The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance provides a rigorous, intensive, professionally oriented education in the skills and discipline 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, strong vocal technique and finesse, dance technique and ability as additional means of characterization that further the dramatic life of the scene;
• develop song interpretation and musical role preparation abilities in a wide variety of styles and formats;
• learn and practice proper dance technique and terminology in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre styles;
• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of musical theatre repertory and history; and
• demonstrate a successful audition technique with attention to professional practices while developing a thorough understanding of the business of performing, strategy, rehearsal skills, and performance etiquette.

Working closely with the Music Department, we emphasize the synthesis of acting, singing, and dancing in order to prepare students for the demands of a field in which the “triple threat” performer often gets the job. 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 every opportunity, 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 required to audition for musical theatre productions and non-musical plays. In the classroom, students work with a faculty of professionals in the field, who bring their expertise to the art, craft, and business of the theatre. This pragmatic approach prepares students to face the challenging realities of making a life in the performing arts.

Students graduate with knowledge of how to seek work in the industry, employ their skills and with the understanding of the need to grow as an artist as they pursue a career in professional musical theatre.

BFA students are regularly evaluated to monitor their levels of achievement, progress and suggest directions for growth. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their major, complete the performance requirements, and demonstrate continued development in order to continue in the BFA program.