Musical Theatre - Major (BFA)

Why Choose Nazareth for a BFA in Musical Theatre? 

Here at Nazareth University, we celebrate individuality. In an effort to break with outdated constructs such as type and traditional casting, we encourage distinctive curricular paths, artist branding, and color conscious casting. Ultimately, we want to cultivate strong, thoughtful, and gracious humans who want to share their gifts in a collaborative and inclusive manner.  

With an emphasis on personal attention, our students enjoy small studio classes including a weekly private voice lesson for all 8 semesters, as well as weekly one-on-one coaching time with a collaborative pianist. Upon arrival, freshmen will be placed with a voice teacher based on their individual needs. Following their first year, students are given the flexibility to move around within the School of Music and Musical Theatre Voice Faculty.  

In much the same way, students will also be leveled in Music Theory, Piano, and their Dance classes. This ensures that students with limited prior training can start with the basics, while more advanced dancers and musicians can continue to build upon their technique at a pace that suits them.

Program Highlights

• Work with Professional Artists: Each semester, our Program offers a variety of opportunities to engage with industry professionals via Workshops, Q&As, and Productions Directed and/or Choreographed by Guests Artists.
• Study Abroad: There are two different London experiences available to our BFA Musical Theatre Students:
  • In the Spring directly following Freshman or Sophomore year, students can enroll in a 12-Day West End Intensive that includes classes with current West End artists and industry professionals. Students may use their SPARK Grant to cover a portion of this international experience. 
  • In the Fall of Junior Year, a select group of applicants can take advantage of our Semester Program in partnership with Performing Arts Abroad. Hosted at England’s University of Roehampton, our immersive London semester includes three distinct tracks: Musical Theatre, Acting, or Technical Theatre/Theatre Studies.
• Student Leadership Opportunities: Students are invited to step into leadership roles frequently and in a variety of ways here at Naz. 
  • Student Productions: At least once a year, our Department funds a completely student-led production.
  • Assistant Opportunities: Students can apply to assist each Director, Choreographer, and Music Director for Main Stage Productions.
  • Clubs: There are a variety of Theatre and Dance Clubs here on campus, led by student officers. 
• New Works: In our Page to Stage Program, students will work in partnership with emerging writers to explore new and in-process musicals, offering the unique experience of being a part of their development.    
• Minor Options: There is flexibility in your schedule to add a minor in a variety of disciplines including but not limited to: Communications, Dance, Business, Recording, and Theatre Arts.
• Senior Showcase: All students with a minimum of 3.0 who have successfully moved through their yearly appraisals are eligible to participate in the Senior Showcase on campus and in New York City.
• Career Prep: Our BFA Course sequence prepares students for employment in a myriad of industry-related fields including performance, casting, stage management, or arts administration.
  • On-campus audition opportunities for summer stock and regional productions.
  • Required Summer Internships following Sophomore or Junior Year.
  • Swings and Understudies are cast and trained on every production and have a guaranteed Understudy Run prior to opening.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Community: Through a targeted focus on dismantling the primarily Eurocentric lens through which American Musical Theatre has been taught, our students will gain an understanding of the true fabric of its origins by proactively elevating the voices of underrepresented people.
• Diversity:  Students gain an understanding of diverse perspectives, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities through comprehensive course curriculums.
• Practical:  Student artists 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:  Nazareth BFAs become lifelong learners who understand the importance of advocacy in the Arts, becoming global citizens and socially conscious artists.

As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre students are required to complete a yearly Appraisal at the end of each spring semester. This process is to evaluate students’ academic performance and artistic growth. Students must keep a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major in order to continue in the program. All BFA Musical Theatre students must audition for every musical and accept the assigned role. Exceptions will be considered.