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Jada
Student
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What schools have good musical theatre programs?
Hi there, within the next 4 years I am planing on going to a college or university with a good musical theatre department. What are some schools that have really good musical theatre departments?
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2 answers
Anna-Teressa Soto-Andujar
Stage Managment
3
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Boca Raton
Updated
Anna-Teressa’s Answer
Hello Jada!
There are so many university's in the United States that have wonderful acting programs, the other response listed a few and there are many more that are fantastic but I think the most important place to start when considering school is (1) how are you going to pay for it? (2) Will you be using financial aid for school, if that's the case can it be used anywhere in the US or just the state that you live/were born in? (3) Do you want to stay in school in or out of state?
If you would like to stay in your state, or your financial aid only covers in state universities, never fear because there are probably plenty to chose from! Look at the universities in state and see what stands out to you when you are looking at their websites. Usually on a schools website you can see production photos, which can speak on the quality of shows they produce and the funds they have. You can also look at the courses they offer. If you see courses that you like then that might be the university for you and if not that probably means you need to keep looking. You can also look at a schools social media account like Instagram to see if the campus and theater department speaks to you!
If your goal is out of state that may require a bit more research to figure out the logistics of things such as where are you going to live, how will you be able to get there, are there scholarships for you as an out of state student, etc. But in general looking at websites and social media accounts may be your best bet to get a feel if the schools that you are looking for are meant for you. Also many school will have online get to know the school type events where you can ask questions and learn about campus life, programs they offer, and more! This also might be a great and economical way to explore the University from your computer.
Again there are so many schools in the United States, as a Floridian I can say that Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, and University of Florida are incredible schools with great acting programs!
I hope this was helpful and best of luck to you!
There are so many university's in the United States that have wonderful acting programs, the other response listed a few and there are many more that are fantastic but I think the most important place to start when considering school is (1) how are you going to pay for it? (2) Will you be using financial aid for school, if that's the case can it be used anywhere in the US or just the state that you live/were born in? (3) Do you want to stay in school in or out of state?
If you would like to stay in your state, or your financial aid only covers in state universities, never fear because there are probably plenty to chose from! Look at the universities in state and see what stands out to you when you are looking at their websites. Usually on a schools website you can see production photos, which can speak on the quality of shows they produce and the funds they have. You can also look at the courses they offer. If you see courses that you like then that might be the university for you and if not that probably means you need to keep looking. You can also look at a schools social media account like Instagram to see if the campus and theater department speaks to you!
If your goal is out of state that may require a bit more research to figure out the logistics of things such as where are you going to live, how will you be able to get there, are there scholarships for you as an out of state student, etc. But in general looking at websites and social media accounts may be your best bet to get a feel if the schools that you are looking for are meant for you. Also many school will have online get to know the school type events where you can ask questions and learn about campus life, programs they offer, and more! This also might be a great and economical way to explore the University from your computer.
Again there are so many schools in the United States, as a Floridian I can say that Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, and University of Florida are incredible schools with great acting programs!
I hope this was helpful and best of luck to you!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1883
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Some schools that offer the Musical Theatre course of study are :
Pace University School of the Performing Arts , New York, NY
Pennsylvania State University School of Theatre, State College, PA
Elon University, Elon, NC
Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City, OK
Ithaca College School of Music, Ithaca, NY
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston, MA
University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH
New York University, New York, NY
Carnegie-Mellon University School of Drama, Pittsburgh, PA
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Ann Arbor, MI
A good way to find out how good they are is to go to their websites and read the courses they offer and perhaps some success stories of alumni that graduated. Keep in mind you will want to have an idea of what your financial means will be as these colleges are on the expensive side. If there is any way you could visit the schools, that will be very helpful as you can meet the department staff and also see if you could audit a class. There are more colleges than the ones I've listed here that offer a Musical Theatre program, though.
You will have to decide the financial budget, whether you will need to relocate and eventually you would have to relocate/travel between New York and Los Angeles where most of the professional theatre is known to be. However, once you get an agent and join the Union (Equity) , you will be sent on auditions for shows that may be anywhere.
Try not to put emphasis on what is "the best school", rather evaluate your needs and what will realistically be doable for you as there are numerous "good" schools.
What you have in your favor right now is time, as you mention that you have four years to decide - and explore options ! As you perform in musicals at your current school and out in the community, ask opinions of people about schools and see what ideas may come about. I also know that people do get jobs in musical theatre without specializing in/getting a degree in the musical theatre genre. So never feel that all is lost if your situation is such that you go to a local university for singing, acting and dancing. The important thing is to learn, practice and gain experience.
I wish you all the best on this fun, fabulous road to a career in musical theatre.
Pace University School of the Performing Arts , New York, NY
Pennsylvania State University School of Theatre, State College, PA
Elon University, Elon, NC
Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City, OK
Ithaca College School of Music, Ithaca, NY
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Boston, MA
University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH
New York University, New York, NY
Carnegie-Mellon University School of Drama, Pittsburgh, PA
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance, Ann Arbor, MI
A good way to find out how good they are is to go to their websites and read the courses they offer and perhaps some success stories of alumni that graduated. Keep in mind you will want to have an idea of what your financial means will be as these colleges are on the expensive side. If there is any way you could visit the schools, that will be very helpful as you can meet the department staff and also see if you could audit a class. There are more colleges than the ones I've listed here that offer a Musical Theatre program, though.
You will have to decide the financial budget, whether you will need to relocate and eventually you would have to relocate/travel between New York and Los Angeles where most of the professional theatre is known to be. However, once you get an agent and join the Union (Equity) , you will be sent on auditions for shows that may be anywhere.
Try not to put emphasis on what is "the best school", rather evaluate your needs and what will realistically be doable for you as there are numerous "good" schools.
What you have in your favor right now is time, as you mention that you have four years to decide - and explore options ! As you perform in musicals at your current school and out in the community, ask opinions of people about schools and see what ideas may come about. I also know that people do get jobs in musical theatre without specializing in/getting a degree in the musical theatre genre. So never feel that all is lost if your situation is such that you go to a local university for singing, acting and dancing. The important thing is to learn, practice and gain experience.
I wish you all the best on this fun, fabulous road to a career in musical theatre.