6 Things To Know About Being A Musical Theater Major | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

6 Things To Know About Being A Musical Theater Major

Here are a view things I have learned as invaluable in my first year in my musical theater program.

4506
6 Things To Know About Being A Musical Theater Major
Casey Filiaci

Lately one of my friends has been talking with me about the possibility of becoming a musical theater major. After some of our conversations, it got me thinking. Do people really know what being a musical theater major is? I certainly didn't when I changed my major to it halfway through first semester. So with the help of some of my other theater friends I have compiled a list of six things I think everyone should know or do to be a musical theater major. You can also apply this to Theatre Majors in some cases as well.

1. Broadway is not as simple as following the yellow brick road. - Phillip

Broadway can be considered the ultimate goal for anyone interested in musical theater, including myself. The road to Broadway is tough and slight mistake could set you back for years. In the professional world you can be fired in an instant simply for being late, because that is a huge thing for a show. Even if Broadway isn't your goal, know that you have to genuinely work hard to get to where you want to go. Ways to help you on your own road to are to be on time, be respectful to those you work around, and to not complain about your role in a production.

2. Music + theater = musical theater. Right?

Musical theater is so much more than going and learning all different kinds of musicals and putting on a show. For me, I have dance classes I take along with voice and acting lessons. Along with those I am in vocal ensembles and classes that teach me about not only what to do on stage, but what goes behind on stage. After all of those classes I would go to rehearsal for the show I was doing at the time. Then in my free time I am learning lines or practicing songs on my own time. Musical theater is a lot of work and guess what?

3. You are going to be busy!

With all those hours you aren't going to have a lot of free time outside of theatre. Sometimes your relationships with other outside of theatre will get strained, but if you really want those people in your life you can make it work. A lot of the friends I had in the beginning of the year, i wasn't as close to by the end because of how demanding theatre was. But in the end i made even better friends not only in the theatre but outside of it who understand the demanding schedule a musical theatre major has. You can make the schedule work, you just have to try.

4. Read! Read lots of plays! Stay updated! - Karly

You don't only have to read the scripts of the plays or musicals you are in. Taking the time to constantly looking for new plays to read or study helps an individual so much in their growth as an actor and it is truly invaluable. And while we may not like it, it is a good thing to stay on top of social issues and politics of today. Keep up with music styles and even jamming out to the radio is a good thing. They might be little things individually, but together they help you as you head towards being a well rounded actor.

5. Expand your knowledge of the theater. - Amanda and Karly

Acting is not the only aspect of theatre in the world. It also isn't the only thing you should explore when you are in college for your degree. You have four years to learn about all of these different fields of theater with individuals to guide you, it is the perfect time to explore. Learn how to do different designs like lighting and sound. Design your own set. Be the stage manager or even the director! You have so many options in theatre and to not explore them would make you miss something great. This year I was an assistant stage manager for the show and now I appreciate the jobs behind the scenes so much more. The work that is put into shows is astounding, but if you only look through one lens then you are missing out. This could even benefit you professionally. Lots of professionals are looking for well rounded individuals in theatre and if they look in your resume and see backstage work along with acting, you could stick out to them. Considering there are thousands of others trying to succeed in the same profession, standing out can be a big deal.

6. Stay healthy.

Why finish off with this? Because your health is so important. When you have the busy schedule of any theatre major sometimes health can slip through the cracks. Make sure you take into consideration your needs to maintain your health. In theatre your body and your voice are your instruments and to damage them is the worst thing. If you know you aren't going to be able to eat a full meal in a while pack some snacks with you to hold you off. Drink plenty of water instead of soda. If you need to take it easy, take it easy! I'm not saying skip your responsibilities or work, but your health should be your number one priority. Taking it easy one day is better than having to take a week to get better.

+1 thing about musical theater: You are going to have fun.

I would not trade my experiences for anything. I have made friends that not only are supportive of me, they help me improve in my craft and I help them in theirs. I've gotten to work with costumes, the set, and am now trying to become a student director by senior year. I have already done things I never thought I would do and now I am ready to tackle more challenges in the three remaining years I have. The road might be bumpy down the line, but if you are interested in being a musical theater major i say go for it. You might end up liking the road after all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2858
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2444
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments