Going through the college audition process is a learning experience. As families and students research performing arts training programs, they begin to discover all the different ways colleges and universities design curriculum that fits the programs’ particular point of view about how to train young artists. And there are as many varying points of view as there are programs. The head of the program usually drives the program design and emphasis, which can include decisions about faculty, season of shows, auxiliary study and performance options, as well as professional industry opportunities.
To help you better understand this difficult-to-navigate space, I’ve interviewed department heads and professors at some of the most popular college musical theater training programs in the country.
Up first is Gary Kline, professor of voice at Carnegie Mellon School Of Drama.
Some theater educators think of musical theater as a style rather than a major degree. When and why did there become a demand for a musical theater degree?
I’m not sure there is a “demand” for a musical theater degree. I think most of the industry would agree that talent is the most important component of casting, not where you
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