Working in one of the world's top musicals requires a degree in musical theater. Singing, dancing, and acting are the three main areas that the best schools train in. A Bachelor's of Music generally has a greater focus on music, in terms of total credit hours, than a Bachelor's of Fine Arts.
There are many wonderful musical theatre colleges around the country that can give you the training you need to succeed in this highly competitive field. Here are just a few of the schools that should be on your radar:
The Top Musical Theatre Schools in the U.S
There are many great musical theatre schools in the United States. But which ones stand out above the rest? Here are four musical theatre schools that focus on music, are represented on Broadway, and have award-winning alumni.
The first school is The Juilliard School. Located in New York City, Juilliard has a long history of producing some of the most talented actors, musicians, and dancers in the world. The school's focus on music is evident in its Bachelor's of Music program, which requires more credit hours devoted to music than its Bachelor's of Fine Arts program. This commitment to music education has helped Juilliard produce alumni who have gone on to win Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, and even an Oscar.
Next on the list is Carnegie Mellon University. Another school with a strong focus on music, Carnegie Mellon's drama program is one of the most prestigious in the country. The school has produced numerous Tony Award winners, including Viola Davis and Ted Danson. In addition to being well-represented on Broadway, Carnegie Mellon alumni have also won Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
The third school is The Boston Conservatory. Like Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon, The Boston Conservatory has a strong focus on music education. However, what sets The Boston Conservatory apart is its commitment to dance as well as acting and singing. The Conservatory's dance program is one of the best in the country, and its alumni have gone on to win Tony Awards for Best Choreography. In addition to being successful performers, many Boston Conservatory graduates have also found success as directors and producers.
Finally, there's NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Tisch is another school with a renowned drama program that has produced many Tony Award winners. Unlike the other schools on this list, Tisch does not have a specific focus on music or dance education. However, what it lacks in specialization it makes up for in diversity. Tisch alumni include Academy Award winners Lupita Nyong’o and Jared Leto, as well as Emmy Award winner Tina Fey.
These four schools are just a sampling of the great musical theatre programs available in the United States. If you're interested in pursuing a career in musical theatre, any of these schools would be a great choice!
Pace University School of Performing Arts
If you're looking for a top-notch acting or musical theatre education, Pace University's School of Performing Arts is definitely worth considering. The faculty here are all working professionals in the industry, so they're able to provide students with first-hand insight and guidance. And this year, two dozen alumni are actively involved in Broadway musicals - pretty impressive!
In the spring, seniors at Pace put on a showcase that draws directors, agents, and other people who work in the business. It's a great opportunity for them to show off their skills and get noticed by people who could potentially help further their careers.
There are quite a few musical theatre colleges out there, but based on its strong reputation and impressive track record, Pace University is definitely one of the best.
Penn State University School of Theatre
Penn State University's School of Theatre is one of the most highly respected theatrical programs in the country. Out of the hundreds of students who apply to the program each year, only a select few are admitted.
The school offers an undergraduate musical theater program that is four years in length. There are currently 48 students enrolled in the program, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 4:1.
The musical theater college admissions process is highly selective, and only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted into the program. Penn State's faculty is comprised of some of the most experienced and accomplished theatre professionals in the country, so students can be sure they're receiving top-notch training.
If you're passionate about musical theater and are looking for a college that will challenge you artistically and help you grow as a performer, Penn State University's School of Theatre should definitely be at the top of your list!
Elon University
Elon University is a musical theatre college located in Elon, NC. The school offers a well-rounded musical theatre program that includes Brian Kremer as one of its faculty members. The school has a performance center called the Center for the Arts where recent graduates have gone on to appear in Broadway shows like Mamma Mia and Hamilton, as well as major TV shows like Girls and Glee.
Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music
Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music offers a BMus instead of a BFA. Undergraduate students at the school of music must studied both classical art songs and pieces from opera repertoires. The school is among the 10 most popularly represented schools on Broadway in the 2019 season.
The Musical Theatre program at Oklahoma City University is nationally recognized for its exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative curriculum. Students receive training in all aspects of musical theatre, including acting, singing, and dancing.
The Bass School of Music provides an intimate and supportive environment for students to develop their craft. The faculty is dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential as artists. The school offers a wide range of performance opportunities, including productions with the Oklahoma City Opera and the American Songbook Series.
graduates are well prepared for careers in musical theatre. They have gone on to perform on Broadway, in national tours, and in regional theatres across the country. Many alumni have also found success as music directors, casting directors, and producers.
Ithaca College School of Music
Ithaca College School of Music is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country. With an acceptance rate of only 3.5%, it's clear that this school is highly competitive. However, Ithaca is frequently listed as one of the top 10 colleges for musical theatre, so it's definitely worth considering if you're interested in pursuing a career in this field.
One of the things that makes Ithaca so special is its Field Studies program. You'll have the opportunity during your senior year to spend a week learning from and networking with alumni in New York City who are already working in the industry. This is an incredible opportunity to get your foot in the door and start making connections that will help you after graduation.
If you're serious about musical theatre and looking for a top-notch education, Ithaca College School of Music should definitely be on your radar.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee is a world-renowned institution for the performing arts. Founded in 1867, the school has long been regarded as one of the premier institutions for training performers. In 2016, the school merged with Berklee College of Music, creating an even stronger program focused solely on performance.
There are 280 undergraduates enrolled in the Conservatory's program, with a student:teacher ratio of 4:1. This allows for each student to receive individualized attention and instruction. The faculty consists of highly acclaimed performers and teachers who have a wealth of experience to share with their students.
The Conservatory's alumni include Hayley Podschun, Josh Grisetti, and Katherine McPhee. These talented individuals have gone on to have successful careers in musical theatre and film. The Conservatory's focus on performance has prepared them well for success on the stage and screen.
If you're looking for a college that will prepare you for a career in the performing arts, look no further than the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. With its experienced faculty, supportive community, and excellent facilities, the Conservatory is sure to give you the tools you need to succeed in your chosen field.
The University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music is one of the top musical theatre
The University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music has a musical theatre program that is over 100 years old. The program is very competitive, with only 20 students being accepted each year out of over 1,000 applicants. Broadway shows frequently place Cincinnati alumni. In 2019, the school was the sixth most represented on Broadway.
Musical theatre colleges have been around for over a hundred years, but the University of Cincinnati's program is truly one of the best. Each year, they receive over a thousand applications but can only accept twenty students. This makes their program very competitive and attractive to prospective students.
Their alumni often go on to do great things in the world of musical theatre. Many have been cast in Broadway productions, and in 2019 the school was actually the sixth most represented on Broadway. That just goes to show how successful their alumni are.
If you're considering a musical theatre college, then you should definitely check out the University of Cincinnati's program. It's one of the best in the country and has a long history of success.
NYU's Musical Theatre Programs
NYU's musical theatre programs are some of the most competitive in the country. The faculty at both the Tisch and Steinhardt schools are accomplished professionals who have performed on Broadway and in major opera halls around the world. In terms of alumni actively performing on Broadway, NYU is the most represented school.
The two programs offer different approaches to musical theatre training. The Tisch program focuses more on acting and directing, while the Steinhardt program emphasizes singing and dancing. Both programs are highly respected and produce graduates who go on to have successful careers in the industry.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in musical theatre, NYU is a great place to start your journey. The school's impressive track record speaks for itself, and you'll be surrounded by passionate students and faculty who can help you reach your potential.
Carnegie-Mellon University School of Drama
If you're passionate about musical theatre, there's no better place to study than Carnegie-Mellon University School of Drama. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, this highly selective program offers students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester and learn from some of the best in the business.
Stephen Schwartz, an alum of the school, is one of the most successful composers and lyricists in Broadway history. His credits include Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin. He has won three Academy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
The musical theatre program at Carnegie-Mellon is one of the most respected in the country. If you want to pursue a career in musical theatre, this is the place to do it.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is located in Ann Arbor, MI. The school provides an undergraduate educational opportunity in musical theatre. Most musical theatre classes at the school are held on North Campus. Michigan has the second most representation on Broadway of any school in 2019.
Musical theatre colleges are few and far between, which is why the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance's program is so special. Students have the chance to really hone their craft and develop their skills while also getting a well-rounded education. And with classes primarily taking place on North Campus, they're able to take advantage of all that the university has to offer.
Broadway may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Michigan, but the state actually boasts the second most schools represented on the Great White Way. That just goes to show the caliber of student that the University of Michigan attracts. If you're looking for a top-notch musical theatre program, this is definitely one to consider!
Conclusion
There are many great schools across the United States that can provide you with the necessary training to excel in musical theatre. Each school has its own unique strengths, so it's important to research all of your options before making a decision. Any of the schools on this list would be great for getting a top-notch education in musical theatre!