The Dreaded College Board

[MusicalDreamer]

Okay, so I'm basically obsessing about finding a plausible school option that still will give me the training I want. I do not come from a well off family at all, and my locations (Arkansas) university does not have a musical theatre program. I have looked into TONS of schools. I'm hoping to stay semi-close to home, but not in state. I'm aiming for a BFA in musical theatre, I have a pretty strong dance/singing background, I haven't hade very much acting, because in the local shows I've been in, I've been in the chorus. I'm just totally stressed because of the economy, my lack of wealth, and my location. Does anyone know of an affordable school that still has outstanding training?

[supportivemom]

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/

[MasterGracey]

Do some research, and then apply wherever you think you will fit, no matter the cost. If you really are in a less-than-ideal economic situation but you have potential, they do this thing these days called "Financial Aid." I hear it's great.

[Marianne2]

Agreed about financial aid. Also, if your grades are good enough, maybe you could get a scholarship of some sort. It never hurts to look or try.

[GavestonPS]

You might also keep an open mind about the degree you pursue. There are colleges that offer a lot of opportunity to train and perform even without a formal BFA program. At some schools, you'll want to be in the theater department, but in others you might be happier in the music or dance department.

Ten years ago (the last time I paid attention), UCLA was offering musical theater training in both its theater and music departments, and both departments did quite a bit of production, often combining students from the two programs. (I know Los Angeles isn't your goal; this is just an example of how varied the options may be.)

[MichaelDendy]

The University of South Alabama has a great program. The University of Southern Mississippi also has a great program, but no musical theatre program. I attend Southern Miss and would be happy to answer any questions about our program.

[newintown]

Cincinnati Conservatory of Music had a musical theatre program with a good reputation once upon a time, but I haven't heard of a famously good school for musical theatre in years. I'd recommend finding a school with a BFA in Theatre and then take voice and dance as electives, and audition every year for summer theatres that do musicals. That would be your best training.

[GavestonPS]

I happen to have a lot of friends from CCM, but they went back in the 1960s.

However, I have seen it mentioned as one of the better current programs by other posters here.

[AC126748]

CCM is still considered a top school for musical theatre, if only for name recognition alone. It's also one of the most selective programs in the country.

As someone who works in higher ed (though not Musical Theatre), I would recommend that you not get too hung-up on a school's name recognition. You can usually get just as good (or even better) education at a less "prestigious" (which usually means less expensive) university. Do some research, and try to find a school that's a good fit for you personally.

[StageStar2468]

I've also heard good things about Southern Miss...as previously stated there isn't a musical theatre program but their theatre program and music programs in general are supposed to be very good. The school itself is also reasonably priced for even out of state students. It's one I'm also looking at for myself. MichaelDendy...did you enjoy the program and the school as a whole? Like I said..I've heard good things about it but never actually talked to someone who went there.

[MusicalDreamer]

I looked into to Southern Miss and it does seem good, what major/minor/electives are there that are most beneficial?

Also, I forgot to mention that there is an out of state thing that would let me go to either Oklahoma State or Missiouri State and pay in-state tuition since University of Arkansas doesn't have a MT program. Does anyone know about these schools?

[vegas2]

My nephew received a scholarship for the theatre program at University of Alabama - Birmingham. Even as an undergraduate he is getting lots of performance opportunities. I believe this is because they don't have an MFA program.

[shrekster224]

Don't really see how CCM has gotten "less good". They are still flipping out working performers, just to name a few recent ones, 3 of the Newsies, Alysha Deslorieux in Sister Act, Mike Schwitter on the Mormon tour, Leeds Hill in Mary Poppins, etc. People will argue that schools can't really be ranked as some will be better fits for certain people, but GENERALLY, people look at the top programs as Carnegie Mellon, CCM, and University of Michigan. There are a ton of great programs out there and honestly, if it is what you are passionate about, you will find the training and make the most of any school you get in to. Another recommendation to check out College Confidential, great resource with tons of info.
CC Musical Theatre Forum

[MichaelDendy]

Here are my replies to the questions about Southern Miss! If anyone has anything else they want to know feel free to message me!


To: Musical Dreamer

I just received your message. We have a Theatre Major and you can either choose the BA route which I am doing that gives you a larger variety of work. I have gotten to work tech (props, costumes and sets) along with performing (Marat/Sade, The Laramie Project and Grapes of Wrath). You can also choose the BFA route which can focus you more in the areas of performance or tech. As far as minors go many people in our dept are minoring in English, Psychology or History. We have a few minoring in music or music majors minoring in theatre. I personally think whatever works best for you is what is best and our faculty here are very supportive of that and helping your creativity grow. For example, next semester the department is supporting a workshop of a new musical me and a friend wrote together. So, Southern Miss is a great school filled with amazing opportunities.

To: StageStar2468

I just saw your posting. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at USM. I have learned so much and had so many opportunities to further my education. The shows we do definitely are very challenging pieces of work and also things many people don't know is that we allow numerous showcases through the year allowing everyone to get a chance at performance. Our faculty is also A plus. They have all worked on either Broadway, National Tours, LA, Major Films and even in London and Scotland. The campus is also great and very accessible. I would advise not living in the dorms if possible, but budget is always a key factor there. In Hattiesburg it is very much cheaper to live off campus. The other thing I love about this town is that you are in a very good location to access New Orleans (for Nat'l Tours and Film), Jackson, Birmingham and Memphis for the national tours that come close by. I could literally go on and on about why I love Southern Miss.

[MusicalDreamer]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I'm still pretty overwhelmed- but I think I have an okay idea of schools and location and price... :)
I am very very interested in CCU. I have been watching videos of performances from productions there, and was very impressed.
I have looked into Oklahoma City University, and while I'd go there in a heartbeat, I doubt I'll be able to swing the bill.
Southern Miss also is an option. I think I will apply/audition everywhere I want, apply for financial aid, and try to scholarships at any opportunity possible. Unfortunately, I am homeschool so I do not have any academic offers for my grades. Anyway, thanks again for all your help.

[bigbelterbaby]

try the University of South Dakota (USD)
it's not that expensive and has a pretty great musical theatre BFA program --

[MichaelDendy]

@MusicalDreamer You should def come check out a USM production.