Musical Theatre - Major (BFA)

The BFA in Musical Theatre is a degree program which leverages the integration of music, theatre, and dance to prepare students for a life in the arts. Structured and guided by theatre professionals and a core of dedicated tenured faculty, adjunct faculty and visiting artists, the program demands rigor in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Freshmen and sophomores are immersed in extensive core curriculum classes including weekly private voice lessons, dance techniques, intensive acting classes, musical theatre performance, music theory, keyboard skills, and vocal ensemble. Juniors and Seniors take weekly private voice lessons, focused studios in dance styles and performance, advanced acting courses, musical theatre performance, audition and business classes, as well as electives in the field of study. Students also participate in technical theatre, stage management, production management, front of house, and theatre administrative duties. The intention of each course in the major is to help each student become a well-rounded performer necessary to be successful in this highly competitive field.

As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre pre-professional degree, students are required to complete a yearly jury at the end of each spring semester. This process is to evaluate students’ academic performance and progression in the program. Students must keep a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major in order to continue in the program.

• In the summer after sophomore or junior year, students are required to participate in an internship to help facilitate the transition to the profession.
• All students are eligible to participate in the Senior Showcase on campus and in New York City through an audition process.
• All BFA Musical Theatre students must audition for the musicals and accept the assigned role.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Community: Through a targeted focus on dismantling the primarily Eurocentric lens through which American Musical Theatre has been taught, successful students will gain an understanding of the true fabric of its origins by proactively elevating the stories of underrepresented people.
• Diversity:  Students should gain an understanding of diverse perspectives, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities through comprehensive course curriculums.
• Practical:  Successful students acquire technical proficiency in all areas of Theatre through participation in classes, workshops, and performances with the goal of being prepared to enter the Musical Theatre industry.
• Analytical:  Successful students gain the ability to evaluate, assess, and question their work in classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and performances by making a connection between theory and practice, and working collaboratively to become whole, unique artists. 
• Global:  Successful students become lifelong learners who understand the importance of advocacy in the Arts, becoming global citizens and socially conscious artists.