Musical Theatre, B.F.A.

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Spotlight
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβs College of Fine Arts proved to be the perfect avenue to continue her journey toward achieving her goals on the big stage. Liv already felt at home at ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ, having frequently visited campus with her mother, a ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ University alumna while she was growing up.
Overview
Core Learning Goals
Our core learning goals have been woven into all aspects of this rigorous four-year program from classroom and studio work, to rehearsals and productions in our mainstage season.
- Technique
- Analysis
- Professionalism
- Collaboration

Mainstage Season
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβs mainstage season provides performance majors with many opportunities to gain valuable onstage experience. A typical season will include:
- 2 musicals
- 2 plays
- 1 dance concert
- In alternating seasons an opera co-produced with the School of Music or a 3rd play

Performance Opportunities
Performance opportunities are available to students beginning in their first semester. All BFA performance majors are required to audition for our mainstage season and freshmen are eligible for casting. Additional performance opportunities may include:
- The Studio Series
- Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre - (a student run theatre company)
- The Annual Childrenβs Show
- Student Cabarets
- The New Musicals Workshop
- Faculty Developed Works

The ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Difference
The small school environment at ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ University offers students many advantages including:
- Individualized attention
- Studio classes capped at 16
- Faculty/student mentorships
- Interdisciplinary collaborations

Why Choose ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ?
There are a number of things that help set Milllikin apart from other schools:
- Small school environment
- First-year students are eligible for casting
- New Center for Theatre and Dance
- Senior professional development experience (showcase)
- Master classes with working professionals
- Study abroad in our London Semester
- New Musicals Workshop
- Shakespeare Corrected
- Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre

Required Courses
Voice and Acting 21 credits
8 credits in applied voice, or one credit per semester enrolled at ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ. Private music lessons in voice will carry a $150 per credit hour fee.
Course | Credits |
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TH141. Acting I | 3 |
TH142. Acting II | 3 |
TH240. Voice for the Stage | 3 |
TH241. Advanced Voice | 3 |
TH345. Acting: Advanced Scene Study I | 3 |
TH317. Intro to Musical Theatre Studies | 3 |
TH447. Musical Theatre Professional Preparation | 3 |
TH368. Belting Technique and Performance | 3 |
Dance and Movement 14-16 credits
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Beginning Movement for Actors I | 1 |
Beginning Movement for Actors II | 1 |
Tap - One Semesters | 1 |
Jazz - One Semester | 1 |
Ballet - 2 semesters | 2-4 |
DA446. Theatre Dance I | 2 |
Dance/Movement electives | 6 |
Music Support 18 credits
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Applied Piano | 2 |
Music Theory 111, 112 | 4 |
Ear Training 113, 114 | 4 |
TH337. Musical Theatre History and Literature I | 3 |
TH338. Musical Theatre History and Literature II | 3 |
TH339. Musical Theatre Repertoire I | 1 |
TH340. Musical Theatre Repertoire II | 1 |
Private Voice Lessonsβ 8 credits
Course | Credits |
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8 semesters | 8 |
Advanced Degree Options 8 credits
Course | Credits |
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TH336. Stage Combat | 3 |
TH346. Advanced Scene Study | 3 |
TH446. Musical Theatre Scene Study | 3 |
DA447. Theatre Dance II | 2 |
Other approved performance electives such as Improvisation, Acting for Camera, Advanced Movement for Actors |
Theatre Support 22 credits
Course | Credits |
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TH131. Play Analysis | 3 |
TH242. Theatrical Make-up | 1 |
TH321. Directing I | 3 |
TH335. History of Theatre and Drama I | 3 |
Dramatic Literature/Theory/Criticism | 3 |
Theatre 101, 201, 301. Theatre Practicum (3 semesters) | 3 |
Technical Theatre requirement | 3 |
Department News
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ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ graduates Alison Ewing β96 and Jake Ziman β22 feature in Tony-winning βParadeβ revival national tour
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ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔβs School of Theatre and Dance hosts Roger VanFleteren for a ballet residency
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ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ presents βJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatβ at Kirkland Fine Arts Center April 11-13