{"id":4991,"date":"2017-11-14T02:37:41","date_gmt":"2017-11-14T02:37:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=4991"},"modified":"2017-11-21T18:25:00","modified_gmt":"2017-11-21T18:25:00","slug":"choosing-the-right-theatre-school-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/choosing-the-right-theatre-school-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Theatre School for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the Right Theatre School for You<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by Yvette Kojic<\/p>\n

November 12, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Have you made the decision to become a Theatre Major? Are you in the midst of applying to your dream school? Can’t decide on a BA or a BFA? Here’s some advice from\u00a04 Broadway pros who majored in theatre in college!<\/p>\n

Liana Hunt (Newsies, Mamma Mia!, Wicked<\/em>)
\nTisch\/NYU Grad<\/h4>\n
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\u201cI knew that I wanted to go to Tisch\/NYU pretty early on. I really wanted to go to school in New York City. I knew that I didn\u2019t want a traditional college campus experience and when I toured the NYU campus, it confirmed to me that that was where I wanted to be. I had my sights set on the CAP21 musical theatre studio within Tisch (NYU). I wanted a program with intense musical theatre training that also allowed me to receive a liberal arts education, and receiving a degree from NYU was also very appealing to me. I decided to apply early decision for Tisch\/NYU and was accepted early decision into the CAP21 musical theatre studio within Tisch\/NYU. I studied in CAP21 for four years and received a BFA in musical theatre from NYU. I loved being in New York City during college. It was the right move for me. I felt like I was able to adjust to the city and set up roots while still having the safety and comfort of being in college and living in dorms, so that by the time I graduated I was very comfortable living in the city! The transition into the professional industry post college felt very seamless for me. I also loved the way CAP21 introduced us to the industry during our senior year. We had lots of opportunities to work with casting directors and agents and get feedback, which was so helpful, and is how I ended up signing with my agency. Choosing what school is right for you is such a unique decision. You have to know what you want and what\u2019s right for you and make your decision based on that!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Adam Kaplan (Newsies, Kinky Boots, A Bronx Tale<\/em>)
\nElon University Grad<\/h4>\n
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\u201cI coach a lot of students who go into the college audition process with their mind set on one<\/i> school and other schools as their \u201csafeties.\u201d Remember, when auditioning for colleges there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201csafety.\u201d You could have a bad day, they could be having a bad day… there are a million different factors that go into it. I decided on Elon University\u2019s BFA Music Theatre program because I think it\u2019s one of the most well rounded programs out there. At their information session for prospective students (and I found this to be true as a student and now alumni) they preach that, yes, they look for talented students, but also \u201cgood people.\u201d Additionally, Elon\u2019s conservatory style training in a liberal arts setting was the \u201ccollege experience\u201d I was looking for. I believe that the most interesting artists are the ones that are worldly and knowledgeable beings, and I got that education at Elon. The best advice that I could give is to be open to the process and remember that any program, like life, will be what you make of it. I didn\u2019t get in to the vast majority of the colleges I auditioned for and I\u2019m doing just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Nathan Lucrezio (Aladdin, Cinderella<\/em>)
\nPenn State University Grad<\/h4>\n
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\u201cChoosing the right college can be one of the most important steps as you pursue your career. In high school, I told my teacher, \u201cAll I want to do is sing, dance, and act. How do I do that?\u201d She said, \u201cYou go to school for musical theater.\u201d As a result, I auditioned for five colleges and went to Penn State University to receive my B.F.A. in Musical Theater. I chose Penn State because a) they kept popping up when you googled \u201cTop Musical Theater Programs\u201d, b) they were strong in all three departments: singing, dancing, and acting, c) all the teachers were welcoming, knew what they were doing, and made me feel confident as I auditioned, d) It was a conservatory within a Big Ten College, so I could explore outside the program, e) the current students were very, very talented, and lastly, I knew it was the right choice for me. My experience was challenging and prepared me for the transition to New York City. Penn State gave me wonderful relationships, a network to rely on, and opportunities that helped me grow into who I am today. I\u2019m so thankful for my time there and proud to be a Penn State Grad.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Danny Quadrino (Bye Bye Birdie, Newsies, Wicked<\/em>)
\nPace University Grad<\/h4>\n
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“I went to Pace University downtown in the Financial District [in New York City]. I majored in Musical Theatre and received a BFA in 2014! I was looking for a program that would allow me to work because I had worked prior to college and wanted to continue my education full time while pursuing my dream. Pace encouraged me to use NEW YORK CITY<\/em> as our campus, and explore while feeling nurtured and safe as a young adult in the Big Apple. Pace taught me to embrace who I was and I received the education and some of the most valuable life lessons that I will carry with me for a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n