Student Blog: What Do You Do with a BFA in Musical Theatre?

Second week into classes, the back-to-school season is up and running! I’m really happy to be back at school doing what I love with the people I love for my second year as a musical theatre major. Being a sophomore, I feel like I definitely have a better hold on navigating things around campus, but there’s also a lot of new additions to my school's performing arts program this year, which is keeping everything (as always) a learning experience!

For starters, the most exciting headline with things changing around campus is the new addition of our BFA program! My school previously only offered a BA in musical theatre and acting, but the program was finally able to be upgraded to be one that also now offers a BFA in both as well, and I’m excited to say that my application was accepted, and I am now a part of my schools new BFA musical theatre program! This is a huge accomplishment and milestone for me, as I have worked very hard last year in all of my classes, and it feels good to know I’m being recognized for the progress I’m making. As the program is still new, classes for it will begin in January, and I can’t wait to get to work!

While things haven’t gotten too busy with the BFA yet, I still have plenty on my plate as is. As it’s back-to-school season, for performing arts students, this means it’s audition week. The first two weeks have been jam-packed with auditions for clubs, performance groups, and shows– I’ve still got one more to go before I have a bit of downtime! Along with that, classes are starting to pick up and I’m already having to plan ahead on papers and projects in the coming weeks. Needless to say– it’s a busy time. With everything going on, it’s easy to get stressed out between classes all day to prepping and auditioning at night multiple times per week. Which means!!! Balancing self care into busy back to school schedules is incredibly important (as I always say). Between all the responsibilities I have as a student and as a performer, I’ve also been making sure I have time for my responsibilities to myself as well: to practice self care and leave time to relax and do things that I want to do! So even though lots of my time lately has gone towards marking sheet music and rapid note taking, I’ve made sure to build in time for free writing, doing my nails, and many midday naps. 

Start of the semester is always a bit hectic, as is inevitable, but at least I can say that it’s hectic for good reason. Even with the added stress of classes, a new degree, and auditioning left and right, I’m really happy to be back to the grind that is the life of a theatre major. I really do find myself so much happier overall just to be back and working with my friends– especially now that I feel like I’m getting the hang of it! I’m only a few weeks in, but so far it’s been a blast, and I can’t wait to continue taking on season two!