Is a BFA in Musical Theatre Still Worth It?

Is a BFA in Musical Theatre (Still) Worth It?

A Conversation between Aspire Program Director, Julie Kavanagh and BVC co-founder, Chelsea Wilson

Back in 2017, Chelsea asked one of the biggest questions on every aspiring performer’s mind: Is a musical theatre degree worth it? Her reflections on the value of training, community, and relationships still resonate today.

We return to that same question—but with fresh insight. Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh and BVC co-founder Chelsea Wilson sit down to dive deep into the myths, realities, and opportunities of pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. 

From professional training and career readiness to community, creativity, and the personal growth that comes with four years of intensive study, Julie and Chelsea share their insider perspective on what a musical theatre degree can (and can’t) do for your future.

Julie graduated with a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Chelsea graduated with a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Michigan.

Q: Julie, looking back, what did your BFA give you that you still use today?
Julie: My BFA gave me a solid foundation of training and technique. It was the jumping-off point for everything I’ve learned in the industry since. It also instilled a strong work ethic and taught me that ultimately, I’m responsible for my own career. On top of that, those four years gave me independence, taught me how to live on my own, and introduced me to some of the most important relationships in my life—friends, colleagues, and collaborators I still work with today.

Q: What did you expect to get out of your BFA going in?
Julie: Honestly, I thought it was going to be Broadway-or-bust. I imagined this straight career path from a top program into Broadway. But what I learned is that a BFA isn’t about guaranteeing one outcome. It’s about preparing you for a lifetime career in the arts—whatever form that takes.

Q: What makes a BFA or BM unique compared to other degree paths?
Julie: BFAs and BMs are highly specialized programs—four years of focused training in acting, singing, and dancing. They differ from a BA, which usually allows for a broader liberal arts education. The benefit of a BFA/BM is that you’re immersed in training designed to streamline you toward a professional career in musical theatre.

Q: How important are the relationships you form during a BFA?
Julie: They’re everything. This industry runs on relationships. Some of my classmates are now writers, composers, casting directors—you name it. Because of those connections, I’ve been asked to collaborate on projects years later. Alumni networks are also powerful. Whether someone graduated before me or after me, there’s an instant camaraderie and common language that helps support your career.

Q: Beyond performance skills, what life skills does a BFA give you?
Julie: Work ethic. Problem-solving. Public speaking. Collaboration. Resilience. In a BFA program, you’re constantly solving problems on the spot and working as part of a team. You also learn how to face rejection and bounce back—whether in auditions or job interviews. Those lessons carry into any career path.

Q: Let’s talk about cost. How should families weigh student loan debt against a BFA?
Julie: This is a really important conversation to have early. A career in the arts doesn’t typically provide the financial stability of fields like medicine or law. If you graduate with heavy debt, it can be very difficult to pay off—especially while living in an expensive city like New York or Chicago. Sometimes a full-ride at a smaller program may be a smarter choice than taking on massive loans for a bigger-name school.

Q: When might a BFA not be the right choice?
Julie: If you’re a highly skilled dancer or already have industry connections, you might consider a gap year or jumping straight into auditions. For others, moving straight from your hometown into a major city without a built-in network can be a tough transition. A BFA provides training and a network—that’s why those two things are non-negotiables no matter what path you take.

Q: What are some alternatives to a BFA?
Julie: A BA can be a great option if you want flexibility to explore other areas like education, arts administration, or writing. You can also pursue another major—English, business, history—while keeping up training through lessons, student productions, or community theatre. Many cities also offer incredible training outside of school. Broadway is full of people who didn’t major in MT or even go to college, but they found other ways to get training and build networks.

Q: If you could give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice about choosing a BFA program, what would it be?
Julie: Consider the big picture. Training and a network are essential, but cost and sustainability matter too. Choose the program that sets you up not just for four years of school, but for the life you’ll be building afterward.

How BVC Aspire Can Help

At Aspire, we’re dedicated to providing a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to college audition prep. Our live coaching sessions, personalized repertoire selection, and one-on-one support mean that you never have to navigate this process alone.

From the moment you sign up until your child receives their acceptance—and beyond—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want expert advice tailored to your family’s needs, consider joining Aspire. Our unique support system has helped countless families turn audition stress into a confident, streamlined journey.

Ready to lighten your load and to have less stress during college audition season?

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Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right team by your side, even the toughest process becomes manageable—and, dare we say, enjoyable.

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Watch the replay of our Junior Jumpstart Masterclass here.