<p>Here's the thing, I just started singing about, well alittle over a year ago, and I absolutely love it more than anything. (I'm homeschooled so I can't do choir.) Well I have seriously been thinking about studying Musical Theater, but well what do I do? How do I pay for some of the best colleges, my parents make too much for me to get finacial aid, how do I prepare myself? If anyone has even a little advice it would be sooo helpful. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>What year are you in school now? If you are a senior, you must get busy auditioning, quickly. If you are a junior or younger, people here can probably give you advice on what to work on.</p>
<p>I plan on attending college fall of 07. I realize I am starting awfully late but at the same time I am willing to work so hard. Mainly I just want to know, how do I get over my stage fright? How do I know when a vocal coach/teacher is lying to me about my strengths? How do I pick a GOOD vocal coach? I've heard ballet is an excellent starter, but is it true or should I start maybe in jazz? I really don't live in the best town for preparing ones self for this particular study so I have absolutely know idea what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!</p>
<p>getting over stage fright is a personal thing i believe. ive only had little bits of it, never full on stage fright. so you need to figure out a way that works for you. confidence is the main thing here. also in regards to a vocal coach...id just find one right now, as your time is a little short. as for dance, yes get into a ballet over a jazz, but you really should do both. practice practice everything. also, go to the library, and check out a bunch of plays. and just read them. that will help get you started on monologues. where do you live? that could help us figure out some plans in regards to saftey schools (non audition programs) and schools that are close. this also helps with the unified auditions, as where you live depends on which city you should go to. </p>
<p>chris</p>
<p>angelofmusic -</p>
<p>Are you sure you cannot be in your local school's choir? Quite a few of the home schooled kids around here (Portland OR) can participate in either the sports programs or the arts programs if homeschooled.</p>
<p>And another friend who attends a private Catholic school is on our public high school's wrestling team (as his school does not offer it)</p>
<p>I don't know where you are located - but we also have several (3 to be exact) good 'by audition only' choirs that rehearse at night and on the weekends. One is all girls - and the others are for boys and girls. These are really first class - and usually involve some kind of a fee to join (after the audition and invitation)but are lead by people really dedicated to music education for young people. (one has a theory class that you take before singing each week) And I also know they give scholarships if money is tight.</p>
<p>Is there anything like this in your area?</p>
<p>Also - take ballet as a base - and some jazz too if you can swing it.<br>
Do you have any community theatres in your area? Usually word of mouth is a good way to find a good coach. Beware of 'agencies' that will take your money and give you training (similar to modeling agencies that really make their revenue from 'students' - who would never really work as a model - in the real world)</p>
<p>Keep singing - lots and lots - </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>janenw</p>
<p>You are certainly in time to apply to some of the summer programs to see what MT is all about - check out the big list of summer programs.</p>
<p>CMU is not as competitive to get into the summer program -(as it is for the year round program) but it is intense and will give you a good idea of what this is all about at the college level</p>
<p>A summer MT program will give you a really good idea if this is something you seriously want to pursue - the money spent this summer could potentially save your parents alot more (or you will discover that this is the path for you and they will spend even more!)</p>
<p>janenw</p>
<p>Thank you all for you replies!
Here's the answers to some of your questions:
I live in El Paso, TX.
The only community theater here that does musicals is the University of Texas at El Paso, and they actually have a great Tim Rice connection but only put on about 4 productions a season.
I don't have the ability to apply for any summer programs unfortunately as I will be in Europe most of the summer.
I know 100% that I want to pursue this as a career.
Thanks again everyone you are being so great!</p>
<p>Look at the "big list" for schools in Texas that offer MT. I think there are a few, and maybe some are public universities that wouldn't cost you as much. There was also a thread at one time about Texas schools - do a search. I think North Texas no longer has a program that they once offered, but they have a good reputation in music.</p>
<p>I always must plug my alma mater, TCU. They offer academic scholarships, and one can audition for a talent scholarship. The BFA theatre program, which has an MT emphasis as one of the options, does not require an audition for admission. In addition to participating at college, some students do shows in the community.</p>
<p>Hopefully you can find a voice teacher and a local dance studio for classes. Try to find a local studio with summer intensive programs. Maybe you could do this a week or two whenever you are not in Europe. My son was able to advance pretty quickly in 2 summers of local ballet intensive programs (2 weeks). He has continued dance training during the school year.</p>
<p>Maybe you can join a church youth choir in addition to private lessons.</p>
<p>Do consider TCU for MT. It's my alma mater also and I work there now. There is no audition for entrance into MT, and there are many opportunities for scholarships and theater work in the area. It's a small, personal environment that you might find just right after home schooling. Definitely worth checking into. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Another Texan ;)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone you all have been so helpful!
I'll keep you posted on what happens.</p>