I'm a high school junior really interested in performing arts and I'm starting to think about my college major. I've heard there are different majors within performing arts and I'm not sure which would be the best fit for me. Should I focus on a general theatre major, or are there more specialized options like musical theatre, dance, or even technical theater that I should consider? Also, if anyone has advice on what schools are known for their performing arts programs, I'd love to hear it. Trying to explore all my options before I start applying next year!
The world of performing arts is indeed wide-ranging and diverse! As such, there are many different avenues you could explore depending on your specific interests and career goals.
If you enjoy all aspects of performing—acting, singing, and dancing—majoring in Musical Theatre could be a perfect fit. These programs often give a well-rounded curriculum in all three disciplines and can also prepare you for professional theatre work specifically in musicals.
A Theatre or Theatre Studies major, on the other hand, tends to focus more on acting and stagecraft, often covering areas like directing, stage management, and playwriting as well. This can give you a more comprehensive background in theater as a whole.
Dance majors tend to offer a thorough grounding in different genres of dance—ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and sometimes even world and folk dances. If dance is a passion of yours, this type of program may interest you.
There are also specialized programs for Technical Theatre, which are a great choice if you're interested in the backstage element of productions. These types of programs cover areas such as costume design, set design, lighting design, and stage management.
Deciding on the specific path to take often depends on your individual passions, and where you hope to take your future career. You may wish to reflect on the specific areas of performing arts that genuinely excite you and consider paths that navigate towards those specific interests.
Some of the most well-regarded universities for performing arts include Juilliard School, Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, the Royal College of Music in London, USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, and the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at University of Maryland, College Park. To gauge the right fit for you, it's advisable to examine the specific programs these institutions offer, their faculty, facilities, and their alumni success stories to see if it aligns with your career goals. Don't forget to also consider factors like the overall college environment, location, and cost.
Remember, the "best" major is one that aligns with your passions, and will help you reach your individual career aspirations!
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