Being a musical theatre major, or a theatre major in general, can be one of the most demanding majors on campus. Most students don't consider the fact that most of you are taking maximum (or over) credit load and you have rehearsal most nights. If you've ever had a hard time explaining what it's like to be a musical theatre major, here is a handy list to explain your daily pain.
1. 9 am Dance Classes. (Or worse, 8 am.)
When you wonder whether or not it’s worth it to get hit by a car.
2. When someone offers you unwanted negative feedback in a non-constructive way.
“I think you play mood to much” said the one kid in your acting class who plays mood too much.
3. When people get bored during strike
Those people that disappear during strike for an hour and you find them outside sitting in the dumpster with the cardboard and scrap wood.4. When the department tries to sport.
I don’t know about you guys but my department plays kickball once a year and this pretty much sums it up.
5. Going out to celebrate the end of the semester knowing you have auditions the next day.
“I swear we’ll only be out until one!” -You, the night before auditions when you secretly know you’re lying.
6. When you or a friend get the part you want.
That feeling when you/your friend are just so proud of each other.7. When no one did the assigned reading out of Stanislavsky.
And there is definitely going to be a discussion on the chapter at the beginning of class.
8. When you and your friends find that one unexplainable prop.
One time, in high school, we found a baby coffin.
9. When a professor gives you negative feedback on a scene.
And then you wake up at 2 am on a Tuesday knowing they’re exactly right.
10. Trying to take a cast photo.
“One... two ... three…” “Is it blurry?” “Did we get it?” “Wait, take it again! I look crazy!”
11. Getting a bad scene partner but wanting to be nice.
“Well, there is something to learn from everyone.” -Your professor, when you ask them for a new partner.
12. When a straight freshman shows up.
And they know how attractive they are...
13. When you take Technical Theatre I and think you are now fully capable of anything.
“I should stage manage every show now.”
14. First dress vibes.
15. Trying to eat healthy for your dream broadway bod.![]()
Having other theatre major roommates and you’re all trying to stay healthy but it’s so hard.
16. Tech week.
The slow descent into madness begins
17. Showing up before a show without makeup on.
What? This is what I really look like...
18. Going to NETC’s, Strawhats, etc.
These people are animals! That warm-up room is terrifying, admit it.
19. Laban.
Sorry, what?
20. When your friend and you both get called back.
Killed it. Slayed it. So proud fam.
21. When your show ends.
And crushing depression sets in.
22. When you realize we are the luckiest people in the world to get to do what we love every day.
23. Coming back for sophomore year.
Finally! I’m not the bottom of the food chain!
