<p>My love has always been singing, and i feel that like ballet is the backbone of all dance, classical singing is the backbone of singing. If you can sing classicaly , you can sing anything. My dilemma. My passions is musical theatre, but one of my top choices is Lawrence, where they have a very well regarded conservatory. If i want to go into musical theatre would it be a detriment to get a degree in vocal performance where most everyone wants to be an opera singer? The Laurey in the production of Oklahoma I am in got her degree in vocal performance at BU, as did alot of the cast. I mean Lawrence does put on two musicals a year, one mainstage, one student run, so I would def. participate in those. Any words of advice etc.?</p>
<p>Perhaps the Music Theater section of the discussion forum might might shed some light. You may want to cross post your question there as well.</p>
<p>I am already ahead of you violadad! :)</p>
<p>Look into Arizona State Herberger School of Music---at ASU musical theatre students study in the vocal performance department rather than the drama department. And they have a very well respected vocal performance faculty.</p>
<p>I have also heard great things about Shenandoah Conservatory for Musical Theatre.</p>
<p>I used to have the same problem as you. The answer I got was, if yoru talented enough for the part, they don't care what kind of degree you have. I decided on vocal performance because I can do operas and also do the musicals that fit my voice. If i majored in musical theater, I may not be able to perform in operas and that really would upset me. Good luck!</p>
<p>As with most areas of musical performance, the more things you can do the better. Even if you work primarily as a musical theater actor, it is very likely that at some point in your life you will have to get a church job or work in some other classical venue. For this reason and many others, it would be wise to get an undergrad degree in classical vocal performance. Most conservatories have some sort of musical theater activities, so you won't just be doing opera for four years.</p>