How Do I Choose the Best Musical Theater Courses?

Choosing the best musical theater courses depends on ability, dedication, and aspirations. Whether for school-age children or adults, musical theater courses can be a fun way to enter into the exciting world of musical theater, or a launching pad for a professional theater career. In order to find good musical theater courses to suit individual needs, it is important to do research on the available options, look for classes that fit schedule and budget needs, and choose classes in line with personal goals.

Researching available classes is a good first step that can help narrow down options. Since musical theater involves singing, acting, and dancing, courses may be set at a variety of skill levels and cover many different specific skills. For beginners, finding an introductory class at a local college or community center may be an excellent place to start training. More advanced students may want to seek out private vocal coaches, advanced acting training, and more difficult dance classes. If the requirements of a class are unclear, contact the school or instructor to get more detailed information about the necessary skill level.

Musical theater courses can be designed to teach everyone from interested beginners to seasoned professionals, so cost and scheduling are important concerns. In general, professional classes may require more hours both in class and in rehearsal, and may have a higher price tag. Some classes are also geared toward putting on a musical review or fully staged show, and may include dozens of hours of rehearsal time and a rigorous performance schedule. More basic classes may require only a few hours a week, while courses designed for children and young adults may be done as summer camps or after school workshops. Understanding the cost and time commitment of a class can help determine whether it can be fit into an existing work or school schedule.

Some performers enjoy working with small community theater companies, while others have dreams of moving to Manhattan or London to become a star. Students who want to be professional actors may need to undergo far more rigorous training, including private lessons and even college degree programs. While no training program can guarantee a life of stardom, spending several years dedicated to private acting, singing, and dance training, as well as classes that teach audition skills, can help give aspiring professionals a competitive edge. Actors who prefer to take part in musical theater for fun may need only a few basic courses in acting to get started; local theater companies and junior colleges often have musical theater courses throughout the year geared toward attracting new, non-professional actors to their community.