Theatre Arts department web site
The information on this page pertains to program requirements for students who matriculated in the 2024-2025 academic year. View requirements for previous catalog years here.
The musical theatre program provides students with training in preparation for a career in the professional theatre. Students take classes in movement, speaking voice, singing (both musical theatre and classical) dance (jazz, tap, ballet, modern and musical theatre dance), piano, music theory and various acting styles and techniques. Students then hone their craft and apply the techniques they have learned in classroom and studio work, recitals and Main Stage theatre productions.
The musical theatre program provides students with a solid theatre education and experience. Students take classes in movement, dance, voice (speaking and singing) and acting styles. Musical theatre students take a series of support courses in music as well as upper-level performance courses.
The B.F.A. degree in musical theatre requires 77 credit hours in theatre arts, 13 hours in music and the Drake Curriculum.
| Course | Credits |
| THEA 003 - Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 004 - Acting II | 3 |
| THEA 005 - Readings in Theatre | 3 |
| THEA 012 - Voice & Movement for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 015 - Movement II | 2 |
| THEA 021 - Voice II | 2 |
| THEA 030 - Stagecraft (including lab) | 4 |
| THEA 031 - Costuming (including lab) | 4 |
| THEA 032 - Makeup | 3 |
| THEA 055 - Acting III | 3 |
| Dance Proficiency Requirement | |
| THEA 056 - Jazz (must complete two semesters at 2 cr each) | 4 |
| THEA 057 - Tap (must complete two semesters at 2 cr each) | 4 |
| THEA 058 - Ballet (must complete two semesters at 2 cr each) | 4 |
| THEA 059 - Musical Theatre Dance | 2 |
| THEA 106 - Musical Theatre Dance Styles | 2 |
| THEA 060 - Musical Theatre I | 3 |
| THEA 100 - Acting IV | 3 |
| THEA 101 - Musical Theatre II | 3 |
| THEA 102 - Auditioning | 3 |
| THEA 103 - Directing I | 3 |
| THEA 116 - Musical Theatre III | 3 |
| THEA 120 - Theatre History I | 3 |
| THEA 121 - Theatre History II | 3 |
| THEA 123 - Musical Theatre History | 3 |
| THEA 124 - Technical Practicum | 1 |
| THEA 160 - Stage Management | 3 |
| THEA 007 - Piano Lab I | 1 |
| THEA 008 - Piano Lab II | 1 |
| THEA 010 - Music Theory Essentials | 3 |
| THEA 026 - Private Voice Lessons (Taken for 1 credit for four semesters) | 4 |
| THEA 126 - Private Voice Lessons (Taken for 1 credit for four semesters) | 4 |
| Total | 90 |
* Students must demonstrate competency in piano equivalent to the completion of THEA 008. This may require students to take THEA 007 as a prerequisite depending on level of experience. Students proficient in piano beyond the level of THEA 008 are eligible to test out of the requirement entirely. All determinations regarding piano proficiency are at the discretion of the piano instructor.
The musical theatre program provides students with a comprehensive theatre education and experience. Students take classes in movement, dance, voice (speaking and singing) and acting. Musical theatre students take a series of support courses in music as well as upper-level performance courses. Students are also given opportunities to hone their skills as performers both in the classroom and in Main Stage theatre productions.
For students seeking a degree in another area who wish to minor in Musical Theatre, the following courses are required by the department:
| Course | Credits |
| THEA 003 - Acting I | 3 |
| THEA 004 - Acting II | 3 |
| THEA 012 – Voice and Movement for the Actor | 3 |
| THEA 060 - Musical Theatre I | 3 |
| THEA 123 – Musical Theatre History | 3 |
| Choose one of the following courses: | |
| THEA 015 - Movement II | 2 |
| THEA 032 - Makeup | 3 |
| Choose one of the following courses: | |
| THEA 018 - Musical Theatre Dance Styles | 3 |
| THEA 056 - Jazz | 3 |
| THEA 057 - Tap | 3 |
| THEA 058 - Ballet | 3 |
| Required Music Courses: | |
| THEA 007 - Piano Lab I* | 1 |
| THEA 008 - Piano Lab II | 1 |
| THEA 010 - Music Theory Essentials | 3 |
| THEA 026 - Voice Lessons 1 (Taken for 1 credit for two semesters) | 2 |
| Total | 25-28 |
* Students must demonstrate competency in piano equivalent to the completion of THEA 008. This may require students to take THEA 007 as a prerequisite depending on level of experience. Students proficient in piano beyond the level of THEA 008 are eligible to test out of the requirement entirely. All determinations regarding piano proficiency are at the discretion of the piano instructor.
The Concentration in Vocal Music is intended for students pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre (Theatre Department) who seek to further develop their versatility as an artist by taking additional courses in music theory, piano lab, vocal pedagogy, vocal literature, and participation in a vocal ensemble (choral or opera). Students accepted into the Concentration will strengthen musicianship skills including the ability to learn music quickly and efficiently on their own, gain a more comprehensive knowledge of classical vocal literature, and develop the diverse skill set necessary to be marketable as a well-rounded musical theatre performer.
Prior to registration, students desiring a Concentration in Vocal Music must have successfully completed two semesters of study as a BFA Musical Theatre Major. Interested applicants should email Voice Area faculty Dr. Cravero, & Prof. Leanne Freeman Miller to arrange for an audition or to obtain permission to submit an audio or video recording in lieu of an on-campus audition. The cap for acceptance is two students per year. Applicants must receive the approval of the Music and Theatre Departments following the required audition.
Note: Students pursuing a BM Voice Performance degree (Music Department) who are interested in a Concentration in Musical Theatre should review requirements here.
| Course | Credits |
| MUS 001 - Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUS 002 - Ear Training I | 1 |
| MUS 003 - Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUS 004 - Ear Training II | 1 |
| MUS 140 - Vocal Literature | 2 |
| MUS 154 - Vocal Pedagogy | 2 |
| Complete one of the following groups of courses: | 2 |
| MUS 006 & MUS 007 - Piano Laboratory I & Piano Laboratory II | 2 |
| MUS 049 & MUS 050 - Piano Laboratory III & Piano Laboratory IV | 2 |
| MUS 170 - Piano | 2 |
| Complete two credits of the following ensembles:** | |
| MUS 149 - Drake Choir | 1-2 |
| MUS 169 - Opera Theatre Workshop | 1-2 |
* Students may be placed within the piano laboratory sequence based on a piano proficiency examination given following their acceptance into the Concetration in Vocal Music. Students who successfully complete portions of the piano proficiency will be placed appropriately in the laboratory sequence. Students who pass the competency test will only be required to complete two semesters of MUS 170
** Students may choose to audition for the same ensemble if desired
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.