<p>I'm vary weary of CAP, there are tons of people who love it but I've also met so many people who have dropped out. I wish there was a simple answer to knowing what is right for me.</p>
<p>My strong suggestion:</p>
<p>If you are serious about a career in MT, look for a school that really emphazises the acting of SONGS as well as straight acting. They are not the same animal - although they are certainly related! Asserting that they ARE the "same" (as many people do) is like saying ballet and jazz are the same, or that classical and jazz singing are the same - in other words, while you need a ballet foundation to be a strong jazz dancer and you need classical voice training to be a strong jazz singer, you ALSO need training in the latter of each discipline, because it has its own unique skill set. Similarly, acting a song well requires knowledge of the specific economy of well-written lyrics - meaning why a lyricist chose to use the language he did(similar to the analysis of this in a monologue), which in turn helps to guide your acting choices - AND, even more importantly, how that is wedded to and dictated by MUSICAL choices made by the composer!!! A school that teaches this will teach you to look at dynamic and other musical markings, specific chord changes, time and key signatures, etc., as a PART of your acting work, and will also place emphasis on this type of work in the classroom. </p>
<p>Many schools say, "Oh, we have one MT scene study class, but you learn how to act a song in rehearsal for shows." However, this is pretty faulty MT education logic, because acting a song in the context of a show is the "easiest" acting a song situation you will encounter due to the fact that the context of the whole show does a lot of the "work" of creating a specific effect for you. On the whole, it is much more challenging to act a song you are using as an audition piece or cabaret piece, because you generally start more from scratch and build your own context (although audition song acting and cabaret song acting differ significantly). So count song performance classes devoted to what I described above AS acting classes! And also know that because of all of the other things an MT curriculum must contain, often schools that have such song performance classes (and also several musicianship classes) have fewer required straight acting classes and vice versa. That having been said, there have been debates on this forum about the need to have as broad a straight acting base as possible, because that allows you to filter more easily into straight acting in plays as well as film and TV acting. I don't know enough about the film and TV casting world to comment on how accurate that is (although I know there are some posters here who do, so they might chime in :) ) - but I do know that film and TV casting is sometimes based solely on your look combined with your telegenic-ness and is less about "acting" than stage work. SOMETIMES, certainly not all the time!!!! (Hey, I LOVE Law and Order, which is VERY well-acted - as one example! ;) ) And it may well be true that straight acting work in various styles (Shakespeare, Restoration comedy, the Greeks, etc.), as you find in some MT programs with a strong acting focus, will increase your chances of being cast in straight plays, since you have a bigger skill set in those areas.</p>
<p>Basically, no curriculum is going to give you everything you "need" as a performer, depending on the direction in which your career develops - although many schools would like to claim they do ;) - and therefore you will likely supplement your college class work with master or specialty classes in NYC in your early post-grad years. But those who have really mastered acting a song while in college tend to be those who do very, very well in big auditions (NYC, major summer stocks, etc.), in which the majority of people are amazing or at least very, very good singers - because it is their acting that sets them apart, even when singing 16 bars!</p>
<p>Coach...thanks for that well written post with excellent points. I agree with all you wrote.</p>
<p>I think one thing in MT training that would possibly differ from a program that focuses on voice training is that MT is more than just being able to sing well. You have to act songs. Further, you have to act in scenes in the musical. Singing well is important of course but sole focus on voice is not really all that MT involves. The presentation of the songs, plus the fact that it is theater, not a concert, means being able to act, both while singing and in scenes. That is why I think a program that balances voice training with acting and dance is important. I realize classical music training is good for singers but MT is more than just being able to sing well. As you say, the acting of the song is critical. As well, a MT production is more than songs but has scenes/dialogue too. Also, like you mentioned, an audition to be cast in MT involves being able to act the song in the audition itself. It really isn't ALL about just singing well. I think that is what sets MT training apart from more of a BM focus. Acting, whether it be acting the song or the scenes is a big part of MT.</p>
<p>Coach CC - couldn't agree more!!!!</p>
<p>Soozie - The schools which offer a BM in musical theatre are not just about voice. Sometimes, it has more to do with the historical nature of the school - if the program evolved out of a music conservatory, or music dept., it may remain a BM. That doesn't mean that it focuses solely on the vocal performance part. It most likely means they have more piano/music theory/sightsinging, which is a great thing for some kids. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. But any school that I am aware of which offers a degree in Musical Theatre, whether it be a BA, BFA, or BM, or other combination of letters, trains to some degree in all three areas. But I think Coach's point was whether the heaviest focus was music, or acting, or dance, Acting the Song is something that needs to be addressed.</p>
<p>And, by the way, in the opera world, long gone are the days when it was all about the voice, and nothing else mattered. Most serious VP programs have acting and movement as part of their curricula as well.</p>
<p>MusThCC...Yes, I do agree and likely wasn't so clear in what I was trying to say. I was saying that solely focusing on voice training without acting the songs or without acting training isn't really the essence in MT because it is not just about being able to sing well. Examining the curriculum in programs is critical. Also, when talking of auditions, it goes beyond just singing well (which of course in itself is important). A strong music background is very helpful, no question. The acting component is what makes MT differ from just being a singer. Both auditions AND actual theater performances, involve a great deal of acting. To be successful at auditions or in musical theater, it is not enough to be able to sing well. I think a good MT program balances all three areas. Prospective students need to really dig into all schools' curriculums. I have read some students in some programs who have commented that they were not satisfied with not getting enough acting training as part of their schedules. As I posted earlier, I am in total agreement with Coach C that acting a song is critical in training, as well as in auditioning. My post was meant as support of all that Coach C wrote. Great post!</p>
<p>Just to let you know, Syracuse has a very strong acting emphasis (every semester), and also MT performance classes (acting songs).<br>
In fact, the musical theatre students take the same courses as the BFA Acting students. I have really enjoyed my freshman year there, and I can feel myself getting better all the time. If you want any more detailed information, feel free to ask!</p>
<p>Now that all of the dust has settled, I'm finding myself extremely torn between Syracuse and BoCo, both of which are fantastic, albeit very different programs. Going into the college audition process, I was definitely leaning towards a school like Syracuse where I would be sure to receive the "college campus experience," etc. BoCo was one of the school's I felt least compatible with prior to auditioning, and then loved when I actually visited. Now that I've been accepted to both, I'm having difficulty compromising my initial needs with what I now feel is right for me. I'm a little leery about giving up academics at BoCo, even though the curriculum includes 18 required liberal arts credits. Can anyone tell me what these credits consist of? I'm assuming various english and/or history classes. Syracuse although gave me a scholarship, which is another factor pulling in that direction. Obviously I'm going to be visiting both schools again and I've been talking with students/graduate from both schools. In hindsight of this entire experience, I really want to make the right choice now so that I don't have to go through this all over again next year as a transfer student. If anyone could provide any insight, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!!</p>
<p>If you can do it, I would recommend that you visit the colleges your child is interested in during the academic year. We live on the West Coast and made our first set of college visits in the summer of 2004, when I was granted a one-month leave for research and travel. It was during this trip that we visited Syracuse and our daughter feel in love with it. </p>
<p>This past January, she auditioned for Syracuse in Washington, DC and several other schools on the East Coast, and when we returned in February for another round of auditions, she asked if we could make a side trip up to Syracuse to take a look at it. I think she wanted to see if she still had the same feelings and impressions that she had two years earlier. It was during this trip that we really got a sense of the faculty, students, and whole ambience of the place. </p>
<p>MTPapa</p>
<p>I'm on the computer late trying to catch up tonight, after being out of town for a few days!</p>
<p>Sue, 5 pants, wanted my opinion - so here it is - I think the programs that lean more heavily on acting include the ones mentioned above, Webster, CMU, NYU Tisch, and I would add Ithaca. I haven't looked at all schools, but I think there are many programs that offer good acting along with balance in all areas - some of these might include NYU CAP21, U Michigan, Syracuse, and Elon. There are also BM programs that have good acting but possibly emphasize music the most, and in that list I would include OCU and BW. I think it is important to evaluate program offerings and program requirements, something that we have been doing rather late in this process.</p>
<p>Unrelated - we visited upstate NY schools in summer the first time, and Ithaca and Syracuse were able to talk with us about MT. It may not be ideal, but sometimes you go with what works in your schedule.</p>
<p>I can't help noticing that Webster is being repeatedly mentioned as a school that strongly emphasizes acting. This confuses me. I live 30 minutes away from St. Louis and saw the conservatory's production of Bye Bye Birdie this winter. I felt the acting was VERY mediocre. Does anyone agree with me? Can someone describe the acting training at Webster in detail? I realize that it is a very prestigious program and I would only be so lucky to get in....but BBB was certainly a let down after hearing so many great things about it.</p>
<p>I'm actually still having trouble deciding on further narrowing down three schools: MT at Baldwin-Wallace, MT at Point Park, or BA Theatre at Otterbein College.</p>
<p>Any help?</p>
<p>Hey, I remember you saying that you live about 5-10 minutes away from BW. That would be the only reason for me to tell you to go somewhere else other then BW. But In my opinion BW definatly has the better program. If you have ayn queations about BW, message me.</p>
<p>I visited Ithaca and Syracuse this weekend and was very impressed with both programs. However, my gut is telling me Syracuse for sure. I was very surprised with what I learned about the program after talking to everybody. Some things I didn't know about that are really a big, big draw for me include:</p>
<ol>
<li>The opportunity to minor in something</li>
<li>The honors program which allows me to take more than the maximum 19 credits</li>
<li>Understudies for the Syracuse Stage shows are all students (given at least one performance) and they get Equity credit for the work</li>
<li>The directors that work at Syracuse Stage are PHENOMENAL. I saw a show yesterday that was directed by the guy who just directed Naked Girl on the Appian Way on B'way last Fall</li>
<li>Bob Moss is the artistic director of the theatre and a professor. He founded Playwrights' Horizons and has TONS of connections</li>
<li>Every professional actor and director that works at the theatre speaks to the students and works with them</li>
<li>Bob Moss told me that by the time I get there next year, there should be a directing minor track available...taught by Mr. Bob Moss himself, which looks great on a resume</li>
<li>They've just launched a semester "abroad" at the Tepper Center in NY that seems great for building connections</li>
<li>Aaron Sorkin week is also new. 10 students get flown to L.A. over Spring Break for a week (compliments of Mr. Sorkin) to audition and make some great connections<br></li>
<li>The number of shows that are mounted is great, too. Over 2 days, I saw 3 shows all affiliated with either the school or Syracuse Stage (2 were student-run, and one through Syracuse Stage)</li>
</ol>
<p>Of course, there are many other attributes that are pretty common knowledge to anyone reasearching the program. These are just some things that are new and/or I was hazy on or didn't even know about. PM me if you have any specific questions or my opinions on what else I saw. I'm willing to share.</p>
<p>Well, I'm definitely going to OCU (theatre performance). I didn't get into anywhere for mt, but it seems like I can fill it with a lot of mt electives.</p>
<p>kbellantone07,</p>
<p>To answer your question regarding detailed information regarding Webster's acting training I am posting a link to their Conservatory syllabi. This is a pretty detailed discription of what they cover. If you have more questions I would be happy to put you in contact with current students. They certainly can tell you the amount of time they spend on their acting training.</p>
<p>You are certainly entitled to your opinion regarding the production of "Bye Bye Birdie". After all that is the beauty of theatre, we each walk away with our own personal experience. Just as a director or choreographer has their own personal vision. Sometimes we don't agree with their interpretation and other times they hit the nail squarely on the head for our own personal satisfaction....however,that doesn't mean the person next to us feels the same.</p>
<p>You said in your post "but BBB was certainly a let down after hearing so many great things about it." That tells me that other people felt differently than you. AND that is okay.</p>
<p>If I can be of further help, please let me know. BTW, I invite you to see more than one show at Webster since you are only 30 minutes away. Perhaps the current show playing? "String of Pearls" runs through April 9th.</p>
<p>SUE aka 5pants</p>
<p>I'd like to address several recent posts - </p>
<p>broadwaycorey - congrat's on great options. I am not familiar with Otterbein, but at some other schools, BA theatre is a less intense training program than BFA, so look carefully. Some people like the BA because it allows flexibility in taking other courses or having a minor. If you want to be an incredible singer and great musician, go to BW. If you want to become a fabulous dancer (in ballet, jazz, modern, not as much in tap), go to Point Park. If you want a campus experience, don't go to Point Park. My son would choose BW out of your list, but it would be totally a personal preference.</p>
<p>BrendanN - Ithaca also offers study abroad, like Syracuse does. </p>
<p>Syracuse and Webster similarities - both offer the connection to an equity theatre inhouse where some students get to work and earn points. I don't think this happens to everyone.</p>
<p>kbellantone07 - Sue 5 Pants is an excellent resource. We didn't get to see a show at Webster, but my son was impressed with an acting class he observed. They will tell you at the conservatory that acting is the number one priority even for MT students. In the end, Webster was one of the auditions that my son canceled after having some other good options in December. He would have also been pleased with Webster.</p>
<p>I wasn't aware that Ithaca offered study abroad in NYC. I knew they had a field week in NY, but not an entire semester. I am aware of their London program, however, which Syracuse also has.</p>
<p>Brendan, I think you accidentally misunderstood Ericsmom. Both Ithaca and Syracuse have semesters abroad in London, that's what she meant. Syracuse has recently added a fall semester for the seniors in NYC, which we were told was due to a five year grant for that "project." That is specific to Syracuse. That is different than Ithaca's field week in the city.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, I didn't read the original post well and was just commenting about both of these schools having a semester in London. </p>
<p>I do remember Syracuse talking about NYC - isn't it limited in how many students can go?</p>
<p>Bye, Bye Birdie doesn't present much opportunity for real acting, imo. Each character is very one dimensional and paper-dollish. No one really changes throughout the course of the show. (Except Albert, who only changes a teensy bit. He is first dominated by his mother, and then is dominated by Rosie.)
I didn't see Webster's production, so I can't comment on that in particular. I just wanted to say that Birdie is, in particular, difficult to act well. Certainly some people do better jobs than do others. But the material, however fun and pleasing, just doesn't provide much fodder for drama.</p>