Theater at American?

megpmom
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:19:46 +0000

My D is a freshman musical theatre major and dance minor. Both programs are small, so the majors are very tight with each other.There is a freshman theatre showcase in the fall which is open to majors and nonmajors and is a great way to meet everyone. Being a small program, classes are also small with a lot of personal attention from professors. Most classes take advantage of being in DC with outings to plays and performances all over the city. Be sure to budget enough extra funds to take advantage of those opportunities (although there are many student discounts.)

D has found plenty of performance opportunities - even as a freshman. You are as busy as you choose to be! In addition to the freshman show, D was in a main stage performance in the fall semester of freshman year and teched a show (required for a stagecraft class) during Spring semester. She could have auditioned for a student-run production, but she was very busy with classes.

D attended a performing arts HS, so we were a little concerned that she would be bored as a freshman. But she has been very impressed with the caliber of professors and has found one who is mentoring her in her love of dramaturgy. She also likes her voice teacher and believes that she has grown vocally this year.

Dance? D has taken 2 jazz classes this year taught by a former Alvin Ailey dancer. She has found them quite challenging (D had 11 yrs of dance). She is hoping to participate in a student-run choreography program next semester.

Double majoring is possible - but you really have to plan well, especially if you want to do a semester abroad in London.