Many students are already aware, but the Boston University administration plans to remove the musical theatre track as an option for students. This set of classes is valuable and has been important to many emerging artists during their time at BU. Removing the option to take this concentration is nothing more than Boston University taking opportunities away from their students to make their job easier. We are not simply customers; we are artists spending both time and money trying to improve our craft.

There is no excuse to take away this concentration. According to the Broadway League, the vast majority of shows currently running on Broadway are musicals. Thus, removing the track is simply shutting out BU alumni from many valuable opportunities. The musical theatre concentration set Boston University apart from other institutions, and it is the reason why many current students and alumni chose this program.

Additionally, the culture created by the MT concentration is influential not just to those that take the class, but to the entire SOT community as a whole. If the track was removed, the values of BU School of Theatre would fundamentally change, and it would suggest to current and on-looking students that Boston University does not appreciate musical theatre as an art form. This creates an environment where students wouldn't feel as comfortable performing musically.

It is sickening that the student population was not considered or included in this decision. I hope Boston University will make the right choice, do right by their students, and add them to the conversation.

Please show your support and help BU students stand up against everything they could lose if this decision follows through! Sign and tell your story about what MT means to you!