4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My BFA in Musical Theatre

Are you about to start your BFA in Musical Theatre, or wondering if it’s the right path for you? As someone who’s been through it, I can tell you: there are a few things I wish I had known before walking into my program.

Hi, I’m Jessica Tanner, an actress, content creator, and mama who has lived through the ups and downs of training for a career in the arts. Let me share the four biggest lessons I learned during my musical theatre training that will help you no matter where you are on your theatre journey.

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1. Forget the Rules (They’re Always Changing)

When I auditioned for college programs, I was told I needed the “uniform”: nude character heels, pantyhose, and a jewel-tone dress. By the time I arrived at my BFA program, those rules had already shifted. Suddenly, it was about personality, authenticity, and showing up as yourself.

The same thing happens now with audition prep. One year, everyone swears by the “perfect” self-tape backdrop. The next year, a casting director says they hate it… and suddenly the trend changes.

👉 Takeaway: Learn the rules, but don’t worship them. In theatre, the “rules” are guidelines that shift with trends and opinions. What matters most is your talent, hard work, and authenticity.

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2. Getting Cast Is Not the Most Important Part of a BFA

So many students (including me) walk into a BFA program thinking: If I don’t get cast, I’m failing. But the truth is, college is about training, not collecting credits.

Yes, being in productions is exciting, but the real gift of a BFA is working with professors, coaches, and peers who help you sharpen your skills. Casting in school doesn’t predict your career. I’ve seen students who never got leads in college land Broadway contracts, and “college stars” who never worked professionally again.

👉 Takeaway: Focus less on getting cast and more on getting better. The joy you bring into an audition room (or a self-tape) will carry you farther than a padded resume.

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3. You’re Going to Change. Embrace It!

When I entered my program, I thought I knew my “type” and clung to it. Now, years later, I’m a mom with a completely different artistic voice and material that feels more authentic than anything I sang back then.

College is the best time to experiment:

• Join choir even if you don’t think of yourself as a “singer.”
• Take a dance concert even if you’re not a dancer.
• Explore Shakespeare even if you only want to do musicals.

👉 Takeaway: You will change as a performer and as a person. That’s not something to resist. It’s your biggest strength.

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4. Everything Has Value (But Not Equal Value)

One of the hardest lessons for artists to learn: not every piece of advice or rule carries the same weight. Some things will click instantly, others won’t and that’s okay.

Theatre training isn’t about perfection. It’s about play, growth, and discovery. Take what resonates, let go of what doesn’t, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

👉 Takeaway: Treat every lesson, class, and performance as part of your artistic toolbox. You won’t use everything all the time, but it’s all valuable in some way.

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Final Thoughts

Pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre is exciting, challenging, and life-changing. If I could go back, here’s what I’d tell myself:

• The rules will change—so stay flexible.
• Getting cast isn’t everything—training is.
• You’ll evolve as an artist—embrace the shifts.
• Everything has value—but not the same value.

At the end of the day, your career isn’t about being “perfect” in college. It’s about building resilience, loving the process, and staying connected to why you chose theatre in the first place.

So whether you’re starting your BFA program this fall or simply dreaming of a musical theatre career, I hope these lessons help you step forward with confidence.

XOXO,
Jess