MT College

[Musical_Maiwald]

Posted: 7/14/10 at 8:41pm

Is it better to look at majoring in Musical theatre or majoring in acting or music and minoring in Musical theatre? And what Colleges are the best for either?

[mpd4165]

Posted: 7/14/10 at 10:12pm

Well, if Musical Theatre is what you want to do for a living and have no problem getting experience in any other realm, major in it. Most programs require an audition for an MT program, so if you're able to make it through, they'll see talent there.

U of Michigan (Sutton and Hunter Foster, Celia and Andrew Keenan-Bolger graduated)
Minnesota-Mankato
Missouri State (Kyle Dean Massey of next to normal graduated)

These are just a few I know that have well known MT programs.

Other times people double major in theatre and music. My school offers a BA in Theatre, giving me training in all areas of theatre, but some people double it with music specifically for full training in both areas.

As a senior theatre major, DO YOUR RESEARCH and find the program you know will work for you. Visit your choices if you're able to, because you want to be happy where you're at, not just because it may be the best program, but it must be the best fit for you.

[Musical Tourettes x]

Posted: 7/16/10 at 2:18am

if you want to do MT, then go for an MT program. But I do know some people who do MT but are in acting programs -- its really up to you.

For musical theatre the 'top 3' are considered as:
CCM
UMich
CMU

but there are a LOT of other REALLY REALLY good programs out there. if you don't care about prestige i'd say go for a school that you feel you will get the most out of. check out the college confidential musical theatre forum. No offense but i've never heard of minnesota mankato or missouri state. Also, Sutton Foster didn't go to UMich. She went to CMU for a year then dropped out to be in a show.

But remember that all these programs are very hard to get into. Make sure you also have a few safety schools (an audition based program can't really be considered a safety)

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 7/16/10 at 3:51pm

Also, decide if you want a conservatory or not, as it makes a big difference. There are many ups and downs to choosing a conservatory though.

[jaesdare]

Posted: 7/16/10 at 11:30pm

This will tell you everything you need to know!

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/

[Juliash]

Posted: 7/20/10 at 10:17pm

You should look at what kind of degree you want- a BA, a BFA or a BM.

BA stand for Bachelor of Arts and generally has more core liberal arts academics involved.

BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts and tends to be acting focused with music and dance on the side but all programs are a little different.

BM stands for bachelor of music and is obviously more music focused. You tend to get a lot more theory. Also its worth noting that this is the only degree that will allow you to get a masters degree in voice which is something to consider- that's what Kristin Chenoweth did at OCU and I know Catholic University in Washington DC lets music theatre students do that on an audition basis. Not all grad schools will, but its something to consider.

[christian_drake]

Posted: 7/23/10 at 5:32am

mpd4165, Sutton Foster didn't go to UMich. She didn't even graduate. She went to CMU for one year, then left.