Exploring The Top 20 Musical Theater Colleges In The USA

"Follow every rainbow till you find your dream."

The Sound of Music

A huge wave of Irish immigration in the late 1800s brought musical theaters to the forefront. However, writer, director, producer, and performer George M. Cohan gets the credit for introducing musical theaters as a distinct genre in the early 1900s.

Musical theater combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dancing. If you have watched films like La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Rock of Ages, you have an idea about what musical theaters look like and what it portrays.

The US has consistently been on the center stage when it comes to musical theaters. With 42 theaters in the Broadway district of New York City, one cannot look beyond the US for a great musical theater career. 30 artists get calls from Broadway theaters for around 1260 roles that need to be filled.

Needless to say, the competition here is tough. There are approximately 10,000 applications, out of which only 10% get a call. So, to be on the top and fulfill your dreams, you need the best colleges to learn all about musical theaters.

On that note, let's walk you through some key facts about musical theaters and introduce you to the twenty best musical theater colleges in the USA. All of them will surely help you achieve your goals.

Let's get started!

Musical Theaters: 5 Key Facts You Must Know

The world of acting, singing, and dancing come with a rich heritage. Modern-day cinema depends on trial-and-error methods, and actors get a chance to rectify their mistakes for a perfect shot. However, musical theaters were and have been one-take shows, and actors had to be ready with their lines to give a perfect shot.

So, before you press the panic button, let’s take you through some key facts about musical theaters to ease the tension:

• Musical theaters have been around for a century

Theaters are not new, but musical theaters started a century ago and have given a different perspective to theaters.

• Musical theaters were initially comedic

Musicals were initially only comedic until the 1927 musical Showboat. Presently, these theaters cover all aspects and various human emotions.

• Broadway is where all musicals happen

Broadway is the mecca of musical theaters, and theater aspirants fight to perform on the grandest stage of them all.

• Broadway was called the ‘Great White Way’

One of the first streets that were fully illuminated with bulbs during the 1890s was the Theater District in New York and, hence, the nickname.

• Broadway theaters do not have to be on Broadway Street

Theaters having 500 seats and located between 40^th and 54^th street, or West of 6^th Avenue to East of 8^th Avenue, qualify as Broadway theaters.

Now that you know about musical theaters, it’s time you know about the best musical theater colleges in the USA.

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The 20 Best Musical Theater Colleges in the USA

The university, located in Berea, Ohio, has seen 100% admission in its musical theater program for the past 12 years. The university's location makes it one of the best to pursue a musical theater program. Being close to Cleveland, students get a chance to earn Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) points at various theaters located in regions across Northern Ohio during their course. Also, the university invites professionals to give students an insight into the industry and learn the best ways to enhance their skills.

Degree: BM, Music Theater

If you want to learn in a fast-paced environment in a university located in one of the busiest theatrical places in the country, Boston Conservatory is the best place to be in. The institution is preferred by many and is one of the best musical theater colleges in the US. It has divided the course into two parts, where the first part is focused on the basic skills (acting, singing, and dancing) spanning two years, and the next part focuses on advanced techniques. The institution offers a Senior Showcase program in the final year that is a combination of the in-person event in NYC and a digital recording.

Degree: BFA, Theater: Musical Theater

Carnegie Mellon University has all the resources and is known for offering a conservatory-styled program within the institution. The university is famous for rigorous, small class-size individual training programs on the subject. Students who get the chance to pursue the course at this university can also get the opportunity to get cast after they finish their course. The university's strong international relationships pave the way to many study-abroad opportunities in institutions like the Moscow Art Theater or NIDA in Sydney.

Degree: B.F.A., Drama

College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), affiliated to the University of Cincinnati, is known for offering the nation's first Musical Theater Program of its kind. The university uses the best theatrical influences and teaches a variety of dance forms ranging from ballet to hip-hop. The program ends with senior showcases presented in NYC and attended by various casting directors, agents, directors, and other industry professionals.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

Elon University’s musical theater program is known for its innovative curriculum, expert faculty and a long list of recent Broadway alumni. The university features master classes from industry professionals to help students strengthen their network for a better future. These are one of the few reasons that make the institution one of the top musical theater colleges. The institution offers combined conservatory-style training and traditional liberal arts classes along with good study-abroad opportunities.

Degree: B.F.A., Music Theater

Emerson College is located in Boston and offers one of the best Musical Theater programs. The college divides its courses into two parts, liberal arts courses (40%) and conservatory-style training (60%). The institution offers a lot of performing opportunities to students giving them the scope to explore the practical applications of acting, dancing and singing techniques. The four-year course ends with two showcase opportunities, one in Boston and the other in NYC. It is definitely one of the best musical theater colleges in the US.

Degree: B.F.A. Musical Theater

Florida State University offers a joint program in the School of Theater and the College of Music. Students enjoy a lot of opportunities and can showcase their talents. The university offers a lot of opportunities to explore your skills and be ahead in the competition. Being one of the top musical theater colleges, Florida State University should be on the list for students willing to pursue a musical degree. The course ends with a Senior Showcase program in NYC in front of industry professionals to kickstart their professional careers.

Degree (s): BFA, Music Theater/BM, Music Theater

Ithaca College offers one of the most intense and performance-driven Musical Theater programs to strengthen the foundation and skills needed to pursue a musical theater career. The course has 20+ hours of in-class studio instruction every week in the first two years. Students get training in singing, dancing, and acting. Once you complete the course, you will get an opportunity to audition and perform in main stage productions. The college offers a lot of opportunities to students and is one of the best musical theater colleges in the US.

Located in New York, the college offers the best opportunities to students willing to pursue musical theater courses. New York City is where the American Dream reaches its ultimate destination. Needless to say, you will not want to miss a chance to be in one of the colleges located in the city. With master classes and guest lectures, the college has a lot of offerings for students. You can also go around the city to showcase your talent and beat the competition.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

The college is present in two locations in the US, downtown Manhattan and upstate New York (Rockville) and offers one of the best musical theater programs. Students need to travel to both locations during their course. Be assured of the best guidance from world-class faculty with all the opportunities to excel in the field. The college offers private voice lessons for all every week.

Degree: B.F.A., Theater Arts

Musical Theater programs at Pace University are one of the most popular ones among students. The university is known for offering conservatory-style training and is located in New York City. Students get to witness master classes from industry professionals and learn the correct ways to excel on the stage. The university offers courses like Aerial arts, Musical Theater writing and Acting for TV/Film apart from the traditional courses.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

If you are looking to learn about the latest trends in acting and be updated with all the tricks to own the stage, Penn State University is the best choice for you. From master classes to New Musical Initiatives, the university will introduce you to different aspects of musical theaters. Be a part of this university and learn how to act, sing, and dance from the best professionals.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

The Musical Theater program is offered by the University's Conservatory Division of performing arts. In addition to providing world-class education, you also get a chance to audition for Conservatory Theater Company and Playhouse Jr. Productions and shape your career. The institution is among the top musical theater colleges in the US.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

The university is located a little outside New York City and offers a unique course structure with three musicals each year. You can explore your direction skills during the course and establish yourself as both an actor and director. Being one of the best musical theater colleges in the US, it deserves a mention in this list.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

If you are looking for a performing arts college in Chicago, you must not strike out Roosevelt University. The Musical Theater program is offered by a division of the university’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. You can earn onstage credits during the course. Adding on, their internship program is beneficial for students as it allows them to work with some celebrated regional theaters.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater/B.F.A., Musical Theater Dance

The university has recently revised its Musical Theater program, and now it has a professional perspective to training students. You will have to go through a four-semester program once you get admission to this university. Students also get the chance to audition for some of the top production houses once they complete their courses.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

Syracuse University is known for offering a systematic way of learning the art and preparing students for the big stage. You will learn about musical theaters step-by-step and will also get the opportunity to put what you have learnt to practice. Students willing to pursue the subject must shortlist this university without any second thoughts.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

The university has grabbed students' attention for offering individual attention and training every student to make them aware of all aspects of musical theaters. Also, students can opt to follow a choreographer, musical director, or producer/director as per their areas of interest.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

The University of Arizona offers a conservatory-style program set in the university. The course is common for both acting and musical theater students. The university also offers a chance to perform for main stage productions and have a bright future. You cannot strike out the college while listing the best musical theater colleges in the US.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

One of the well-known universities offering musical theater courses to students, the University of Michigan, has won a lot of accolades for providing the best education to students. The institution is known for its intimate and disciplined environment and offers a lot of opportunities apart from performing for main stage productions.

Degree: B.F.A., Musical Theater

Final thoughts

Musical theaters have not lost their aura despite the influence of technology and highly developed modern-day movies. People still love a good musical, and many still aspire to perform at Broadway. For those who are yet to fulfill their dreams and looking for a good college to learn the art, the list above will be of great help. Follow your passion and choose a college that can help you make your passion a profession.

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FAQs

How long is a musical theater course?

A musical theater course is usually a three-year course. The course offers proper training in three main disciplines, namely, acting, singing, and dancing. You need to find the right college and fill out the admission form to grab a seat.

What skills do you need for musical theater?

There are many things to consider if you want to pursue a career in musical theater. You need a high level of concentration, stamina and the ability to coordinate a range of performing skills. If you feel you have these skills, look for a college and enroll yourself for the course.

What does musical theater teach you?

Musical theaters aim to make students aware about society through social issues, events and cultures that are highlighted in the script. The course helps a student understand literary works, performance, and expression in general.

What are the main types of musicals?

The various types of musicals are:

• Book musicals
• Revue musicals
• Jukebox musicals
• Concept musicals
• Pop/Rock musicals

Pursuing a musical theater course will help you learn about all these types and enable you to contribute in such musicals.

How do you train for musical theater?

Musical theaters depend on how well you know the various aspects. You must get the necessary voice, dance, and acting training to be in a musical theater. Students willing to be a part of musical theater must learn all these to be successful in their careers.

How long does it take to prepare for a musical?

The more you practice, the more perfect your musical theater will be. Generally, you need to rehearse for six to eight weeks before your performance. Broadway performers need four to six weeks to rehearse, making it evident for beginners to practice for six to eight weeks.

What type of dance is used in musical theater?

Ballet, tap, and jazz are common dance forms in musical theaters. Yet, you cannot restrict it to a particular style. The description of dancing is highly influenced by the history of Broadway musicals.

What are the techniques used in theater?

The techniques used in theater that you have to learn are:

• Stage presence and authenticity
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Relaxation and focus techniques
• Being present at the moment
• Improvisation
• Beats and intentions
• Vocal dynamics
• Body language

What are the basic elements of musical theater?

The basic elements of musical theater are acting, singing, and dancing. You will get all these elements in all musical theaters. It is important to know how to implement these elements in the plays to create a successful one.

Who created musical theater?

Irish writer, producer, director George M. Cohan is known to launch musical theater as an exclusive genre in the 1900s.