6 answers
Kylie
Student
Bellevue, Ohio
2
Questions
Updated
1052 views
My name is Kylie. I am sixteen and currently a Junior. Do you have any recommendations on college for a student with an average GPA and a want to be a musical theatre major? I really need some advice on how to get into a certain college and which one to pick.
I have musical theatre experience. I have been in my high school drama club for over 6 years now. Some standout roles are: Carlotta (Phantom of the Opera), Mr.s Teavee (Charlie and the Chocloate Factory), Jan (Grease) along with many others. I have had voice lessons training for opera singing for almost 7 years now. I also perform at my community theatre. I also do color guard and am the captain this year. I also plan for trying out for all Ohio ( a show that has student actors from all across the state.) I have also done solo and ensemble for 2 years now. Freshman year: I did Kind Fortune smiles, class B, and got a 1. Sophomore year: I did Sebben crudele, class B Italian, and got a 1. I am doing a class A this year
6 answers
Theophilus Mensah
Discovery Intern @Deloitte |2x Founder | TMCF Scholar | Business + CIS @ GSU | Harvard ALP 25’
71
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hi Kylie,
I know it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the right college, but you’re on the right track by starting early! Here are some suggestions that might help you navigate your path as a musical theatre major, especially with an average GPA.
1. Choosing the Right College:
—Focus on schools that prioritize talent and performance over academic stats. There are great programs out there that place more weight on your audition than your GPA. Schools like Rider University, Ithaca College, or The New School offer strong musical theatre programs and may have more flexible academic requirements.
—Think about location. If you want to be near the action, schools in or near theatre hubs like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles will give you access to internships and audition opportunities while you’re still in school.
—Don’t shy away from considering smaller schools. While big names like NYU Tisch or University of Michigan are fantastic, they are also extremely competitive. Smaller programs might give you more personalized attention, which could help you grow faster as a performer.
2. Strengthening Your Application:
—Your audition will be the most important part of your application for many musical theatre programs. Make sure you’re working with a vocal coach or acting teacher to polish your pieces and really show your range.
—Gaining as much experience as possible is key. Whether it’s through school plays, community theatre, or even summer theatre programs, it will look great on your resume.
—Put real effort into your college essay. This is your chance to show who you are beyond your GPA—focus on your passion for musical theatre, how it’s shaped you, and why you want to pursue it in college. Let them see the real you.
—If possible, get recommendations from people in the theatre world, like a director or theatre teacher. Their perspective on your work ethic and talent will go a long way.
3. Schools to Look Into:
—Rider University: Known for a strong, supportive musical theatre program.
—Baldwin Wallace University: A solid choice with a growing reputation and good faculty.
—Texas State University: Emerging as a strong competitor in the musical theatre world.
—Ithaca College: Offers a great program with proximity to New York City for future opportunities.
It’s important to apply to a mix of reach schools and safety schools. Do your research on their audition requirements, and be confident in what you bring to the table. Your passion and hard work will definitely shine through.
You got this, Kylie!
I know it can be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the right college, but you’re on the right track by starting early! Here are some suggestions that might help you navigate your path as a musical theatre major, especially with an average GPA.
1. Choosing the Right College:
—Focus on schools that prioritize talent and performance over academic stats. There are great programs out there that place more weight on your audition than your GPA. Schools like Rider University, Ithaca College, or The New School offer strong musical theatre programs and may have more flexible academic requirements.
—Think about location. If you want to be near the action, schools in or near theatre hubs like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles will give you access to internships and audition opportunities while you’re still in school.
—Don’t shy away from considering smaller schools. While big names like NYU Tisch or University of Michigan are fantastic, they are also extremely competitive. Smaller programs might give you more personalized attention, which could help you grow faster as a performer.
2. Strengthening Your Application:
—Your audition will be the most important part of your application for many musical theatre programs. Make sure you’re working with a vocal coach or acting teacher to polish your pieces and really show your range.
—Gaining as much experience as possible is key. Whether it’s through school plays, community theatre, or even summer theatre programs, it will look great on your resume.
—Put real effort into your college essay. This is your chance to show who you are beyond your GPA—focus on your passion for musical theatre, how it’s shaped you, and why you want to pursue it in college. Let them see the real you.
—If possible, get recommendations from people in the theatre world, like a director or theatre teacher. Their perspective on your work ethic and talent will go a long way.
3. Schools to Look Into:
—Rider University: Known for a strong, supportive musical theatre program.
—Baldwin Wallace University: A solid choice with a growing reputation and good faculty.
—Texas State University: Emerging as a strong competitor in the musical theatre world.
—Ithaca College: Offers a great program with proximity to New York City for future opportunities.
It’s important to apply to a mix of reach schools and safety schools. Do your research on their audition requirements, and be confident in what you bring to the table. Your passion and hard work will definitely shine through.
You got this, Kylie!
Thank you so much for the advice. I will definitely do some research on those.
Kylie
Marcos Mariano Perretta
Music Producer And Composer
2
Answers
Pergamino, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Updated
Marcos Mariano’s Answer
Hi Kylie! It's great to see how dedicated you are to musical theatre, and your impressive resume already shows a lot of potential. Here are some steps and recommendations to help you navigate the college search process, especially with your goal of becoming a musical theatre major:
1. Consider Your GPA and Fit
Since you mentioned having an average GPA, it’s important to focus on schools that offer strong musical theatre programs but also have a more holistic admissions process, considering your talents and experiences in addition to grades. Some schools may place more emphasis on auditions and personal achievements in the arts.
2. Research Colleges with Musical Theatre Programs
Some schools have well-known musical theatre programs, but they can be highly competitive. For a more balanced approach, look for programs that are a mix of conservatory and university-based, where you can receive solid training in musical theatre while also having the chance to study other subjects.
Here are a few programs that might be worth considering:
Ball State University (Indiana): Known for a solid musical theatre program and a good fit for students with varied academic profiles.
University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music (CCM): One of the top programs in musical theatre, though very competitive.
Indiana University Bloomington: Offers a strong theatre program, and the university has a great reputation for student support.
Theatre programs in state universities: State schools with strong theatre programs (such as University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, or University of Wisconsin) often have a more accessible admissions process for students with average GPAs, especially when paired with solid extracurricular involvement.
3. Focus on Your Audition Prep
Musical theatre programs often prioritize auditions, so a standout performance could go a long way in your college applications. Since you have been performing in community theatre and have had vocal training for opera, you likely already have a strong foundation for your audition.
Prepare a Diverse Audition Package: Have a combination of classic and contemporary songs, and ensure your acting skills are showcased through a monologue or scene work.
Get Feedback: Work with a coach or mentor to polish your audition pieces and gain confidence. Even if your GPA is average, a standout audition can make a significant impact.
4. Leverage Your Extracurriculars
Your involvement in drama club, color guard, solo and ensemble competitions, and community theatre are all great experiences that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and artistic ability. Make sure to highlight these achievements in your applications and essays, as they show you have a strong passion for the arts and a track record of dedication.
Color Guard Leadership: Being captain of your color guard team shows leadership and teamwork skills, which are also valuable in theatre. Mention this in your essays or applications.
5. Look for Schools with Flexible Requirements
Some schools are more flexible in terms of GPA, focusing on the overall fit and talent of the student. You may want to consider schools where the audition or portfolio review plays a bigger role in the admissions process than academic grades alone. Some potential options:
The University of Arizona: Has a strong musical theatre program, and they take auditions seriously, sometimes being less GPA-focused.
University of Miami: Known for its great theatre department with a strong emphasis on auditions.
6. Attend College Audition Workshops
Some schools and organizations host workshops where you can audition in front of several colleges and get feedback. These workshops are great opportunities to practice and make connections with college faculty. They could also be a good way to get a feel for which programs you feel most comfortable in.
7. Explore Non-Conservatory Programs
If you’re not looking to be in a highly competitive conservatory environment, you could consider schools with non-conservatory musical theatre programs where you can pursue theatre as a major but also explore other areas academically.
Helpful Next Steps:
Visit Colleges: If possible, visit campuses and talk to faculty or current students to get a feel for the program and campus culture.
Audition Prep: Start practicing audition pieces and seek feedback from mentors or professionals in the industry to ensure your audition materials are polished.
Research Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many schools offer scholarships for musical theatre students, so make sure to look into these opportunities.
It sounds like you’ve got a lot of great experience under your belt already, so use that to your advantage when choosing a school that fits your artistic and academic goals. Don’t be afraid to apply to a mix of schools, both safety and reach, to give yourself the best chance at success!
1. Consider Your GPA and Fit
Since you mentioned having an average GPA, it’s important to focus on schools that offer strong musical theatre programs but also have a more holistic admissions process, considering your talents and experiences in addition to grades. Some schools may place more emphasis on auditions and personal achievements in the arts.
2. Research Colleges with Musical Theatre Programs
Some schools have well-known musical theatre programs, but they can be highly competitive. For a more balanced approach, look for programs that are a mix of conservatory and university-based, where you can receive solid training in musical theatre while also having the chance to study other subjects.
Here are a few programs that might be worth considering:
Ball State University (Indiana): Known for a solid musical theatre program and a good fit for students with varied academic profiles.
University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music (CCM): One of the top programs in musical theatre, though very competitive.
Indiana University Bloomington: Offers a strong theatre program, and the university has a great reputation for student support.
Theatre programs in state universities: State schools with strong theatre programs (such as University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, or University of Wisconsin) often have a more accessible admissions process for students with average GPAs, especially when paired with solid extracurricular involvement.
3. Focus on Your Audition Prep
Musical theatre programs often prioritize auditions, so a standout performance could go a long way in your college applications. Since you have been performing in community theatre and have had vocal training for opera, you likely already have a strong foundation for your audition.
Prepare a Diverse Audition Package: Have a combination of classic and contemporary songs, and ensure your acting skills are showcased through a monologue or scene work.
Get Feedback: Work with a coach or mentor to polish your audition pieces and gain confidence. Even if your GPA is average, a standout audition can make a significant impact.
4. Leverage Your Extracurriculars
Your involvement in drama club, color guard, solo and ensemble competitions, and community theatre are all great experiences that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and artistic ability. Make sure to highlight these achievements in your applications and essays, as they show you have a strong passion for the arts and a track record of dedication.
Color Guard Leadership: Being captain of your color guard team shows leadership and teamwork skills, which are also valuable in theatre. Mention this in your essays or applications.
5. Look for Schools with Flexible Requirements
Some schools are more flexible in terms of GPA, focusing on the overall fit and talent of the student. You may want to consider schools where the audition or portfolio review plays a bigger role in the admissions process than academic grades alone. Some potential options:
The University of Arizona: Has a strong musical theatre program, and they take auditions seriously, sometimes being less GPA-focused.
University of Miami: Known for its great theatre department with a strong emphasis on auditions.
6. Attend College Audition Workshops
Some schools and organizations host workshops where you can audition in front of several colleges and get feedback. These workshops are great opportunities to practice and make connections with college faculty. They could also be a good way to get a feel for which programs you feel most comfortable in.
7. Explore Non-Conservatory Programs
If you’re not looking to be in a highly competitive conservatory environment, you could consider schools with non-conservatory musical theatre programs where you can pursue theatre as a major but also explore other areas academically.
Helpful Next Steps:
Visit Colleges: If possible, visit campuses and talk to faculty or current students to get a feel for the program and campus culture.
Audition Prep: Start practicing audition pieces and seek feedback from mentors or professionals in the industry to ensure your audition materials are polished.
Research Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many schools offer scholarships for musical theatre students, so make sure to look into these opportunities.
It sounds like you’ve got a lot of great experience under your belt already, so use that to your advantage when choosing a school that fits your artistic and academic goals. Don’t be afraid to apply to a mix of schools, both safety and reach, to give yourself the best chance at success!
Dylan Labon
Musician
10
Answers
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Musical Theatre is a major that is offered at most established colleges, and you have the credentials and experience to be accepted into many of these programs. Ultimately, the choice between which school to attend should be influenced only by your own personal research. I suggest taking the time to educate yourself about the specific programs offered at all the schools you are interested in attending. Once you complete this task, you will hopefully be able to narrow down your choice to one or two programs that speak the most to your needs and desires. Then, the next item on your agenda should be to prepare an audition that fits within your chosen program's criteria. Additionally, the scene and/or song you prepare should speak to who you are as a performer and be prepared to the best of your ability.
Best of Luck!
Best of Luck!
Do you have any college suggestions that offer what I'm looking for?
Kylie
Austin Bradley
Live and studio musician
31
Answers
Millington, Tennessee
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Hello and good morning
If you would go ahead and keep your grade average up average is not bad but now it could be better but now average it's not bad. Not bad at all. But now the challenge is going to come is when you get to college because in any degree program or degree discipline it's going to have to be just a little bit better than average so you going to have to push yourself and and have a little perseverance to get to a better grade average than average but now I'm not saying that is bad but now when you go into college no you it needs to be better than average so you keep that in mind whatever college you go to and it needs to be a four-year degree not an associate or two year college. In other words let's buck up soldier and go to war!!God bless.
If you would go ahead and keep your grade average up average is not bad but now it could be better but now average it's not bad. Not bad at all. But now the challenge is going to come is when you get to college because in any degree program or degree discipline it's going to have to be just a little bit better than average so you going to have to push yourself and and have a little perseverance to get to a better grade average than average but now I'm not saying that is bad but now when you go into college no you it needs to be better than average so you keep that in mind whatever college you go to and it needs to be a four-year degree not an associate or two year college. In other words let's buck up soldier and go to war!!God bless.
My state test scores are above average and my grades are all A's and B's I was just referencing a lower Gpa then I have just in case I, for some reason, don't maintain them.
Kylie
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kylie !
Great question !
Yes, I have advice to share. You sound very talented and driven, but my first advice is to not major in Musical Theatre, rather major in Theatre. Why ? Because musical theatre is actually a genre and Theatre is the career field. I have a lot to explain.
There are two degrees that employers never request. One is Liberal Arts and the other is Musical Theatre. Now to illustrate with a personal story. My Bachelors Degree is in Theatre and I was a student studying acting. In the breadth of courses for that Theatre major, they had specific courses on famous playwrights with which you learned about their life and their plays. One was Eugene O'Neill, but you couldn't major in Eugene O'Neill. That would be the same if you "majored" in musical theatre. Also, the breadth of courses that you take for your Theatre degree may include one or two courses specifically in musical theatre. Some colleges offer it as a major, but most do not.
Also, my dept. didn't have singing and dancing at the time I went. I took singing from the Music Dept. and Dancing from the Physical Education Department. But the degree in THEATRE did afford me positions working administrative jobs at theatres. My first post-college career job was at a major commercial live theatre in Los Angeles. And in New York I was hired to be Admissions Director for a semester at The National Shakespeare Conservatory. So the degree in Theatre really worked for me and I believe that a degree in one genre like musical theatre can project that you are only an actor and only know one genre or aspect of the business, even if you are well-rounded. So focus on doing the path as a Theatre major and you will see that degree will really help you in ways you've never expected. As an actor, a college degree is not even necessary, however, I am a strong proponent for actors training through college and obtaining a degree in whatever they decide, even if it is in a different subject outside of theatre. You will get sufficient, focused training and become completely familiar with the skill of acting/performing.
If you intend to perform professionally, you can't depend on only doing auditions for one genre. Trust me, you'll know what I mean once you start reading casting notices. You will want to be available for all sorts of work in all media. I do understand the intense satisfaction of doing musicals so I understand how alluring they are, but we can't depend on only doing them or only doing drama or Shakespeare or what we want. We need to always be prepared to work whether it is comedy, film, television, drama or experimental presentations.
I would recommend Ohio University - Athens Campus, Baldwin Wallace College, Wright State University - Main Campus, and Mount Union College. Read their websites and see if they have tour videos on You Tube. Visit as many as you can. They all offer a Bachelors Degree in Theatre. Although you may not see it now (that's why I am here) having the degree in a field of work, as opposed to a genre, will serve you in the future. A major in a genre will not be viable or ever asked for by an employer. Even if later you decide to transition to a new career, having that Bachelors Degree will be a plus. It worked for me.
You can find out the admissions procedures of colleges by reading their websites and many colleges do not require Theatre Majors to audition. Just apply and then after you are accepted, register for your courses.
I hope that you will return here if you have any other questions. I wish you all the best in your college choices ! Enjoy it every step of the way !
Great question !
Yes, I have advice to share. You sound very talented and driven, but my first advice is to not major in Musical Theatre, rather major in Theatre. Why ? Because musical theatre is actually a genre and Theatre is the career field. I have a lot to explain.
There are two degrees that employers never request. One is Liberal Arts and the other is Musical Theatre. Now to illustrate with a personal story. My Bachelors Degree is in Theatre and I was a student studying acting. In the breadth of courses for that Theatre major, they had specific courses on famous playwrights with which you learned about their life and their plays. One was Eugene O'Neill, but you couldn't major in Eugene O'Neill. That would be the same if you "majored" in musical theatre. Also, the breadth of courses that you take for your Theatre degree may include one or two courses specifically in musical theatre. Some colleges offer it as a major, but most do not.
Also, my dept. didn't have singing and dancing at the time I went. I took singing from the Music Dept. and Dancing from the Physical Education Department. But the degree in THEATRE did afford me positions working administrative jobs at theatres. My first post-college career job was at a major commercial live theatre in Los Angeles. And in New York I was hired to be Admissions Director for a semester at The National Shakespeare Conservatory. So the degree in Theatre really worked for me and I believe that a degree in one genre like musical theatre can project that you are only an actor and only know one genre or aspect of the business, even if you are well-rounded. So focus on doing the path as a Theatre major and you will see that degree will really help you in ways you've never expected. As an actor, a college degree is not even necessary, however, I am a strong proponent for actors training through college and obtaining a degree in whatever they decide, even if it is in a different subject outside of theatre. You will get sufficient, focused training and become completely familiar with the skill of acting/performing.
If you intend to perform professionally, you can't depend on only doing auditions for one genre. Trust me, you'll know what I mean once you start reading casting notices. You will want to be available for all sorts of work in all media. I do understand the intense satisfaction of doing musicals so I understand how alluring they are, but we can't depend on only doing them or only doing drama or Shakespeare or what we want. We need to always be prepared to work whether it is comedy, film, television, drama or experimental presentations.
I would recommend Ohio University - Athens Campus, Baldwin Wallace College, Wright State University - Main Campus, and Mount Union College. Read their websites and see if they have tour videos on You Tube. Visit as many as you can. They all offer a Bachelors Degree in Theatre. Although you may not see it now (that's why I am here) having the degree in a field of work, as opposed to a genre, will serve you in the future. A major in a genre will not be viable or ever asked for by an employer. Even if later you decide to transition to a new career, having that Bachelors Degree will be a plus. It worked for me.
You can find out the admissions procedures of colleges by reading their websites and many colleges do not require Theatre Majors to audition. Just apply and then after you are accepted, register for your courses.
I hope that you will return here if you have any other questions. I wish you all the best in your college choices ! Enjoy it every step of the way !
Thank you so much! I will definitely look into some of those colleges.
Kylie
You're welcome, Kylie !
Michelle M.
Stephen Tamie
Music producer, freelancer
3
Answers
Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
I suggest you to make yourself comfortable with searching for global opportunities. here's one from my side : https://www.jammusiclab.com/academics/all-programs
Europe is the mainland for musical studies so start searching with this given reference, it will definitely help you with your search for colleges.
There are tons of scholarships as well, and the tuition isn't as expensive as in the States.
Europe is the mainland for musical studies so start searching with this given reference, it will definitely help you with your search for colleges.
There are tons of scholarships as well, and the tuition isn't as expensive as in the States.
Thank you so much for the advice. However, I don't think I'm ready to look globally. If I decide to I will definitely look at the opportunities.
Kylie
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