student actors singing and dancing on stage

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Theatre: Musical Theatre

In the theatre program, students are exposed to every aspect of theatre: literature, history, theory, acting, directing, design and technical theatre. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication with the musical theatre specialization is only open to students who pass a rigorous audition process. Auditions are held in early December, late January, and mid April.

Quality classroom experiences

Students receive a solid liberal arts foundation and develop refined analytical and communication skills, in addition to the skills and foundations required for musical theatre including acting, singing and dancing. Practical experience in theatre is gained through a variety of production opportunities. The Musical Theatre Students (MuTS) organization works to create strong bonds among those interested in musical theatre, promote musical theatre on campus, entertain the public, and prepare future theatre professionals. Members plan an annual trip to a professional touring production.

The Musical Theatre Students (MuTS) organization holds free, themed cabarets twice per semester and hosts the annual Broadway Cares BG charity event, which benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Career - what can you do with a musical theatre degree?

The department annually awards a number of competitive scholarships to qualified undergraduate students and has various student employment opportunities, which allow students to develop their craft while receiving financial compensation.

Students may apply for the BGSU exchange program with the University of Wales, the largest undergraduate theatre program in Great Britain and home of the prestigious Performance Research Centre. The London Experience, an intensive immersion in the London theatre scene, offers students another education abroad opportunity.

Career paths

  • Acting
  • Singing
  • Theatre Performance
  • Songwriting
  • Music Production

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Curriculum

Theatre majors with a specialization in musical theatre take seven semesters of applied voice training. Acting and dance classes are required as part of the musical theatre curriculum. In addition to liberal arts classes, theatre majors complete a series of three seminar courses on professional development and career preparation culminating with a senior portfolio review and audition. A liberal arts program in musical theatre cultivates an array of skills needed in the 21st Century workplace such as problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Required courses

student actors performing on theatre stage

Sample courses

  • Principles of Acting
  • Musical Theatre History
  • Acting: Songs and Arias
  • Music Theory
  • Applied Voice

BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The Musical Theatre specialization in the Theatre program is part of the Department of Theatre and Film in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

Updated: 09/12/2024 02:22PM