When the cast of A Chorus Line sings, “God, I hope I get it…” it seems to apply to every hopeful high school actor and actress there is! Nowadays to be on Broadway or to work in the business not only does it take motivation and raw talent, it often requires the right training. Actors, directors and casting agents all have to start somewhere, so here we will discuss the many notable establishments that are known for educating the best of the best in theatre overall and what makes each program unique. We will randomly select schools to discuss and if there are any schools in particular that you want to hear about, email us at payton@broadwayspotted.com or megan@broadwayspotted.com and we will be more than willing to cover the school!
Just about 125 miles out of Manhattan you’ll find the Hartt School of Music, Dance and Theater…
The Hartt School at the University of Hartford provides extraordinary opportunities for students pursuing a career in many areas of the performing arts like theater, music and dance. Founded in 1877 in Connecticut, the University of Hartford offers a BFA in Music Theater, Acting, Dance, and Music, as well as other options of BA/BFA degrees in other performance and technical based careers. The cost to attend the Hartt School is around $45,000 for a resident student, annually. The school, as stated on their website, take pride in their principles of teaching students about various areas about the arts. Not only do students learn about their craft, but they enrich their knowledge on history and other important aspects of the arts as a whole. The Hartt school is well-known throughout the country for their dedication and success in the performing arts.
From Hartt’s Spring 2009 Production of The Who’s Tommy.
The audition process for The Hartt School is very similar to most auditions for performing arts programs at the collegiate level. Specifically for those interested in the BFA Music Theater program, the required audition material includes one monologue–either a classical or contemporary piece–and two contrasting 16 or 32 bar cuts as well. For the dance portion of the audition, the faculty asks that you wear ballet or jazz shoes and dress in appropriate dance/movement attire because at Hartt they teach a group combination to not only see your technique, but to see your body and how each student moves. Further audition tips can be found at their website.
Picture of University of Hartford campus.
Students admitted to the program will participate in rigorous coursework to strengthen their skills as actors. Courses include various levels of, voice, acting, stage craft, music theory, many different levels and styles of dance, and theater history. More specific information regarding curriculum can be found here. Many students at The Hartt School of Music, Theatre and Dance continue to work professionally in Broadway, off-Broadway, and touring productions. Notable alumni include Marin Ireland, Kevin Duda (Xanadu), Anthony Fett (Beauty and the Beast tour), Rebecca Kubaska (Seussical tour), Ryan Baurer Walsh (Billy Elliot tour), and many more!
Overall, the performance programs at the Hartt School are top-notch and can be just another option for those who want to be close to Manhattan and still get that college experience with a campus!
Next week continue reading to hear about: SUNY Potsdam!
