Should I major in Musical Theatre?

Question

I've been thinking a lot about college lately as I'll be a senior in HS this upcoming year. I'm thinking about double majoring with one major being Theatre. I'm not sure if I should concentrate in Acting or Musical Theatre.

Here's the thing.....I have VERY little dance training and I can't dance very well. I can do basic movement and those classic theatre steps, but I'm fair at best. Dance theory is a whole other issue....I couldn't name a step if you asked me...(with the exception of like....pirouette[sp?], ball-change, etc.) I'm totally willing to learn and give it my best try, but I'm not very confident in my ability to learn to dance. I'm uncoordinated and klutzy.

I'd really love to concentrate in Musical Theatre because its where my heart truly lies. The school that is my number one choice at the moment is Temple University. I'll be getting more info on how much dance knowledge is required to audition for their department, but in the mean time...I'd like your opinion. Should I just forget Musical Theatre?

Answer 1

You can, but you shouldn't if you have to ask us. You should be driven to your major by your love for it. Most Musical Theatre or Acting majors do not allow you to double major as they are so rigorous. And if they do, they are not good enough programs.   Be sure you pick the right school!  It will be very expensive.  Take dance lessons now. Ballet and modern. No musical theatre program at Temple, Weak acting program compared to the better schools.

Answer 2

I'm sure you have valid advice in all the answers, but very simply, # 1 offers what is a decent suggestion.

   Assuming that "IT" is your passion, and a desire, I can't imagine you not giving it your best, and Temple is a great school anyway.

   If you deny this opportunity to yourself you could very well regret it down the road.

Answer 3

musical.

i think it just has more flow than dance.

basically because i'm a musical man. haha.

Answer 4

Do whatever rocks your boat and don't ask people. Do what you think that you love.

Answer 5

Very competitive job market!! If you major in theatre, get a teaching credential to go along with it.  You can always teach drama.  Worked for me.

Answer 6

I would totally go for it!! But during your senior year I would take some dance lessons, so that you can learn some of the names amd moves

Answer 7

Talk with a theater teacher about it.  If you decide to stick with just acting..listen to my advice, continue to take voice lessons.  A few years down the road, you may decide to take up musical theater again.  Not all musical theater parts require dancing!

Answer 8

To be honest, Yahoo Answers isn't the best place too base your life on.

Answer 9

Well, it's a tough decision.  I was a theatre major when I first started, but soon realized the road ahead of me was very tough.  If you really want to act, I would suggest trying a minor in one of the two.  For your major, take something that will give you a skill you can use in life (like nursing).  This experience with a course other than theatre will also help you to hone your craft since actors use experiences in their lives to help them draw inspiration for their acting.  Also, it would be great if you were really serious about acting if you went to a school that only focused on the arts.  Juliard, AMDA, etc. . .would be great because the people there are extremely talented and you will learn alot just by being around great artistic minds 24x7.  Good luck.  It's a long hard road you are choosing, but can be very rewarding if things go your way and you truly focus on honing your talent and don't get caught up in BS.

Answer 10

def. do what you really want cause u might regret it in the long run

Answer 11

I had auditions for a Musical Theatre Emphasis as a Theatre Major, and the dance audition is a part, but the professors said we just want to see you give it your best shot..

In other words, If you love Musical Theatre, as I do, go for it...I can dance but it takes me 4 times as long as everyone else. Just know you'll have to work at it...

Hope it all works out for you...

Answer 12

well i am a sophmore in HS and i have been thinking about it too and although i really enjoy musical theater i decided i didnt want to major in it but maybe minor... in theater you are NEVER garunteed  (sp?) a job. if you want to go for the teacher thing i would probably major in musical theater and minor in english. as far as the dancing thing you should prob start a dance class, simply because you will need to know dance and choreography in what ever path you choose to take. if its teaching you will need to do plays and musicals with your students.. otherwise you would need it for basic auditions.....

hope i helped. good luck in whatever you choose to do!