<p>I know that I am supposed to have non-audition safety schools for MT, but this is what I'm afraid of. That if I don't get into any conservatories, it means that I'm not good enough to do musical theater and that the colleges are probably sending me some kind of a signal. Am I wrong here or can people still be successful after graduating from a non-conservatory liberal arts school?</p>
<p>I completely understand what you are asking and it would give one pause to think. But, lots of successful people in this business don't even have a MT degree and lots of young people don't come into their own untill a little later. It is always difficult to assess your own talents and abilities and it can be hard to get those around you to be honest. Sometimes if you can find someone who you haven't worked with (a teacher or a coach in our area) you could get a honest answer, but that doesn't allow for what good training and personal development can do for you. I know my son have mentioned several times how far many of the kids at his school have come.</p>
<p>There are so many variables that go into whether you are accepted at a BFA program that you would be doing yourself a grave disservice by concluding that if you don't get accepted to one that you are not cut out for MT. A BFA program is not the only way to become a "successful" performer and there are many, many performers who for a variety of reasons started their educational path to the performing world with a BA degree. There are many BA programs that offer great theatre training including MT opportunities and that attract highly talented students who could have opted for BFA but chose not to. Don't limit your opportunities or sell yourself short. I think you should give yourself as many options as possible, including a couple of BA programs with strong MT training and opportunities.</p>
<p>clay, your fears are normal. In fact, your fears tell me that you are taking seriously the fact that competition is fierce for spots in BFA programs. That is a good thing to recognize, because it usually means that you will then take seriously the importance of having a good list of schools which include the safety schools that we all keep harping on. (Believe me when I say that there are plenty of kids out there who don't know how competitive BFA admissions is, and come in blithely expecting to get in everywhere because they were the "star" of their high school or community and have been told for years that they are "amazing." What a shock when reality hits ...)</p>
<p>The answer to your question is: Yes, you certainly can train at one of your non audition safety schools and end up very competitive and successful. That's a fact. Every time you attend a professional play or musical, read the program and look at where the actors went to school -- if they went to school. You will see everything from BFAs from all the schools on our big list above to BAs from places you have never heard of!</p>
<p>In fact, some students CHOOSE to attend liberal arts schools or universities and earn BAs for their four year undergraduate experience, even though they do plan to head out on the audition circuit and into the professional performance world after graduation. (Doctorjohn created a very cool and simple questionnaire/test to help kids in their BFA vs. BA decision. I will see if I can find that and post it again. It might be useful for some of you.)</p>
<p>One thing to mention: try to choose a safety school that you honestly and truly love and at which you can see yourself. As the college admissions experts advise: LOVE YOUR WHOLE LIST! Though it's inevitable and normal to "love" some schools on your list more than others, it's vital that you like them all and can imagine attending every single school you audition at/apply for. Why? Because you just might end up there. </p>
<p>And if you do end up at your safety, I personally wouldn't take that as a sign that you are not going to be successful professionally. Not at all. I know a number of truly talented kids who did not get into any of the BFA programs they auditioned at, and I know they will be successful if they continue to train and grow where they are planted. The important thing is to use the four year undergrad experience (BA or BFA) to train and grow. It's where you are in four years, upon graduation, that matters most in the professional world. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you. I know it's useless to say, but try not to stress too much! If your list is a reasonable one and has all the elements that have been talked about here, you should do fine.</p>