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When it comes to booking jobs in the performing arts community, is it better to have a degree in Theatre Performance/Acting or Musical Theatre and why?
For some context, I'm currently a student at my college of choice, and am pursuing a degree in Theatre Performance currently. I truly love every aspect of performing, from live theatre and plays and musicals, to voice over work, and film and television. However, recently I've been debating whether or not to switch to the Musical Theatre program because I do also love musical theatre. I just want future agenices/managers/casting directors to see my versatility and be able to audition for all these types of jobs from all the areas I listed above.
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5 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mario !
I would be happy to shed some light on and give advice to you about which major would be more beneficial. It is truly a great question.
I will start out by saying, stay with the major in Theatre. Musical Theatre is a genre. Theatre is a field of work. As an actor in theatre, one is always learning and practicing the skills one needs for musical theatre: singing, acting and dancing. You can do some independent personal exploring of the musical theatre genre, however, getting a bachelors degree in Theatre will open doors for jobs in or outside of Theatre. As an actor, you are already learning how to be versatile by doing scenes in acting class that the professor assigns or ones you choose, by reading plays and analyzing them, and by auditioning and getting parts in shows on campus and out in the community. My experienced advice is to stick with the Theatre major which you are already involved in.
Your degree in theatre will also help you get jobs outside of theatre. With my theatre degree, I was able to transition to jobs in the social service field and I believe just having that Bachelors Degree helped greatly. After graduation I obtained a job in theatre and it was because of my degree. Although I am not familiar with such a specialized academic degree path for one genre of the entertainment industry, I believe that the theatre major may be better as you already know the requirements of learning most skills that happen in theatre. My college was heavy on tech and literature and I learned a great deal that made acting easier for me because I understood how to block and set design and costuming. Directing class was essential to me as an actor. I do strongly advise to stay with the Theatre major.
One suggestion is that you may want to see if you can audit one required course in the musical theatre department. Read what all the requirements for that major would be. And yes, it would pigeonhole you less if you opt for the degree in theatre. It is your choice.
I do hope that this gives you something to ponder. Always remember that an actor is someone who has many skills and the training you are receiving now as a theatre major is preparing you for a wide variety of projects. Also, actors do not really need a degree in musical theatre, but a degree in theatre will open doors for you if one day you'd want to go into administrative work for a theatre. Best wishes to you in whatever you decide and continue to ask questions and advice.
I would be happy to shed some light on and give advice to you about which major would be more beneficial. It is truly a great question.
I will start out by saying, stay with the major in Theatre. Musical Theatre is a genre. Theatre is a field of work. As an actor in theatre, one is always learning and practicing the skills one needs for musical theatre: singing, acting and dancing. You can do some independent personal exploring of the musical theatre genre, however, getting a bachelors degree in Theatre will open doors for jobs in or outside of Theatre. As an actor, you are already learning how to be versatile by doing scenes in acting class that the professor assigns or ones you choose, by reading plays and analyzing them, and by auditioning and getting parts in shows on campus and out in the community. My experienced advice is to stick with the Theatre major which you are already involved in.
Your degree in theatre will also help you get jobs outside of theatre. With my theatre degree, I was able to transition to jobs in the social service field and I believe just having that Bachelors Degree helped greatly. After graduation I obtained a job in theatre and it was because of my degree. Although I am not familiar with such a specialized academic degree path for one genre of the entertainment industry, I believe that the theatre major may be better as you already know the requirements of learning most skills that happen in theatre. My college was heavy on tech and literature and I learned a great deal that made acting easier for me because I understood how to block and set design and costuming. Directing class was essential to me as an actor. I do strongly advise to stay with the Theatre major.
One suggestion is that you may want to see if you can audit one required course in the musical theatre department. Read what all the requirements for that major would be. And yes, it would pigeonhole you less if you opt for the degree in theatre. It is your choice.
I do hope that this gives you something to ponder. Always remember that an actor is someone who has many skills and the training you are receiving now as a theatre major is preparing you for a wide variety of projects. Also, actors do not really need a degree in musical theatre, but a degree in theatre will open doors for you if one day you'd want to go into administrative work for a theatre. Best wishes to you in whatever you decide and continue to ask questions and advice.
Updated
Mayou’s Answer
Hi Mario!
I would advise sticking with your current theater performance degree. CASTING DIRECTORS REALLY DON'T CARE WHAT YOU MAJORED IN, the fact that you're in an audition room is enough. No matter what kind of production you are aiming for, folks can tell when you have a solid theater background and it speaks volumes about the seriousness of the performer.
Don't worry about demonstrating on paper what a wide net you've cast. Focus on the day-to-day work and really dig into your theater program, it won't always feel like big work but it will pay off SO much in the future. You've got this!!
PS... teachers are your first and best lines of contact/networking. Schedule a meeting, tell them how serious you are, and ask them to help you set up jobs, internships, whatever, ask very directly and most people will put in a surprising amount of work you help you out!
I would advise sticking with your current theater performance degree. CASTING DIRECTORS REALLY DON'T CARE WHAT YOU MAJORED IN, the fact that you're in an audition room is enough. No matter what kind of production you are aiming for, folks can tell when you have a solid theater background and it speaks volumes about the seriousness of the performer.
Don't worry about demonstrating on paper what a wide net you've cast. Focus on the day-to-day work and really dig into your theater program, it won't always feel like big work but it will pay off SO much in the future. You've got this!!
PS... teachers are your first and best lines of contact/networking. Schedule a meeting, tell them how serious you are, and ask them to help you set up jobs, internships, whatever, ask very directly and most people will put in a surprising amount of work you help you out!
Updated
Betti (BJ)’s Answer
Hi, Mario.
Actually, either degree is beneficial when you are considering a career in theater or film. One thing to keep in mind is that theater requires more stamina than standing in front of a camera. Gestures are larger in order to convey emotion and body movements to the audience. For example: a facial expression caught on camera would have to be "bigger" on stage in order to convey the same emotion or intent.
Also, in theater, there are no second takes. It is all live and will go over as a success or a flop. Most "A List" actors prefer to get back to the theater in order to continue to hone their craft and reconnect with the audience. That immediacy is missing in film. That same actor can only realize it when they see the audience's reaction once the movie is released.
A side story for you: When Johnny Depp filmed "Sweeney Todd", the producers knew that they wanted him in the role. When he was signed, the one thing they neglected to ask was -- can he sing?! Luckily, he could. So, make sure you have the [singing] chops to qualify for Musical Theater.
Good Luck!
Actually, either degree is beneficial when you are considering a career in theater or film. One thing to keep in mind is that theater requires more stamina than standing in front of a camera. Gestures are larger in order to convey emotion and body movements to the audience. For example: a facial expression caught on camera would have to be "bigger" on stage in order to convey the same emotion or intent.
Also, in theater, there are no second takes. It is all live and will go over as a success or a flop. Most "A List" actors prefer to get back to the theater in order to continue to hone their craft and reconnect with the audience. That immediacy is missing in film. That same actor can only realize it when they see the audience's reaction once the movie is released.
A side story for you: When Johnny Depp filmed "Sweeney Todd", the producers knew that they wanted him in the role. When he was signed, the one thing they neglected to ask was -- can he sing?! Luckily, he could. So, make sure you have the [singing] chops to qualify for Musical Theater.
Good Luck!
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Professional training will help give you craft, a network, and the opportunity to practice a lot. They can also give you an introduction to the entertainment business community that you'll be entering. I'm not familiar with musical programs so can't compare the two, but I went through an actor training program and lots of other actors that came out of that program went on to do musicals.
Updated
Paulina’s Answer
A degree in theater provides you with three things
1. Formal training in your craft, and a shared language
2. Builds your confidence in the things asked of you as an actor, the process of shows, and space where you have guaranteed practice
3. Connections connections connections. From peers to professors to other alumni, you will be able to network especially if you plan to stay in that city post graduation to find work
You don't need either degree to achieve these three things, you can take individual classes, or start auditioning. Very rarely will a director or casting agent turn you away if your audition is good, because you don't have a specific degree.
tldr: make the change based on what training it will give you (i.e. classes) and what connections you will gain (i.e the musical theater professors work in their field and can help put your name out there)
1. Formal training in your craft, and a shared language
2. Builds your confidence in the things asked of you as an actor, the process of shows, and space where you have guaranteed practice
3. Connections connections connections. From peers to professors to other alumni, you will be able to network especially if you plan to stay in that city post graduation to find work
You don't need either degree to achieve these three things, you can take individual classes, or start auditioning. Very rarely will a director or casting agent turn you away if your audition is good, because you don't have a specific degree.
tldr: make the change based on what training it will give you (i.e. classes) and what connections you will gain (i.e the musical theater professors work in their field and can help put your name out there)