My D loves musical theatre, but does not want to do a conservatory-style BFA, and wants to keep her options open in terms of a major. Performing is the thing she likes best, but would not be preparing for a career in theater. My concern is that the more theater-focused schools might have fewer opportunities for her to perform if she chooses not to major in theater. So does anyone know of any schools with thriving musical theater clubs, where majoring is not essential to participate?
Most interested in the NE to Mid-Atlantic/ Ohio., but she is not interested in city schools. Open to bigger schools, but we seem to have lots of small ones on the list. Here’s what we have so far.
Vassar
Skidmore - We’ve heard only one school sponsored musical every 4 years- true?
Muhlenberg - I fear too small, and too big of theater dept. for her to perform as non-major
Oberlin is a good suggestion- there is no Musical Theater major but there are two student-produced musicals performed each year. They are really well attended and supported. There is a Theater major, but no MT, so it’s open to all who want to audition.
If W&M is on the list, look at UVA. Obviously much larger, but it’s a terrific school. Check out First Year Players. It’s been around for over 50 years. Tina Fey is an alum. It is called “first year” players because the only people who can audition are “first years” ie freshmen. Upper class students run the shows. Its goal is to be a gateway for first years into the theater scene at UVA and provide them a sense of support and fun in the first year in college. There are other student run groups and an active theater scene.
At Lafayette, check out the Marquis Players
If your daughter loves to sing, have her check out the acapella groups on the campuses she’s interested in. Some of them have multiple groups some of which may focus on broadway show tunes. Even if acapella isn’t her first love, it’s a great way to join a small group of singers to find friends and support on campus.
I am just jumping back onto this thread to say that Oberlin just yesterday announced that there will now be a Music Theater major starting Fall 2025, and that the (soon to be former) head of Baldwin Wallace’s Music Theater Department will be the head of the newly formed Oberlin department. It will be part of the Conservatory and will be a BM degree.
Who knows how it will look the first few years, but it seems like something that you would want to know about based on the suggestion I made!
Our guide at Union was involved in music related activities.
For schools like Colby, there are lots of opportunities and kids with interest, but fewer students solely dedicated to that. I’d focus on schools that fit that model as it seems to generate a lot of opportunities.