Transfering into musical theatre?

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 4:23pm

Okay, so I have a bit of a problem. For some (dumb) reason I decided to go to a two year community college, instead of going into a musical theater or theater program. My question is this: is it possible to transfer into a musical theater/theater program from a school that has no theater department?
Any advice and/or help would be greatly appreciated.

[ComaBaby01]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 5:19pm

I'm not positive so do your research and check it out, but I'm pretty sure most programs allow transfers of some sort, but some schools are full, 4-year programs (Emerson, for example) and don't allow transfers into the programs. I remember when I was at my BoCo audition, there was a transfer applicant who was in the vocal program currently at BoCo, and decided she wanted to try musical theater instead. Again, I'm not an expert, and if any experts want to comment I'd like to have more information as well, because I'm planning on transfering to another program after a year or two at UCF.

[raphael06]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 6:22pm

Yes but it is really hard. Not only do you have to be as good as everyone else but you have to wait to see if someone drops out which is rare. I auditioned as a transfer this spring and many schools accepted me based on talent then sent me letter months later saying that there was no opening for transfers that year. Luckily BoCo wanted me and is letting me start as a freshman which I am grateful for.

Updated On: 7/3/07 at 06:22 PM

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 8:00pm

What i think I'm gonna do is graduate from the two year school, then go and audition for my musical theater schools (go to school for another 4 years) I'll be a little bit older then most, but at least I'll be doing what I love.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 9:18pm

"without"- here's the positive about being a little older (and really not by much): when you're older, you will have more experiences to relate to. Because of this, some things will just make more sense. Also, if you already have a 2 year degree, will you really have to go 4 more years? Usually the first 2 years are the basics. You don't get into your major classes until your junior year anyway- at least that's how it was back in the day. I know there are a lot of decisions to be made but do what you love! You won't regret it and you will learn so much from the experience!

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 9:46pm

Instead of spending money for another college education you can go to a two year musical theatre school, where you will focus on strictly musical theatre and get a certificate at the end. Alot of people do this after they've been to a 4 year bfa or ba program anyway. I think that would be your best bet instead of spending more money to start college all over again, and have to go through all those essays and transcripts.

[withoutlovewithoutU]

Posted: 7/3/07 at 11:19pm

What are some 2 year schools? I know of alot of 4 year schools, but I know nothing about 2 year programs.

[Sporti2005]

Posted: 7/4/07 at 1:02am

I would highly suggest NOT trying to transfer into a 4-year and instead looking into 2-year non-degree programs like CITS, AADA, Neighborhood Playhouse, AMDA etc.

After trying to transfer twice and finally being accepted to a GREAT school, my financial aid fell through and I won't be able to go, so it's like the incredible amount of work was in vain. Get a degree in non-MT and keep up with training (voice lessons, etc) and go to a more intense route once you're done with "academic" school (NOT THAT THEATRE ISN'T ACADEMIC!! I couldn't think of another way to say it).

[Dancersmom]

Posted: 7/8/07 at 11:45pm

Sporti,

I am SO sorry to hear that your financial aid has fallen through. I can't believe it! I know how hard you have worked the past two years and I was so happy for you when you announced that you had been accepted to a great school (I'm not naming it since you didn't). Is there no way your family can help out? Maybe you should ask about finances over at College Confidential. Perhaps the brain trust over there can figure out a way to make it possible for you to attend your new school. I surely hope that you can find a way. My thoughts are with you.

[chinto1984]

Posted: 8/7/07 at 6:22am

If you transfer into an actual college it might not be as hard as you think especially if the offer a BA not a BFA. There are some advantages if you have all your general ed done. I know some students you did all their theater classes first "finished" the program but are not done because they still have GE. I transfered from a comm college, am not a theater major and taking classes with all the theater majors. Because you transfering into a 4 year program would not actually be four years but two because you have taken GE which takes 2 years respectively.

Posted: 8/13/07 at 10:22pm

I go to a two year performing arts school that awards the associates degree and is connected to a community college...half the people from my school transfer to a 4 year bfa program (the others go directly to work) everyone who has auditioned has gotton into a BFA program...WORK YOUR BUTT OFF take dance voice and acting lessons and audition. Just to let you know, you dont have to go to a "name brand" school to get good training. There are PLENTY of schools that are good for MT and usually the lesser known ones wont make u stay for 3-4 years :)