@actingdreams - I would disagree that it is any “easier” to get into the top tier of BFA acting schools (whatever that means) than it is to get into a BFA MT program. But that’s me. There are certainly plenty of people with both types of degree performing in both types of shows
@MTdreamz strong or not, I happen to think those who can carry a tune, have rhythm and act are the future
I agree that getting into acting isn’t easier - just a good option to try to get into a good program. They can take vocal and dance also and probably gives them more options when they graduate.
And, yes, you need to do all 3, but we have learned the hard way - for a girl to get into a top MT program she better have an OUTSTANDING voice! It seems the dancing and acting are secondary.
With regard to the balance of acting and singing as viewed by college faculty, this post from Dr. John Stefano, former head of MT at Otterbein, nicely summarizes what programs are looking for.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/otterbein-university-mt/1035287-audition-advice.html
Here is an excerpt:
@MTdreamz - did you all consider the BFA in Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University? It is considered one of the strongest dance programs in the country. Its grads are consistently on Broadway, off Broadway, and in national tours. They do get some voice and acting as part of their curriculum although different teachers from the MT majors. They also have 10 levels of dance in every dance discipline so you are certain to be leveled in to the class which matches your skill level. They also get experience in choreography among other parts of the dance industry. I am not sure if they are accepting video auditions or if they have another audition date left for this year, but I would strongly encourage you to look into it if your D is a strong dancer. I think you will be very impressed with the program.
@vvnstar funny you should bring that up! I have been reading people’s ‘regrets’ and that school always comes to mind. I have heard it would be a great program for her. She didn’t want to ‘go west’ and her dad freaked out about any school we couldn’t drive to in a day - she is kind of the center of the universe in our family (even to her brothers) so having her that far away was beyond our ability to accept. Of course, I have had thoughts that we should have looked into it. 10 levels of dance! Sounds like heaven! If she gets into PP this Wednesday then she will be very happy. Otherwise we may be saying ‘what if…’
@MTdreamz - I just looked at the website. They do still have an audition March 23-24 for dance performance. But you have to apply to the university by March 15th. Here is the link for the regular audition: https://www.okcu.edu/dance/audition/spring And here is the link for video auditions: https://www.okcu.edu/dance/audition/video
I totally understand the concern about being far away. It was a 13-14 hour drive from our home. But it a fantastic place to go to school The kids are so happy there. And they have a great track record for its alums. I know it seems strange to go out west when your goal is Broadway, but there is a huge contingent of them that live in NYC post graduation. And they bring all sorts of people to campus as well. It might be worth considering at least taking a look at.
No one has to go to college for musical theatre or dance. If my D was not accepted anywhere, she was going to take a gap year and get extra training, work and audition…We have to let our children pursue their dreams…not our dreams for them. It is a tough business…sorry to break the news to some of you…if they cant audition well enough to get into any school, and are not willing to go to a safety school (where they would still get lessons and be a big fish in a little pond…perhaps getting leads in shows and still growing as an artist )…Let them make the rejection be a life lesson…Get out there and start your career! Learn by doing!
Ugh @vvnstar you’re killing me! But I will look into it. Thanks (I think LOL) luckily she has been accepted into Ball state and is excited about that but we have to learn more about their dance class options for an MT major. And she is still waiting for Roosevelts dance concentration notification
@toowonderful great perspective.
Of course both are working. I was speaking with regards to getting an MT Spot. Of course its not easy to get in for Acting/Theatre program however during Unifieds, it looked as if there were 25 candidates for MT for every 1 auditioning for Acting/Theatre. I’m certain there are MT’s finding plently of work but it does appear that the odds of getting into a MT Program is a lot harder
@actingdreams - You may very well be correct that more kids apply for MT at various schools than for acting. But remember at auditions, there will be more MT kids waiting around b/c they often have to do 3 components - whereas an acting major may only be doing one. (I would argue having only ONE area in which to show talent could make admission even harder - you can’t cover lousy emoting with a great belt of triple pirouette etc) Most MT schools make you block out several hours - an acting audition may be in a 15 minute slot… not nearly as much hanging around. Just thoughts
^^^having had kids do both - S auditioned predominantly MT (one Acting), D1 auditioned all Acting and D2 is doing a mix - there do seem to be more kids pursuing less MT slots. There seem to be more Acting slots available as well. I do not, however, think it is any “easier” for either group. MTs have to be competent in more disciplines but keep in mind, even the tippy top acting conservatories/schools like actors who can sign and move. D2 had to sing at 3 “acting only” calls.
@artskids you’ve done this 3 times!!! And you’re still sane? Do you have a wine bottle cork collection? Prescription meds? What’s your secret? Haha!
@MTdreamz. Wine. Much. Wine.
@artskids yes! Without wine, I never would have survived this season! And this board !!! So helpful!
Wine and chocolate and yoga!!
I totally agree with @artskids - D1 did MT only and at the time I thought Acting seemed a lot easier. D2 is doing acting, and on this side of it, it isn’t a lot easier! It is definitely less complicated - not a lot of songs (but several times D2 also had to sing at her acting auditions), and no dance component. The bad part is that many schools will redirect MTs to Acting, which takes spots that the Acting kids want!
And yes, lots of wine!
Hey! For those on Texas State’s priority hold, has anyone heard anything yet? Just wondering if they are going to wait until closer to April to notify…
It’s possible acting would be an easier acceptance than MT would for particular kids… picturing a kid for whom acting is clearly their strongest area and singing their weakest, for example.
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