BEST COLLEGES BFA MUSICAL THEATER- Page 4

[Joelbeans]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 6:11pm

I wish I would have been into theatre in college like I am now, but looking at all of my voice students, I would try to think of something to fall back on just in case. I have had some of the most talented singers come through my vocal studio, and now that they are in college they aren[t getting anything, and theatre has been all they want to do.....just look at how many out of work actors there are in NYC....sorry to sound like a parent....just llok out for everyone.....

[Aigoo]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 6:14pm

Which ties in with my philosophy. I'm very unsure if theatre is something I want to do, or something that I can become successful in. So when college auditions come around, I'm only auditioning for those "prestigious" musical theatre colleges (U of M, CMU, CCM, Elon, Northwestern, etc.) and if I have something to offer and apparently show "marketability", I might have a chance. But if I don't, I'll just accept that fact and go on to be some sort of boring engineer or architect or something.

[arishmoof]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 6:50pm

has anyone heard of SCAD? its the savannah college of art and design, in savannah georgia (beautiful) its a FANTASTIC SCHOOL (im biased, i go there!) we have a great performing arts program, and the shows we do are phenomenal- im a new yorker and the production of west side story they did this year was broadway quality. and we have production design too (which is my major) so you can get into the design aspects of theater too, a lot of performance majors like to see whats going on behind the scenes. anyway, look it up, its scad.edu definitely worth checking out.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 6/17/05 at 6:56pm

I think the first thing you need to do is really find out what are the "prestigeous" MT schools are.

Elon..Northwestern...hardly.

[Hairspraydoll]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 5:05am

Are there any great West Coast schools that you could recommend. I am starting to get my future seniors ready for college auditions and many of them prefer to saty close to home (Vegas). I'm a first year teacher and a little out of touch on the major musical theatre colleges.

[Aigoo]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 6:58pm

UCLA?

[briarbrad]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:09pm

UCLA does not have a BFA program - only a BA in Theatre Studies. USC, however, has a BFA in Acting and a minor in musical theatre. California Institute of the Arts (Valencia) has a BFA Acting program as well. That's really it in terms of BFA programs on the west coast.

[Aigoo]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:14pm

Mr. Tuttle, there aren't really specific prestigious musical theatre colleges, but those, in my opinion, rank most highest. They each have different curriculums and approaches to the field, and they're the ones that appeal the most. I may have been mistaken to label them as prestigious.

[briarbrad]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 7:19pm

There are definitely certain programs that people in the industry would consider prestigious. There are, of course, other very good programs, and you should find a school that is a fit for you, without sacrificing quality of training. Updated On: 6/18/05 at 07:19 PM

[lyfeisacabaret]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 10:19pm

Updated On: 7/10/10 at 10:19 PM

[briarbrad]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:06pm

"I strongly believe that a conservatory is not a great choice. While they provide exemplary training, they lack the opportunities for life-experience of a typical four-year college"

What kind of life-experience are you talking about? Someone studying at a BFA program is going to experience a heck of a lot of personal growth and gain plenty of self-confidence and maturity. I guess the difference is that people in a BFA program probably work harder because their course load and production responsibilities are going to be a lot heavier than liberal arts work loads. So -- I guess what these people are going to lack is a heavy dose of partying and goofing around?? Well, some people don't need that to have a productive college experience and want to be challenged and pushed to work very hard to improve their skills.

Your point about wanting to pursue a BA in theatre in order to double major is a very valid one, and important to think about. Sure, conservatory programs might not be right for YOU, but don't say that someone who enrolls in a conservatory-style program is academically and socially inferior to those who chose the "traditional" college route. Updated On: 6/18/05 at 11:06 PM

[lyfeisacabaret]

Posted: 6/18/05 at 11:12pm

Updated On: 7/10/10 at 11:12 PM

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 12:43am

According to Michael John LaChiusa, Emerson College (where I go) is building a reputation for the talent it puts out there. I like to think it has a great program, but I'm not yet in it, haha. But Emerson does offer so many performance opportunities for anyone interested in theatre. There are so many acting, singing, dancing, directing, music, backstage, design, film, and TV opportunities for anyone at Emerson. For example, in my first year of college, I was actively involved in at least ten productions. I had a blast. So check it out if you'd like.

~Steven

[crazycrazyasha]

Posted: 6/19/05 at 2:27am

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some of you have either incredible imaginations or not very honest friends. Wonderboy, Mr. Tuttle, there is no reason to bash Elon's program, when you have not had the privilege to be part of it. I, fortunately, have had that privilege. I am going into my senior year and feel incredibly blessed for every minute I have been able to call myself an Elon music theatre major. I am quite confident that I am getting the best possible training in my field. I have no doubt that next year when I graduate, I will be a working actress. Our professors are so skilled, loving, and encouraging. And, unlike what we've heard from Wonderboy, almost all of the kids graduating from our program stay in the field. Last year, of 16 graduates, 4 went directly onto National Tours, and 9 have worked at regional theatres, 1 is doing film in LA, and I haven't heard from the other 2. I hate to prove you wrong, but I think those results do just that. Already, graduation was just in May, one of our 10 graduating seniors landed the title role in the tour of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." We have so many people working- in regional houses, on tours, on cruise ships, in film, in agencies, and on Broadway... AND there have only been 10 graduating classes!

Elon works EXTREMELY hard at what we do, and we are just starting to get recognized. I am very sorry if you haven't gotten caught up with the times to realize what a prestigous program Elon has developed. I hope you choose to reevaluate what "facts" you bring to the table in forums like these. Not only is it offensive to me (and my classmates) to have something that we treasure so much being slandered, but it's disappointing to hear you haven't had the pleasure that Winkle and I have had to work with Elon students.

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 1:13pm

University Of The Arts is very good, I'm surprised not many have mentioned it.

[dietcherryemma]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:07pm

CCM
Boston Conservatory
Emerson
Ithaca
Syracuse
Elon
University of the Arts
Norht Carolina School of the Arts
Otterbein
Webster
University of Miami
Florida State

... but don't limit your choices to schools with BFA's. I disagree with the opinion that classical training is not important- it helps you learn how to belt correctly, and knowing music theory is a must. I'm double-majoring in voice and theatre at a state school, then going on the a M.F.A program. I just think that spending so much money and specializing right off is the wrong choice for me.

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:20pm

Crazycrazyasha, you might want to read the entire thread before making judgments. If you had you would see that I discussed with winkle that I was stating my opinion on what I have heard and experienced. No, I have never been to Elon so, I have no first hand experience with them. I also apologized for offending anyone if I had. I didn't exactly use the best wording originally but I later corrected myself. So, check yourself babe.

[erikk]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:26pm

if anyone has any questions about northwestern or the theatre/music theatre programs at northwestern, feel free to PM me or e-mail me or IM me or whatever...i just finished my sophomore year at NU and i just got into the music theatre certificate program this past spring

word

-erik

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:26pm

Don't apologize for your opinion. That is your right. Just cause some whiney person doesn't like YOUR opinion, that's not an issue.

Opinions here are based on fact. If one can not accept the fact, that's THEIR fault.

[JasonM12480]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:27pm

I'm surprised no one has really mentioned Shenandoah Conservatory in tiny Winchester, Virginia. Now, A) I guess I'm byast, as I went there, so I know first hand about the program. It is not without its flaws, but as with ANY program, big or small, you get out of it what you decide to put in. So many people seem to think that you must go to a "well-known" school, or a school with a name. Ok - you're spending thousands of dollars for a great education. You can get the same great education anywhere.

Several people who have come out of Shenandoah, while not necessarily Broadway stars, but people who are constantly WORKING (very important) include: Kathy Voytko (currently playing Evita in the national tour; was also in "The Frogs" with Nathan Lane, "Nine" with Antonio Bandaras, and 2 tours of "Phantom of the Opera" as Christine); Jason Wooten (understudied and went on for Ren in original cast of "Footloose"; one of the leads in the premiere workshop of "We Will Rock You", the Queen musical); Anthony Wayne Green (in the current European production of "Fame", as well as dance captain for the national tour of "Smokey Joe's Cafe"); the current director of the music theatre program is Lara Teeter, who was a Tony-nominee for "On Your Toes" back in the 1980's; plus, Shenandoah has a 85-92% "working rate" of actors who work in the business in some aspect. That is very important.

Some people think that you are only working and doing good work if you're in a Broadway musical. That's pure nonsense. I, myself, have been out of school for almost 2 years, and am currently working on my 11th show. I know people in my class who went right to New York, and are working office jobs, and barely making it, and haven't performed since. It's all about YOU, and what YOU want out of your career. Yes, talent and connections have a lot to do with it. I will say that the connections part at Shenandoah is not what it should be - at least it wasn't when I was there; I have no idea how it is now. Often times, many students would stay to do SSMT (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), the Shenandoah Valley's only summer stock professional music theatre program. The productions are AMAZING, and so good - many of the leads are hired Equity actors, and the students get to work with these people one on one, and build those connections in that sense.

My freshman year, Harold Herman, the director of the program at the time (now retired after 31 esteemed years), brought a world-premiere workshop of the musical "Playground" to Shenandoah - guess who it starred in the title role of Mr. Toad? Evan Pappas, of "My Favorite Year" and "Parade" fame. I had lunch with the man daily - it was an amazing experience! Now the show bombed, and never made it to a New York tryout, but it was still the experience of having that kind of opportunity that made it all worth it.

I enjoyed my time at Shenandoah. You get invividual attention - it's a small school (2,500 students TOTAL), a beautiful campus, excellent teachers who know the business, and many whom work themselves in their selected careers (many of the voice teachers sing at the Metropolitin Opera in New York, or have illustrious careers overseas in Europe (Kathryn Green, mezzo soprano, known for "opera buffa" in Germany!).

So, if you want Julliard or NYU, or Boston Conservatory - go there. Be in debt your whole life (goodness knows I am!)...but if you really want a small school to work on yourself, and concentrate hard on your skills - give Shenandoah a try. I promise you won't be too dissapointed!

www.su.edu

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:36pm

Mr. Tuttle, I agree. Like I said, it's just my opinion and nothing else.

JasonM12480, I have heard very positive things about Shenandoah. I know a couple people who went there and said that they had very pleasant experiences and that they learned a lot.

[JGym]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:37pm

I went to Emerson College and I LOVED IT!!! I was a theater major (non-musical) but I did participate in what they call "mini-musicals" where musical theater majors took a bat at directing. Not only did I enjoy my classes, teachers and students, but living in the heart of Boston was so much fun. My dorm was right by a bunch of theaters and there was just always something to see or be involved in. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Theater/Media Arts.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:38pm

Jason, you posted this exact post, word-for-word, on College Confidential.

Do they teach writing at Shennadoah? Can't you bother to actually write something instead of plagiarize yourself.

[JasonM12480]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:58pm

I guess it is a shock when someone can actually write well, use correct grammar, and state their thoughts intelligently. Perhaps that is why you feel I copied something and posted it here. But I swear to you that I wrote from the heart, and every world came out of my mind - not out of something already published. Forgive my intelligence! I shall not let it happen again!

[minimel8817]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 7:10pm

U Arts is supposed to be great and my friend goes to Emerson in Mass. (near Boston) and he said they have an amazing theatre program with many different majors.