BFA Musical Theatre degree

Inherent in the program is a commitment to teach and foster excellence in acting, vocal, and dance technique along with professionalism, intellectualism, and collaboration. While certain classes may have a primary focus, and emphasis may change from year to year, all values are certainly reaffirmed and developed in nearly all classes throughout the four-year program of study.

Faculty assessments of students' abilities in these areas are ongoing. Students are responsible as well for self-evaluation and reflection. Progress according to the central values are addressed and discussed between each BFA student and two faculty members at the end of the freshman, sophomore, and junior years during year-end evaluations. Accomplishments and growth of the past year are discussed and future goals are proposed. In this manner students are able to shape intentionally their ongoing studies.

Formally, at the end of the Freshmen year all BFA musical theatre students participate in Hurdles, which assesses if sufficient progress has been made in singing, dance, and acting to merit continuation in the BFA program. At this point students are either passed to continue on in the BFA program, are given an extension of time through probationary periods of study, or are redirected to other majors in the Theatre department.

Creating theatre ultimately involves connecting the unique talents and visions of many individuals. Therefore, practicing skills in collaboration is the main focus of this year. Students will be involved in several class group projects as well as participate outside of the classroom in practicum experiences, which support our main stage production season. It is expected that through these experiences individual self discipline will be developed as well as the ability to play supportively and cooperatively within an ensemble.

Students will also learn about and practice fundamental analysis of scripts and basic techniques in acting and movement. Ballet is the foundational dance technique and students begin private voice lessons in classical technique with a professor of music. Professional skills will be developed through creation of your theatrical resume, and identification of career opportunities for summer work. Audition skills are acquired through the many required auditions for Main Stage and Pipe Dreams' productions throughout the semester. Studying stagecraft theory along with hands-on practice helps performers to be aware of the variety of skills and talent needed in production areas of theatre.

Stanislavsky acting technique is studied and applied in the sophomore year to increase depth of analysis of script and character along with specificity in acting choices. Acting classes also include a full year of voice for stage. Expansion of Ballet technique continues along with classes in Jazz and Tap.

Musicality is developed through a year of Music Theory, Ear Training and Class Piano. All of these classes interrelate musical technique and analysis to enhance artistry in singing.

Collaborative skills continue to grow through various practicum experiences, Pipe Dreams attendance, recital attendance, and scene work. Professional skills grow through expansion of audition material.

A course in U.S. Studies increases theatre students' awareness of cultural diversity of the human experience. Also taken in the sophomore year may be the non-sequential course requirements in Quantitative Analysis and Science which help to develop logical and systematic thinking processes to balance creative and imaginative ways of knowing the world.

The final year stresses professional growth through integration and application of analytical, technical, and collaborative skills as students hone their own personal process through the continuation of the capstone course: Acting for the Musical Stage II. This course focuses on preparing for professional auditions that students will be attending during their senior year. Students specifically integrate their dance skills by applying them to different choreographic styles through the year long Theatre Dance course.

Students also begin to investigate more thoroughly the historical, literary, and theoretical theatrical traditions outside of musical theatre through Integrated Theatre Studies I and Dramatic Literature courses.

Directing I gives performers an important outside perspective to the theatre-making process as they learn to compose scenes and plays that integrate analysis and several different theatre techniques through collaboration.

Many students are successfully participating in a variety of national auditions at this time looking to find employment for post graduation. Students have the opportunity also to audition for the annual New York Musical Theatre showcase which Millikin sponsors each spring in New York City.