The Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre program provides students with a fundamental education in the skills and disciplines of musical theatre.
As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to:
- create a psychologically and physically credible character through research, text analysis, rehearsal and exploration, and synthesize characterization onstage as an actor, singer and dancer;
- employ musicianship, basic vocal technique and finesse, basic dance technique and ability as additional means of characterization that further the dramatic life of the scene;
- develop song interpretation skills;
- demonstrate proper dance technique and terminology in ballet, jazz, tap and musical theatre styles;
- have a basic knowledge of musical theatre repertory and history; and
- develop rehearsal skills, discipline and professionalism.
Students take a sequence of courses in acting and theatre history, dance techniques and styles, and singing and musicianship, as well as courses that integrate the individual areas of study at an increasingly sophisticated level of achievement. Working closely with the Music Department, we emphasize the synthesis of acting, singing, and dancing. In addition, the program enables students to take elective courses in areas related to musical theatre, such as directing, composing, stage management and design, marketing and management, and journalism and criticism. Students are encouraged to put into practice what they learn in the classroom through hands-on engagement in the preparation and presentation of performances produced in the department.
Students are encouraged to audition for musical theatre productions and non-musical plays. In the classroom, students work with a faculty of professionals, who bring their expertise to the art, craft, and business of theatre. This pragmatic approach prepares students to face the challenging realities of making a life in the performing arts.
