Musical Theatre Students Performing on Stage

Musical Theatre Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Pursue a career that fulfills your passions.

Master your craft as an actor, dancer, and singer, learning to excel in all areas. This professional degree will prepare you for work immediately in the field of musical theatre.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Musical Theatre degree provides the experience, industry knowledge and education you need to succeed as a professional in the field.The interdisciplinary program provides:

  • High-level training in acting, dance and vocal performance
  • A strong music theatre foundation in history, theory and analysis
  • A liberal arts core by taking courses ranging from math and science to history and literature

You'll engage in every aspect of musical theatre, including:

  • Acting
  • Voice
  • Movement
  • Directing
  • Musical Theatre History
  • Acting for Musical Theatre
  • Stagecraft
  • Makeup
  • Ensemble Singing

Auditions for the Musical Theatre Degree

The B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at UND requires an audition for entrance into the program. Students may schedule an in-person audition and campus tour or submit video materials. All auditions must include a 16-bar cutting from two contrasting musical theatre selections, a monologue, headshot, and performance resume. Songs must include accompaniment. To schedule an audition or submit video materials, please email Emily Wirkus.

Musical Theatre Degree at UND

  • Get involved in theatre productions as early as freshman year in one of the four shows the department produces each year.

  • Audition for professional summer work.

  • Join UND's theatre student-run Society of Dionysus to meet fellow students, promote productions and help plan events.

  • Perform in fully realized productions of musicals and plays, both classic and contemporary.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What can you do with a musical theatre degree?

81K

Median annual salary for musicians and singers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Statistics

A Musical Theatre degree prepares you to succeed as a performer, producer, director and beyond.

Program graduates have gone on to advanced studies in the finest graduate programs around the world. Others have established careers in:

  • Professional and Regional Theatre
  • Television
  • Hollywood Film Industry
  • Teach at the high school and college level
  • National Tours
  • Cruise Ships
  • Arts Management
  • Social Media

Whatever career you pursue, your foundation in the liberal arts provides the skills you need to succeed.

UND gave me the foundation to propel me into my career as an actor in NYC.UND Alum, B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre Degree Courses

THEA 270. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.

This course is intended to teach the basic functions, aesthetics, history, methods and materials of scenery, properties, lighting and sound. Practical experience, shop procedures are tied to hands-on experience in departmental productions. F.

THEA 404. Musical Theatre Acting II. 3 Credits.

Appreciation of and performance techniques for musical theatre including: voice and movement work, acting, and staging. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S, odd years.

THEA 488. Playwriting. 3 Credits.

The playwright's problems as revealed through practice of writing plays; experimental productions of the student's creative work whenever possible. Prerequisite: Background in Theatre encouraged but not necessary. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, odd years.

THEA 204. Musical Theatre Acting I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the unique style of performance techniques for musical theatre including voice and movement work, acting, and staging. Prerequisite: THEA 161. S, even years.

THEA 450. Musical Theatre History. 3 Credits.

A survey of the history of musical theatre in performance, genre and world presence. Prerequisite: THEA 204. F, odd years.

THEA 120. Voice and Movement I. 3 Credits.

Development of the student's physical and vocal awareness. Emphasis on freeing the actor and identifying personal habitual response patterns. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F, odd years.

Leaders That Do

The student-to-faculty ratio is helpful in the development of student performance at UND.

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