kksmom5

(Trying to spread the questions by tracyvp)

We are starting to understand that most BFA Musical Theatre programs try very hard to train "triple threat" performers, but in the end, one of the three disciplines tends to emerge as slightly more prominent or emphasized than the others, and there is usually a second, then third.

For current Texas State students (or parents, if you know), what would you say is the primary emphasis of your training at TSU?

Also, can you describe the type of training you get in each of the three disciplines? For example, in music, how much time and what sort of training in voice, theory, repertoire, piano, etc. Do you learn both "classical" MT styles as well as contemporary pop styles? When and how?

For acting, do you explore the different approaches, and in what depth? Do you train with the acting BFA's or separately? Do you get a lot of straight acting training, or is most of the acting training in the context of "acting the song?"

In dance, can more advanced dancers take classes with the Dance majors? How much time is devoted to "specialty" dance like tap, partnering, hip hop, etc?

Sometimes different students have different experiences, so it would be awesome to hear from several!!

ama2388

Taken from the "Curriculum" link on the Texas State Musical Theatre website:

"To have a prolonged career in the industry, performers must be as versatile as possible. The formal curriculum includes equal emphasis on acting, voice and dance. Having said that, at its core, the focus is always as an actor first and foremost. Regardless of which area of your training you are focusing on, the primary principle the program is based on is making sure you are a strong and versatile actor in every area of your work in order to become a fully integrated performer."

I would encourage you to visit their website. It will be updated many times, as this program is truly on fire - growing and developing very fast, gaining new faculty and areas of training that will significantly impact its national profile. If you have a student that is interested, I also encourage you both to visit and sit in on classes to get the full view. It is really an amazing program.

tracyvp

Thanks so much for the information! Would you be willing to take a stab at the other questions? Some of that information isn't available on the website, and also sometimes "reality" differs a bit from what the "Ideal" the college wants to shoot for and posts on their website!

Thanks!