The article discusses the surge of bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) programs in musical theater, now numbering over 150 in the U.S. This growth raises questions about job saturation for aspiring performers. Expert Josh Grisetti claims many programs were established for financial gain rather than genuine preparation for performance careers, leading to many graduates competing for a limited number of jobs. The evolution of these programs traces back to the 1960s and has accelerated since the 2000s with cultural shifts, including the influence of shows like 'Glee.'
I don't think that the system broke down at random; I think it broke down in response to more colleges creating more B.F.A. programs, not because they were equipped to have those programs, but because they thought they would be cash cows—and they were.
Musical theater B.F.A. programs are intended to provide intensive training for students who hope to perform professionally. Their curricula train students to be 'triple threats'-excellent singers, actors, and dancers.
The first such program opened in the 1960s at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, just as higher education was 'becoming sort of the pathway to the American dream.'
A few exclusive programs followed thereafter, but the boom in B.F.A.s came in the 2000s as shows like Glee really brought that kind of singing and musical theater performance into our living rooms.
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