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Getting a BFA v. BA in Musical Theatre?

I am applying to both types of programs for college and was wondering what people like and don't like about each program.
#musical-theatre #BFA #BA #fine-art #fine-arts #arts #art #degrees #theatre #college

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Thank you comment icon A BA in Musical Theatre is typically 1/3 Musical Theatre & 2/3 other BA requirements. A BFA in Musical Theatre is typically 2/3 Musical Theatre & 1/3 other BA requirements. James Seith
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Alex’s Answer

Hi Alexandra! As far as the BA vs BFA question is concerned, it's all about what you want. The BA is going to give you a much broader liberal arts education while the BFA is going to be highly concentrated on a specific area (in this instance Musical Theatre). I came from the BFA in Musical Theatre program over at Webster University, and I was put on a rigorous course load day-one in things such as Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Text Analysis, Dance, and Singing. On a typical BA track this is normally not the case. You'll spend the first couple years with a more general theater education, and then perhaps add an area of focus later, but the number of "performance" classes you take will not likely be similar to what you would have been required to take with the BFA.

Again it's mostly up to you and what you want. If you know all you want to do is Musical Theater and have no doubts, go for it. Otherwise, if you can see yourself pursuing a career in some other role other than performing (stage management, administration, directing, etc) I'd stick to the BA. I do know some performers who also prefer the BA because it gives them more opportunity to learn about other things besides acting (like astrology, humanities, economics, psychology, etc) and they feel as though this makes them a better actor (creates a greater understanding of how the world works)- but that is more of a philosophical discussion than a technical one.

Hope this helps!

-Alex
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