#176
Posted: 5/3/06 at 7:16pm
If this hasn't been said, JRB teaches at USC though still it doesn't have an amazing musical theater program but Kelly Ward is amazing!
BEST COLLEGES BFA MUSICAL THEATER — Page 8
#177
Posted: 5/4/06 at 4:58pm
I'm going to Hartt at U Hartford next year (Actor Training, not MT) but from the people I've met and talked to, it seems like it's pretty competitive. And they're all talented.
Plus, you get to work with Goodspeed.
Plus, you get to work with Goodspeed.
"It does what a musical's supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue."
#178
Posted: 6/9/06 at 6:29pm
I think Northwestern now is overrated,
Yale (if u have the money)
UCLA
NYU
Yale (if u have the money)
UCLA
NYU
#179
Posted: 6/9/06 at 6:45pm
If you're serious about musical theater..you MUST check out Oklahoma City University. Note..I didn't say University of Oklahoma (a crappy school for MT if you ask me after researching).
Most importantly, OCU gives a BM in music..not a BFA. Why? because the musical theater department is in the School of Music. Hey...what a novel idea having a MUSICAL theater department in a MUSIC school! That tells you the kind of intense training you're going to get at OCU.
And just look at the graduates all over Broadway. I'm sure you know Kristin and Kelli.
Plus they just opened the new $38 million music school facility which is the most up-to-date music school in the nation.
If you're serious about musical theater..then it's OCU.
Most importantly, OCU gives a BM in music..not a BFA. Why? because the musical theater department is in the School of Music. Hey...what a novel idea having a MUSICAL theater department in a MUSIC school! That tells you the kind of intense training you're going to get at OCU.
And just look at the graduates all over Broadway. I'm sure you know Kristin and Kelli.
Plus they just opened the new $38 million music school facility which is the most up-to-date music school in the nation.
If you're serious about musical theater..then it's OCU.
#180
Posted: 6/10/06 at 3:14am
icantbeleive----yeah Northwestern is overrated? They have only produced (and I'm just sticking with the current crop, not the old school ones from back in the day like Warren Beatty, Ann Margaret, etc.)---Brian Darcy James, David Ayers, Stephanie Dabruzzo, Mark Ledbetter, Kate Baldwin, Zach Braff, Kate Shindle, Jeri Ryan, Nicole Sullivan, Craig Bierko, Heather Headley, Jason Moore, and countless others that are too long to list. It is most definitely NOT overrated.
#181
Posted: 6/10/06 at 9:36am
Exactly Northwestern is AMAZING!! I gotta put in some love for my school UArts...really young program but great training in a great enviorment.
RIP Natasha Richardson. ~You were a light on this earth ~
#183
Posted: 6/10/06 at 12:08pm
Re: Northwestern, yes it is good. Very good.
But as a poster pointed out, like, a year ago at the beginning of this thread, it is NOT a BFA. Actually, the music program is a BA and the acting program is a BS (hee), believe it or not.
There is no audition to major in theatre. There are no cuts. There's an academic application like most other majors. If you want to do musical theatre (and I think a certificate program is a great amount of time to devote to it, because it shouldn't be all you can do), you can audition at the end of your freshman or sophomore years. Or both.
The glue holding the program together is Dominic Missimi. I don't know how the curriculum would fare without him driving it forward, but a lot of people have gotten a very good education out of it. There wouldn't be a certificate program if not for him, not to mention the new developmental program or a million other things.
Like most of the other major schools, NU has senior showcases in New York and (usually) L.A. They participated in New Leagues for a while with the other big schools, but I'm not sure how they're handling it now.
To each his own, but I cringe at the thought of being cut from a program at age 19 or 20. I think a lot of actors take longer to develop than that, and I didn't want that constant pressure to perform. I wanted to learn.
Full disclosure: the dance program has, in years past, not been that strong. And since it's a liberal arts-based program, you're required to take lots of courses outside your major. I found sociology and psychology and political science and English immensely helpful in learning about human behavior as it relates to acting, but it's not for everybody.
But as a poster pointed out, like, a year ago at the beginning of this thread, it is NOT a BFA. Actually, the music program is a BA and the acting program is a BS (hee), believe it or not.
There is no audition to major in theatre. There are no cuts. There's an academic application like most other majors. If you want to do musical theatre (and I think a certificate program is a great amount of time to devote to it, because it shouldn't be all you can do), you can audition at the end of your freshman or sophomore years. Or both.
The glue holding the program together is Dominic Missimi. I don't know how the curriculum would fare without him driving it forward, but a lot of people have gotten a very good education out of it. There wouldn't be a certificate program if not for him, not to mention the new developmental program or a million other things.
Like most of the other major schools, NU has senior showcases in New York and (usually) L.A. They participated in New Leagues for a while with the other big schools, but I'm not sure how they're handling it now.
To each his own, but I cringe at the thought of being cut from a program at age 19 or 20. I think a lot of actors take longer to develop than that, and I didn't want that constant pressure to perform. I wanted to learn.
Full disclosure: the dance program has, in years past, not been that strong. And since it's a liberal arts-based program, you're required to take lots of courses outside your major. I found sociology and psychology and political science and English immensely helpful in learning about human behavior as it relates to acting, but it's not for everybody.
#184
Posted: 6/10/06 at 12:10pm
Also, icantbelive--
Yale has perhaps the most-worshipped graduate acting program in the country, but their undergrad program is not considered to be as strong.
Yale has perhaps the most-worshipped graduate acting program in the country, but their undergrad program is not considered to be as strong.
Updated On: 10/21/06 at 12:10 PM
#185
Posted: 6/10/06 at 12:14pm
Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan is a wonderful program for a BFA in Music Theatre Performance.
Alumni such as Stephen Lynch and Marin Mazzie have gone through our program.
PM me if you want some more information!
Alumni such as Stephen Lynch and Marin Mazzie have gone through our program.
PM me if you want some more information!
#187
Posted: 11/11/07 at 10:22pm
What do you think about Kent State or Ball State?
If not, what has strong Musical Theatre AND Dance programs?
If not, what has strong Musical Theatre AND Dance programs?
#188
Posted: 11/11/07 at 10:25pm
Tisch - NYU
Madame Morrible: "So you take the chicken, now it must be a white chicken. The corpse can be any color. And that is the spell for lost luggage!" - The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken
#189
Posted: 11/11/07 at 10:40pm
Niknat i am currently attending Kent. PM me and we can chat about the program.
#190
Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:15am
Some people here have some really warped ideas of the top musical theater schools. there are many musical theater schools out there but there a few that are for sure at the top.
University of Michigan is currently the top school
CCM
Boston Conservatory
NYU
Baldwin Wallace (Iim surprised no one has talked about this school. It is one of 6 college that were aloud to preform phantom this year)
Elon (again one of the school given the rights to phantom)
Carnegie Melon
There are other good school but that is pretty much the gist of the top MT schools.
Majoring in Musical Theater is much more beneficial than simply Vocal performance, dancing, or acting. When you audition for a show you much sing, dance and act. That is why musical theater is different from straight theater, dancing companies, and choral singing.
It is possible to pursue musical theater if you do not major in it, but it is simply harder and not the smartest route.
There are differences in BFA's and BM's. You get more specialized training in singing if your school offers a BM. Typically for musical theater majors at top schools getting into the program means your singing is your strong point. So you do not need quite as much training in music. Acting is typically a weak point for freshman musical theater majors that is why in my personal opinion a BFA is more beneficial.
However, if you plan to live in NYC you can be a substitute music teacher if you graduate with a BM and for many aspiring Broadway actors they will run into money problems at some point so the option to teach could be nice =)
University of Michigan is currently the top school
CCM
Boston Conservatory
NYU
Baldwin Wallace (Iim surprised no one has talked about this school. It is one of 6 college that were aloud to preform phantom this year)
Elon (again one of the school given the rights to phantom)
Carnegie Melon
There are other good school but that is pretty much the gist of the top MT schools.
Majoring in Musical Theater is much more beneficial than simply Vocal performance, dancing, or acting. When you audition for a show you much sing, dance and act. That is why musical theater is different from straight theater, dancing companies, and choral singing.
It is possible to pursue musical theater if you do not major in it, but it is simply harder and not the smartest route.
There are differences in BFA's and BM's. You get more specialized training in singing if your school offers a BM. Typically for musical theater majors at top schools getting into the program means your singing is your strong point. So you do not need quite as much training in music. Acting is typically a weak point for freshman musical theater majors that is why in my personal opinion a BFA is more beneficial.
However, if you plan to live in NYC you can be a substitute music teacher if you graduate with a BM and for many aspiring Broadway actors they will run into money problems at some point so the option to teach could be nice =)
#191
Posted: 11/12/07 at 1:08am
Talk about bumping up a really old thread, MikeMTlover. =P
Just for a clarification about Northwestern (since I'm here and I know), you can get a BA in theatre if you add language in. That's the sole difference between getting a BS and getting a BA. A BA requires that you have two foreign language credits.
Also, I would agree that the musical theatre training here is superb. And you can actually get a good amount of it without even being in the MT certificate program. For instance, you can declare a dance minor and take those difficult-to-otherwise-get-into dance classes (which, as I understand, are currently quite stellar). You can (and many do) take non-major voice classes with musical theatre specialized instructors. You DO have to audition to be placed with those instructors, but...you can do it. =]
I just saw "Boys from Syracuse"...and the musical talent is pretty phenomenal. True, Northwestern doesn't offer a BFA, but the MT certificate program and all of the theatre courses here are widely renowned as being quite wonderful. Plus, I've seen the products of that. Haven't seen a bad show yet. Quite the contrary.
Just for a clarification about Northwestern (since I'm here and I know), you can get a BA in theatre if you add language in. That's the sole difference between getting a BS and getting a BA. A BA requires that you have two foreign language credits.
Also, I would agree that the musical theatre training here is superb. And you can actually get a good amount of it without even being in the MT certificate program. For instance, you can declare a dance minor and take those difficult-to-otherwise-get-into dance classes (which, as I understand, are currently quite stellar). You can (and many do) take non-major voice classes with musical theatre specialized instructors. You DO have to audition to be placed with those instructors, but...you can do it. =]
I just saw "Boys from Syracuse"...and the musical talent is pretty phenomenal. True, Northwestern doesn't offer a BFA, but the MT certificate program and all of the theatre courses here are widely renowned as being quite wonderful. Plus, I've seen the products of that. Haven't seen a bad show yet. Quite the contrary.
#192
Posted: 11/12/07 at 1:44am
Another OCU alum:
Linda Twine, musical director and conductor for "Caroline, or Change" and "The Color Purple." Also played in the pit/conducted "The Wiz," "Big River," "Frog and Toad," "Bring Back Birdie," "Ain't Misbehavin'," and LaChuisa's "The Wild Party."
:)
I love my school <3
Linda Twine, musical director and conductor for "Caroline, or Change" and "The Color Purple." Also played in the pit/conducted "The Wiz," "Big River," "Frog and Toad," "Bring Back Birdie," "Ain't Misbehavin'," and LaChuisa's "The Wild Party."
:)
I love my school <3
-Benjamin
--http://www.benjaminadgate.com/
--http://www.benjaminadgate.com/
#193
Posted: 2/17/08 at 10:15pm
Is it too crazy if you double major in two BFA's? For example: a BFA in Vocal Performance and a BFA in Acting. Usually voice would be a B.M. but it's a BFA at CMU. I just wanna know if it will kill me with all of those credits.
Also at CMU, voice majors take A LOT of semesters in Acting, so would there be a possibility of taking the same exact classes that you would in your acting major?
Also at CMU, voice majors take A LOT of semesters in Acting, so would there be a possibility of taking the same exact classes that you would in your acting major?
#194
Posted: 2/17/08 at 11:20pm
Does anyone know if Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA is any good?
#195
Posted: 2/19/08 at 5:37pm
Here is my attempt at a list for best BFA MT schools
Top3: (arguable all could be #1)
CCM
UMich
BoCo
Class B: (well known for MT and in no order)
Penn State
CMU
NYU
Millikin
Elon
Webster
Baldwin-Wallace
UArts
Ithaca
Northwestern (with no BFA)
Point Park
Class C: (not as well known, but still good, in no order)
Roosevelt (CCPA)
Florida State
U Central Florida
Illinois Wesleyan
OCU
U Arizona
UCLA
Marymount Manhattan (no BFA MT)
Catholic University
Western Michigan
Wright State
Ball State
As you can see this list is VERY lengthy. There are WAY too many MT Schools in the nation, which is why what matters most is which school is best for YOU. Don't go off of reputation, go off of your assets, what you need to work on and the vibe you get from those universities.
Top3: (arguable all could be #1)
CCM
UMich
BoCo
Class B: (well known for MT and in no order)
Penn State
CMU
NYU
Millikin
Elon
Webster
Baldwin-Wallace
UArts
Ithaca
Northwestern (with no BFA)
Point Park
Class C: (not as well known, but still good, in no order)
Roosevelt (CCPA)
Florida State
U Central Florida
Illinois Wesleyan
OCU
U Arizona
UCLA
Marymount Manhattan (no BFA MT)
Catholic University
Western Michigan
Wright State
Ball State
As you can see this list is VERY lengthy. There are WAY too many MT Schools in the nation, which is why what matters most is which school is best for YOU. Don't go off of reputation, go off of your assets, what you need to work on and the vibe you get from those universities.
Peace, Luv and Bo!
#196
Posted: 2/25/08 at 7:46pm
I would agree mostly with "Bothemusical", but there are some schools i would change around in his list, and I have also added some, either due to experience or experience/reputations of others I know and i have talked to in the buisness.
(I am a current BFA MT student)
Top3: (arguable all could be #1)
CCM
UMich
NYU
Class B: (well known for MT, whether by reputation of program or graduates working, and in no order)
Penn State
Boco
CMU
Millikin
Elon
Webster
Illinois Wesleyan
Baldwin-Wallace
Ithaca
Northwestern (with no BFA)
Point Park
UArts
Syracuse
Class C: (not as well known, but still good, in no order)
Roosevelt (CCPA)
Florida State
U Central Florida
OCU
U Arizona
UCLA
Marymount Manhattan (no BFA MT)
Catholic University
Western Michigan
Wright State
Ball State
Emerson
Shenandoah Conservatory
(I am a current BFA MT student)
Top3: (arguable all could be #1)
CCM
UMich
NYU
Class B: (well known for MT, whether by reputation of program or graduates working, and in no order)
Penn State
Boco
CMU
Millikin
Elon
Webster
Illinois Wesleyan
Baldwin-Wallace
Ithaca
Northwestern (with no BFA)
Point Park
UArts
Syracuse
Class C: (not as well known, but still good, in no order)
Roosevelt (CCPA)
Florida State
U Central Florida
OCU
U Arizona
UCLA
Marymount Manhattan (no BFA MT)
Catholic University
Western Michigan
Wright State
Ball State
Emerson
Shenandoah Conservatory
#197
Posted: 7/16/08 at 11:41am
i'm going to be a junior in high school next year and I know that MT is what I want to do, so I was wondering if you guys knew any summer camps to go to for theater! I was thinking Interlochin because I got accepted for their 4 week string quartet program and it was worth it, it improved my playing a lot (violin). I don't know anything about the MT program though, so, I was just wondering if you guys had any input or any really really good camps.
I was also looking at University of Michigan for College. What are other colleges that I should keep in mind for MT?
I was also looking at University of Michigan for College. What are other colleges that I should keep in mind for MT?
#198
Posted: 7/16/08 at 12:57pm
For the sake of getting the info out there I am going to post what I put on another thread about BFA degrees....
I go to the University of Arizona pursuing my BFA and I think it is a great school for the following reasons:
1. Since it is a public university it is generally less expensive than the private schools with BFA programs like CMU, Michigan, NYU, Boston U, Juilliard, etc...
2. UA has a small program that gives you a lot of individual attention. You will not get lost in the mix.
3. The BFA program has their own theater company called Arizona Repertory Theater and they produce 6 main stage shows a season that consists of 4 plays (generally a Shakespeare, 2 contemporary plays, and a period piece) as well 2 large scale musicals.
4. As a member of the Arizona Repertory Theater you will be cast in a show EVERY semester sophomore-senior year. Freshman usually do not perform- it's a very common thing in many programs.
5. Tucson AZ is really a fun place to go to school. UA is a huge university so there it has a lot to offer in addition to the BFA program. If you want to double major or minor that is possible (quite a few of my fellow BFA classmates are doing so). Or if you want to join a frat or sorority you can do that as well.
6. The BFA program has a great partnership with Arizona Theater Company (which is the state theater of AZ and one of the country's leading regional theaters). BFA students at UA oftentimes understudy and occasionally even get cast in ATC productions. For instance, 6 BFA students this past year alone were CAST in shows at ATC while quite a few more understudied. As a performer/understudy at ATC you get to be a Equity Membership Candidate and build up points towards receiving your Equity card.
Now, any school you will go to will have drawbacks. There are a lot of good schools and even the schools dubbed "the best" will not be a fit for everyone. I think UA is a great 'under the radar' program and I think it will grow even more in prominence as the years go on. If you're looking for a small program with great acting-based Stanislavski training then UA might be a good fit.
Just so you know, UA does have end of the cuts after your freshman and sophomore years. Over the past couple years they have done substantial cuts to the classes. Some people look at this as a bad thing but I personally think it is a good thing.
If you want more info contact me privately.
I go to the University of Arizona pursuing my BFA and I think it is a great school for the following reasons:
1. Since it is a public university it is generally less expensive than the private schools with BFA programs like CMU, Michigan, NYU, Boston U, Juilliard, etc...
2. UA has a small program that gives you a lot of individual attention. You will not get lost in the mix.
3. The BFA program has their own theater company called Arizona Repertory Theater and they produce 6 main stage shows a season that consists of 4 plays (generally a Shakespeare, 2 contemporary plays, and a period piece) as well 2 large scale musicals.
4. As a member of the Arizona Repertory Theater you will be cast in a show EVERY semester sophomore-senior year. Freshman usually do not perform- it's a very common thing in many programs.
5. Tucson AZ is really a fun place to go to school. UA is a huge university so there it has a lot to offer in addition to the BFA program. If you want to double major or minor that is possible (quite a few of my fellow BFA classmates are doing so). Or if you want to join a frat or sorority you can do that as well.
6. The BFA program has a great partnership with Arizona Theater Company (which is the state theater of AZ and one of the country's leading regional theaters). BFA students at UA oftentimes understudy and occasionally even get cast in ATC productions. For instance, 6 BFA students this past year alone were CAST in shows at ATC while quite a few more understudied. As a performer/understudy at ATC you get to be a Equity Membership Candidate and build up points towards receiving your Equity card.
Now, any school you will go to will have drawbacks. There are a lot of good schools and even the schools dubbed "the best" will not be a fit for everyone. I think UA is a great 'under the radar' program and I think it will grow even more in prominence as the years go on. If you're looking for a small program with great acting-based Stanislavski training then UA might be a good fit.
Just so you know, UA does have end of the cuts after your freshman and sophomore years. Over the past couple years they have done substantial cuts to the classes. Some people look at this as a bad thing but I personally think it is a good thing.
If you want more info contact me privately.
#199
Posted: 9/8/08 at 3:35am
You have to consider the level of debt you will incur with any college degree but certainly a theater degree. If you graduate school with major debt and need to work a "B" Job (especially if it's one you might not like) just to keep the creditors away and the rent paid - no Degree is worth it. Working just to pay off college debt doesn't leave you time to audition, or to keep taking classes, which is a must for any actor/actress. The life of an actor after graduation whether it's NY or LA is filled with classes (always more training) and networking -- so that you can "work" the business of the business. Get the BFA if that's your passion - but do it wisely - with an eye toward your CAREER as an actor.
#200
Posted: 9/8/08 at 2:10pm
I also agree with Bothemusical and bearfann on the top schools however I would put florida state and OKCU in class B not C!
IMO the top 5 of the best schools for MTP would be
U of M
CCM
Penn State
Elon
Carnegie Mellon.
My only issue with schools like BoCo NYU and Point Park is how many they actually accept. I think its way too many students to get the individual attention needed.
IMO the top 5 of the best schools for MTP would be
U of M
CCM
Penn State
Elon
Carnegie Mellon.
My only issue with schools like BoCo NYU and Point Park is how many they actually accept. I think its way too many students to get the individual attention needed.
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