What kind of MT students is Carnegie Mellon looking for?

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

Hi! I’ve done musical theatre my whole life and I am honestly at my happiest when I am onstage, but I’ve always felt like I don’t fit into the typical “musical theatre engenue” mold that I imagine CMU must be looking for with such a low acceptance rate? I’ve always been cast as the comedic role, or the weird role, or the villain, or a man, haha. Ursula in the Little Mermaid, Miss Hannigan in Annie, the MC in Cabaret, etc. I’ve been told I have exceptional comedic abilities, but does that matter for CMU? Are they really just looking for people who can sing the highest? Does being funny help? I couldn’t really get any insight from their website.
Additionally, does anyone know of musical theatre schools that want weird/funny individuals? Everyone I know who gets into MT schools is the serious, skinny, kinda indistinguishable type. I don’t mean to put anyone down for being more of an engenue typecast or serious actress! It’s just that I feel that’s everyone who gets into MT colleges.

Thanks so much!

2

Carnegie looks for all types, comedic, ingenues, girl/boy next door,etc. They want ACTORS. I would say that is the most important component of the three disciplines at Carnegie. Singing is a close second. And, dance, well, it can’t hurt but it certainly is a distant third.You don’t dance in your Carnegie audition. Our D made the wait list this year in MT. She is a competitive dancer but she knows of kids who got in with very limited dance experience. I think if Carnegie sees that creative spark in you that they want, they will teach you to move well.:slight_smile: Best of luck!