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 In an effort to break with outdated constructs such as type and traditional casting, we encourage distinctive curricular paths, artist branding, and color conscious casting.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, and then 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 (even a double 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 adjudication 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.
  • 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:

• Integrate physical, vocal, and emotional awareness to produce expressive, grounded, and truthful performance choices.
• Apply current and contemporary techniques in voice, dance, acting, music, and stagecraft with accuracy, consistency, and stylistic awareness.
• Create and sustain authentic musical theatre performances that communicate emotional truth and specificity in both solo and ensemble work.
• Analyze musical theatre texts and scores using historical, cultural, and stylistic research to inform character, vocal, and movement choices.
• Exhibit professional behaviors and artistic identity through collaboration, accountability, ethical conduct, inclusive practices, and career readiness.

As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre students are required to complete an adjudication at the end of Sophomore year. 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.