The College Audition Pros Podcast: Recent Episodes
Drew Michael Boudreau
Welcome to the College Audition Pros Podcast! You're looking for a college that will help train you for the professional world of theatre without breaking the bank? You're in the right place.
With the guidance of founder Drew Boudreau & his guests from college theatre programs around the world, you'll maximize your admissions without losing your marbles.
Pop in your earbuds and learn the tools that's helped students into acting & musical theatre programs including Syracuse, Boston Conservatory, Texas State, Baldwin Wallace, Missouri State, and many many more!
Enjoy our conversation with Ronvé O'Daniel, Assistant Professor at Wright State University at the School of Fine and Performing Arts.
ronve.odaniel@wright.edu for questions.
See you in the next Backstage Pass!
Email cap@collegeauditionpros.com for questions or support with your college audition prep!
In this episode of the College Audition Pros Podcast, Whitney Keater sits down with Elizabeth Davis, Assistant Professor of Costume Design and Theater Arts Coordinator at California State University, Chico, to discuss what makes Chico's theater program such a unique and deeply supportive environment for students interested in technical theater, performance, stage management, and arts leadership.
The conversation dives into Chico State's collaborative culture, emphasis on social justice and ethical artistry, and the program's commitment to preparing students not just for graduation — but for sustainable careers in the entertainment industry. Elizabeth shares how students gain hands-on experience from day one, participate in dozens of productions annually, and develop professional portfolios, leadership skills, and real-world industry confidence before they leave campus.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tom Delbello (Assistant Professor of Practice) and Kiira Carper (Assistant Professor) from the highly-acclaimed Texas State University Musical Theatre program.
Discover the unique energy and fulfillment they feel contributing to a program that is truly leading the field. Tom and Kiira will share how things work in their nationally-ranked, conservatory-style BFA, highlighting its holistic and individualized approach that prioritizes artist wellness, integrity, and entrepreneurial skills. Learn how they prepare Broadway-caliber artists for the modern industry, fostering versatile and empowered "change-makers." They will express their immense excitement about their program's mission to reshape musical theatre education, creating an accessible, supportive path to a professional career, and ensuring the next generation of talent is equipped to thrive.
Broadway star Marcus Choi (currently in Maybe Happy Ending) joins us to discuss his incredible journey! We cover his first jobs and his unforgettable experience as a member of the original cast of Wicked (2003). A must-listen for Wicked fans and aspiring Broadway performers!
From the spotlight to the screen! In this episode, Carla Stickler shares her incredible journey from Broadway's Wicked to becoming a software engineer. Discover how she embraced change, pursued multiple passions, and redefined success on her own terms. #CareerPivot #BroadwayToTech #InspiringJourneys
Missed our Open House? Catch the replay and hear firsthand from CAP alumni and parents about how we helped turn uncertainty into confidence—and dreams into reality. See how we can do the same for you on your college audition journey! #CollegeAuditionPros #CollegeAuditionPrep #AuditionSuccess
Elon University’s BFA programs are so cool they're unreal: Acting, MT, Dance/Choreo, Arts Admin & more! In this episode, we sit down with Fred Rubeck, the captain behind the program, to dive into what makes Elon stand out. From its holistic approach to actor training to the incredible opportunities students receive, this is a must-listen for anyone considering Elon. Tune in now on Spotify!
Five Towns College is a small but mighty program less than one hour from New York City. David Krasner, the head of theatre, shares skills taught & immersion for professional entry to entertainment that Five Towns is committed to teaching its students.
We had the immense pleasure to have a chat with D. Lance Marsh, the head of Performance at Oklahoma City University. Before coming to OCU, Lance taught at the Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Arizona, as well as at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and at the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County. Oklahoma City University combines the best of conservatory/studio training with the breadth of the general education requirements that have made it one of the best small universities in the U.S. Is this the right school for you? Listen for more! Have questions? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com
We had the immense pleasure to have a chat with Victoria Bussert, the head of the Musical Theatre Program at Oberlin College. Victoria has been the head of the incredible musical theatre program at Baldwin Wallace for years, as their students have enjoyed immense success in the professional world. Now she's heading the MT program at Oberlin and you get a sneak peek at what's in store. Is this the right school for you? Listen for more! Have questions? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com
Today we are talking about dance calls.
Ooh! Scary! To a non-dancer, dance calls can be pretty intimidating. But that’s alright! Let’s discuss how we can approach them on today's episode of College Audition Pros
You are done with your college auditions. You got into your schools. Now what?
Now it is time for a Senior Consultation! Here at CAP, we offer meetings to discuss your options and help you decide which school is the perfect fit for you. Anyone can ask for a Senior Consultation and they are FREE. Learn more about Senior Consultations in this episode of College Audition Pros
Do you need a voice teacher? 👀
How is having one consistently helpful for your short-term and long-term goals as a student and performer? Tune in for answers in this episode of College Audition Pros #quicktiptuesday! #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #auditions #voiceteachers #vocalcoaches
Need some solid do's and don'ts for when you're about to dazzle "the room where it happens"? Listen to the full episode for Drew's tips on audition etiquette and how to make a positive, professional and lasting impression from the moment you walk in the door. #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #auditions #auditionetiquette
What are academic coaches and artistic coaches? What do they each do, and how are they different? Do you need one over the other...Do you need either at all? 🤔 Listen to the full episode for Drew's quick tips on the subject! Have more questions? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com. #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #auditioncoaches #academiccoaches
Picking a coach can be a tough call. Listen to the full episode for Drew's tips and tricks on how to go about it in a way that will make you feel confident, comfortable and cared for throughout your process! Have questions? Email cap@collegeauditionpros.com, today! #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college
Audition anxiety...Safe to say we all experience it at one (or a bajillion) point(s) or another. But where does it stem from? And how to we address it head on and still have FUN while showing what we bring to the table? Let's discuss! #quicktiptuesday #collegeauditionpros #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college
We had the immense pleasure to have a chat with Broadway vet and owner of The Institute for American Musical Theatre, Michael Minarik to talk all things Broadway, how he came to be the force that he is, and what sets The Institute for American Musical Theatre apart. This this institution might be right for you? Listen for more! Have questions? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #theinstituteforamericanmusicaltheatre
Finding the perfect campus for you is never a matter of pitting one type of campus over another. It is and will always be about finding what works for your unique personality, needs and preferences....but, it'll be harder to do so without proper insight into the different types of campuses available to you! Listen to this quick tip (a follow up from last week when we defined what an "urban" campus is) for more information!
#musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #quicktiptuesday
We heard the clicks..So here's the fix!
If you missed it the fist go 'round, tune in to hear the incomparable Toby Yatso talk about the amazing offerings at Arizona State University! Think ASU may be the campus for you? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com! #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #collegauditionpros
BACK, and with an even fresher sound--we bring you Longwood University! Listen to the full episode to hear more about this school, its many benefits, and more! Think Longwood University might be the right school for you? Email us at cap@collegeauditionpros.com! #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #collegeauditionpros
Meet Josh from Cal State Fullerton!
This incredible program takes an affordable, and unique approach with its incoming and current students...Listen to find out why CSFU may be the perfect school for you!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly Instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast. #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #calstatefullerton
Buckle up and lean in for this one, folks! We are so thrilled to have sat down with Toby Yatso of Arizona State University to talk about the Musical Theater Department there, what all Toby does with ASU, and more! Think ASU might be the place for you?! Tune in to learn more!
#collegeauditionpros #musicaltheater #acting #collegeauditions #college #arizonastateuniversity
Meet Josh from Cal State Fullerton!
This incredible program takes an affordable, and unique approach with its incoming and current students...Listen to find out why CSFU may be the perfect school for you!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly Instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Matty Miller from Chico State!
This incredible program offers top teir training with a state school price tag! Listen to find out why Chico State may be the perfect school for you.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Let’s talk about affordability!
Affordability is a huge component of choosing the right schools for your student(s). But how do you know if the program you are choosing, while affordable, is worth it educationally for your student? Listen to learn about the top 10 most affordable and best training programs you’ve never heard of!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, or visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
ICYMI:
Meet Robert Meffe, the chair of the MT Program!
At SD State, you can create-your-own BFA, or be able to double major or even study abroad!
In addition you have the unique opportunity to perform side-by-side with artists with years of professional experience, who are getting their graduate degrees in MT.
Meet Kaitlin Hopkins!
Kaitlin is an award wining actress, director, and producer. She is also the former head of Musical Theater at Texas State.
Listen to todays episode to hear Kaitlin's advice on mental health during the college audition process.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Meet Michael McElroy from the University of Michigan!
One of the most well known BFA Musical Theater programs in the country, this school offers everything from remarkable training to a classic college campus life. Listen to learn all about the University of Michigan!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Meet Tamiko Washington from Chapman University.
This incredible program offers top teir acting training and a screen acting BFA all in sunny Southern California. Listen to this weeks episode learn all about Chapman University.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Here at CAP we get a lot of questions about Campus Visits. In fact, we get so many that we had to split this episode up into TWO PARTS! Listen to todays Quick Tip Tuesday to hear the rest of our thoughts on Campus Visits
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, or visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Meet Deena Conley and Jacob Carll from SUNY Cortland!
Only a few hours from NYC, this great program offers a beautiful campus and a BFA for HALF the cost of most major programs. Listen to this weeks episode learn all about SUNY Cortand.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Here at CAP we get a lot of questions about Campus Visits. In fact, we get so many that we had to split this episode up into TWO PARTS! Listen to todays Quick Tip Tuesday to hear our thoughts about Campus Visits. And tune in next week for Part 2!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, or visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Even if you have a PERFECT audition your GPA will still factor into your college accpetances. Listen to todays Quick Tip Tuesday to hear why may need to consider getting a tutor.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Today we are introducing a new type of Quick Tip Tuesday...VOCAB ALERT!
Our vocab word of the day is "Triple Threat."
Listen to todays episode to learn all you need to know about what it means to be a triple threat.
Have a word or phrase you'd like us to breakdown on our next VOCAB ALERT? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, or visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Meet Andy Lockwood college prep and financhial aid advisor.
Listen to today's episode to learn what you can do to prepare for the financhial requirements of college.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Dr. Reena Gupta from the Center for Vocal Health!
College auditions can be stressful and exhausting. Listen to todays episode to learn why it is so important to take care of your voice during this process!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Letters of Recommendation may sound like they are unrelated to your college auditons, but they actually play a huge role in all of your college applications! Listen to todays Quick Tip Tuesday to hear our top 3 tips on to secure a sparkling letter of rec.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
When should you start preparing for your college auditions? How early is too early? Am I too late? Where do I even start!? These are questions we hear time and time again! Listen to todays Quick Tip Tuesday to hear what we think.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com.
Meet Josh Grisetti from Cal State Fullerton!
This stellar program has undergone some incredible changes and is quickly rising up in the ranks. Listen to find out all the news about Cal State Fullerton!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
What is a resume? What should it say? What if my resume is not "impressive"? Listen to today's Quick Tip Tuesday to find out.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
You did it! You auditioned for all of your schools, you cried for the nos and cheered for the yeses, but what now!? Choosing where you go to college is a big decision! Listen to today's podcast to hear our advice for choosing your final school.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Aaron Galligan-Stierle from Slippery Rock Unversity!
This newer program is quickly gaining popularity and rising up in the ranks! Listen to find out if Slippery Rock is the school you've been looking for.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Mark Hardy from Montclair State University!
This excellent program offers in state tuition for all MT majors and is just a quick bus ride from Manhattan! Find out if Montclair is the perfect school for you.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
The days of black and white glamour shots are over, but what makes the perfect headshot nowadays? Listen to learn what we think.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Liza Gennaro from Manhattan School of Music!
This fabulous program offers so much more than just instrumental majors! Listen to hear why Manhattan School of Music may be the school you've been looking for.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Today's episode is all about thank you notes! When should you send them? What should you write? And who should you send them to? Listen to find out!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Listen to today's episosde to learn our top 10 tips for respectful auditon etiquette in this week's Quick Tip Tuesday!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Alisa Hauser from Florida State!
This top noch program provieds great training and great weather at an AMAZING cost! Listen to hear why Florida State may be the perfect school for you.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Worried about choosing the perfect audition song or monologue? Tune in to this weeks QTT for our advice on how to pick the best materials!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Kikau Alvaro from the University of the Arts!
This amazing program alows you to be fully immersived in an artistic environment while still earning a fully accredited bachelors degree all in the heart of Philadelphia! Listen to find out why UArts may be the perfect school for you.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Learn how to pick YOUR perfect audition attire in this weeks QTT Bonus Episode!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Matty Miller from Chico State!
This incredible program offers top teir training with a state school price tag! Listen to find out why Chico State may be the perfect school for you.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Unifieds are right around the corner! Learn Drew's #1 tip for ensuring you have a successful audition in this weeks Quick Tip Tuesday!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
In today's Quick Tip Tuesday Bonus Episode Drew defines "School Shopping," and breaks down why it's important to start EARLY!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Earl Weaver of University of Central Florida!
This big campus has a bigtime Musical Theatre program and is one of the most opportune places to go to school--Orlando!
The theatre department not only provides great training, but encourages students to work professionally at one of the many dinner theatres and theme parks in town.
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
In our first ever Quick Tip Tuesday Podcast, Drew shares our biggest tip for staying organized and avoiding miscommunication frustration!
Have a question? Email us at CAP@collegeauditionpros.com, visit our website at collegeauditionpros.com, or leave your question in our weekly instagram story every Monday for the chance to hear it answered on the podcast.
Meet Eric Weiss, director of Performing Arts programming at Emerson College. Find out why Emerson might just be the most perfect school for you! From gaining equity points, to double majoring, to studying abroad in a castle in Europe, if you’re passionate about theatre AND you want to make college an unforgettable adventure, you’ll love what Emerson has to offer.
Grab your jackets and gloves, we’re headed to the Twin Cities to meet Goldy the Gopher and the incomparable Aaron Todd Douglas with the University of Minnesota!
Talk about an amazing program! If you’re looking for a school that will not only teach you what you need to know about this industry we call show, but also have your back as you go through the process, give you opportunities to perform and travel, and even double major- The University of Minnesota Guthrie Theatre BFA after training program is for you!
Aaron Todd Douglas is the head of this amazing program. Finishing grad school in Chicago, he helped start the Congo Square Theatre Company, taught at Loyola University, North Western, and finally made his way to U of Minnesota. He also received a fellowship at Victory Gardens Theater.
U of Minnesota is an amazing theatre college! This university not only offers a great theater program, the program allows for you to audition outside of the school during your third and fourth years (with an exemption that you apply for), and they REQUIRE you to travel abroad for your fall semester of your junior year! How amazing is that!
Aaron even answered some of our most asked questions; Is it safe for the LGBTQ community? YES!; Is there entertainment for the students around the city? YES!; Are there sporting events I can attend? ABSOLUTELY!; Will I get to participate in a showcase? YOU BET! In fact, they currently have a digital showcase that they hold each year which gives you the opportunity to be seen by even more agents and casting directors than you would if you went to a live showcase in a single town.
Now for the parents big question- What will this cost for tuition, room, and board? Well that depends. There is a great breakdown of costs on the schools website at www.cla.umn.edu. In state tuition runs around $28,942 per year, and Out of state tuition runs around $48,740 a year. These costs include tuition, housing, books, and even personal expenses. PLUS, the statistics show that around 75% of students receive financial aid, 43% of the BA and Grad students graduate debt FREE, and each semester every credit after 13 is FREE!
So if you want to attend a theatre college with a BFA program that not only has a lot to teach, but shows compassion, and empathy towards their students, University of Minnesota is where it’s at! Now all you need to do is make sure you’re ready for your college audition! And get accepted into the school of course!
Colorado. The state of outdoor everything! If you want four seasons a year, you need to check out CU Boulders program!
Bud Coleman, Head of undergrad musical theater program at CU Boulder is our guide today. Bud is originally from Texas and initially majored in architecture, but quickly realized he was better suited for theater and dance (lucky for us) which he did receive a BFA and minor in respectively. Bud has years of experience, not just as a professor, but as a professional in the acting world. He was part of an all-male dance company in New York, and became a Broadway dresser after suffering an injury, where he learned so much about the industry and the directors, he was able to work with. Did I mention he has a PHD from the University of Austin?
So, why CU Boulder? Well for one, it has two different musical theater programs available to you while on your journey to your BFA. This college theater offers a BM program focused more on the music end of things, and then your standard theater program. But this school is anything but standard. Both programs work off what Bud calls, the same spine. This is the heartbeat of both programs. With these two programs available, you’re also able to petition to switch to the other if you feel it would be a better fit for you.
CU Boulder offers a welcoming environment for all their students. And is a safe place for the LGBTQ community. Inclusion is a main focus for this program. As Bud states “We really try to be humane.” Meaning they aren’t one of those schools who beat you down to build you up. They start off building you up from the beginning. This is somewhat unique in theater programs, and something to really consider.
I’m sure as an incoming freshman you biggest question is: “Will I be able to perform?” The answer is YES!! Auditions are open to everyone… and I mean EVERYONE. If a science major decides they want to take a crack at center stage, they can absolutely audition. They do not restrict auditions to anyone, which again is an amazing opportunity not given at many schools.
If you absolutely fall in love with Colorado, which you will because its beautiful, the school holds a Shakespear festival each summer that the students are able to take part in. They even offer a small stipend for those who do. Whether you do decide to stay year-round, or you decide to go home during breaks Colorado also allows students to gain residency. That could mean a discount in your tuition!!!
And finally, scholarships? Yes. Scholarships are available for this program. Bud suggests you fill out that FAFSA application we keep talking about! But there’s one more perk at this school that is so rare it’s like finding a diamond in the rough… MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. I repeat, MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE! Based on your GPA you could receive a merit scholarship! This does not happen with many schools, so it’s definitely something you should take advantage of.
If you’d like to learn more about CU Boulder, you can visit the school’s website, or email Bud at bud.coleman@colorado.edu
You can also find out more on our CAP Parent Portal! And if you haven’t joined yet…, what are you waiting for?
Grab your jackets and gloves, we’re headed to the Twin Cities to meet Goldy the Gopher and the incomparable Aaron Todd Douglas with the University of Minnesota!
Talk about an amazing program! If you’re looking for a school that will not only teach you what you need to know about this industry we call show, but also have your back as you go through the process, give you opportunities to perform and travel, and even double major- The University of Minnesota Guthrie Theatre BFA after training program is for you!
Aaron Todd Douglas is the head of this amazing program. Finishing grad school in Chicago, he helped start the Congo Square Theatre Company, taught at Loyola University, North Western, and finally made his way to U of Minnesota. He also received a fellowship at Victory Gardens Theater.
U of Minnesota is an amazing theatre college! This university not only offers a great theater program, the program allows for you to audition outside of the school during your third and fourth years (with an exemption that you apply for), and they REQUIRE you to travel abroad for your fall semester of your junior year! How amazing is that!
Aaron even answered some of our most asked questions; Is it safe for the LGBTQ community? YES!; Is there entertainment for the students around the city? YES!; Are there sporting events I can attend? ABSOLUTELY!; Will I get to participate in a showcase? YOU BET! In fact, they currently have a digital showcase that they hold each year which gives you the opportunity to be seen by even more agents and casting directors than you would if you went to a live showcase in a single town.
Now for the parents big question- What will this cost for tuition, room, and board? Well that depends. There is a great breakdown of costs on the schools website at www.cla.umn.edu. In state tuition runs around $28,942 per year, and Out of state tuition runs around $48,740 a year. These costs include tuition, housing, books, and even personal expenses. PLUS, the statistics show that around 75% of students receive financial aid, 43% of the BA and Grad students graduate debt FREE, and each semester every credit after 13 is FREE!
So if you want to attend a theatre college with a BFA program that not only has a lot to teach, but shows compassion, and empathy towards their students, University of Minnesota is where it’s at! Now all you need to do is make sure you’re ready for your college audition! And get accepted into the school of course!
Are you interested in participating in a BFA program at a theatre college that’s located on a Hollywood studio lot? ME TOO!
Scott Barnhardt is the lead faculty for the Contemporary Musical Theater and Film program at the Hussian College in L.A. (previously The Studio School). Scott grew up in SoCal attending the OCSA school and taking part in the CLO circuit. Scott attended Wagner college where he received his BA in theater and speech, and then spent 15 years in NY! Scott was part of productions in NY such as Big River, The Boyfriend, and Book of Mormon! After performing for 15 years, Scott decided to make a shift and attended UCLA grad school, where he discovered his love for teaching. He ran the OCSA theater program for about 4 years before coming over to the Hussian College.
Hussian College is one of the most unique programs around. The school itself is located on a Hollywood Studio lot, specifically the LA Center Studios right in the heart of L.A.! The school only has four programs, so it is smaller than your average college. This can be a huge plus though! The opportunities for performing are endless as they open auditions to everyone. Plus, you have the opportunity to receive your BFA in film here! Scott’s class particularly teaches students how to act for stage AND screen.
The opportunities for students to let their creative juices flow are endless here. As we speak, they are working on building a program around projects pitched by the students. There are showcases for these projects in L.A. as well!
If you haven’t already, go look at the virtual tour of this campus. I promise you will be amazed! This campus is in an amazing environment that allows the students to get a feel for what it’s like on a real film set.
Now for that question I know is nagging at you. How does housing work if the school is on a studio lot? Well, there is no housing with this school. There are plenty of options in the L.A. area however! Most students rent apartments with other students in the area. Which means that room and board are not included in the tuition fees. These fees are around $40,000 a year. And most students receive financial aid and scholarships. Merit scholarships are also an option!
I will say this- This school is not for everyone. Because of its unique location and specialized focus, some students may not thrive here. But for those who are a match for this school, this is a STELLAR match!
For more information, visit our CAP Parent Portal!
Let’s talk about affordability!
Affordability is a huge component of choosing the right schools for your student(s). But how do you know if the program you are choosing, while affordable, is worth it educationally for your student? I’m here to help! Here are the top 10 most affordable and best training programs you’ve never heard of!
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale: This beautiful school offers a BFA in musical theater, has the heaviest emphasis on voice, small class sizes, no out of state fees, and comes in at the price of around $29,000 per year. This includes room and board!
- Northern Kentucky University (Cincinnati): You can get a BFA in Musical Theater, Acting, Playwriting, AND Stage Management. That’s a lot of BFA’s! They focus heavily on the acting side, and it comes in at around $28,000 per year!
- University of Southern Maine: BM in Musical Theatre, major focus on voice and music, and only costs around $35,000 a year (merit and need based aid are available).
- University of Minnesota Duluth: NINE, that’s right Nine BFA’s in theatre, including Musical theatre and Acting! Triple threat focused school, costing around 30,000 per year.
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania: BA in Music Theatre, voice and music focused, and max price per year is $30,000. What a steal!
- University of Wisconsin Stevens Point: BFA in Musical Theatre, Triple Threat program, $24,000 per year, and all the cheese you could eat!
- Southeast Missouri State: BFA in Musical Theatre, Triple Threat Program, $24,100 per year
- Shawnee State: BFA in Musical Theatre, Triple Threat program, $29,000 per year
- Valdosta State: BFA in Musical Theatre, Triple Threat program, $30,000 per year
- Western Carolina University: BFA in Music Theatre, Acting and Voice focused, Terrance Mann (OG Beast, OG Javert, 3-time Tony Nominee) on faculty!!!!!!! And only $19,000 per year. WHAT?!?! Where can I sign up?
So, there you have it folks! A full list of affordable schools with best training programs! If you would like more information, visit our CAP Parent Portal!!
Meet me about two hours south of St. Louis!
Southeast Missouri State, or SEMO, is home to a beautiful performing arts campus! Josh Harvey is discussing the program and opportunities here, and let me tell you- they are abundant!
Josh Harvey is a professor in the college theatre program at SEMO which offers BA’s and BFA’s in this program. Josh taught at Washington Lee for a few years, completed his masters at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glascow, and finally made his way to SEMO.
The school itself consists of two campuses. Main campus, and the River campus. The River campus is where most of the classes for the arts program are held. They also have the distinction of being the only fully accredited arts campus in the state of Missouri, and one of only a few in the Midwest. With about 13,000 students at the school, and only around 220 students in the arts programs, you are sure to get a very in-depth and personalized experience here.
But where is Cape Girardeau you ask? And is there anything to do there for entertainment? Well, it’s about two hours south of St. Louis, and it is a smaller town with around 60 thousand people. There are your standard amenities available in town, but you are also close to so many other areas, you’ll never run out of things to do.
The program itself is outstanding. They put on around 9 or more productions a year from musicals, plays, dance recitals, etc. You’ll have ample opportunity to perform and hone your skills. Now I know you’re thinking, “Well yeah, after my freshman year maybe.” NO! They do not have a “first year rule”!! You can start performing your freshman year. You may even get the lead if you’re the best for the role! Where else can you get opportunities like that your freshman year? They audition twice a year, once in the fall for the spring productions, and once in the spring for fall productions. If you will be attending in the fall and would like to audition for any of the productions, you can do that this spring! They accept video auditions, or you can even go in and audition.
This program really caters to students creating their own opportunities, and sometimes their own specialized tracks. From student reading workshops, classes, and multiple productions you will always stay busy here. And if you come into the school for the BA program and decided you want to get a BFA instead, awesome! They can help you do that! You can audition at the end of each year to join the BFA program.
Now I’ve saved the best for last. Are you ready? Tuition is up to $21,000 PER YEAR!!! You heard me the max tuition WITH room and board would be around $21,000 PER YEAR! WHAT?!?! That is amazing! AND if you have a GPA of around 3.25 (for confirmation of this number see their website) to 3.5, you could possibly get the change to apply for instate tuition. I don’t know about you, but from where I’m sitting, this is a great opportunity!
For more information, you can contact Josh Harvey at jharvey@semo.edu. Or join our CAP Parent Portal! You know you want to!
Meet Robert Meffe, the chair of the MT Program!
At SD State, you can create-your-own BFA, or be able to double major or even study abroad!
In addition you have the unique opportunity to perform side-by-side with artists with years of professional experience, who are getting their graduate degrees in MT.