I am seeking either a BFA in musical theatre or a BA with a minor or concentration in musical theatre with which I can possibly double major or minor in arts administration. I have been dancing for 13 years. I have participated in theater for 7 years, but I only started receiving formal acting training for 3 years. I have been in group vocal classes for 3 years, but this is the first year I am taking private voice lessons. I am mostly concerned with the singing portion of my auditions, since that is my weakest, least-polished area. Of course, getting into a really prestigious program would be ideal, but I don’t know if I will be accepted, so I am looking for any program with excellent training that I could potentially get into. I have so many possible schools because I am scared that I will not get into my top choice programs, and I want to have a lot of backup options. These are the current schools I am thinking about or planning on auditioning for, what are my chances of getting in? Are there any other schools I should consider?
AMDA (I have VIP application status, so I figured why not apply since I won’t have to pay an application fee)
Baldwin Wallace University(also applying for arts administration)
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Carnegie Mellon University (also applying for dramaturgy)
Elon University (already submitted my application, also applying for arts administration)
Emerson College (also interested in their Business of Creative Enterprises major, but the Common App says I can only be considered for one program, so I’m not sure what I should do)
Hofstra University (submitted my application and its status says a decision has been reached, waiting to hear from them)
Ithaca (already submitted my regular application, also applying for theater arts management)
Kent State University
Marymount Manhattan College
Millikin University
Nazareth College
New York University
Northwestern University
Otterbein University
Pace University (also applying for arts administration)
Penn State University
Point Park University (already submitted my application, also applying for arts administration)
Rider University
Shenandoah Conservatory
Syracuse University
Temple University
University of Miami
University of the Arts
Webster University
This seems like a fairly comprehensive list that you’ve put a lot of thought into, so kudos for that! If there was one thing I’d say, it’s that most of the schools on this list are fairly competitive in terms of their musical theater programs (with the exception of Hofstra, which, I believe is a non-audition program unless you want to audition for the BFA in sophomore year). If I were to do anything, I might consider adding another non-audition safety or two to round out the list. I’m sure others will weigh in with some other opinions. Good luck! You seem to be very organized and well on your way.
With your dance background, I would look at the dance performance major at Oklahoma City University. It has produced an amazing number of Broadway performers. You do get voice and acting training as part of the degree. Recent grads have been in shows like Hamilton, Cindrella national tour, Newsies etc.
Roosevelt/Chicago has an unique BFA in MT with Dance Emphasis. I think it is a good option if you have dance as your greatest strength but want to grow in the other areas.
I suggest also looking at James Madison in VA (Auditioned BA), although there is not an arts management minor, there is coursework in arts management, and some students choose to pursue a Non-Profit studies minor, or a Communications minor, with an emphasis in PR. I teach at JMU and am happy to answer any questions you may have.
You may also want to look at Goucher in MD, Skidmore in NY, Muhlenburg in PA. These are all non-auditioned programs with strong dance, and musical theatre opportunities.
University of Kentucky offers Arts Administration, they only have a musical theatre “certificate” though, (basically a minor). But it is very easy to double, even triple major I would say. I’ve considered doing a Theatre BA, MT Certificate, Arts Administration BA, and even another academic major/minor if I go there and it’s very doable. It’s definitely a very liberal arts program though, so if you’re looking for very hard core performance training it might not be the best for you.