3 answers
Anthony
Student
Aurora, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How do i get into the musical theatre world after high school?
I am a 15 year old sophomore at a private high school, looking to get a bfa in college. i would like to know just generally more about how difficult it is to get that degree and when i should start preparing for auditions.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1902
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anthony !
This is a very important good question because you will need precise advice so that you can see yourself in a viable career as an Actor.
After High School, it is my best advice to guide you to a Major in Theatre, NOT Musical Theatre. Theatre or Acting is the Career, Musical Theatre is a genre and not a career. As an actor, you will need to be able to obtain work in all genres and all media. Some actors proceed with successful careers without ever doing musicals and some are solely known for being musical theatre actors. Even Stand Up Comics do acting, get TV Series and some even do musical theatre, too. So I would steer anyone away from majoring in a genre if they plan to be an actor and just major in Theatre where you will practice and hone your acting, singing and dancing.
That being said, I think that years from now you will appreciate this advice but everyone's career takes different turns and yours should, too. Approaching a career as an actor includes reading casting notices or having an agent that sends you on auditions. In addition, you can form your own theatre group. I would definitely advise obtaining at least a Bachelors Degree in Theatre where you'll learn the ropes and meet contacts and become aware of auditions and opportunities. It would be the best way and the path that I took. The Bachelors Degree will carry you throughout your life no matter what turns your career takes. You can go for a Masters Degree which would allow you to teach later on. The academic route will provide everything you'll need to start your own theatre company, too.
To answer your question, you should always already be prepared for auditions - practice cold reading, video recorded auditions and monologues. And to your other question, yes, a theatre major is difficult because you have to sacrifice a lot of time (I was on campus plus working in community projects about 15 hours a day). In addition, you have all of your general education requirements that one must take to obtain one's Bachelor Degree. So it's all consuming and for those of us that love it deeply, we don't mind. You will find a way to manage good grades for your general ed courses and the path will not seem like work if you have a strong passion for it.
More about auditioning, you should only audition when you feel ready and when you believe that you would have a chance of obtaining a part in something. Each audition is completely different and each experience with auditioning teaches us about ourselves, so there's no need to be discouraged if you're not cast in something every time you audition. Enjoy your auditions and lean on some advice I received when I was young - give each audition an opening night performance !
While you are in college, explore film and video acting, too. Even if you have to take a film acting class in the community, it is important to have that training. I myself had to take film acting in the community. Also during your college days, you will probably have opportunities to act in things and it may not always be on stage, rather on screen. This is why actors need to be open-minded, versatile and be good at their craft which can or may not include a predominant genre.
There is so much more advice, however, I will restate that you should not major in Musical Theatre which is a genre, rather Theatre which is a career. Sharpen your acting skills for stage and screen. Realize that this industry is an opinion business and don't take anything personally if you are not cast, move on to the next thing. You have something extraordinarily special to bring to the business and don't let anything hold you back. Enjoy every step of the way for a brilliant career as an Actor !
This is a very important good question because you will need precise advice so that you can see yourself in a viable career as an Actor.
After High School, it is my best advice to guide you to a Major in Theatre, NOT Musical Theatre. Theatre or Acting is the Career, Musical Theatre is a genre and not a career. As an actor, you will need to be able to obtain work in all genres and all media. Some actors proceed with successful careers without ever doing musicals and some are solely known for being musical theatre actors. Even Stand Up Comics do acting, get TV Series and some even do musical theatre, too. So I would steer anyone away from majoring in a genre if they plan to be an actor and just major in Theatre where you will practice and hone your acting, singing and dancing.
That being said, I think that years from now you will appreciate this advice but everyone's career takes different turns and yours should, too. Approaching a career as an actor includes reading casting notices or having an agent that sends you on auditions. In addition, you can form your own theatre group. I would definitely advise obtaining at least a Bachelors Degree in Theatre where you'll learn the ropes and meet contacts and become aware of auditions and opportunities. It would be the best way and the path that I took. The Bachelors Degree will carry you throughout your life no matter what turns your career takes. You can go for a Masters Degree which would allow you to teach later on. The academic route will provide everything you'll need to start your own theatre company, too.
To answer your question, you should always already be prepared for auditions - practice cold reading, video recorded auditions and monologues. And to your other question, yes, a theatre major is difficult because you have to sacrifice a lot of time (I was on campus plus working in community projects about 15 hours a day). In addition, you have all of your general education requirements that one must take to obtain one's Bachelor Degree. So it's all consuming and for those of us that love it deeply, we don't mind. You will find a way to manage good grades for your general ed courses and the path will not seem like work if you have a strong passion for it.
More about auditioning, you should only audition when you feel ready and when you believe that you would have a chance of obtaining a part in something. Each audition is completely different and each experience with auditioning teaches us about ourselves, so there's no need to be discouraged if you're not cast in something every time you audition. Enjoy your auditions and lean on some advice I received when I was young - give each audition an opening night performance !
While you are in college, explore film and video acting, too. Even if you have to take a film acting class in the community, it is important to have that training. I myself had to take film acting in the community. Also during your college days, you will probably have opportunities to act in things and it may not always be on stage, rather on screen. This is why actors need to be open-minded, versatile and be good at their craft which can or may not include a predominant genre.
There is so much more advice, however, I will restate that you should not major in Musical Theatre which is a genre, rather Theatre which is a career. Sharpen your acting skills for stage and screen. Realize that this industry is an opinion business and don't take anything personally if you are not cast, move on to the next thing. You have something extraordinarily special to bring to the business and don't let anything hold you back. Enjoy every step of the way for a brilliant career as an Actor !
Austin Bradley
Live and studio musician
31
Answers
Millington, Tennessee
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Hello and good afternoon
You would need to go to college some 4-year college and get into the drama division theatrical degree program. And once you in there it wouldn't hurt to take you some public speaking class some kind of vocal singing class and you going to have to take some dance too because you going to have to be able to cover all facets of the theatrical demands of a career.God bless.
You would need to go to college some 4-year college and get into the drama division theatrical degree program. And once you in there it wouldn't hurt to take you some public speaking class some kind of vocal singing class and you going to have to take some dance too because you going to have to be able to cover all facets of the theatrical demands of a career.God bless.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
610
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Anthony,
Great to know you are interested in music.
Getting into the world of musical theatre, especially with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in mind, requires dedication, preparation, and an understanding of the competitive nature of the field. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
1. Start Preparing Early
- Take Acting, Singing, and Dance Classes: If your school offers theatre or performing arts classes, get involved. Additionally, seek out local theatre programs, community theatres, and dance classes to build your experience.
- Voice Lessons: Musical theatre heavily emphasizes singing, so it’s important to develop your voice through lessons and regular practice.
- Dance Training: Musical theatre performers often need dance skills (ballet, jazz, tap, etc.), so enrolling in dance classes will be a big plus.
2. Participate in School Productions
- Get involved in your high school’s theatre productions and audition for as many roles as you can. This will help build your resume and confidence on stage.
3. Start Preparing for College Auditions
- Audition Requirements: Most BFA programs in Musical Theatre require an audition. Schools typically ask for two contrasting songs (up-tempo and ballad), a monologue, and sometimes a dance routine. Some schools may require additional skills like sight-reading or vocal exercises.
- When to Start Preparing: You should start preparing your audition material at least a year before college applications (during junior year). Work with a vocal coach and acting instructor to perfect your pieces.
4. Attend Pre-College Programs or Summer Camps
- Many universities offer summer musical theatre programs for high school students. These can help you improve your skills, learn more about the audition process, and network with peers and professionals.
5. Research Colleges
- Competitiveness: BFA programs are often highly selective, with many applicants auditioning for a limited number of spots. Some well-known programs may only accept 10-30 students per year, so being well-prepared is crucial.
- Requirements: Look into the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in, such as their audition guidelines, dance abilities, and academic qualifications.
6. Build a Portfolio/Resume
- Keep track of all your performances, classes, and workshops to build a strong resume. Professional headshots and a demo reel (if possible) can also help showcase your talent.
7. Prepare for the Commitment
- A BFA in Musical Theatre is intense and requires a lot of work. It typically includes acting, voice, and dance classes, along with general theatre studies. Be ready for long rehearsal hours and a demanding schedule.
By starting now, you’ll be well-prepared to audition for college BFA programs and transition into the musical theatre world after high school.
Best wishes!
Great to know you are interested in music.
Getting into the world of musical theatre, especially with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in mind, requires dedication, preparation, and an understanding of the competitive nature of the field. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
1. Start Preparing Early
- Take Acting, Singing, and Dance Classes: If your school offers theatre or performing arts classes, get involved. Additionally, seek out local theatre programs, community theatres, and dance classes to build your experience.
- Voice Lessons: Musical theatre heavily emphasizes singing, so it’s important to develop your voice through lessons and regular practice.
- Dance Training: Musical theatre performers often need dance skills (ballet, jazz, tap, etc.), so enrolling in dance classes will be a big plus.
2. Participate in School Productions
- Get involved in your high school’s theatre productions and audition for as many roles as you can. This will help build your resume and confidence on stage.
3. Start Preparing for College Auditions
- Audition Requirements: Most BFA programs in Musical Theatre require an audition. Schools typically ask for two contrasting songs (up-tempo and ballad), a monologue, and sometimes a dance routine. Some schools may require additional skills like sight-reading or vocal exercises.
- When to Start Preparing: You should start preparing your audition material at least a year before college applications (during junior year). Work with a vocal coach and acting instructor to perfect your pieces.
4. Attend Pre-College Programs or Summer Camps
- Many universities offer summer musical theatre programs for high school students. These can help you improve your skills, learn more about the audition process, and network with peers and professionals.
5. Research Colleges
- Competitiveness: BFA programs are often highly selective, with many applicants auditioning for a limited number of spots. Some well-known programs may only accept 10-30 students per year, so being well-prepared is crucial.
- Requirements: Look into the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in, such as their audition guidelines, dance abilities, and academic qualifications.
6. Build a Portfolio/Resume
- Keep track of all your performances, classes, and workshops to build a strong resume. Professional headshots and a demo reel (if possible) can also help showcase your talent.
7. Prepare for the Commitment
- A BFA in Musical Theatre is intense and requires a lot of work. It typically includes acting, voice, and dance classes, along with general theatre studies. Be ready for long rehearsal hours and a demanding schedule.
By starting now, you’ll be well-prepared to audition for college BFA programs and transition into the musical theatre world after high school.
Best wishes!