<p>I'm currently a junior in high school, and the concept of finding which colleges to apply to is confusing and scary. I would really like to have the option to study music theatre and acting but also get classical vocal training. I also want to have the opportunity to audition for shows as an underclassman. I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any schools that could provide what I want?</p>
<p>Look at Oklahoma City University. They are the only school that I know of in which you can double major in Voice Performance and Musical Theater (BM). Even if you choose just to do Musical Theater you will get a good solid classical voice training. All students are required to audition for both musicals and operas as undergrads.</p>
<p>Few schools will permit you to do both, or audition for MT and operas just because the technique used for one is quite different from the other. That was not the case for shows that were pre-1963 or so, since “legit” voice was used primarily and belting not required. Now, if you can’t belt,you don’t have much of a shot, and even mixed belt will be frowned upon by VP teachers after a certain point in your training. You could be great as Julie in “Carousel” or Johanna in “Sweeney Todd”, but if the school’s doing “Spring Awakening”, you’d find it rough going. MT also requires heavy dance training, while VP does not.
Check over on the MT Forum also as they may know of schools with opportunities.</p>
<p>James Madison University in VA allows it and I believe Shenandoah University in VA does, too. Sometimes it’s hard to tell from the web sites so you will need to ask. Also go to the musical theater forum (look under college majors) Agree that there is more info about musical theater with classical vocal training there.</p>