If You Want to Major in Musical Theater (MT), Make Sure You Are at the Top of Your Acting Game

For those wanting to major in musical theater, a lot of hopeful high school juniors and seniors have been preparing a long time. They’ve taken private voice lessons, participated in numerous dance classes, and often have a resume packed with theatrical productions and show choir performances. Maybe they even have a couple of recitals under their belts. This is all great, but the one thing often missing  is any sort of real acting training. That’s a big oversight, and often a costly one when auditioning for good college programs.

After all, a strong monologue is as crucial as the vocal and dance parts in the admissions process.

Let me repeat that because it is incredibly important: a strong monologue is as crucial as the vocal and dance parts in the admissions process. If it weren’t, it wouldn’t be theater. To be honest, those who are unwilling to put an equal focus on acting have a much better chance at gaining admission to their dream schools as vocal performance or dance majors than as musical theater ones.

Why is there often such a drop in quality on the acting part of a musical theater audition? Well, for whatever reason, a lot of students have gotten it in their head that they instinctively know how to act. Are there some who truly do? Yes, but that is the extreme exception, not the rule.  We’re talking lottery winning odds here.

These students who show up to their musical theater auditions without some sort of formal, personalized acting training are taking the same amount of risk as the person showing up to sing without ever having worked with a voice teacher, whether individually or in a good choir.

Now before you freak out, don’t worry, there’s good news. If you do any real work on your monologues with someone who can guide you, you’re farther ahead than so many vying for your spot in the program. You’ll have significantly leveled up your audition.

Who can guide you? Your high school drama teacher, a director you’ve worked with, or a dedicated acting coach is often the key to unlocking your best work. The main thing when selecting someone to help is that you trust their artistic experience and outlook. As well meaning as Mom and Dad or your best friends may be, unless they have some sort of history that demonstrates deep knowledge in the performing arts, defer to a teacher, director, or coach.   

You deserve – and should take – every advantage given to you, and working with someone as you prepare your audition monologues will set you apart.

TLDR: Prepare your monologue (don’t just wing it) as you would your vocal performance. Seek support from those trusted talents around you as you create your best work.