Pre-Screening for MT/Drama School Tips?

MTmom2017
Sat, 27 Jan 2018 02:25:54 +0000

@collegeistricky, do you want to do Musical Theatre, Acting, or a combo of both? There is a ton of information on the Musical Theatre board with tons of great information. The theatre board isn’t as active, but still a lot of good information available. My older D just graduated from a well-regarded MT program, & younger D is currently auditioning for Acting programs. If you/your parents can afford it, look into a coach - it can be expensive (some of them offer scholarships), but is well worth it in the long run. Mary Anna Dennard, Dave Clemmons, and MTCA are 3 of the big ones mentioned a lot, but there are many others out there - multiple threads on coaches, so check into those. They can help you find songs and monologues, help with a good list of schools, and get you prepared for your auditions. D1 used a coach, D2 didn’t want to, but we did pay a coaching service to get monologues. D2 also worked with her local acting coach and a lesser-known college coach on an as-needed basis.

Do your research - some schools actually have lists of overdone songs/monologues, which is helpful. The schools you listed are super-competitive (acceptance rates under 10% and in some cases 4-5%). This process is incredibly difficult/complicated, and the more information you have, the better. @frontrowmama has great advice! Teachers can help you, but may not realize the highly competitive nature of BFA MT and Acting programs - you will have to educate them!

You are smart to start thinking/researching now. Start making a list of schools, use a spreadsheet, and keep up with every bit of information. I’m a parent who has already been through this once, and it’s still complicated/confusing! There are lots of parents & quite a few students here who are happy to help you out. Best of luck to you!