Fellow theatre lovers, I'm pretty passionate about musical theatre and noticed that USC has a program. Anyone with experience can tell me what it's like? How is the curriculum and the performance opportunities?
Sure, glad to share some insights! USC's musical theatre program is part of the School of Dramatic Arts, known for having a well-rounded curriculum integrating acting, singing, and dancing. They teach a broad range of music styles, including pop/rock and traditional musical theatre, which is perfect if you're looking to be a versatile performer.
The curriculum focuses on skill-building in the first two years with classes in acting, singing, dance, as well as theatre history. In your junior and senior years, you'd move into more advanced study and application of those skills. One thing to note is that USC also offers a minor in Musical Theatre, a unique program feature if you're interested in coupling your major with another field of study.
As for performance opportunities, USC offers numerous options. The School of Dramatic Arts produces a major musical theatre production each year that involves musical theatre majors. Of course, these are audition-based, but the auditions are typically open to all students in the university, offering a collaborative environment. In addition to the mainstage production, there are also student-run productions, in which many students are involved.
It's also worth mentioning the "Industry Relations" component of USC. Since it is located in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital, you'll have countless opportunities to network and intern with industry professionals, and even attend master classes taught by Broadway and Hollywood artists.
Performance opportunities, professional connections, coupled with a robust curriculum make USC's program a highly regarded destination for musical theatre. However, as with any college decision, it's paramount to visit virtually or in-person if possible, and speak with students and faculty to ensure it's the right fit for you. Be sure to look into the audition process as well, as it can be quite competitive. That said, having a strong passion for the field, as you do, will definitely be an asset in your journey there. After all, your love for musical theatre is the foundation of all this. Break a leg!
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