eligible for casting in all other shows produced. Hope this helps.</p>

<p>A friend of mine was trying to transfer to UCLA's MT program, he said that they accept about 5 or 6 transfer students into the program a year.</p>

<p>USC has JRB!!</p>

<p>thanks so much. all of your repsonses have been so helpful!</p>

<p>My daughter went to a performing arts school and about 4 from her graduating class are going to UCLA and a few more decided on Cal State Fullerton. Of the two I believe Fullerton has been around longer and has an excellent reputation. I'm not sure but I believe Fullerton has a cut system.</p>

<p>Lexismom</p>

<p>I'm a friend of Lexismom's D, and have the same friends. We have 3 going to UCLA for MT, and 2 going to USC for the BA Acting/MT Minor. I have to admit that it seems the UCLA program seems incredibly strong, but is highly more academic, and not exactly as hands on as one would like. </p>

<p>I'm actually applying as a transfer this year for MT at UCLA.</p>