Student Blog: A Look Behind the Curtain: Confessions of a BFA Musical Theatre Student

Are you currently pursuing your BFA or looking into a BFA program? This is the confessional, honest, interview-style article for you. WVU student and Morgantown native Lauren Howell generously agreed to this tell-all interview, encapsulating the highs, lows, and in-betweens of studying musical theatre. She is a multi-talented triple-threat, and I am so priviledged to call her my friend!

Lauren Howell is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre Student at West Virginia University. From Morgantown, WV, Lauren grew up dancing and competing in gymnastics before she began theatre at the age of fourteen. Along with pursuing her BFA, she is also in pursuit of a dance minor, and is a member of WVU's New World Ensemble, directed by General McArthur Hambrick. After graduation she plans to perform professionally wherever she can!

​​RM: Where are you from and what year are you in school? Can you detail your theatre experience and background pre-college?

LH: I am from Morgantown, West Virginia, and now I go to school here! I grew up a dancer and a competitive gymnast, and I started theatre my freshman year of high school through our local youth company, Morgantown Theatre Company. Since then, I have participated in numerous productions with them, along with my high school program. My most notable roles include Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Grace Farrell in Annie. Throughout my senior year of high school, I decided I did not want to give up theatre after graduation, so I applied to West Virginia University and was accepted into the Musical Theatre BFA program!

RM: What did the audition process look like for the musical theatre program here at WVU?

LH: I booked my audition appointment in December of 2023, and officially auditioned for the program in January of 2024. For the audition, I prepared two 32-bar cuts of contrasting styles and a 60-90 second monologue. I also participated in a dance call where we were taught some choreography and performed it immediately after. On the day of the audition, the Canady Creative Arts Center was buzzing with auditionees. There was a full layout of the day provided to us, as well as opportunities for our parents to ask questions and gather information about the programs offered here. The overall environment was super welcoming, and I didn’t feel out of place throughout the day, which really calmed my nerves. 

RM: What makes the musical theatre program at WVU stand out amongst many others across the country?

LH: One of my favorite aspects of this program is the fact that it is still growing and evolving. Our program is less than 10 years old, so as we go through our four years, the curriculum gets to grow and adapt with us. Our input on classes is taken into account at the conclusion of each semester, and our professors love to hear feedback about their classes. 

RM: What does your daily routine look like as a musical theatre BFA student? What classes are you taking this semester?

LH: Along with my Musical Theatre major, I am also pursuing a minor in dance! So, this semester I am taking multiple dance classes as well as a fundamentals of voice class, all of which are physically active classes that keep me in shape. Because WVU is a university, I am also taking a couple of general education classes, which keep my brain academically active throughout my weeks. My mornings start around 8am at home, and the latest I return from rehearsals is usually around 11pm, with a lot going on in between!

RM: What has been the most helpful or influential thing you have learned thus far?

LH: My absolute favorite course I have taken in my two years here is called Acting the Song. This course is designed to take a deep dive in combining singing and acting. The structure of the class is performance based where each student is coached on songs of their choice following a theme. I have always said during the coaching sessions, I feel like a kid on a playground because we are strongly encouraged to make choices and be open minded to trying new things within the song. Not only did I learn more about how to act during a song, but I was able to take these newfound skills and apply them to scenes and monologues as well! Each class at any school is all about what you put into it, and what you make of it, but this class has helped me the most so far in my studies. 

RM: Are you working on any shows or projects right now?

LH: Yes! I am currently in rehearsals dancing in the ensemble of Something Rotten! It is a high energy, very comedic musical that we will perform April 23-26, 2026! Come out and see it if you can!

RM: What advice would you give to those across the country pursuing BFAs in musical theatre right now?

LH: My biggest piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. In this field, it is so easy to compare yourself and your skills to the people around you, but I encourage you not only to be yourself, but embrace the things that make you different from everyone else. Be kind, make smart choices, and understand that you have to live your life, not anyone else’s.