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I'm young and really don't know all that much about college. I know that I want to pursue musical theater, but how do I go about doing that?

I've had my sights set on NYU, but I currently live in MD, and it would be pretty expensive. Are there any scholarships that could help relieve the price I can work towards? I'm really ill-informed about college, and if it's not a bother, I would really like the whole process to be explained. And also, assuming I graduate with some form of musical theater degree, how does the "real world" work in theater? I also plan on having kids--how is that possible if you're a full-time actor, especially one that goes on national tours? I'm not trying to sound naïve, but I was never taught about college and it's bringing me a lot of unwanted stress because it just seems so huge and incomprehensible. Is there any advice you all have to offer?

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Mickey!

Understanding the Path to a Musical Theater Career

1. Exploring Your Interest in Musical Theater

To pursue a career in musical theater, it is essential to first understand what this field entails. Musical theater combines acting, singing, and dancing to tell a story through performance. It requires not only talent but also dedication and training. As you are interested in attending college for this purpose, you should consider programs that offer specialized training in musical theater.

2. Researching College Programs

New York University (NYU) is renowned for its Tisch School of the Arts, which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama with a concentration in musical theater. However, as you mentioned, the cost can be significant. It’s important to research other colleges that offer strong musical theater programs as well. Some notable alternatives include:

University of Michigan
Carnegie Mellon University
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
University of California, Irvine

These institutions also have excellent reputations and may offer different financial aid options.

3. Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships

Given your concern about expenses, it’s crucial to explore scholarships and financial aid options available for students pursuing musical theater. Here are some steps you can take:

Federal Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans.

State Grants: Maryland offers various state-specific grants that you may qualify for based on your residency.

Institutional Scholarships: Many colleges provide scholarships specifically for performing arts students. Check each school’s website or contact their financial aid office for details.

Private Scholarships: Organizations such as the National YoungArts Foundation and the American Theatre Wing offer scholarships for aspiring artists.

Make sure to apply early and keep track of deadlines.

4. The College Experience

Once enrolled in a musical theater program, expect rigorous training that includes acting classes, voice lessons, dance instruction, and performance opportunities. Networking is also vital; building relationships with peers and faculty can lead to future job opportunities.

5. Transitioning into the “Real World” of Theater

After graduation, entering the professional world of theater often involves auditions, networking within the industry, and possibly starting with smaller roles or regional theaters before landing larger gigs on Broadway or national tours. It’s common for actors to face challenges such as competition and inconsistent work schedules.

6. Balancing Family Life with a Theater Career

If you plan on having children while pursuing an acting career, it’s important to consider how this will impact your work life:

Flexibility: Many actors find ways to balance family responsibilities by taking on roles that allow them more time at home or by working in local theaters instead of touring productions.

Support Systems: Building a strong support network with family or friends can help manage childcare while you’re working.

Career Choices: Some actors choose teaching or directing roles during times when they want more stability at home.

7. Seeking Guidance

Since you feel ill-informed about college processes, consider reaching out to high school counselors who can provide guidance tailored to your interests in musical theater. Additionally, workshops or summer programs focused on performing arts can give you insight into what studying musical theater entails.

In summary, pursuing a career in musical theater involves researching educational programs, understanding financial aid options, gaining experience through training and networking during college years, transitioning into professional roles post-graduation while balancing personal life commitments effectively.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) - This organization provides accreditation information about various performing arts schools across the United States and offers resources related to education in theatre arts.

2. U.S. Department of Education - Federal Student Aid - This government resource outlines how students can apply for federal financial aid including grants and loans necessary for funding their education.

3. American Theatre Wing - Known for its commitment to supporting excellence in theatre through various initiatives including scholarships aimed at young artists pursuing careers in performing arts.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You!
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Monica’s Answer

Hello Mickey, trust you are fine ☺️

I'm thrilled to help you navigate the world of musical theater and college🙌🏽
First, congratulations🎉🎉 on knowing your passion! Pursuing musical theater requires courage, dedication, and hard work💪🏽

Now let's explore 🔭🔭
College Search and Affordability👇🏽👇🏽
💺 Research musical theater programs: Look into colleges with strong programs, accreditation, and faculty expertise.
💺 Consider location: NYU is great, but explore other options in MD or nearby states to reduce costs.
💺 Scholarships: Many colleges offer talent-based scholarships. Research and apply for:
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) scholarships
- National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) scholarships
- College-specific scholarships (e.g., NYU's Tisch School of the Arts scholarships)
💺 Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

College Process Explained👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
🎓 Research colleges (academic programs, cost, location, campus life)
🎓 Communicate with college advisors if you wish
🎓 Apply to colleges (submit applications, transcripts, letters of recommendation)
🎓 Audition for musical theater programs (prepare monologues, songs, dances)
🎓 Review acceptance letters and financial aid packages
🎓 Make an informed decision

Post-Graduation and the "Real World🎉🎉🎓
🦸 Build a strong network: Connect with industry professionals, attend workshops, and join theater organizations.
🦸 Audition, audition, audition: Look for opportunities in regional theater, national tours, and Broadway.
🦸 Consider graduate school (MFA programs) for advanced training.
🦸 Diversify your skills: Develop skills in teaching, directing, or playwriting to supplement acting income.

Balancing Family Life and Acting Career🥰🎶🎶
🥰🎶 Plan ahead: Consider your family goals and create a flexible career strategy and a strong communication channel
🥰🎶 Choose productions with family-friendly schedules.
🥰🎶 Network with other actors who balance family life.
🥰🎶 Prioritize self-care, family time and time management.

Advice and Encouragement🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
🙌🏽 Stay focused, determined, and patient.
👓👁️ Seek guidance from mentors, counselors, and industry professionals.
👨‍⚕️🥗 Take care of your physical and mental well-being.
🥳🎉 Celebrate small victories along the way!

Explore Resources on👇🏽
👉🏽 College Board
👉🏽 Actors' Equity Association
👉🏽 National Theatre Conference
👉🏽 Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance

You're not alone, and your questions are valid! Take a deep breath, and remember that navigating college and a career in musical theater is a journey✈️

Keep shining✨✨, and I'll be rooting for you🙌🏽
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Angel’s Answer

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the college process, especially when pursuing something as competitive as musical theater! Start by researching programs that fit your goals; NYU is great, but there are many other schools with excellent programs that might be more affordable. Look into scholarships specifically for theater students, as well as general college scholarships. Visit your school’s guidance counselor for resources and advice. After earning your degree, the theater world can be tough but rewarding; networking is crucial for opportunities. As for balancing a family, many performers find ways to manage their careers and personal lives—flexibility and communication are key! Embrace your passion, and don’t hesitate to seek support along the way!
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Annah’s Answer

Mickey, wow- you are truly thinking ahead which is impressive! Whether you attend school in NYC or not, you can find a program that has a specialization in musical theater. I don't know where you are specifically located, but you may also want to explore schools in Baltimore. Being in an urban environment will likely provide more opportunities for study and real-life experience- as a volunteer or intern. In one search online I came across a musical theater company in Annapolis and Baltimore, among others. The University of Maryland, Towson, and St. Mary's College of Maryland all offer degrees in the performing arts. A site called College Factual ranks schools- take a peek! You can always choose to pursue graduate studies in New York or take a summer internship. Something I wish I had considered more seriously the benefit of attending an in-state school. The cost differential can be astounding. Wherever you end up, make the most of your education. Talk with your academic advisor, find a mentor within the field, look at internships and entry-level positions that will place you in the environment. You may start by doing menial tasks but simply being around actors, set directors, costume designers and more can provide a chance to network. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness can get you far in life! Consider assisting at Summer stock- postings for jobs listed on EntWork. All of these suggestions were found in five minutes online. As you go forth and pursue this interest you will be surrounded by others who can help guide and inspire you. Do not expect to learn everything all at once. Give yourself time to explore different avenues. As for scholarships, talk with your local librarian. They are experts at providing the best resources for such things. And your final concern about wanting to provide for a family- there are many ways to do this. I cannot tell you with certainty you can do this by pursuing a career in musical theater. However, as with any career path, there may be options- some more lucrative than others. Many artists supplement their income with a side hustle or pursue their artistic paths in addition to a primary career outside of the arts. You can look at teaching, directing, writing, bookkeeping or coaching- with a focus on working with professional artists and actors. Your potential partner might contribute an income; most families these days have two-working parents. Not to mention there are all sorts of families and types of support. If you still feel overwhelmed, start with one goal and break it down into steps. Don't get too far ahead just yet; tackle the more immediate tasks first. Good luck with everything! May it all fall into place.
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Mickey,

It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the college process, especially if you weren’t taught much about it. Let me break things down for you, step by step, so you can feel more confident and prepared as you pursue your dreams in musical theater.

1. Understanding the College Process:
- Research Schools: You’ve mentioned NYU (New York University), which is an amazing choice for musical theater, but it’s also quite competitive and expensive. It’s important to also look at other schools that offer strong musical theater programs, like the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon, or the University of Michigan. You might find some of these schools have lower tuition or offer better financial aid.

- Applications and Auditions: For musical theater programs, the application process usually includes both academic requirements (like essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores) and a performance audition. The audition is critical for musical theater majors—this could include singing, dancing, and acting. Start preparing pieces early!

- Scholarships and Financial Aid:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Some schools, like NYU, offer scholarships based on talent, academic achievements, or both. If you excel in your audition, you might be considered for one.
- Need-based Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible once it opens. This determines your eligibility for grants, work-study, and loans based on your family's financial situation.
- External Scholarships: There are many organizations offering scholarships for performing arts students. Some to check out are the National YoungArts Foundation, the Theatre Arts Scholarship Foundation, and local arts organizations in Maryland. Websites like Fastweb or Scholarships.com also help find scholarships.

2. How to Balance Life as a Professional Actor and Family:
Pursuing a career in theater, especially musical theater, can be intense. But with planning, it is possible to balance a career and a family. Here are a few things to consider:

- Flexibility in Your Career: Theater work often isn’t a standard 9-5 job. You’ll likely work nights, and weekends, and sometimes have periods where you’re not working if you're between shows. You could explore part-time or teaching theater as a way to have more consistent hours when you’re raising a family.

- Touring and Family Life: National tours or shows in different cities can take you away from home. Some actors manage this by planning their families’ lives around the touring schedule (bringing kids along or having family support at home). There are performers who successfully balance the two, but it does require strong family support and planning.

- Financial Stability: Being an actor can mean periods of financial instability, especially when you’re just starting out. It’s important to plan for that by building savings, looking for part-time work (e.g., teaching theater, voice lessons, or other flexible jobs), and learning to budget during both busy and slow times.

3. Real-World Life After Graduation:
- Auditioning: After you graduate with a degree in musical theater, you’ll likely need to audition regularly to land roles. In cities like New York, auditions are highly competitive, so be prepared for rejection—but don’t be discouraged! The key is to keep auditioning and improving.

- Building a Network: Theater is very community-driven. The more people you know—directors, casting agents, fellow performers—the more opportunities you’ll hear about. Stay connected to your classmates and professors, and try to join theater communities.

- Side Jobs: Many theater professionals also hold side jobs, like waiting tables, working as fitness instructors, or teaching. These jobs provide flexible hours and can help support you financially in between shows.

4. Advice for Preparing Now:
- Get Involved Locally: Join local theater productions in Maryland to gain experience. This will help build your resume and prepare you for college auditions. Maryland may also have scholarship opportunities specifically for in-state students.

- Take Private Lessons: Voice, dance, and acting lessons can help you improve your skills before applying to schools like NYU. Many students work with coaches specifically for college auditions.

- Plan Financially: College can be expensive, especially out-of-state schools like NYU. Look into both in-state schools and out-of-state schools, and start applying for scholarships early. The earlier you start saving and planning financially, the better.

5. Additional Tips to Reduce Stress:
- Start Small: Begin researching schools one by one. You don’t need to know everything at once—just take it step by step.
- Reach Out for Help: Don’t hesitate to talk to a college advisor at your school, or a professional who can help you navigate the process. There are many people, both online and in-person, who specialize in guiding students like you.
- Focus on What You Love: Pursuing musical theater is a big dream, and that’s fantastic! Remember to focus on what excites you and use that passion to guide you through the stressful parts of the process.

The college journey may seem huge right now, but you’re already asking the right questions. With the right research and preparation, you can make it work for you. You’re not alone in this—plenty of students feel the same way, and with support, you’ll get through it!

Best wishes!
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Megan’s Answer

Not every Big Time university is worth it. I would recommend a university with a smaller student-to-faculty ratio (about 13:1, as opposed to state schools usually being 22:1 or worse). For a major that requires a large populace such as musical theatre, this will be likely above the average ratio that the university has, so keep that in mind.

As I have never been to the east coast, I am not entirely aware of schools on the eastern seaboard. However, I would recommend the University of Evansville's theatre program (I do not know if they have a musical theatre major specifically). My alma mater, John Brown University, has recently created a theatre major; yet, I would caution you with finding a more established (but not likely to be cut) program.

Most theatre programs put on a musical every spring. While not the same as a musical theatre major, it is at least included in the yearly repertoire.

Megan recommends the following next steps:

Look into UE's theatre program. I've been told they do their productions very well, and the stage is a polygon rather than traditional procesium or in the round.
Review the program's chosen productions as far back as the website lets you go. If you dislike their shows, make a note of it but don't discard the university itself, yet.
Expand your range. Vocal, acting, dancing, technical, instrumental. Let university representatives see your sociability, brilliance, and passion--your fervor--for the major.
Write your own scripts. Even something as small as a monologue can assist in understanding how a character speaks--or why the playwright chose specific words, beats, emotions.
Bug the university until they're sick of you. Ask them questions about everything. Take a tour or two or ten if possible. Most tours do not give a peek inside the theater or backstage unless you ask specifically to see it, at least for non-majors.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Mickey !

I am happy to give you advice for an acting career, but do not underestimate yourself - you do not seem naïve about it. You seem to already have the insight to ask the right questions. Based on what you have expressed, I would like to focus on a few of the important things you're concerned with. Although it is great to get information, you will do your acting career path your own way based on what is doable and most supportive for you. No one can tell you how your acting career will unfold - it's a process that you will go through and make discoveries.

Something that comes up very often here are students saying that they want to go into musical theatre or perform only in musical theatre. This in reality is not advisable. Unless you want to wait around for the very few musical theatre auditions and travel near and far to them, then go for it. Musical Theatre is a genre, not a career, as I always tell the students who ask this question. I was a theatre major and auditioned for all genres because that's what actors do. I was fine performing in musicals. You do not need a degree in a genre, rather you need a degree for a career. So consider majoring in Theatre or Film with an emphasis on Acting for a future career, and you can audition for all the musicals you want. You'll have to get the basics that will really train you for the knowledge and skills you will need as an actor to be versatile and college, any college with a Theatre Department, will be good for you.

While you are in a local or in-state college for acting, you will make numerous friends and contacts and become aware of local opportunities. Towards the last few months of your Senior year in college, you will begin to hear your friends and fellow students discuss their career plans for after graduation. Your future plan after graduation will unfold naturally based on what you want to do and what you can do. Acting is a very unconventional career and there are some sacrifices to make, but it all depends on your situation which you will only know of in the future. So do all the acting you possibly can do now, delve into training as an actor and don't let anything hold you back. With the right information, you can do this.

So I would advise reassessing your ability to be versatile, learning how to perform in ALL GENRES, consider majoring in Theatre or something else . A degree in theatre can help you obtain gainful employment in theatre administration which is very exciting. You can also freelance teach or get a teaching credential to teach acting in a school.

This is the real world. In musical theatre, you will have to be available for auditions, travel safely to them and they are few and far between considering how many acting jobs that are in other genres. The education and training in an academic setting more or less guides your future as an actor. My advice is to totally relax about the future, get into acting now and continue with it till you graduate high school.

You have clear insight, Mickey. NYU is extremely expensive and additionally so for out of state tuition. If you apply to the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, part of the application process includes an audition. What if you don't make it ? You will want to start in a theatre program right away, so think about going to a college that doesn't require an audition to be accepted. NYU's out of state tuition is about $58,168 per year right now and will be even more expensive by the time you're ready to enroll.

I went to a very well equipped university which had no tuition at the time (in California decades ago) and it was superb. A famous actor whose name you would all know also attended there and he went off the charts. So, it's not so important to go to a famous named college, local would be fine and doable. It's what you do after college that will bring you to your career. So, as you can see, there are so many variables, but education and experience acting would be the best things to focus on. Sometimes, just having a degree in Theatre can afford opportunities in other fields of work, too, so it's all good !

I hope that this is helpful. I am an honest person and feel very strongly that aspiring and young actors are able to obtain realistic advice because it is such a worthwhile and fulfilling career. Take it one step at a time, be true to yourself and your circumstances and enjoy acting in lots of shows now and in the next following years ! Wishing you all the best !
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