Are you a college hopeful auditioning for BFA Musical Theatre programs?
Are you studying at Texas State University and wonder what that fairly new, beautifully lit new performance art building is?
Are you just interested in the arts?
Allow me to introduce you to the Musical Theatre program at Texas State University.
1. The program offers instate tuition to all out-of-state students.
Texas State musical theatre students hail from all around the country, including California, Michigan, Florida, Oregon, Washington, New York, Maine, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia, and more. A $1,000 scholarship qualifies all non-resident students for in-state tuition.
Check out the cost comparison here.
2. The program uses a conservatory approach with a liberal arts education.
Taught by Broadway professionals, the curriculum provides extensive training for the actor in all areas. Additionally, the student is required to take liberal arts classes expanding their understanding of self, culture, and society, helping the student to become an educated citizen-artist.
3. It's run by Broadway, film and television actress and director Kaitlin Hopkins.
Kaitlin's Broadway credits include "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (original “mama who”), "Noises Off" (“Belinda” 2002 revival), "Anything Goes" with Patti LuPone (Lincoln Center 2002); half dozen cast album credits such as "Bat Boy-the Musical" (Meredith Parker) and "Bare: A Pop Opera" (Claire). She has appeared in over 50 television shows and films. She is the daughter of Oscar nominated actress Shirley Knight and award winning producer Gene Persson.
4. Texas State recently built a $40.9 million Performing Arts Center.
The building houses a 400-seat theatre, a 300-seat recital hall, a grand lobby, rehearsal space, a scenery shop, staging areas and classrooms. It was completed in the winter of 2014.
5. Each year, the program accepts approximately 12-14 students into the freshman class.
The smaller class size allows the program to provide highly individualized training.
6. This year, over 600 students applied for a chance to be accepted into the program
Due to the large number of applicants, students must submit a video prescreen in order to be seen for an audition. Of that number, around 200-230 students were given the opportunity to audition in person.
7. The production season consists of nine-12 productions.
The University holds six to eight plays and two musicals, in addition to creative thesis productions by graduate students, graduate-directed scenes and countless opportunities.
8. The Texas State Musical Theatre page uploads all the latest clips from their MainStage productions (and more)!
Check out production videos, galas, masterclasses and more here.
9. Freshmen are allowed to perform their first year!
Students are required to audition for all plays and musicals. Freshmen are permitted to take part in MainStage shows their second semester.
10. The program hosts a long list of guest artists.
Broadway and film directors, producers, casting directors, agents, actors from around the country are invited to generously interact and teach the students of the BFA program. Each artist holds masterclasses, lectures, mock auditions and even guest performances.
11. The musical theatre program has only been around for a few years.
Since it was founded in 2009 by Kaitlin Hopkins herself, the program has skyrocketed.
12. Fun fact: Professors Kaitlin Hopkins and her husband Jim Price graciously host an Easter party for all Musical Theatre majors and faculty.
A wonderful celebration to look forward to each year.
