College at NYU? What to major/(maybe) double major in!?

Question

I am interested in pursuing a career in Musical Theater. I would like to go to NYU, because you're in the city-which is an easy way to get introduced to casting directors, producers etc.

I looked at NYU's website and Saw they had Acting, Drama and Music Theatre. What is the difference of all which should I do? I would be interested in Voice performance too. But there really isn't a "musical theater" program-at least I don't think!

http://www.nyu.edu/academics/departments.html

Answer 1

NYU is insanely expensive (and the last thing you need as a music major is a lot of loans if you can help it). The musical theater community is actually pretty small, so even if you go to a school out of state where the professors have been out in the industry, chances are they can hook you up with people (and you're not going to be working as a waiter to pay your student loans while you're taking auditions :) Some of the top music schools in the country (U of Michigan, Eastman, or Carnegie Melon, for example) aren't even in "major" US cities.

Also, you're going to be spending so much time in classes and rehearsals that chances are the only industry people you might meet are going to be through school. That's something to keep in mind if you go into Musical Theater - it's a very extensive degree so I highly doubt you would be able to double major (but ask when you're looking into schools).

The best thing you can do is find a school that you like. Look into musical theatre if that's what you're really interested in, because you're getting training in voice, dance, and theatre where as a theatre degree will barely touch on the others (and vice versa). If you can, go out to some schools to audition in person, since schools look a lot different than they do in the brochures. I found some bragged about how great they were, then when I visited the students weren't that talented, or I didn't like the professors (who you have to deal with for four years).

Answer 2

I'm not the biggest fan of NYU, for many reasons... but have you looked in to theater programs at Fordham? They have their performing arts school located right around Lincoln Center. I bet you the program is MUCH cheaper... and may even be better, I'm not sure, but look into it.

If you are interested in musical theater, then go for the music theater program. Also, it might benefit you to actually call the school and speak with each department.

Answer 3

I answered this Q, vaguely in your other Q. I also offer that I'll accept that you contact me. I am an NYU alum, and even when I attended,,, 40 plus years ago, they were an explemplary Unviversity, and remain so today. Your FOCUS needs to be more narrowly defined perhaps? At least initially. Certainly "VOICE PERFORMANCE" must be offered globally, or very specifically outside of NYU