My daughter has been accepted into 5 schools and she is having trouble deciding. She primarily wants to study musical theatre, diving deeply into acting and vocal music, and getting enough dance to get by. But she also wants to study Game Design (a minor or dual major) and have flexibility to take electives like directing or writing. We also want a strong liberal arts program as she is a good academic student as well as an artist. She has been accepted to Columbia College Chicago, Marymount Manhattan, St. Edwards University, Oklahoma City University and University of the Arts. Any insights into the MT and Game Design programs at these schools? How flexible is the curriculum to study things outside your major? What are their reputations in the wider world?
Are finances a non-issue?
decision dilemma
Finances are an issue but she was awarded varying amounts of scholarship money at all of the schools, making the cost not as far apart as it otherwise would have been.
What is her ultimate goal? Acting and music? If that is a viable career goal then put the energy there.
The rest will come.
I’m not aware any of those college have a game design program.
A few questions… did your D audition into these schools? Is she looking at a BFA or BA in musical theatre? The answer to that question is going to make a big difference. If she auditioned in and is attempting a BFA, they she’ll have a very difficult time double majoring in game design. Even minoring might be tough. BFA programs aren’t often designed to take on an academic majors/minors in addition though some do have some GE’s and enough flexibility to take directing or writing. Now if her goal is a theatre BA then her chances at a double major or minor are much, much higher. In fact, some schools build theatre programs with the assumption that their students will double (like allowing students to “double dip” on requirements.)
If she’s looking at a BA in theatre, I would cross off any school that also offers a BFA. BFA’s are the priority in casting and it can be tough for BA students to get stage time… particularly a BA with other academic ambitions. Sticking to a school that only offers only BA’s will give her more opportunities.
I can’t tell you particulars on the schools you mentioned. If it were me, I’d be pulling up the graduation requirements for these majors at all the schools and comparing them. Get an idea of how many units students average a year. If it’s a BFA she wants, really research the requirements (not just for class… does she have to audition for every show? Does she have to be involved in every show?) How much room is there to fulfill the GE’s, theatre major and any game design she’s interested in.
You should post this question on the musical theater majors board. There are many contributors there with specific knowledge of these schools.